How to Avoid Baggage Fees with Spirit Airlines Tips

Spirit Airlines is well-known for its ultra-low-cost fares, which attract budget-conscious travelers across the United States. However, like many low-cost carriers, Spirit charges fees for extras — especially baggage. The good news? With the right strategies, you can avoid or minimize these baggage fees and enjoy a more affordable trip. In this post, we’ll explore smart ways to save money on luggage and make your Spirit Airlines experience even better.

Understanding Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees

Before diving into the tips, it’s essential to understand Spirit Airlines' baggage policy. Spirit allows passengers to bring one personal item for free (such as a backpack or purse that fits under the seat). However, carry-on bags and checked baggage come with fees that vary depending on when and how you pay.

Key Points:

Personal items are free (must fit under the seat).
Carry-on and checked bags cost extra.
Fees are highest at the airport counter.
Bag size and weight limits are strictly enforced.

Tip: Always check the Spirit Airlines baggage fee chart before booking, as prices can vary by route, time of booking, and membership status.

Book Bags in Advance – Don’t Wait Until the Airport

One of the easiest ways to avoid high baggage fees is by pre-paying for your bags online. Spirit charges the least when bags are added during the initial booking. If you wait until check-in or the airport counter, expect to pay significantly more.

Why Early Booking Matters:

Online booking can save you up to 50% compared to airport prices.
You can manage your trip efficiently through the Spirit Airlines reservation portal.
It gives you a chance to double-check bag size and weight.

Join the $9 Fare Club for Exclusive Discounts

Spirit offers a membership program called the $9 Fare Club, which gives members access to discounted fares and lower baggage fees. If you’re a frequent flyer or planning a round trip with multiple bags, this membership can quickly pay for itself.

Benefits of Joining:

Reduced checked and carry-on bag fees.
Exclusive access to lower airfares.
Discounts also apply to companions on the same reservation.

Pro Tip: If you're traveling with family or on multiple trips, the $9 Fare Club can significantly cut down baggage costs.

Pack Light and Use a Personal Item Only

Since one personal item is allowed for free, mastering the art of packing light is a crucial money-saving trick. With some creativity and minimalist packing, you can travel with just a personal item and skip baggage fees altogether.

Smart Packing Tips:

Use a compact backpack or duffel bag (maximum size: 18 x 14 x 8 inches).
Roll clothes to save space.
Wear bulky clothing (jackets, shoes) during boarding.
Use compression packing cubes.

This strategy works especially well for weekend getaways or short business trips.

Know the Size and Weight Limits

Spirit is very strict when it comes to baggage dimensions and weight. Bags that exceed the allowed limits are subject to additional fees, which can be costly. Avoid unexpected charges by measuring and weighing your bags at home.

Standard Allowances:

Personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (free)
Carry-on bag: 22 x 18 x 10 inches (fee applies)
Checked bag: Maximum 40 lbs (fee applies; 41–50 lbs costs extra)

Avoid Overweight Fees: Checked bags over 40 lbs incur additional charges. Keep your luggage under the limit or distribute weight across bags.

Use a Spirit Airlines Credit Card

Spirit Airlines offers a co-branded credit card that comes with travel perks, including free checked bags for cardholders and sometimes for their companions. Depending on the terms, using the Spirit card could eliminate some of the baggage charges altogether.

Benefits of the Spirit Credit Card:

Earn points on everyday spending.
Potential for free checked bags.
Early boarding and access to member deals.

Check for Bundled Travel Options

Spirit often offers "Bundle It" options when booking, which include perks like seat selection, priority boarding, and free baggage. While the upfront cost is higher, these bundles can be more economical than paying for each service separately.

What’s Included in Bundles:

Carry-on bag
Checked bag
Seat selection
Flight Flex (allows 1 free flight change under the Flight Change Policy)

Flight Change Policy Tip: The bundle also helps in case your travel plans shift. You can modify your Spirit Airlines reservation once without incurring standard change fees.

If you’re flying with someone else, share a checked bag between you. This way, you’re only paying for one bag instead of two. For example, two travelers can pack into one 40 lb checked suitcase and each bring a personal item.

Use a large suitcase (under 62 linear inches).
Combine toiletries, shoes, and heavier clothing items.
Coordinate outfits to minimize unnecessary items.

Take Advantage of the Flight Change Policy

Sometimes plans change, and with them, your baggage needs. Spirit Airlines’ Flight Change Policy allows you to modify your booking — and your baggage options — depending on your fare type and booking method.

Highlights of the Flight Change Policy:

Modify flights up to 24 hours before departure.
Bundled packages often include free changes.
Baggage fees already paid may carry over or be adjusted.

Reminder: Always check Spirit’s official site for the latest updates to the Flight Change Policy and how changes may affect your baggage selections.

Use Travel Hacks: Ship Luggage or Rent Gear

In some cases, it may be cheaper to ship luggage to your destination using services like FedEx or UPS, especially for long trips. Alternatively, consider renting bulky items (like sports gear or baby equipment) at your destination.

Alternative Options:

Ship bags 3–5 days early.
Use luggage shipping services with tracking.
Rent hiking gear, beach umbrellas, or strollers locally.

This approach helps you avoid carrying heavy items through airports and dodge oversized baggage fees.

Save More, Travel Smart with Spirit Airlines

While Spirit Airlines may charge for extras like baggage, the overall travel experience can still be very budget-friendly if you plan ahead. From pre-paying for bags and packing light to joining loyalty programs and taking advantage of the Flight Change Policy, there are plenty of ways to reduce or eliminate baggage fees.