When you’re taking your first flight with an airline, you might be understandably nervous about how things will go. Spirit Airlines may be cheaper than most other airlines out there, but that doesn’t mean you should go into your flight without knowing what to expect before you even leave home. Find out what happens when you check in with Spirit Airlines by following these steps below!
Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy is a bit convoluted. It's all a part of their infamous Bag Fares philosophy, which is basically a way for them to compete on price but leave out frills and services you'd expect from an airline.
Here are some FAQs about Spirit's baggage policy:
Can I bring my carry-on bag on board?
With Spirit, your carry-on bag might not be carried on board -- it may be checked at no additional charge, if there's room on the plane. And if that happens, don't count on it coming off before your destination airport; you could end up waiting for hours for it to appear.
Can I check both my bags?
No. Like most airlines, you can only check one piece of luggage per passenger when you fly Spirit (unless they have room on board).
How much does it cost?
The first bag is free. If you want to bring two bags instead of one on your flight, each extra bag will cost $40 when purchased online in advance (at least 72 hours before departure), or $50 at either airport terminal or ticket counter where payment options include American Express®, MasterCard®, Visa® card or cash/credit card. Each additional large piece of luggage costs $100 within 48 hours after booking online and each additional small item costs $30 within 48 hours after booking online and the same day as departure when purchasing online Spirit Checked Bag.
Is there any weight limit per bag?
Yes! On average, checked bags should weigh less than 50 pounds apiece, or else you'll pay excess overweight charges -- these typically range from $25-$125.
What other fees do I need to know about?
As mentioned above, you'll pay $3.99 per seat (one-way) plus taxes when booking online with Spirit Airlines Reservation.
There are also lots of cancellation penalties here:
For flights more than 24 hours away: 100% if canceled less than 24 hours before scheduled departure time
For flights more than seven days away: 75% if canceled less than seven days before scheduled departure time
Final tip: Be sure to weigh your bag at home so you know how much it weighs and won't get caught by surprise!
Whether you’re booking a flight or checking into a hotel, there are always going to be some questions on what’s allowed and what isn’t. Carrying on your laptop is common practice when flying. But most of us have also at least wondered about taking our guitars, or bowling balls for that matter.
What do you need to know before you book your next trip?
We spoke with experts from all corners of travel (airlines, cruise lines, hotels and rental car companies) for their insider tips on how best to maximize your carry-on potential and make sure nothing gets left behind. -- This feed and its contents are the property of The Huffington Post, and use is subject to our terms. It may be used for personal consumption, but may not be distributed on a website.
The cost of a Spirit Flights is only part of your total expense; fees are tacked on for everything from printing your boarding pass at home to choosing your seat. Be prepared: These extra charges add up. There’s no price advantage if you check bags, which cost between $25 and $100 each way (payable online or at airport kiosks)—so pack lightly. Choosing an aisle seat may not save you much more than that anyway, as most flights offer only limited legroom. For less restrictive legroom, book a window seat—but be aware that despite their larger size, these are pricier than middle seats. Also know that seat selection is free only if you pay online. At airports, it costs between $10 and $30 per person ($7 and $20 during promotional periods). Regardless of where you pay, tickets must be paid for within 24 hours of purchase or they expire. Those who register early can take advantage of discounted fares... but such discounts rarely go far enough to justify paying extra. If you do miss a deadline to register—or choose not to register in order to save money—you’ll still have somewhere between five minutes (on some flights) and 45 minutes after takeoff before they begin enforcing any applicable fee penalties.
If you are traveling with your pet, make sure to check the Spirit Pet Policy before booking the flight ticket for yourself.