How Do I Avoid Paying Baggage Fees on Spirit Airlines?__Flying with Spirit Airlines can be a cost-effective way to travel, but the airline is known for charging exorbitant baggage fees. Avoiding these fees requires diligence and careful planning. This article will explore how to avoid paying baggage fees on Spirit Airlines.
The Problem with Baggage Fees on Spirit Airlines
Baggage fees on Spirit Airlines can quickly add up and leave you with more expensive tickets than what you may have expected. The cost of checked bags varies based on weight, size, and when you purchase the allowance. The base cost for checked bags can range from $30 for standard bags to as much as $100 for oversized or overweight bags.
Understanding Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy
To avoid baggage fees, it’s essential to understand Spirit Airlines’ baggage policy. The airline allows one personal item and one carry-on bag that meets size requirements with specific weight limits. Personal items should fit under the seat, while carry-on bags should fit in the overhead bin. Anything beyond these allowances will be subject to fees.
Know the Baggage Weight Limits
Spirit Airlines allows a maximum of 40 pounds for standard checked bags during domestic flights. However, ultra-low fares don’t include baggage, so check fare class restrictions. Standard fares allow up to 50 pounds.
Know the Baggage Dimensions Limitations
The size limit for personal items must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches. For carry-on bags, the dimensions must not exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches, including handles and wheels, for standard fares. Ultra-low fares only accept bags with 16 x 14 x 12 inches.
Know the Difference Between Personal and Carry-on Bags
Spirit Airlines allows one personal item, such as a backpack, purse, or laptop bag. Unlike a carry-on bag, a personal item must fit under the seat.
Understand the Consequences of Not Following the Baggage Policy
If your items exceed the baggage limits, Spirit Airlines will charge you a fee. At times, you might also be required to check the bag and pay for it even though there’s no room on the flight to store carry-on bags in the overhead bin.
Pack Smart
Choosing to pack smart can minimize or eliminate baggage fees altogether. By packing carefully, you can reduce the number of bags you bring or choose a smaller bag that meets Spirit Airlines’ requirements.
Choose a Bag That Meets the Requirements
To avoid baggage fees, always choose bags that meet the baggage policy’s requirements. You may want to decide between a carry-on versus a personal item based on their size and weight limits.
Travel Light
Traveling light means packing only the bare necessities and prioritizing which clothing items and toiletries you need. Pack outfits that can be mixed and match, as well as versatile layers, like jackets or sweaters.
Pack Basic Necessities Only
Avoid packing items that can easily be purchased at your destination, such as toiletries and snacks, to lighten your load. Remember that Spirit Airlines typically doesn’t provide in-flight snacks and meals.
Upgrade Your Fare Class
Knowing your fare class and upgrading to a higher one can give you more flexibility with baggage, including lower fees or additional allowances.
Know the Fare Classes and Benefits
Spirit Airlines offers four fare classes: “Bare Fare,” “Standard Fare,” “Deluxe Fare,” and “Premium Fare.” Knowing the benefits of these classes can help you choose a fare with lower baggage fees or free baggage allowances.
Upgrade to a Higher Fare Class for More Flexibility with Baggage
By upgrading your fare, you might be afforded complimentary baggage allowances. The cost of your ticket will increase, but by doing this, you can avoid paying any extra fees.
Join Spirit Airlines $9 Fare Club
Joining the Spirit Airlines $9 Fare Club can give you access to Deals and discounted checked baggage fees, either prepaid or at the airport.
The Benefits of Being Part of the $9 Fare Club
The membership for the $9 fare club costs $59.95 per year. In return, club members save money with discounted fares and preferred access to the lowest fares available. You might save up to 50% on baggage fees while also getting access to extended seat selection windows and discounts on tickets.
How to Join the $9 Fare Club
The membership to the $9 fare club can be purchased through the Spirit Airlines website. When you’re part of the club, discounted checked baggage fees will require a membership number.
How to Avoid Baggage Fees as a $9 Fare Club Member
To avoid baggage fees, $9 fare club members can choose to prepay for bags online. Be prepared to verify your membership number if you opt to prepay.
Check Bags at the Airport
Additional tips to avoid baggage fees include checking your luggage at the airport.
Tips for Checking Bags at the Airport
Arrive early to avoid the long lines, so you’re not rushed when checking your baggage and avoid the added fees associated with overweight, oversize, or bags that don’t adhere to Spirit’s guidelines.
How to Avoid Baggage Fees with Airport Check-in
Avoid being stuck with excessive baggage fees with your checked-in luggage. Note that you will be charged a higher fee if you check your luggage at the gate. Thus, make sure to be ahead of time and check them by yourself.
Explore Alternatives to Checked Bags
There are a few alternatives when checking your bags isn’t a practical solution. By using alternatives to checked luggage, you can travel light and still have everything you need for your trip.
Personal Item Only
Traveling with only a personal item may require you to pack fewer items and avoid checking baggage. This means you’ll pack what’s most necessary, such as travel documents and a change of clothes.
Shipping Items Ahead of Time
Shipping items ahead of time might be an excellent alternative. This can give you peace of mind, knowing your luggage will arrive when you do, plus you avoid baggage fees altogether.
Renting Equipment at the Destination
If you’re traveling with specialized gear, like bulky items like sporting equipment or musical instruments, it’s best to rent equipment when you reach your destination.
Know When Spirit Airlines Waives Fees
Spirit Airlines waives fees for certain people and scenarios.
Military Personnel and Active Duty U.S. Armed Forces
Spirit Airlines offers several perks to active duty U.S. armed forces, including the waiving of baggage fees on select routes.
Spirit Airlines Credit Card Holders
As a Spirit Airlines credit card holder, there are incentives like waiving baggage fees and receiving additional rewards points when you purchase travel on Spirit using the credit card.
Dispute Baggage Fees
You can dispute baggage fees under specific circumstances.
Reasons for Disputing Baggage Fees
If you feel there were errors in baggage fees, such as being overcharged or if certain items were incorrectly charged, it’s within your right to dispute it. Any charges outside of Spirit Airlines’ policy for baggage fees can also be disputed.
How to Dispute Baggage Fees Effectively
To dispute baggage fees, reach out to Spirit Airlines customer service. Make sure to keep all receipts, invoices, or notes from your travel to present a compelling dispute argument.
Be Proactive
Be proactive by researching and planning ahead before your trip.
Research and Plan Ahead
Before your trip, research Spirit Airlines’ baggage fees and policies to plan your packing accordingly. This will help you avoid fees and plan effectively based on what Spirit Airlines allows.
Contact Spirit Airlines Customer Service
If you have any questions or concerns about baggage fees or policies, don’t hesitate to reach out to Spirit Airlines customer service for guidance or support.
Purchase Baggage During Booking
When purchasing your ticket, it’s possible to add baggage to your itinerary.
How to Purchase Baggage During Booking
The cost of adding baggage during booking often presents a discount over purchasing it at the airport. By adding baggage early, you can lock in your preferred rate.
Baggage Bundles
Spirit Airlines offers “baggage bundles” that can give you one or more prepaid checked bags. Depending on your travel requirements, purchasing the bundles might be the best option.
The Cost of Baggage Fees on Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines charges baggage fees based on what is being transported. There are three broad categories of baggage, each with different weight and size limits—standard bags, oversized, or overweight bags.
Chart of Baggage Fee Prices
To avoid any surprises, research and thoroughly understand Spirit Airlines’ baggage fees. The fees vary based on the type of bag, weight, when and where to purchase, whether it is prepaid or not. You can check the prices of baggage fees on the Spirit Airlines website.
Add Up the Costs and Factor It into Your Budget
When planning your trip, calculate the cost of your tickets and add to your budget any baggage fees or other costs associated with your trip.
Are There Any Exceptions to Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy?
Spirit Airlines makes limited exceptions to its baggage policy. In some cases, travelers can avoid baggage fees.
Sporting Equipment
If you bring sports equipment, each piece of equipment counts as a standard checked bag. You will need to pay for each piece of equipment, so make sure to budget accordingly.
Musical Instruments
If you travel with a musical instrument, Spirit Airlines offers standard baggage rates for smaller instruments like guitars or violins, but they do have to meet size requirements.
Medical Equipment
Medical equipment and mobility aids are also an exception to standard baggage rates. Consult Spirit Airlines beforehand for guidance on equipment that qualifies.
Are There Any Other Fees to Consider on Spirit Airlines?
Beyond baggage fees, Spirit Airlines’ additional fees include seat selection fees, priority boarding fees, and carry-on baggage fees.
Seat Selection Fees
Spirit Airlines charges for seat selection and offers an assigned seat by default. If you’re willing to wait until the day of your flight, seating within 24 hours is assigned based on availability.
Priority Boarding Fees
Priority boarding fees range from $5 to $30 per person. Priority boarding allows passengers to choose and board early.
Carry-on Baggage Fees
Spirit Airlines charges carry-on bag fees for passengers who bring a bag onboard that’s beyond the personal item allowance and does not fit under the seat.
How to Travel with Spirit Airlines with Kids
Traveling with children on Spirit Airlines can also carry additional fees and guidelines.
Tips for Traveling with Kids on Spirit Airlines
To avoid additional fees, make sure to adhere to the guidelines for children’s baggage. Some children’s items, such as strollers or car seats, can be gate-checked.
Baggage Allowance for Children
The baggage allowances for children are the same as those for adults. However, ensure that car seats and strollers are correctly stored.
The Advantages of Traveling with Cabin and Personal Item Only
Traveling with only a personal item or cabin bags comes with perks.
Lighten Your Load
By traveling with only your personal item, you’re reducing what you have to carry, making your journey easier and travel faster.
Easy Travel, No Waiting for Checked Baggage
When you don’t have checked luggage, you can proceed through baggage claim to exit the airport faster.
Conclusion
Planning ahead, staying informed regarding the baggage policy, and packing smart can help you avoid baggage fees on Spirit Airlines. Whether by joining the $9 Fare Club, packing light, or knowing when the airline waives baggage fees, it’s possible to avoid incurring unexpected fees and start your trip off on the right foot.
FAQs
How much does Spirit Airlines charge for checked bags?
The cost of checked bags on Spirit Airlines varies based on weight and size and if you’re going to purchase it online in advance or pay at the airport. It ranges from $30 to $100.
Does Spirit Airlines charge for carry-on bags?
Spirit Airlines charges for carry-on bags that exceed size requirements. You are allowed one personal item on board without any cost.
How can I avoid paying baggage fees on Spirit Airlines?
To avoid baggage fees, it’s essential to pack smart and only bring what’s needed. Some alternatives to checked luggage include traveling with only a personal item or shipping items ahead of time.
Does Spirit Airlines offer free baggage?
Spirit Airlines doesn’t typically provide free baggage unless it’s a special exception like Military or Active Duty U.S. Armed Forces.
How can I dispute baggage fees?
To dispute baggage fees, reach out to Spirit Airlines customer service. Make sure to have any receipts or invoices present to make a compelling argument.