Despite some of Spirit Airlines' unpopular policies, its no-frills policy of offering some of the lowest fares in the skies continues to be extremely popular with budget-minded travelers.
According to an article published by Harvard University, Spirit Airlines is often referred to as the airline everyone loves to hate due to its highest number of complaints per 10,000 passengers. Despite the complaints, Spirit Airlines continues to grow and now flies to 90 destinations in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
A big complaint is Spirit Airlines' baggage policy
One of the airline's biggest complaints is its strict baggage policy that does not include any bags, including carry-ons, in its base fare. On top of this, the price to check a suitcase or add a bag to your fare increases as you get nearer to your departure date. With this in mind, it is best to pay for all luggage when you make your initial booking.
Spirit Airlines baggage fees are based on the route and the time of year you are flying. The summer months and popular holidays like Thanksgiving are more expensive than other times of the year. Basically, you can expect to pay more for your ticket whenever the kids are out of school.
What you can expect to pay for luggage
To help you decide what is right for you, we have outlined Spirit Airlines baggage policy and costs below:
Carry-on
Unlike full-fare carriers like United Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines, which allow you to have a carry-on for free, Spirit Airlines charges you. The only item you can carry aboard without paying for it is a handbag or laptop case, provided it is not larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches.
If you want to bring a carry-on suitcase or backpack, it must be no larger than 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm), including the handles and wheels. The price for including a carry-on in the fare when booking your ticket starts at $35. If you wait to add a carry-on as you check in online, the price starts at $43. At the check-in desk, the price rises to $89, and if your carry-on is determined to be larger than Spirit's carry-on policy, you can expect to pay a minimum of $99 at the gate.
Luggage carried in the hold of the aircraft
Checked baggage
All checked luggage on a Spirit Airlines flight cannot exceed 40 pounds (18.1 kg) in weight and is no larger than 62 linear inches (length + width + height; 158 cm), including the handles and wheels. Any bag larger than the above measurement of that weight greater than 40 pounds is considered oversized luggage for which you will be charged extra.
If your bag weighs more than 40 lbs, you will be charged an additional $79 per bag. If the bag exceeds 50 lbs, the price jumps to $125 per bag. Spirit Airlines refuses to carry any bag which weighs 100 pounds or more.
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Only a personal item comes complimentary on every ticket, and checked bags are limited to 40 pounds.Oversized luggage and sports equipment
If your suitcase measures more than 63 linear inches but less than 80 linear inches (158 to 203 cm), you must pay an additional $150.
Sports equipment:
- Golf clubs: Golf clubs are subject to the same price as a checked piece of luggage, but if the combined weight of the bag, clubs, and carrying case exceeds 40lbs, overweight baggage charges will apply.
- Bicycle: A flat fee of $75
- Surfboard: $100 with a maximum of two boards in a single bag
- Skis and snowboards: The same as checked luggage but like golf clubs, subject to excessive weight charges.
What are your thoughts? Let us know what you think in the comment section.