Know Before You Fly: Spirit Airlines Checked Bag Fee Details

Have extra stuff you want to bring on your Spirit Airlines flight? You probably will! Most of the passengers do. But before you pack everything, you must know about the Spirit Airlines Checked Bag Fee. This airline charges this fee when you want to put your larger bags on the airplane. If you don’t know about the fees, you might get a surprise at the airport, and nobody likes that! 

This article will make understanding the fee easy. You will know exactly how much it costs. Plus, get some tips to save money on your bags when you fly Spirit. So, get inside and make your travel seamless and cheaper!

Current Spirit Checked Bag Fee Costs (2025)

It charges for each checked bag, and the costs increase closer to your flight. Your bags should be under the limit of 50 pounds and 62 ins. Extra fees apply for overweight or oversized bags. You can check up to five bags if space allows. But some routes, like Colombia or Ecuador, limit you to one paid checked bag. During peak travel, international flights also restrict extra bags. Have a look at this table showing Spirit Airline checked bag fee:

Bag Type	During Booking (Online)	Online Check-in	At Airport	At Gate
1st Checked Bag	$31–$59	$38–$66	$43–$89	$99
2nd Checked Bag	$41–$74	$48–$81	$53–$94	$99
Third–Fifth Bag	$66–$99	$73–$106	$78–$111	$99
Overweight (51-100 lbs)	More than $125	Above $125	Above $125	More than $125
Oversized (63–80 inches)	Above $150	More than $150	Above $150	More than $150

Factors Affecting Bag Fees

This airline’s checked bag fees change based on several things. If you keep these factors in mind, it will help you plot your trip and save cash. Know the main factors that affect the checked bag fee for Spirit Airlines so you can avoid surprises and keep your travel budget in check.

When You Pay for the Bag

Paying for your checked bag early saves you a lot. Spirit charges the least if you pay online when you book your flight. Fees go up if you wait until online check-in, and they’re highest at the airport or gate. Always pay early through Spirit’s website to get the lowest price.

Number of Bags

The more bags you check, the more you pay. The first checked bag costs less than the second, and extra bags cost even more. You can check up to five bags if there’s space, but each has a fee. Check only what you need to keep the Spirit Airlines bag check in fee low.

Bag Size and Weight

It has strict rules for bag size and weight. Standard checked bags must weigh 50 pounds or less and measure 62 inches. If your bag is overweight, you pay an extra $125. If it’s oversized, you pay an additional $150. Bags over 100 pounds or 80 inches aren’t allowed. You need to check the weight and measure the size of your bags at home to avoid these extra costs.

Flight Route and Destination

Where you’re flying affects the fee. Short domestic flights have lower fees. Long or international flights can cost more. Some international routes limit you to one paid checked bag. 

Travel Season

Busy travel times can raise Spirit Airlines check in bag fee or add restrictions. During these peak periods, international flights may limit extra bags or charge more. Plan and check fees early if you’re traveling during a busy season.

Fare Type or Membership Status

Your fare or membership can lower fees. The Go Big fare includes one free checked bag. Free Spirit Gold members also get one free checked bag, and active-duty military members get two free bags. Savers Club members may save $1–$2 per bag. If you have a basic fare like Go or Go Savvy, you’ll pay for every bag unless you have special status.

Special Items

The special things, like musical instruments, sports equipment, or pet carriers, have different fees. If these items are over 80 inches, you might pay $150 or more. A golf bag or bike could cost extra if it doesn’t fit standard size limits.

How to Pay for Checked Bags?

It charges for checked bags, but paying the right way saves you money. Knowing how to pay for checked bags helps avoid the high checked bag fee Spirit Airlines and improves your trip. You can pay at different times, when booking, during check-in, or at the airport. But the earlier you pay, the cheaper it is. This section explains how to pay for checked bags, where to do it, and tips for keeping costs low.

Ways to Pay for Checked Bags

This airline offers three main times to pay for checked bags. Each option has different costs, with online payments being the cheapest. Look at how it works:

During Booking (Online)

Pay for your checked bags when you book your flight on Spirit’s mobile app or website. This is the cheapest option, with fees starting at around $31 for the first bag, based on your route. Follow these steps:

• Visit their official website or open the Spirit Airlines app.
• Choose your flight and fare.
• Look for the “Bags” section during booking.
• Select how many checked bags you need.
• Passengers can pay with a credit card, debit card, or other accepted payment method.
• Paying early for locks at the lowest rate saves you from higher Spirit Airlines checked bag fees later.

During Online Check-In

If you didn’t pay during booking, you can add checked bags during online check-in. It starts 24 hours before your flight. Check out what to do:

• Log in to the airline’s website or the Spirit app.
• Select “Check-In.”
• Add your checked bags in the baggage section.
• Pay online using a card or other payment method.
• Check in early to secure this price, as waiting until the airport costs more.

At the Airport

You can pay for checked bags at the airport check-in counter, but this is the most expensive option. Spirit Airlines check bag fee for a first bag can range from around $43 to $89, and second or extra bags cost more. Some routes, like international flights, may have higher fees or limits. To pay:

• Go to the Spirit Airlines check-in counter at the airport.
• Tell the agent how many bags you’re checking.
• Pay with a card.
• Avoid this option as fees are much higher than paying online.

Tips to Save on Checked Bag Fees

Spirit Airlines keeps ticket prices low, but checked bag fees can add up. Saving on these fees is easy if you plan. You can cut these costs and keep your travel budget in check using innovative strategies. Here are simple ways to save on checked bag fees.

• Pay Early Online- Pay for checked bags when you book your flight on their website or the app. This is the cheapest time, compared to the fees charged at the airport. 
• Pack Light- Bring fewer bags to avoid extra Spirit Airline check bag fee. Spirit allows one free personal item that fits under the seat. Pack everything into a carry-on or personal item if possible. 
• Choose the Right Fare- Pick a fare that includes a checked bag. Spirit’s Go Big fare comes with one free checked bag. This saves you more cost compared to paying separately. 
• Join Free Spirit Gold or Saver$ Club- Sign up for Spirit’s Free Spirit Gold membership to get one free checked bag per trip. Active-duty military members get two free checked bags. 
• Keep Bags Within Limits- Measure and weigh your bags at home. Standard checked bags must be under 50 pounds and 62 inches. Overweight bags cost an extra $125, and oversized bags add $150. 
• Use Spirit’s Baggage Calculator- Check exact fees for your flight using Spirit’s baggage Spirit Airline check in bag fee calculator. Enter your route and dates to see costs upfront. This helps you budget and decide how many bags to bring. Knowing fees early prevents surprises at check-in.
• Avoid Peak Travel Restrictions- Travel outside busy times, when international flights may limit you to one paid checked bag or charge higher fees. Book flights in less busy seasons for lower rates and fewer restrictions on extra bags.
• Share Bags with Others- If traveling with family or friends, combine items into one checked bag. It charges per bag, not per person, so sharing reduces the number of bags you pay for. Ensure the bag stays under the limit to avoid extra fees.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When flying with Spirit, avoiding common mistakes with checked bag fees saves you money and stress. Their low-cost fares mean extra charges for checked bags. But simple errors can lead to higher costs or delays. This section highlights mistakes to avoid for a seamless trip ahead:

Not Paying for Bags Early

Don’t wait to pay for checked bags. Paying online during booking on their official website is the cheapest. The fees start at $31 for the first bag. Waiting until online check-in, the airport, or the gate raises costs, sometimes around $89 or more. Pay early to save the lowest price.

Bringing Overweight or Oversized Bags

Don’t pack bags heavier than 50 pounds or larger than 62 inches. Overweight bags add a $125 fee, and oversized bags cost an extra $150. Bags over 100 pounds or 80 inches aren’t allowed. 

Checking Too Many Bags

Don’t check more bags than you need. Spirit charges for each bag, with fees increasing for the second and third bags. Some international flights limit you to one paid bag. Stick to one bag or use a free personal item to save money.

Ignoring Fare or Membership Benefits

Use simple tricks to get free checked bags. Choose a Go Big fare to get one free bag. Join Free Spirit Gold for one free bag, or if you’re active-duty military, you get two free bags. Check your fare or membership on their website to make sure you don’t pay for bags you can get for free.

Not Checking Route Restrictions

You should not think that all flights have the same rules. International routes may limit you to one paid checked bag. Peak travel times can add limitations or higher fees. Use Spirit’s baggage fee calculator on their website to check the rules for your flight.

Packing Restricted Items

Ensure not to pack dangerous items like explosives, flammable liquids, or loose batteries in checked bags. These can cause delays or get seized. Check out a complete list of restricted items to stay safe and avoid issues at the airport.

• Explosives
• Spillable batteries
• Alcohol beverages over 70%
• E-lighters
• Plasma lighters
• Compressed gas 
• Animal products 
• Flammable liquids
• Radioactive materials
• Poisonous substances

Forgetting to Use the Baggage Calculator

Know your bag fees before you go. Spirit’s prices change based on your flight, travel date, and when you pay. You can also take help from the Spirit Airlines checked-in bag fee calculator to find the exact cost for your trip. This helps you plan and avoid extra fees at check-in.

Frequently Asked Questions