Low cost airlines’ baggage policy: Spirit Airlines
In this installment of our series on the luggage policy of various airlines, we will deal with the baggage policy of Spirit Airlines. Now, we have had one post pertaining to this carrier before but it so happens Spirit Airlines have modified their rules on baggage some time ago.
What is for free?
When travelling with Spirit Airlines, you can carry with you on board one personal item which must fit underneath a seat and which may not exceed 40 x 35 x 30 cm (or 16 x 14 x 12″ if you prefer inches). This applies on all routes and at any time.
In addition, there is a number of items you will not be charged for provided they can be safely stowed and comply with other rules. Examples of such items are: Umbrella, Camera, Infant Diaper Bag, Assistive Devices, Outer Garments (Coats/Hats/Wraps), Car Seat/Stroller, Reading Material, Food for the flight. One can also carry on board car seats at no charge if a seat has been purchased for the child.
Carry-on baggage
Next thing on the list is one piece of carry on baggage. This one will increase the travel expenses a bit. Depending on which group one belongs a) Fare Club members b) Non-members who checked-on on-line or phone c) at gate, one will have to put in a) USD 20 b) USD 30 c) USD 45 for a bag which does not exceed 55.9cm x 45.7cm x 25.4cm (22 x 18 x 10″) and fits in the overhead bin.
What is worse, on international routes additional taxes may apply.
Checked Baggage – For travel November 16, 2010 and beyond
Unsurprisingly, there is no such thing as a free lunch, or rather as a free checked baggage. The carrier has got an intricate fee system so we will carry on using the a-b-c division from the paragraph above that is to say – a) Fare Club members b) Non-members who checked-on on-line c) others when referring to the fees.
1st bag on domestic routes – a) USD 18 b) USD 28 c) If a bag is checked at the gate the charge will be $45.
1st bag on international routes – a) USD 23 b) USD 33 c) If a bag is checked at the gate the charge will be $45.
Size: 62″ (length+width+height) Weight: 50 lb (158cm/23 kg)
2nd bag on domestic routes – a) USD 25 b) USD 35 c) not allowed
2nd bag on international routes– a) USD 30 b) USD 40 c) not allowed
Size: 62″ (length+width+height) Weight: 50 lb (158cm/23 kg)
3rd – 5th bag on domestic routes a) USD 75 b) USD 85 c) not allowed
3rd – 5th bag on international routes a) USD 80 b) USD 90 c) not allowed
Again, on international routes additional taxes may apply.
Excess Baggage
Any piece of checked baggage exceeding the above-mentioned criteria will incure excess baggage fees. They are as follows:
overweight between 23.13 – 31.75 kg (51- 70 lb) – USD 50
overweight between 32.20 – 44.90 kg (71 – 99 lb ) USD 100
oversized baggage between 158 – 200.66 cm (62 – 79 inches) – USD 100
oversized 203 cm and more (80 inches and more) – USD 150
And guess what - additional taxes may apply!
Whew! These are all the important rules. Naturally, there are some very specific exceptions pertaining to certain routes but they go beyond the scope of this article. Those who are interested, please refer to the rules as laid out on the carrier’s website.
Should you be interested to learn about the baggage policy of other carriers, select from these articles:
Low cost airlines’ baggage policy: JetBlue
Low cost airlines’ baggage policy: Virgin America
Low cost airlines’ baggage policy: Southwest Airlines
Airlines, Baggage allowance, News by Continent, North America, Other, Spirit Airlines
