Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees

Flying Spirit? Then you already know the base fare might look great  until the bags enter the chat.

Spirit operates on an ultra-low-fare model. That means you’ll always get one free personal item, but most other bags  including carry-on and checked luggage  cost extra unless you book a higher-tier bundle like Spirit First.

Understanding Spirit Airlines’ baggage fees before you book can help you avoid those “wait… how much?” moments at checkout.

Below, we break down Spirit Airlines’ baggage fees, policies, and restrictions  and show you how to skip the airport line shuffle altogether by shipping your bags with LugLess (serving shipments within the U.S. and Canada). Because vacation should start when you walk out your door, not when you finally escape baggage claim.

Please consult Spirit’s website to calculate the exact fee you will pay.

Spirit Airlines quick baggage fee summary

Spirit’s bag fees vary depending on your travel option (Value, Premium, Spirit First) and when you add baggage during booking. Fees are typically lowest when purchased during initial booking and increase as departure gets closer. Translation: last-minute luggage decisions can cost you.

Baggage category Fee Max Weight Max Size (L+W+H)
Pre-booked carry-on $26-$55 10"x18"x22"
LugLess carry-on $14-$39 25lbs Calculate
Gate check baggage fee $65 62"
First checked bag $21-$50 40lbs 80"
Second checked bag $31-$60 40lbs 80"
Third - fifth checked bag $76-$100 40lbs 80"
LugLess checked bag $25-$45 50lbs Calculate
Overweight bag +$75 41-100lbs 80"
Oversized bag +$100 40lbs 63-80"
Oversized bag +$150 40lbs 80"+
LugLess oversized bag $28-$55 75lbs Calculate

Spirit’s lowest fare tier (Value) does not include a carry-on or checked bag. Higher-tier bundles may include baggage, but it depends on the fare you choose.

LugLess vs. Spirit Airlines Checked Bag Fees

Shipping with LugLess can often cost less than Spirit’s fluctuating baggage fees — especially if you’re traveling with multiple bags, sports equipment, or overweight luggage.

Option Cost Hassle Delivery
Spirit Checked Bag Variable (often $30–$60+ per bag) Airport lines & baggage claim Airport
LugLess From $25 No lines, no carousel waits Door-to-door (U.S. & Canada)

Skip the stress. Ship your bags. Travel light — even if you packed heavy.

How to avoid Spirit baggage fees

If you want to keep your trip budget intact, here are your best options:

  • Purchase baggage add-ons during booking,  it’s cheaper than paying at the airport.

  • Travel with only a personal item.

  • Upgrade to a fare bundle that includes baggage.

  • Use status benefits or Saver$ Club discounts.

  • Ship your luggage ahead with LugLess and skip the airport baggage process entirely.

Because there’s no award for dragging the most luggage through security.

Spirit Airlines carry-on baggage fees

Spirit charges for carry-on bags unless your fare bundle includes one.

Carry-ons must:

  • Measure no larger than 22″ x 18″ x 10″ (including handles and wheels) 
  • Fit in the overhead bin 

If you show up at the gate with a carry-on you didn’t prepay for, expect a higher fee than if you purchased it online in advance.

Spirit Airlines checked baggage fees

Spirit allows checked baggage, but nearly all checked bags are paid add-ons unless your fare bundle includes one.

Spirit Checked Bag Size & Weight Limits

  • Maximum size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)

  • Maximum weight: 50 lbs per bag

  • Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted

Passengers may check up to five bags, space permitting.

Just because you can check five bags doesn’t mean your wallet will enjoy it.

Spirit Airlines excess baggage fees

These are the per-bag fees for checking excess baggage on Spirit Airlines. Checking a third, fourth, or fifth bag will cost $76-$100 each.

Spirit Airlines overweight baggage fees

Spirit applies additional charges when bags exceed standard limits — and these fees are added on top of regular checked bag fees.

Overweight Charges

  • Bags weighing 51–100 lbs incur additional overweight fees

Bags over 100 lbs are not accepted

Spirit Airlines oversized baggage fees

Oversized Charges

  • Bags over 62 linear inches incur additional oversize fees

  • Bags exceeding 80 linear inches may face restrictions

Overweight and oversized fees stack quickly. This is where “ultra low fare” can suddenly feel… less ultra.

Spirit Airlines personal items & carry-on rules

Free Personal Item

Every Spirit passenger gets one free personal item. It must:

  • Fit completely under the seat

  • Measure no larger than 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (including handles and wheels)

Common examples include purses, small backpacks, laptop bags, and diaper bags.

If it fits under the seat, you’re good. If it needs the overhead bin, that’s when Spirit starts charging rent.

Spirit Airlines baggage fee exceptions & waivers

There are a few ways to reduce or avoid some baggage fees:

  • Spirit First fare: Includes one checked bag (up to 50 lbs) and one carry-on (space permitting).
  • Free Spirit Gold status: May include free carry-on and checked bag benefits.
  • Military passengers: Active-duty U.S. military may qualify for waived bag fees.
  • Spirit Saver$ Club: Membership may reduce certain bag fees.

Benefits vary by fare and status, so always double-check your reservation details before heading to the airport.

Instead of paying Spirit's checked baggage fees, you can ship your luggage ahead with LugLess.

For as little as $25, LugLess allows you to generate a FedEx or UPS shipping label, which you can use to attach to your bag and send it directly to your destination anywhere in the US.

Spirit Airlines FAQ's

More information on Spirit baggage fees

The actual Spirit Airlines baggage fees charged for checked luggage will vary depending on your specific fare class, loyalty status, and other factors. For additional information on Spirit Airlines checked baggage fees, please visit Spirit’s website. Spirit® is a trademark of Spirit Airlines, Inc. This page was last updated on February 10, 2026. Neither LugLess, nor its parent, subsidiaries, and/or affiliates, makes any warranty, express or implied, or assumes any legal liability or responsibility for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information contained herein.