How Strict Spirit Airlines Carry-on Size? 2024 Update

Ready to kick off your flight with Spirit Airlines but not sure what are the airline’s carry-on rules?

Well !! don’t worry.

In this detailed post I will provide all the details you need about Spirit Airlines carry-on size rules and restrictions, in addition to some of your frequently asked questions.

Sprit Airlines stated a carry-on bag need to not exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm) including handles and wheels, if the suitcase is above these dimensions it will be subject to checked baggage rules, you can also bring a personal item on spirit airlines free of charge, that will fit under the seat in front of you,

Let’s dive right in.

How strict is spirit on carry on bag size-01
How strict is spirit on carry on bag size

Read also: Best personal item bag for spirit Airlines?

Spirit Airlines Main Carry On Luggage Allowance

Spirit Airlines allowed the following pieces on board its airplanes.

  • 1 carry-on bag: 22 x 18  x10  inches / 56 x 46 x 25 cm .
  • One personal item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches / 45 x 35 x 20 cm .

Spirit Airlines is slightly strict about its carry on size limits, there is more chance that your carry on bag will be placed in the sizer at the airport and If it doesn’t fit it will be subject for checked baggage rules.

Spirit Airlines answer on X formerly Twitter

Spirit Liquids Rules

Just like most airlines you have to adhere to the TSA Liquid regulations, which is the 3.1.1 rule.

You can bring one quart sized bag of liquids, gels and aerosols in your carry-on bag through security and on board the airplane.

Liquids must be placed properly in the resealable transparent bag so the TSA agent can inspect easily.

For more information about traveling with liquids, aerosol gels and other items you can browse the TSA website or thus detailed post.

Spirit is a great airline to fly if you don’t have a lot of bags

Tip

What If My Carry On Is Above The Spirit Carry-on Size?

If your hand luggage is above the allowed size with 1 inch or two , you can still take it anyway but if you get caught your suitcase will be subject to oversized baggage charges.

If you find out that your suitcase is above the size limits make sure to take another suitcase or just opt for checked luggage.

Here is what happened to Amanda.

She is not happy because the airline made her spend half of her birthday money for a carry-on bag that is 1 inch larger.

Spirit Airlines answer on X formerly Twitter

I don’t think they are going to refund her.

Read also:

Do Spirit Airlines Check Carry On Dimensions?

There is more chance that Spirit Airlines will check your carry on dimensions at the airport check in counter.

The Spirit staff will ask you to place your bag at the sizer device to make sure your bag is qualified as a carry-on and can be placed properly in the overhead compartment.

And with so many travelers trying to sneak in with oversized bags in the cabin , Spirit will be strict with the situation more carefully than other airlines to prevent annoying the passengers that adhere to their size rules.

Where To Place My Carry-On On Board?

And if you are paying to bring a carry on bag, you can easily place it in the overhead compartment.

But if you are traveling with a small piece, you can place it under your seat.

Spirit Airlines do not have a specified weight for their carry-on, but you still need to take a lightweight bag to avoid any overweight baggage fees.

That is how Spirit makes extra money, overweight and oversized bags, seat selections and checked bags.

 Spirit Airlines plane

Read also:

Spirit Airlines Carry on Fees

For Most flights the charges range between $37 and $60, one way, as standard, if you pay on the airline website the time of booking, or during online check in.

If you are a member of the $9 fare club, you can purchase your carry-on allowance for $28.

This is what Spirt Airline will charge for one adult between (New York (LGA) – Las Vegas (LAS)).

As you can see, paying online is always less expensive than the airport or the gate.

Luggage Type and number of bagsDuring
Spirit.com Booking
Before
Online Check-In
During
Online Check-In
Airport / Group Desk /
Reservation Center
at
Gate
Carry On Bag$37.00$44.00$47.00$54.00$47.00$54.00$60.00$65.00
1st Checked Bag$29.00$36.00$39.00$46.00$39.00$46.00$60.00$65.00
2nd Checked Bag$43.00$50.00$53.00$60.00$53.00$60.00$60.00N/A
3rd-5th Checked Bag$80.00$87.00$90.00$97.00$90.00$97.00$100.00N/A

A Glance On Spirit Checked Baggage

If you don’t have enough space in your carry-on bag, or you want to have more luggage on your flight, you will consider taking some of your items in a checked bag.

Spirit Airlines checked baggage depends on your flight route; traveling time and ticket type.

You can use Spirirt Bag-O-Tron  to check out the price of your bags.

You can check up to five bags not exceeding 40 lbs in weight and 62 linear inches in overall dimensions.

You will need to be careful when traveling with checked baggage, the earlier you pay for your baggage the cheapest it gets.

This means your best bet is to buy your allowance during your initial booking

spirit airlines checked baggage allowance
Spirit Airline Baggage Fees

Remember also to not place any valuable or expensive items inside our check baggage, to avoid any possible damage or even losing the item.

Overweight Baggage

Spirit Airlines accepts overweight and oversize luggage up to a maximum of 100 lbs and 80 linear inches, but hefty bags will be subject to additional fees.

If your bags weigh between 41 and 50 lbs, an extra 30$ will be added, between 51 and 70 the charges are 55$ and between 71 and 100 lbs you may need to pay an extra 100$ .

The airline advises to pay for your baggage along with your ticket booking because it is cheaper than paying at the airport.

You can always add extra items before the flight or even at the gate but it may be a bit high in price.

Final Thoughts

Even though Spirit Airlines is known as a budget airline, it is just a marketing game.

In the real world they are making money charging for luggage and seat selection.

You can only bring a personal item free of charge, and you will need to pay for the carry on bag.

So be careful with the luggage pieces you take, if the personal items exceed the allowed dimensions it will be counted as a carry on bag and you will have to pay some serious charges.

we recommend using a compliant Spirit bag with the exact dimensions, it will take more of your item in addition you will avoid paying oversized baggage fees.

Hope this helps.