How Much Do Checked Bags Cost On Spirit Airlines
Hey there, fellow traveler! So, you're thinking about flying Spirit, huh? Smart move, if you’re looking to save some serious cash on the ticket itself. But then comes the dreaded question, right? What about the bags? How much are those checked bags going to set you back? It’s like a little lottery, isn’t it? You never quite know until you’re at the airport, sweating it out at the counter.
Let’s be real, Spirit isn't exactly known for its all-inclusive vibe. They’re all about that ultra-low fare, and that means most things are a la carte. Think of it like a buffet, but instead of choosing your own food, you’re choosing… well, everything. And paying for it. Individually.
So, checked bags. The big ones. The ones that hold all your essentials, your souvenirs, maybe even that extra pair of shoes you might need (you know you do). How much are we talking here? Buckle up, because it’s not a simple, one-size-fits-all answer. It’s more like… a vibe. A vibe that changes depending on a bunch of stuff.
First off, and this is a biggie, when are you buying this bag allowance? Are you a planner? A super organized, type-A person who booked this months ago and is already thinking about your packing list? Or are you more of a… winging it kind of person? Yeah, that last one might cost you more. 😉
Spirit has this handy little system where the earlier you buy your bags, the cheaper they are. Shocking, I know! It’s almost like they want you to be prepared. Who would have thought?
So, if you're online, way before your flight, booking your checked bag, you're looking at a certain price. This is the sweet spot, people. The land of discounted baggage fees. It’s like finding a twenty-dollar bill in an old coat pocket. Pure joy.
But then… there’s the airport. Ah, the airport. A magical place where prices magically inflate. If you decide, on the day of your flight, that “you know what, I really need to check this bag,” you’re going to be paying a premium. It’s like a "convenience fee" for your indecisiveness. And Spirit is very good at those.
How much is the difference, you ask? Well, it can be quite a bit. We’re talking potentially doubling the price, or even more, just for waiting until you get to the airport. So, if you can help it, please, for your wallet’s sake, avoid the airport bag purchase. Your future self will thank you. Probably with a nice cup of coffee that you could have afforded with the savings.
What about those other bags? The carry-ons? Oh, we’ll get to those. But for now, let’s focus on the big guns. The checked bags. The ones that go boom (metaphorically, of course) into the cargo hold.
So, what’s a ballpark figure for an online-purchased checked bag? It really does vary. Spirit’s website will give you the most up-to-date pricing, and it’s not static. It’s like a live stock market for luggage. But generally, you might be looking at somewhere in the range of, say, $30 to $50 for your first checked bag when bought online in advance. Maybe a bit more, maybe a bit less. It depends on the route, the time of year, and probably the phase of the moon.
And that’s just for the first one. What if you’re a bit of a fashionista? Or maybe you’re moving house and this is just a really long trip? What about that second checked bag? Yeah, that’s going to cost you extra. And usually, it’s more expensive than the first one. Because, you know, gravity. And the extra fuel. And the… well, you get the idea. It’s more stuff, more money. Simple math, really.
So, that second checked bag, purchased online, could be looking at something like $40 to $60. Again, this is a rough estimate. The best advice? Check the Spirit website before you book your flight. Seriously. Go to their website, punch in your flight details, and see what the bag fees are for that specific flight. It’s like a crystal ball for your budget.
Now, let’s talk about those airport prices again. Just to really drive the point home. If you’re at the counter, looking sheepish, and deciding to check a bag? You could be looking at anywhere from $60 to $100+ for that first checked bag. Ouch. That’s enough to make you reconsider packing light. Or even packing at all. Maybe just wear everything you own on the plane? Just a thought.
And that second bag at the airport? Let’s not even go there unless you have to. It’s going to be significantly more than the first. You’re probably pushing well over $100, potentially even $120 or more. Suddenly, that cheap ticket doesn't seem quite so cheap anymore, does it?
So, what’s the takeaway here? Plan ahead! Seriously, it’s the most important tip when flying Spirit. Buy your bags online, in advance. It will save you a significant chunk of change. Think of it as an investment in your sanity and your bank account.
Now, what about the size and weight of these checked bags? Spirit is pretty strict here. They have limits, and if you go over, guess what? More fees. And nobody likes more fees. They’re like surprise pop quizzes in math class. Unwelcome.
For checked bags, the standard size limit is usually around 62 linear inches (length + width + height). And the weight limit? Typically 40 pounds. If your bag is over 40 pounds, you're going to get hit with an overweight baggage fee. And this fee is on top of the regular checked bag fee. So, it’s a double whammy. A true luggage catastrophe.
How much are these overweight fees? Again, it varies. But you might be looking at an extra $50 to $100 if your bag is over 40 pounds but under a certain threshold (like 50 pounds). If it’s even heavier, the fees just keep climbing. It’s a slippery slope, my friends.
And the oversized bag fee? If your bag is bigger than those 62 linear inches? That’s another fee to contend with. So, it really pays to be mindful of what you’re packing and how big it’s getting. Maybe leave the giant inflatable flamingo at home? Just a suggestion.
What about those super-duper large bags? Like, the ones that look like they could hold a small child? Spirit might not even take them. There’s often a maximum size limit, and if your bag exceeds that, they might refuse to check it. So, you'd be stuck with it. Imagine dragging that giant monstrosity through the airport. Not ideal.
Okay, let's circle back to the carry-on bags, because that’s a whole other adventure with Spirit. Remember how I said everything is a la carte? Carry-ons are a prime example. Unless you have a specific type of ticket (like the “Big Front Seat”), your standard carry-on bag (the one that fits in the overhead bin) is not free. Nope. You have to pay for it.
This is where Spirit really gets you if you’re not paying attention. Many airlines include a standard carry-on in the ticket price. Spirit? Not so much. They give you a "personal item" for free – something small that fits under the seat in front of you, like a backpack or a purse. That’s it. If you want the bigger carry-on for the overhead bin, you’re paying for it.
And, you guessed it, the price for a carry-on is usually less than a checked bag, but still not insignificant. Bought online in advance, you might be looking at something in the realm of $30 to $45. Again, this is a rough estimate. Prices fluctuate! It’s like a game of chance.
And at the airport? That carry-on fee can jump up to $40 to $55. So, you see the pattern. Plan ahead. Always plan ahead. This applies to checked bags, carry-ons, and probably even your mood for the flight.
So, to recap: checked bags on Spirit are not cheap, and the price is heavily influenced by when and where you buy them. Online and in advance is your best friend. Airport purchases are a costly mistake. Pay attention to size and weight limits to avoid even more fees. And don’t forget about the carry-on! That’s another fee you’ll likely have to factor in.
It’s a bit of a puzzle, isn’t it? Like a financial scavenger hunt. But if you’re prepared, you can navigate the Spirit baggage fees without too much pain. The key is information. Know the prices before you book your flight. Check their website diligently. And maybe, just maybe, try to pack lighter than you think you need to. A little bit of minimalist living could save you a whole lot of cash.
Think of it this way: for every dollar you save on baggage fees, that’s a dollar you can spend on… well, anything else! Maybe a really nice meal at your destination. Or a quirky souvenir. Or just more money in your pocket. And who doesn’t love more money in their pocket?
So, next time you’re looking at a Spirit flight, don’t just stare at the ticket price. Do the full math. Add in the potential baggage fees. It’s the only way to truly know if it’s the cheapest option for you. Because sometimes, that initial super-low fare can creep up quickly once you start adding all the extras. It’s the Spirit way!
Happy travels, and may your baggage fees be ever in your favor! And may your bags never be overweight. Amen to that!