Spirit Airlines Known for offering the lowest base fares within the industry but makes up for those cheap ticket prices by charging for nearly everything else, including baggage. First, it’s very important to learn just how much Spirit Airlines charges for baggage to save yourself from unexpected fees and travel economically. The purpose of this article is to get an accurate summary of Spirit Airlines baggage charges in 2024, be it carry-on and checked overweight baggage fees, or some useful tips on how one can save when paying such fees.
Spirit Airlines Baggage Charges: Overview
The Spirit Airlines baggage charges is separate from the base fare of the ticket. The cost depends upon a number of variables, which include when and how you pay for your baggage, your travel route, and whether you are a member of Spirit’s $9 Fare Club. Here is what you might expect to pay in 2024:
1. Carry-On Bag Fees: Spirit is unusual in not allowing a free carry-on. If you bring a carry-on bag, you’ll have to pay for it, with fees ranging from $26 to $65, depending on when you pay. The cost is less pre-paid while booking, rises when paid later, and goes to a maximum at the airport. Carry-on bags can be no larger than 22 x 18 x 10 inches, including handles and wheels. Just ensure that the measurement is accurate, as Spirit is very serious about their size limits and oversized carry-on create an even bigger fee at the gate.
2. Fees for Checked Bag: The Spirit Airlines baggage charges is placed on checked bags, depending on when you buy the bag and your route. The general idea has been depicted below:
Sno. | Baggage | Charges |
---|---|---|
1 | First Checked Bag | $21-$65 |
2 | Second Checked Bag | $31 – $75 |
3 | Third to Fifth Checked Bags | $76 – $100 each |
Checked bags must be 40 lbs or less. Keep in mind that Spirit has a lower weight limit for checked bags than most airlines, which often allow up to 50 lbs. If you aren’t careful, those added fees can add up quickly.
3.Spirit Airlines overweight baggage fees: If you are checking bags that exceed the maximum allowed weight of 40 lbs, then get ready to pay extra. These are the baggage fees per bag:
Sno. | Overweight Baggage Fees | Charges |
---|---|---|
1 | 41 to 50 lbs | $79 per bag |
2 | 51 to 70 lbs | $125 per bag |
3 | 71 -100 lbs | $150 per bag |
Spirit Airlines doesn’t take any bags that weigh more than 100 lbs. You will have to either balance out the weight to what is accepted, or leave something behind. Make sure you go ahead and weigh your bag prior to heading to the airport to avoid these steep charges.
4. Additional Baggage Fees: In case you have more bags over and above the standard allowance, then extra baggage fees apply. The fees vary by route and according to when you pay for your baggage; therefore, it may be as high as $100 per bag for every additional bag beyond the second. Spirit Airlines baggage charges structure was clear that the more bags you bring, the more you pay-so pack strategically.
5. Oversized Bag Fees: If your bag is over the maximum dimensions of 62 linear inches (length + width + height), you will have to pay an additional $150 for an oversized fee. Like overweight bags, the maximum length, width, and height that an oversized bag may be is 80 linear inches, or it will be rejected.
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How to Avoid Spirit Airlines Baggage Charges?
It’s hard to avoid the Spirit Airlines baggage charges if you fly with Spirit Airlines, but here are a number of ways you can save:
- Pack Light: The best way to avoid fees altogether is to bring only one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. Personal items, such as a small backpack or large purse, are included at no extra cost in your ticket price, provided they fit within the 18 x 14 x 8 inches size limit.
- Pay for Bags Early: The earlier you pay for your bags, the less you’ll pay. During the process of booking, one can purchase baggage at the lowest rates. Immediately after booking, it gets a little more costly, and if you go to the airport, that is the highest cost.
- Join the $9 Fare Club: A membership with Spirit’s $9 Fare Club gives you exclusive fare discounts and Spirit Airlines baggage charges. It’s an annual fee of $69.95, but if you fly enough, it’ll pay for itself in baggage savings in no time.
- Consider the “Bundle It” Option: Spirit does offer at booking a “Bundle It” option that includes a carry-on bag, checked bag, seat selection, and priority boarding at a lower price when combined versus adding each component individually. This may be helpful if you need several of these services.
- Utilize Space-Efficient Packing Techniques: Consider packing cubes or the use of vacuum-seal bags that will help you accommodate more in your personal item or carry-on. It may even allow you to wear the bulkiest things, like jackets or boots, onto the plane to save space in your bag.
- Compare Ticket Options: Oftentimes, it’s best to compare the Spirit ticket cost plus Spirit Airlines baggage charges against those airlines that might charge higher base fares but allow more lenient baggage policies. Even though Spirit usually has a lower base fare, the baggage charges can add up awfully quick.
Conclusion
If not handled with care, Spirit Airlines can rack up some high baggage fees. Understand what carry-on, checked, and overweight bags will cost to avoid any surprises. Paying for the bags in advance, efficient packing, and membership options-such as the $9 Fare Club-could greatly cut down costs. Always check the most updated baggage policies on Spirit Airlines’ official website before flying, as fees and rules can change.
You can surely maximize your flying experience at the ultra-low fares of Spirit Airlines while Spirit Airlines baggage charges are minimal if you prepare well and plan accordingly.
Frequently Asked Questions
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- How large can a personal item be on Spirit Airlines?
Personal items can be no larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches, including handles and wheels. It is included free with your ticket purchase. - Does Spirit Airlines have free strollers or car seats?
No, Spirit Airlines does not charge for a stroller or car seat. They can be checked at the gate free of charge, and do not count towards your baggage allowance. It is a very helpful benefit in case of traveling with babies or small children. - Can I pay for my baggage in advance online?
Yes, you can pay for baggage either at the time of booking or later through Spirit’s website or mobile application. The cheapest option is to pre-pay online; the fee will be higher if you get to the airport and decide to pay there. - Are they offer free baggage allowances or they took Spirit Airlines baggage charges?
Other than the personal item, Spirit Airlines does not offer free baggage allowances. All carry-on and checked bags come with a fee, so planning ahead and budgeting for these costs is important when booking your flight. - How does Spirit Airlines treat sports equipment?
Spirits charges regular fees for the checking of sports equipment like golf clubs, skis, and bikes, along with any overweight or oversized fees when applied. It is worth checking on Spirit’s website though as the size and type of the equipment can also have varying fees applied to it.
- How large can a personal item be on Spirit Airlines?