WARNING
Spirit Airlines ceased operations on May 2, 2026.
The baggage information on this page reflects the airline's final published baggage policy before operations ended. It is provided for historical reference only.
Spirit Airlines Carry-on & Checked Bag Rules 2026
Every Spirit Airlines passenger can bring one personal item up to 45 × 35 × 20 cm — a handbag, laptop bag or small backpack that fits under the seat. A full-size cabin bag costs extra and must be purchased before your flight — airport prices are significantly higher. Checked luggage is not included — you will need to pay extra for any bags going in the hold. If in doubt, check the latest baggage policy before you pack.
Published on July 9, 2026 · Last verified on July 10, 2026 by Luggage Validator
9/10
Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy Strictness
Very Strict
Overview
Standard baggage allowance for your selected route and fare class. All dimensions include wheels and handles.
Carry-on Bag
Not included
Available for a fee
Included in standard economy
Personal Item
45 × 35 × 20 cm (17.7 × 13.8 × 7.9 in)
Under seat ·Not specified
Checked Baggage
No free bags
Available for a fee
Included in higher fares
Standard Economy Allowance
Quick reference for your selected route type. See below for full cabin class comparison.
| Baggage Type | Free | Max Size | Weight Limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on Bag Overhead bin · per piece | Not included | - | - |
| Personal Item Under seat · per piece | 1 pc | 45×35×20cm 17.7×13.8×7.9in | Not specified |
| Checked Baggage Cargo hold · piece system | No free | - | - |
Full Cabin Class Comparison
Compare allowances across all fare types and cabin classes for your selected route.
| Item | Value | Value | Premium Economy | Spirit First |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Personal Item Under seat | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Personal Item Size L × W × H | 45×35×20cm 17.7×13.8×7.9in | 45×35×20cm 17.7×13.8×7.9in | 45×35×20cm 17.7×13.8×7.9in | 45×35×20cm 17.7×13.8×7.9in |
| Carry-on Pieces Overhead bin access | No | No | 1 pc | 1 pc |
| Carry-on Size L × W × H | - | - | 56×46×25cm 22×18.1×9.8in | 56×46×25cm 22×18.1×9.8in |
| Carry-on Weight Per piece | - | - | Not specified | Not specified |
| Free Checked Bags Piece system | No | No | No | 1 pc |
| Checked Bag Size Max per piece | - | - | - | ≤ 158 cm 62 in |
| Checked Bag Weight Per piece max | - | - | - | 18 kg 40 lbs |
Recent Traveller Feedback
Spirit's checked bag weight limit is only 40 lbs (18 kg), which is lower than most other airlines' 50 lbs limit. I had to repack at the airport to avoid the overweight fee.
I forgot to purchase my carry-on bag before arriving at the airport, so I had to pay the much higher gate price. Buying baggage in advance would have cost less.
99 USD
When I compared the available fare options, I found that my Value fare only included one personal item. Premium Economy added a carry-on bag, while Spirit First also included one checked bag.
I saw airport staff asking passengers to place their bags into the baggage sizer before boarding. Measuring my luggage at home helped me avoid unexpected fees.
My carry-on bag met Spirit's size limit of 56 × 46 × 25 cm (22 × 18 × 10 in), but it still wasn't included with my Value fare. Only one personal item was included.
I measured my personal item before leaving home because Spirit strictly checked bag sizes at the gate. If it exceeded 45 × 35 × 20 cm (18 × 14 × 8 in), it could be charged as a carry-on bag.
Common Luggage Compatibility
Based on Spirit Airlines · Economy class. Compare luggage compatibility across all fare types and cabin classes using the filters above.
| Luggage | Personal Item | Carry-on | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
Regular Backpack | OK | Over Limit | OK |
16" Under-seat Briefcase | OK | Over Limit | OK |
18" Cabin Suitcase | OK | Over Limit | OK |
Standard 20" Carry-on | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
22" North American Carry-on | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
24" Medium Checked Suitcase | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
26" Mid-size Checked Suitcase | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
28" Large Checked Suitcase (IATA Standard) | Over Limit | Over Limit | OK |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is a cabin bag not included with Spirit Airlines basic fares?
Basic fares on Spirit Airlines do not include a cabin bag. Only a small personal item is included.
A personal item is also allowed, maximum dimensions 45 x 35 x 20 cm.
All dimensions include wheels, handles and pockets.
Do I need to pay for checked luggage on Spirit Airlines?
The basic fare on Spirit Airlines does not include free checked baggage.
Maximum linear dimensions are 158 cm per piece.
Extra bags or excess weight incur additional charges.
Is it cheaper to buy Spirit Airlines baggage online or at the airport?
Spirit Airlines may check bag size and weight at check-in or the boarding gate. Enforcement varies by flight and staff.
If your bag exceeds the allowance, it may need to be checked into the hold and additional charges may apply.
Measuring and weighing your bag before arriving at the airport is recommended to avoid unexpected fees.
All baggage rules on this page are from the official Spirit Airlines website. Last updated July 10, 2026. Before you fly, please check the official site again to make sure nothing has changed.
Help keep this data accurate. If you spot outdated baggage rules or have recent experience flying with Spirit Airlines contribute your update