Spirit Airlines Baggage Costs at a Glance

Spirit Airlines charges for nearly every bag you bring on board. A carry-on bag that fits in the overhead bin costs $35 if you buy it at the airport, or $15 to $20 if you purchase it online before your flight. A personal item (purse, backpack, or small bag that fits under the seat) is free. Checked bags start at $35 for the first bag and $45 for the second, though these prices are lower if you buy them in advance online.

The exact price depends on when you buy, how you buy it, and whether you have a Spirit frequent-flyer membership. Buying online ahead of time is always cheaper than paying at the airport counter. If you are a Spirit member or have certain credit cards, you may get one free checked bag or a discount on carry-on fees.

Key Takeaways

  • A carry-on bag costs $15 to $20 online or $35 at the airport; a personal item is always free.
  • Checked bags cost $35 for the first and $45 for the second when bought online, or more if purchased at the airport.
  • Buying baggage online before your flight is significantly cheaper than waiting to pay at check-in.
  • Spirit frequent-flyer members and holders of the Spirit credit card receive discounts or free checked bags on some fares.
  • Oversized or overweight bags (over 40 pounds or larger than 22 x 18 x 10 inches) incur additional fees starting at $100.

Carry-On Bag Pricing

Spirit charges $15 to $20 for a carry-on bag when you purchase the fee online before your flight. If you wait and pay at the airport, the fee jumps to $35. The carry-on must fit in the overhead bin, which means it cannot exceed 22 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 10 inches deep.

A personal item—a purse, small backpack, laptop bag, or similar—is free and does not count toward your baggage allowance. It must fit under the seat in front of you. Many travelers use this to avoid the carry-on fee entirely by packing light.

If your carry-on is oversized or you bring more than one carry-on, Spirit will charge you $100 for the oversized bag or require you to check the second bag at the checked-bag rate.

Checked Bag Pricing and Advance Purchase Discounts

Your first checked bag costs $35 when you buy the fee online before departure, or $45 if you pay at the airport. The second checked bag is $45 online or $60 at the airport. A third bag and beyond cost $75 each. Bags must not exceed 40 pounds or the dimensions listed above; overweight or oversized bags cost an additional $100.

Buying checked-bag fees online is always cheaper than the airport counter price. You can add bags to your reservation on Spirit's website or through the mobile app. If you know you are checking bags, purchase the fees when you book your flight or at least 24 hours before departure to lock in the lower rate.

Spirit occasionally runs promotions that waive or discount checked-bag fees for specific routes or dates. Check the airline's website or sign up for email alerts if you fly Spirit regularly.

Spirit Frequent-Flyer and Credit Card Benefits

Spirit's frequent-flyer program, called Free Spirit, offers baggage discounts at higher membership tiers. Members at the Silver level and above receive one free checked bag on most fares. Elite members may receive additional benefits like free carry-on fees or discounts on oversized bags.

The Spirit Airlines World Elite Mastercard gives cardholders one free checked bag per flight and a $75 annual travel credit. This can offset the cost of baggage fees if you fly Spirit multiple times per year. The card also waives the carry-on fee for the cardholder.

If you do not have a membership or credit card, you pay the standard rates listed above. These memberships and cards are worth considering only if you fly Spirit at least a few times per year.

What Happens If You Exceed Baggage Limits

Bags over 40 pounds or larger than 22 x 18 x 10 inches are considered oversized and cost $100 each. Spirit measures and weighs bags at check-in, so there is no way to avoid this fee if your bag is over the limit. Oversized fees explore in addition to the standard checked-bag fee.

If you arrive at the airport with more bags than you have paid for, you will be charged the airport rate (not the online rate) for each unpaid bag. This is why buying baggage online in advance is important: it locks in the lower price and prevents surprises at the counter.

How to Minimize Baggage Costs on Spirit

The cheapest way to fly Spirit is to travel with only a personal item and no carry-on or checked bags. This costs nothing beyond your ticket. If you need to bring more, buy carry-on and checked-bag fees online at least 24 hours before your flight—never wait until you arrive at the airport.

Pack light and weigh your bags at home before you leave. A bag that is 39 pounds costs $35; one that is 41 pounds costs $135 (the standard fee plus the overweight fee). The difference between careful packing and careless packing is $100.

If you fly Spirit more than twice a year, the Free Spirit membership or the Spirit credit card may pay for itself through baggage discounts and other perks. Calculate your own travel pattern to decide whether membership makes sense for you.

Baggage Fees Compared to Other Airlines

Spirit's baggage fees are higher than most traditional carriers. Southwest includes two free checked bags with every ticket. United, American, and Delta charge $35 for the first checked bag and $45 for the second, but do not charge for carry-on bags. Frontier, another budget airline, charges similarly to Spirit: $15 to $20 for carry-on online and $35 for the first checked bag.

The trade-off is that Spirit's base ticket price is often lower than other airlines, so the total cost (ticket plus baggage) may still be competitive. Before booking, add up the full cost including all baggage fees you expect to pay, then compare that total to other airlines on the same route.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I bring a carry-on bag for free on Spirit?

No. A carry-on bag costs $15 to $20 if you buy it online or $35 at the airport. Only a personal item (purse, small backpack, or laptop bag) is free. Many travelers pack everything into a personal item to avoid the carry-on fee.

What if I buy my baggage online but then need to change my flight?

Baggage fees are tied to your reservation. If you change your flight, contact Spirit to transfer your baggage fees to the new flight. You may be able to do this through the website or by calling customer service. Do not assume the fees move automatically.

Do I have to pay for a checked bag if I have a Spirit credit card?

The Spirit Airlines World Elite Mastercard includes one free checked bag per flight for the cardholder. You do not need to purchase the checked-bag fee separately; it is waived automatically when you check in with the card.

What counts as a personal item on Spirit?

A personal item is a purse, backpack, laptop bag, small suitcase, or similar bag that fits under the seat in front of you. It must not exceed 16 x 14 x 12 inches. A carry-on bag is larger and goes in the overhead bin; that is the one that costs money.

Can I pack my checked bag as heavy as I want?

No. Checked bags must not exceed 40 pounds. A bag over 40 pounds costs an additional $100 on top of the checked-bag fee. Weigh your bag at home before you go to the airport to avoid this surprise charge.