TL;DR:
- Spirit Airlines are pretty strict with its personal item dimensions
- Spirit Airlines staff at the airport will check the dimensions of your personal item, so it’s important to stay within their size requirements to avoid any surprises
- We suggest you take a spirit Airline approved personal item (fits perfectly Spirit personal item size), to avoid any trouble and read carefully the following guide and know all the regulations about Spirit personal item size policies and restrictions.
So Is Spirit Airlines Really strict about personal item size?
Spirit airlines personal item size is as follows:
18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) including handles and wheels.
The personal item is included in your fare and it is free, and can be one of the following items: a purse, small backpack, a laptop bag,or duty free item) etc.
Allowed Additional Items
In addition to your personal item, you are allowed to bring some of your necessary items such as:
- Mobility devices and medical equipment
- Diaper bags
- a coat or a jacket, etc..
For more information please visit this page on their website.
How Strict Is Spirit On Personal Item Size ?
Spirit Airlines are slightly strict about its personal item size.
According to Spirit Airlines passengers are allowed to have Personal items that respect the following dimensions 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches (45 cm x 35 cm x 20 cm) including handles and wheels.
Any item that exceeds these dimensions is no longer considered a personal item, it will be considered your main carry-on bag or you will need to send it as a checked bag.
However, if notice that airline staff are a bit lenient with passengers that carry larger personal items, it’s your lucky day, you can bring your large personal item onboard without any issues, just address nicely the airline staff and everything will go smoothly.
Airlines want to gain their customers’ satisfaction, and they won’t always be so hard if it comes to a few additional inches or pounds.
What If My Spirit Personal Item Is Oversized?
Here is what will happen if your personal item is oversized with spirit:
The Spirit Airlines staff will let you take it on board and nothing will happen.
Or it will be counted a your main carry-on bag, then you have to pay for it.
If you are trying to sneak an oversized personal item, you can get caught at the boarding gate and pay a whopping $100, if your carry-on is so big you will have to pay an additional charge and your personal item will be gate checked.
Obviously that Spirit is not among the airlines that will always close the eyes if the personal item is slightly oversize; because it is how they make their money.
At least if it’s only a backpack or a soft-side small suitcase you still be able to pad it down and demonstrate it fits in the sizer if required to (assuming it’s a soft-sided bag).
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How To Take More On Your Personal Item?
There is a rule of thumb when it come to limited space on luggage which is, if you want to take everything within your carry on, pack less and take different items, or the best thing to do to make the most of your free baggage allowance is to wear some of your heavier / bulky clothing as you go through the gate.
Like a coat with deep pockets if you’re really looking to make the most of your hard-earned cash.
This will give you more room in your bag to pack essentials for your trip.
What Is The Best Personal Item Luggage For Spirit Airlines & Carry On?
If you are looking for a good bag for your next trip that will fit spirit airline carry on and personal item check one of these beautiful backpacks on TravelPro.
These backpacks are designed perfectly for under the seat or for the overhead bin of the plane.
Spirit Airlines Carry-on Policy
If you think you might struggle for space with your personal item, you might be considering paying for an extra carry-on.
- Pay for Carry-on baggage that must be no more than 22 inches by 18 inches by 10 inches (56 cm x 46 cm x 25 cm) including handles and wheels.
- Must fit into an overhead bin or under-seat space and
Spirit Airlines Liquids
Like all other airlines in the US, Spirit airlines accepts liquids as long as they meet the proper requirements , and liquids are allowed in your personal item in containers less than 3.4 oz (100ml).
They must be placed in a transparent quart-sized bag.
For more information please read this post about how many ounces you can take on a plane or head to this page on the Transport Security Administration (TSA)website which covers liquids, gels and aerosols in greater detail.
Passengers Thoughts About Spirit Personal Item
Quora
Key Takeaway: Is Spirit Strict About Personal Item Size?
To avoid any inconvenience, and any last minute surprises, make sure you pack a compliant bag with the Spirit Airlines personal item allowance.
If you want to take more you can always pay for a carry-on bag, or try wearing some extra layers as you go through the gate.
With that said, if you’ve already got a soft-sided bag or a backpack which is just a bit over the allowed size you probably won’t face any issues.
If after reading this, you think it might be wise to pay for checked bags then please check out Spirit Alines check in page on spirit website.
Simply type in your booking reference, enter your last name and you’ll be able to see the allowance per person, costs associated and other details.
Hope this helps
Happy travels
