Spirit Airlines is widely acknowledged as one of the best ultra-budget-friendly carriers. This reputation is why so many choose to jet off with this particular company. The travel destinations they fly to are breathtaking. Imagine having the ability to fly down to the Caribbean or explore across Latin America for a fraction of the cost compared to other carriers.
But as far as budget carriers go, Spirit baggage fees are quite expensive. And, if you’re not careful, the budget-friendly fare could end up costing as much as, or even more than flying with a non-budget airline due to the average of $137 in fees.
With that in mind, let’s explore the Spirit baggage fees and how exactly they work and share some strategies on how you can save additional money.
Decoding Spirit Airlines Carry-On Baggage Fees
On a Spirit Airlines fare, you sadly don’t get a carry-on bag for free. Fees apply for carry-on bags, and they differ depending on your itinerary. Travelers can expect to pay anywhere from $35 to $43. Given that fees vary, we suggest you visit Spirit Airlines’ official bag fee calculator – Spirit Bag-O-Tron – to see the exact price you have to pay.
Unraveling the Intricacies of Spirit Airlines Carry-on Baggage Fees
Besides varying from itinerary to itinerary, the cost of a carry-on bag also depends on when you book it. The longer you wait to book, the more dollars you have to fork out on fees. The best course of action for travelers who want to save is to pay all of the associated baggage fees as you are paying for your fare.
Remember that the prices displayed on the Spirit Bag-O-Tron are one-way. So, for instance, to check a carry-on for a flight heading from Newark to Miami, the fees are the following:
Keep in mind that the $72 fee is basically $144 if you are planning a round trip. But it’s not that straightforward; fees can vary based on travel dates as well. So you can expect to pay a bit more or less when heading back to your original destination.
As you can see, there’s a slight discount for members of the Saver$ Club. If you are partial to Spirit Airlines, joining this club might be a good idea as the airline not only offers you a discount on baggage fees but also savings on seats and exclusive fare deals.
What Exactly Constitutes Spirit Airlines’ Carry-on Baggage Fees?
As with every other airline, baggage is divided into three categories – personal items, carry-on bags, and checked baggage. Spirit Airlines has specific baggage policies for all three categories, including dimension and weight limits and fees.
On Spirit Airlines, a carry-on bag is a bag that must not exceed 22 inches by 18 inches by 10 inches in size – including handles and wheels. This is not something uncommon, as almost all of the major budget airlines impose the same rules. It’s worth noting that there is no weight limit for carry-on bags.
Based on the time carry-on bags are booked, here’s an example of how much a passenger flying from New Orleans to Nashville would have to pay:
- During booking at Spirit.com: $48
- Before online check-in: $50
- During online check-in: $56
- At airport check-in: $80
- At the gate: $99
Mastering the Art of Optimizing Your Carry-on Size to Avoid Extra Charges
If you want to save money on the Spirit baggage fees, taking just a carry-on bag with you is a good option. Find an expandable bag that does not exceed the limits imposed by Spirit Airlines and try to avoid hard-sided bags, as soft-sided bags offer more flexibility.
Pack essentials for the trip, but be absolutely sure to pick the right bag. Otherwise, you might be required to check the bag. Now, is it worth it to pay for a carry-on bag? If you have a lot of items that you need for the trip, taking a carry-on with you can save you a couple of dollars, as checking a second bag is much pricier than taking a carry-on. To cut additional costs, consider joining the Saver$ Club for an annual fee. More on that later.
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Demystifying Spirit Airlines Checked Bag Fees
Most of the time, travelers find it more cost-effective to check their bags rather than opting for carry-on baggage. And just with carry-on baggage, the earlier you pay for your checked bags, the more savings you can enjoy.
To take the same flights going from New Orleans to Nashville as an example, travelers can expect to pay the following fees for checking their baggage:
- During booking at Spirit.com: $43
- Before online check-in: $45
- During online check-in: $51
- At airport check-in: $89
- At the gate: $99
For a second bag, the fees increase significantly. During booking, you can expect to pay $83. Before online check-in, the fee will be 85, and during online check-in $93. At the airport, the fee will be $99. Checking a second bag at the gate is not allowed.
For a third bag, the fee is $99, or if you opt to check your bags at the airport, it is $100.
Weight is also a critical factor in checked baggage on Spirit Airlines. Travelers must ensure their bags are not over 40 pounds, which can be a problem for many as other major airlines allow travelers baggage of 50 pounds. If the checked baggage is over the weight threshold, additional fees apply.
Tips for Strategically Packing and Managing Your Checked Baggage to Save Costs
Besides prepaying for your baggage and adhering to the weight limit, there are several tactics that can help you save plenty of dollars on fees. First off, if you are traveling “lighter” rather than checking a second bag, bring a carry-on; it will save you almost $40.
Speaking of overweight baggage, packing too much is a surefire way to rack up a lot of fees on Spirit Airlines. If your baggage exceeds 40 pounds, you will end up paying an additional fee on top of the fee charged for checking your baggage, making your trip with this budget-friendly airline potentially quite expensive.
Going Beyond the Ordinary: Understanding Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees and Policies on Oversized and Overweight Baggage Fees
If your bags exceed just one pound, you will have to pay $79 in additional fees because you went over the threshold. And if your bags exceed 10 pounds, the added fee will be $125. The only way to avoid these fees is to have a Spirit Silver or Spirit Gold status.
If you do not hold such a status, make sure to properly weigh your baggage before heading to the airport; otherwise, be prepared to pay extra.
Weight is not the only factor you should consider; with Spirit Airlines, size matters. Spirit Airlines accepts bags that are 62 linear inches; everything above that will cost travelers a staggering $150 in oversized fees. Bags that are bigger than 80 linear inches will not be accepted at all.
Calculating linear inches: Measure the total size of your bag – length, width – height – add it all together, and you have the exact linear size of it.
Just like every airline, Spirit allows travelers to bring their favorite sports equipment as checked baggage. The same fees apply, and those bringing their equipment don’t have to worry about any special fees.
That is unless you are planning to take a bike to your destination. For bikes, you have to pay $75 or $150 for a round trip.
For details regarding more niche equipment and special items, you can refer to the official Spirit Airlines Contract of Carriage.
Savvy Strategies to Minimize Spirit Baggage Fees
While the general rule is that the more you carry, the more you pay, there are certain strategies travelers can leverage to ensure certain savings when flying with Spirit. From ensuring your bags do not exceed the size and weight limit to earning a coveted Spirit Status, we have all the right tactics to help you save as much as you can while enjoying taking to the skies to visit your favorite destinations.
Proven Tactics to Help You Save Big on Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees
Passengers who are traveling light can enjoy the most benefits with this airline. There are plenty of cheap fare deals, and if you are only planning a short trip, traveling with just a personal item is a surefire way to save money.
You can bring a personal item onboard free of charge, and it won’t be classified as a carry-on if it meets the requirements. In a nutshell, a personal item must fit in the seat in front of you. To be allowed a personal item, it must not exceed 18” x 14” x 8”.
If you are an active-duty military member, you are in luck. To show appreciation for your dedicated service, Spirit Airlines offers a range of special benefits tailored just for you. While they don’t provide a specific military discount, they do offer two free checked bags and a free carry-on in addition to the already free personal item.
All you need to do is present your U.S. military ID at the check-in counter. You can also streamline the process by validating your active-duty status online during your booking on Spirit.com using ID.ME, a third-party verification service.
These benefits are exclusive to you as an active-duty service member, ensuring that your travel experience is as smooth and cost-effective as possible.
Sadly, if you are not a military member, you have to carefully plan your baggage to ensure you are not paying through your nose.
The Advantages of Booking Your Baggage in Advance and How It Impacts Your Expenses
Does booking only really make a significant difference when it comes to Spirit baggage fees? Absolutely yes. You can save more than $30, and if you are a frequent traveler, these savings are quite significant.
Online booking is super easy, especially if you have the app. Besides paying for your fares and baggage, you can manage all of your fares from a single hub. You can download the app either on the App Store or Play Store, depending on your mobile device’s operating system.
Or, if you don’t want to download anything, Spirit Airlines’ official site will cater to your needs.
Extra Note: Avoid booking your baggage at the gate. A budget-friendly fare can turn into the priciest you have been on. Last-minute bookings at the gate can incur fees as high as $100, dramatically inflating your overall travel expenses.
Leveraging the Benefits of Joining the Spirit Airlines Saver$ Club to Optimize Your Travel Budget
If you love flying with Spirit Airlines and see yourself using their services for years to come, you might want to become a member of this club. Opting for an 18-month or 24-month membership to the Spirit Saver$ Club could offer you more value if you see yourself using their services for the long term. Here’s how:
- 18-month membership: Priced at $99.90, you save $5 compared to renewing the 12-month membership one and a half times.
- 24-month membership: Priced at $129.90, you save $10 compared to renewing the 12-month membership twice.
In the past, joining this club was very worth it as travelers could save $7 per booked bag. Now, the sad reality is that you can enjoy $1 of savings when it comes to baggage fees. However, for those who are partial to this airline, the promise of exclusive deals and special offers is more than tempting.
Still, if you are looking solely for strategies to minimize baggage fees, this might not be the best option for you.
Climbing the Ladder: How Earning Spirit Airlines Status Can Lead to Baggage Fee Reductions
Another great strategy to save money on baggage fees is to climb the ladder and earn a Spirit Airlines status. To be eligible for gathering points, you first have to sign up for the Spirit Airlines loyalty program, known as Free Spirit. It’s completely free to join, and you can start earning points immediately.
The Free Spirit program operates on a Status Qualifying Points (SQP) system. The more you spend on fares and other qualifying activities – À La Smarte options – seat selection, bags, and refreshments.
To earn Silver Status, you need to accumulate 2,000 SQPs within a calendar year. This equates to spending $2,000 on fares.
Silver Benefits:
- Earn 8x points on fares and 16x points on À La Smarte options like seat selection and checked bags.
- Fees for overweight baggage do not apply
- Enjoy faster security screenings and early boarding.
- Choose a free seat during check-in and get an exit row seat assignment 180 minutes before departure.
- Access to a dedicated guest care line and the ability to pool points with up to eight friends or family members.
On the other hand, to reach the coveted Gold Status, you’ll need to earn 5,000 SQPs within a calendar year. This equates to spending $5,000 on flights.
Gold Benefits:
- In addition to all the Silver benefits, Gold members enjoy 10x points on fares and 20x points on À La Smarte options.
- Modify your booking once up to 24 hours before your flight with Free Flight Flex.
- One free carry-on and one free checked bag.
- Free seat selection during booking and free in-flight snacks and beverages.
Once you achieve either Silver or Gold Status, you will enjoy the benefits until the end of the calendar year.
Unveiling the Potential of Credit Card Travel Credits to Offset Your Baggage Expenses
Spirit Reservation Credits are typically issued when you cancel a Spirit Airlines flight. These credits can be used to cover not just future airfare but also other fees like baggage and seat selection. To use these credits, you’ll need to book your new flight through Spirit.com, as the Spirit app doesn’t support this feature.
During the payment process, you’ll have the option to “Redeem a voucher or credit,” where you can enter your six-digit reservation credit number. If the new purchase exceeds the value of your credits, you’ll need to cover the difference with another payment method.
There’s another avenue to explore for frequent Spirit Airlines travelers: the Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard.
The card does not offer free checked bags, which is a significant drawback if you’re looking to offset baggage expenses specifically. Still, these cards can offer benefits such as priority boarding and discounts on refreshments and food.
Maximizing Savings: Insider Tips for Budget-Friendly Spirit Travel
Besides baggage fees, there are various strategies you can leverage to save on all of your Spirit Airline journeys. From packing smartly to selecting the right bundle options, the options for savings on Spirit are plentiful.
Practical Advice for Streamlining Your Packing and Minimizing the Need for Extra Baggage
As discussed above, if your baggage exceeds just one pound over the limit, overweight baggage fees apply, and they are quite substantial. The best course of action is carefully picking the right bag and weighing it before you make your way to the airport. If traveling with a partner or a friend, pool your baggage to spread the load with the savings, and you can enjoy extra activities when you arrive at your destination.
Avoid bulky clothes, or if the season allows, wear them rather than packing them. When it comes to packing, roll soft garments – t-shirts, shirts – underwear – and fold stiffer ones. You don’t have to worry about wrinkles when folding stiffer garments made from, let’s say, cotton.
And, of course, if you are traveling frequently, invest in baggage travel scales to know exactly how much your baggage weighs.
How to Combine Multiple Strategies for Maximum Savings on Your Spirit Airlines Journey
By combining multiple strategies, you can ensure you are saving top dollar on all of your fares with Spirit Airlines. Pack smartly, pay all the Spirit baggage fees online and of course, consider bundles.
Spirit Airlines offers a bundle package known as “Bundle It Combo,” designed to provide travelers with a range of services at a discounted rate. Here’s what you can expect:
What’s included:
- 1 Checked bag: You get one checked bag as part of the bundle.
- 1 Carry-on bag: One carry-on bag is also included.
- Seat selection: You can choose any available seat, including exit-row seats
- Shortcut boarding: Enjoy the convenience of boarding the plane earlier.
- Flight flex: This allows for one free flight modification up to 24 hours before departure. Note that fare differences and third-party modification charges may still apply.
Additional information:
- How to purchase: Bundle It Combos can be purchased via Spirit.com during your flight booking process;
- Availability: The bundle may not be available on all routes or travel dates;
- Extra bags: You can add extra bags after selecting your bundle;
- Spirit Saver$ Club members savings: If you’re a member, you can save even more on the Bundle It Combo.
For those looking for more customization, Spirit Airlines also offers the “Just For You Bundle.” This package includes:
- 1 Checked or 1 carry-on bag: You have the flexibility to choose between a checked bag or a carry-on.
- Seat selection: You can pick your seat, although availability may vary by market.
- Shortcut boarding: This feature allows you to board the plane earlier.
Additional information:
- How to purchase: The “Just For You Bundle” can be purchased during your flight booking on Spirit.com.
- Availability: This bundle may not be available on all routes or travel dates.
- Spirit Saver$ Club members: Members can enjoy even deeper discounts on the “Just For You Bundle.”
Conclusion
Spirit Airlines has established itself as one of the best budget-friendly carriers in the industry, and that’s exactly why it’s so beloved by travelers. But just like every other budget airline, they impose fees that are quite high, especially when it comes to baggage fees.
Knowing how to navigate Spirit baggage fees can help you travel without overpaying and allow you to enjoy the benefits of this budget airline. Follow the strategies we outlined just for you to never have to pay a cent more than you have to on baggage fees. Happy flying!
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