Flying Spirit Airlines? Know the Baggage Policy & Seat Choices First

They say less is more. You’ll always receive a complimentary personal item, but when you book the Spirit First option, you’ll also get a checked bag weighing up to 50 pounds and a carry-on included. Spirit Airlines is not your typical airline. It sells you only what you need, rather than including everything in your fare.  Let’s walk through the Spirit Airlines baggage policy, seat selection, Spirit boarding pass collection, and upgrade options so you can fly smart and stress-free.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy: What’s Free and What’s Not

Free Personal Item – Always Included

Spirit Airlines baggage allowance includes one free personal item, no matter the fare. Think of it as your under-seat bag, a small backpack, purse, or laptop case.

• Size limit: 18 x 14 x 8 inches (including handles and wheels).

• Spirit baggage allowance includes extras such as a coat, reading material, food, or a diaper bag for infants, which are also permitted at no additional cost.

Tip: If your “personal item” resembles a carry-on, you’ll be charged, so adhere to the size rules.

Carry-On Bags – Included with Some Fares

A full-size carry-on is included with Spirit First or Premium Economy bookings. Otherwise, you’ll need to buy it separately.

• Size limit: 22 x 18 x 10 inches.

• Overhead bins fill fast, so Spirit may gate-check carry-ons when space runs out.

For travelers on the Value fare, a carry-on is not included but can be added.

Checked Bags – The Bigger Picture

Checked bags are part of the Spirit First package, but everyone else has to pay extra.

• Standard size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height).

• Standard weight: 50 lbs max.

• Oversize/Overweight fees:
  
  

  1. 51–100 lbs → +$125 per bag

  2. 63–80 linear inches → +$150

Bags weighing more than 100 lbs or measuring more than 80 inches aren’t accepted.

Holiday & International Restrictions

If you’re flying abroad, you can only check one paid bag. Extra bags are allowed on a first-come, first-served basis, and oversize or overweight charges still apply.

Special Items & Sports Gear

Golf clubs, surfboards, skis, and bicycles are welcome, but they’ll cost extra. For example, surfboards are $100 each way, while bicycles are $75. These fees are in addition to regular checked baggage charges if the items exceed size or weight limits.

How to Add or Change Bags?

Adding a bag is easiest when you book online, but you can also use the Spirit app or buy one at the airport. Just remember, prices go up the later you wait. And once you pay, bag fees aren’t refundable, even if you change your flight.

Spirit Airlines Seat Selection: Choosing Your Spot

Flying isn’t just about the destination; it’s about where you sit along the way. Spirit Airlines seat selection gives you several ways to customise your seat.

Free Random Assignment

Skip the selection fee, and Spirit will assign you a random seat at check-in. The catch? You may not be seated with family or friends.

Paid Seat Selection

If you prefer an aisle, a window, or sitting closer to the front, you can choose your spot. Prices start as low as $1 but can range from $1 to $200, depending on the route and demand.

Big Front Seats

These oversized recliner-style seats are Spirit’s best-kept secret. With extra legroom and wider cushions, they feel closer to domestic first class without the first-class price tag. Costs range from $12 to $900, or you might score a Spirit Airlines seat upgrade on board starting at $25.

Spirit First vs Premium Economy

Travelers often compare Spirit Airlines business v/s first class seats.

• Spirit First: Spirit Airlines business class includes a Spacious Front Seat, a carry-on bag, a checked bag, priority boarding, complimentary snacks, and complimentary streaming Wi-Fi. This is the closest version to a business class Spirit Airlines experience.

• Premium Economy: Offers extra legroom, a blocked middle seat, Group 2 boarding, one carry-on bag, and discounted food and drinks.

Spirit Airlines Upgrades: Options to Level Up

If you want more than the basics, Spirit Airlines upgrades include:

• Spirit Upgrade Seat: Buy Spirit upgrade seats like Big Front Seats, Premium Economy, or Spirit First during booking, online check-in, or even at the gate.

• Spirit Seat Bidding: Occasionally, Spirit Seat Bidding lets you bid on premium seats. If your bid wins, you’ll fly upgraded for less.

• À La Carte Add-Ons: Wi-Fi, snacks, drinks, and checked bags can all be added individually to match your travel style.

Spirit Airlines Boarding Process

Spirit Airlines boarding process is grouped by fare type and upgrade level.

• Group 1: Spirit First passengers.

• Group 2: Premium Economy travelers.

• Remaining Groups: Assigned by seat and boarding zone.

Having your Spirit Airlines boarding pass (printed or mobile) ready speeds up the process and keeps lines moving.

Smart Traveler Tips for Spirit Flyers

1. Book bags online: You’ll save compared to airport prices.

2. Travel light: Stick to the free personal item if possible.

3. Weigh your bag at home: Avoid overweight surprises.

4. Pick upgrades wisely: Sometimes the Spirit First package is cheaper than buying add-ons separately.

5. Check holiday restrictions: International routes can have stricter bag rules.

Conclusion

Flying Spirit can be a budget win, but only if you know the rules. Understanding the Spirit baggage allowance, the seat selection process, and upgrade options ensures you avoid hidden costs and travel comfortably. Plan, pack smart, and board with confidence.