Spirit Airlines is well known for offering some of the lowest base fares in the airline industry. However, those low fares come with a no-frills approach, which means customers often need to pay extra for additional services like seat selection, onboard snacks, and — importantly — checked baggage. For travelers who are not familiar with how Spirit Airlines structures their baggage fees, the system can be confusing. This article will break down everything you need to know about how much a checked bag costs on Spirit Airlines, including price ranges, how to save money, and what to expect when flying with this ultra-low-cost carrier.
Understanding Spirit Airlines’ Fee Model
Spirit Airlines follows an “à la carte” pricing model. This means that instead of offering an all-inclusive ticket price, the airline gives you a base fare and lets you choose and pay for only the services you want. While this allows flexibility and affordability, it also requires that travelers understand all potential fees ahead of time — especially when it comes to luggage.
Checked baggage is one of the most common extras that travelers pay for. Unlike traditional carriers that offer free checked bags for certain classes or loyalty members, Spirit charges nearly all customers a fee for every checked item.
What Counts as a Checked Bag?
A checked bag is any luggage that is stored in the aircraft’s cargo hold rather than carried into the cabin. With Spirit Airlines, a checked bag must adhere to the following size and weight restrictions:
- Maximum dimensions: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
- Maximum weight: 40 pounds (18.1 kilograms)
Exceeding these limits may result in additional overweight or oversized bag fees.
General Price Range for Checked Bags
The price of a checked bag on Spirit Airlines varies depending on several factors:
- When you pay for the bag (at booking, online check-in, or at the airport)
- Route and destination
- Number of checked bags
- Whether you are a member of Spirit’s $9 Fare Club or Spirit Saver$ Club
Typical Price Estimates (One-Way)
While prices fluctuate, here’s a general guide for how much you can expect to pay for one checked bag:
- At time of booking (online): $30 to $45
- Before check-in (online): $40 to $50
- During online check-in: $45 to $55
- At the airport (check-in counter): $70 to $79
- At the gate: Usually not allowed for checked bags
As you can see, the earlier you pay for your checked baggage, the more money you save. Waiting until the last minute — such as paying at the airport — can more than double the cost.
How to Check Baggage Fees in Advance
Spirit Airlines offers a Bag-O-Tron tool on their website. This allows travelers to input their flight details and get exact baggage fee information. This is especially useful because fees may change based on your specific route and the timing of your purchase.
Here’s how to use the Bag-O-Tron:
- Visit Spirit’s official website.
- Navigate to the “Bag-O-Tron” tool under the “Travel Info” or “Optional Services” section.
- Enter your flight details including origin, destination, and travel date.
- Review the pricing for both carry-on and checked bags.
Overweight and Oversized Bag Charges
Spirit Airlines charges extra fees for bags that exceed their standard size or weight limits. If your checked bag is overweight or oversized, you will need to pay additional surcharges on top of the base checked baggage fee. Here’s how those fees typically break down:
Overweight Bag Fees
- 41-50 lbs: $79
- 51-70 lbs: $104
- 71-100 lbs: $125
Oversized Bag Fees
- 63-80 linear inches: $100
- Over 80 linear inches: $150
Spirit will not accept individual bags weighing more than 100 pounds or measuring over 80 linear inches.
Prepaying for Baggage: Best Practice for Savings
As mentioned earlier, the best way to reduce baggage costs is by prepaying. Travelers are encouraged to:
- Add bags at the time of ticket purchase
- Log in to “My Trips” on the Spirit website or app before the day of travel
- Use Spirit’s kiosks at the airport (though more expensive than online options)
Additionally, Spirit Saver$ Club members receive discounted baggage pricing, which can significantly reduce total travel costs for frequent flyers.
How Many Checked Bags Can You Bring?
Spirit Airlines allows passengers to check up to five bags per person. However, each bag will incur a separate fee, and the cost typically increases with each additional bag. For example:
- First checked bag: $35 to $50
- Second checked bag: $45 to $60
- Third to fifth checked bags: $85 and up
If you’re traveling with multiple pieces of luggage, it’s even more important to calculate your total baggage cost ahead of time to avoid surprises.
Special Items and Equipment
Certain items like sporting equipment, musical instruments, and strollers are considered special baggage. While some items — like a stroller or car seat — may be checked for free if you’re traveling with an infant, others may carry unique fees.
For example, a surfboard or kayak may incur both oversized and handling fees. Always check Spirit’s official guidelines before traveling with non-standard luggage.
Refunds and Changes to Baggage Fees
Spirit does not typically refund baggage fees unless the airline cancels your flight. If you change your flight after purchasing baggage, your fees will usually carry over to the new itinerary, provided it’s rebooked under the same reservation.
Comparison with Other Airlines
Compared to full-service carriers, Spirit’s baggage fees may seem high. However, they are generally on par with other ultra-low-cost carriers. What sets Spirit apart is the transparency in its fee structure and the opportunity to reduce costs by planning ahead.
When comparing airlines and checked baggage fees across various carriers, it becomes clear that while Spirit’s model may require more planning, it often results in lower total costs for budget-conscious travelers.
Tips for Saving Money on Checked Baggage
- Weigh your bags at home to avoid overweight charges
- Use a soft-sided duffel bag to maximize packing flexibility
- Consider wearing heavier items like jackets or boots during boarding
- Enroll in the Spirit Saver$ Club for baggage discounts
- Always pay for your bags online and in advance
Conclusion
Whether or not a checked bag is worth the fee depends entirely on your travel needs. For short trips, it may be more economical to pack a personal item that fits under the seat. For longer journeys or trips requiring more gear, paying for checked luggage may be unavoidable.
The key is to plan ahead. Use Spirit’s online tools to estimate baggage costs early, and always pay for luggage at the time of booking when fees are at their lowest. By doing so, travelers can take full advantage of Spirit Airlines’ low base fares without being caught off guard by unexpected baggage expenses.
