How to Save On Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees

Spirit Airlines is known for two things: their ultra low-cost fares and charging additional fees. Spirit also has a reputation for their strict baggage policy and baggage fees. And unlike their fares, Spirit Airlines baggage fees aren’t cheap. And sometimes those fees are as much as the fare itself, which kind of defeats the whole purpose of flying a budget airline, right?

Here’s what you need to know about Spirit Airlines baggage policy and what you can do to reduce, and even avoid, paying those annoying Spirit Airlines baggage fees.

Spirit Airlines Carry-On Policy

Like most airlines, Spirit Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item for free as long as the dimensions are 18 in x 14 in x 8 in or less.

If you’re bringing a purse or a neck pillow, it needs to fit completely inside your personal item bag. You can also bring items such as an umbrella, a diaper bag, assistive devices, outer garments (e.g., coat, hat and wrap), reading materials and food on board for free.

If you want to bring a carry-on, that’s going to cost you. First, let’s look at the different Spirit Airlines fares and what is and isn’t included.

Spirit Airlines Go Fare

Like United Airlines Basic Economy, a Spirit Airlines Go Fare does not include a carry-on. You can only bring a personal item, which is free. You also have to pay extra fees for a checked bag, seat selection and snacks.)

Spirit Airlines Go Savvy Fare

One step up from the Go Fare, the Go Savvy Fare includes a carry-on for an extra fee.

Spirit Airlines Go Comfy and Go Big Fares

More money, more perks! Both of these fares include one carry-on bag, one checked bag, priority boarding and seat selection.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees

How much you pay for a carry-on or checked bag will depend on when you add it to your trip. The closer to take-off, the more expensive it will be.

Here’s an example of what a carry-on and checked bag would cost on a flight from Los Angeles to New York.

Generally speaking, if you add a carry-on or a checked bag at the time of booking it will cost $50 each way. Adding a carry-on or checked bag before or during online check-in will set you back $65 each way. You’ll have to pay $79 for a carry-on or checked bag at the airport.

If you have a second checked bag, it will cost a little more: $75 during booking, $85 before or during online check-in and $99 at the airport.

To find out how much a carry-on bag will cost for your trip, you can use Spirit’s Bag Price Finder.

Spirit Airlines Luggage Dimensions

Compared to other domestic airlines, Spirit Airlines carry-on dimensions are the largest. The dimensions can’t exceed 22 in x 18 in  x 10 in (56 x 46 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels.

Spirit Airlines checked bag dimensions can be a maximum of 62 linear inches (158 linear cm). Checked bags must also weigh less than 50 pounds (22.6 kg). There’s an extra charge if your checked luggage exceeds the size or weight limit.

5 Ways Save on Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees

If you’re thinking of ways to get around paying the fees, don’t. Trying to evade Spirit Airlines baggage fees is the best way to ensure you pay $100 at the gate to check your bag. Here are a few ways you can save on baggage fees without having to design an elaborate scheme.

1. Travel with a Personal Item Only

The best (and only) way to avoid paying Spirit Airlines baggage fees is packing everything you need in a personal item. An 18 x 14 x 8 inch bag may not seem like a lot, but if you want to save $100 in carry-on fees, you’ll find a way to make it work.

2. Pay Baggage Fees During the Reservation Process

This may be obvious, but paying baggage fees during the reservation process is the least expensive option. It’s also the only way to avoid paying Spirit Airlines baggage fees and still follow the rules.

3. Share a Bag with Your Travel Partner or Family

If you’re traveling with someone, or you’re a family with small children, use one bag for everyone. Each person can still bring a free personal item, and it will significantly reduce carry-on or checked bag fees.

4. Earn Free Spirit Gold Status

Free Spirit Gold Status is Spirit Airlines’ loyalty program, which includes a free checked bag and a free carry-on. To achieve Gold Status, you need to earn 5,000 Spirit Status Qualifying Points in one calendar year. Considering you earn 1 point per dollar spent, $5,000 is a lot to spend to save on Spirit Airlines baggage fees.

5. Enroll in Spirit Saver$ Club

Spirit Savers Club is a paid membership that gives you exclusive access to various discounts. Membership costs $69.95, which will get you a $1 discount on Spirit Airlines baggage fees for you and up to 8 guests. If you fly Spirit often, the additional savings on fares and seats may make the membership fee worth it.

Do you have any Spirit Airlines savings tips? Share them in the comments!