When flying with Spirit Airlines, understanding their baggage policy is essential to avoid unexpected costs. Known for its ultra-low-cost flights, Spirit Airlines offers affordable ticket prices but compensates with fees for additional services, including baggage. This article explains Spirit Airlines charges for bags, helping you plan and budget for your trip effectively.
Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy Overview
Spirit Airlines uses a unique pricing model that allows travelers to customize their experience by only paying for what they need. While this can lead to cheaper tickets, it means that certain services, like carry-on and checked baggage, come at an additional cost. Spirit Airlines’ charges for bags vary based on the type of bag, weight, route, and when you add the baggage to your booking.
Carry-On Bag Charges
Unlike some airlines, Spirit Airlines charges for carry-on bags. Personal items, such as a small backpack, purse, or laptop bag that fits under the seat, are free. However, if you need extra space, you will have to pay for a carry-on bag.
- Average Carry-On Bag Fees: Fees typically range from $35 to $65 per carry-on bag. The exact cost depends on factors such as booking time (whether you purchase at the time of booking, after booking, or at the airport).
- Tips to Save: It’s often cheaper to add a carry-on bag when you book your flight rather than waiting until you arrive at the airport.
Checked Bag Charges
Spirit Airlines offers checked baggage options for travelers who need more than just a carry-on. Checked bag fees are also variable, so booking them early can help reduce costs.
- First Checked Bag: Generally ranges from $30 to $50.
- Additional Checked Bags: Each additional checked bag can cost between $40 and $80.
- Booking Tip: Adding checked bags during the booking process is usually the most economical choice. Waiting to add them at the airport can lead to higher fees.
Overweight and Oversized Bag Fees
If your checked bag exceeds Spirit Airlines’ weight and size limits, additional charges apply.
- Overweight Bag Fees:
- Bags weighing 41-50 lbs: Additional $30.
- Bags weighing 51-100 lbs: Additional $55.
- Oversized Bag Fees:
- For bags larger than 62 linear inches, an additional fee of $100 applies.
- For bags larger than 80 linear inches, a fee of $150 applies.
- Maximize Savings: Weigh your bag before arriving at the airport to ensure it meets the standard weight limit. Repacking can save you from unnecessary fees.
Spirit Airlines Saver$ Club for Baggage Discounts
Spirit Airlines offers a Saver$ Club membership that provides discounts on baggage fees, among other benefits. Membership is paid annually and offers perks like discounted bag fees, allowing frequent travelers to save in the long run.
- Baggage Discounts: Members typically save $5 to $10 on bag fees, depending on the flight.
- Is It Worth It?: If you travel frequently with Spirit, this membership can pay for itself within a few flights by reducing baggage costs.
How to Add Bags to Your Booking?
Adding bags to your Spirit Airlines booking can be done at multiple stages, and the timing affects the price:
- At Booking: The most cost-effective option, as fees are typically lowest when baggage is added during booking.
- After Booking: You can add bags via Spirit’s website or mobile app, though fees may be higher than at booking.
- At the Airport: The highest fees apply, so avoid waiting until check-in to add bags.
Spirit Airlines Baggage Fee Comparison Chart
| Baggage Type | At Booking | After Booking | At the Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-On Bag | $35 – $45 | $45 – $55 | $65 |
| First Checked Bag | $30 – $50 | $40 – $60 | $70 |
| Second Checked Bag | $40 – $60 | $50 – $70 | $80 |
| Overweight (41-50 lbs) | Additional $30 | Additional $30 | Additional $30 |
| Overweight (51-100 lbs) | Additional $55 | Additional $55 | Additional $55 |
| Oversized (62+ inches) | Additional $100 | Additional $100 | Additional $100 |
Tips to Minimize Baggage Fees with Spirit Airlines
- Plan Ahead: Adding bags when booking your ticket is often the most affordable.
- Pack Light: Spirit allows a free personal item, so pack only the essentials to avoid carry-on charges.
- Consider Membership: If you fly Spirit often, Saver$ Club membership can be a worthwhile investment for baggage savings.
- Weigh Your Bags: Prevent overweight fees by checking your bag’s weight before leaving for the airport.
Conclusion
Spirit Airlines’ charges for bags can add up quickly, so planning ahead is essential. By knowing the fees associated with carry-on, checked, and overweight bags, you can budget more effectively for your flight and avoid last-minute surprises. Remember to add your baggage at booking if possible to save on fees, and consider joining the Saver$ Club for additional discounts if you’re a frequent Spirit flyer. With these tips, you can fly with Spirit while keeping baggage costs under control.
