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Spirit can be a great deal, but only if you treat baggage as part of the fare. The fastest way to avoid surprise fees is to (1) pack to the exact size limits and (2) confirm whether your travel option includes a carry-on before you show up at the airport.
Low-cost airlines may have lower base fares, but if you’re not careful, you’ll actually pay more because of all their “a la carte” fees. These include costs for both checked and carry-on luggage, among other things.
Spirit carry-on rules at a glance
If you only read one section, make it this one—these are the size limits Spirit enforces most often (and the fare detail that decides whether you pay extra).
- Free personal item (under the seat): 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (45 x 35 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels
- Carry-on bag (overhead bin): 22″ x 18″ x 10″ (56 x 46 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels
- Is a carry-on included? Spirit First and Premium Economy include a carry-on (space permitting); Value does not (but you can purchase one)
- Carry-on weight limit: Spirit does not publish a specific carry-on weight limit, but they note they may require a bag to be checked if it cannot be stowed safely
Does Spirit include a carry-on with your ticket?
This is the Spirit “gotcha” that matters most: whether you can bring an overhead-bin carry-on depends on what you bought.
- Spirit First and Premium Economy include a carry-on (space permitting).
- Value does not include a carry-on, but you can add/purchase one.
If you think you’ll want an overhead bag, price it out early using Spirit’s current bag prices tool—carry-on pricing varies by route and timing.
Spirit Airlines Bag Sizer
If you aren’t sure your bag meets Spirit’s size limits, use the bag sizer at the airport. Spirit notes that a personal item must fit entirely in the smaller size bin (including handles and wheels), and anything larger is treated as a carry-on.
How strict is Spirit with the sizer?
In practice, the “problem” is almost never the empty bag—it’s the overstuffed bag. If your personal item is close to the limit, use a soft-sided backpack/tote and leave a little “give” so it still fits when fully packed.
Spirit personal item rules (free)
All guests may bring one personal item that fits entirely under the seat. Spirit lists examples such as a purse or small backpack, and also notes that you can bring certain small items (like an umbrella, camera, infant diaper bag, assistive devices, outer garments, reading material, and food for the flight) at no additional charge.
One minor but essential detail: Spirit says neck/head pillows are allowed only if they fit completely inside your personal item bag.
Spirit personal item size limit
Your personal item must not exceed:
- 18″ x 14″ x 8″ (45 x 35 x 20 cm) including handles and wheels
Spirit carry-on bag rules (overhead bin)
A Spirit carry-on bag (the overhead-bin bag) must not exceed:
- 22″ x 18″ x 10″ (56 x 46 x 25 cm) including handles and wheels
Spirit also states that they may require a carry-on bag to travel as a checked bag if it cannot be stowed safely.
Recommended carry-on bag: Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner
If I’m bringing an overhead-bin carry-on on Spirit, the bag I’ve used for years (and still swear by) is the Travelpro Maxlite 5 Expandable Spinner. It’s lightweight, rolls smoothly, and it packs efficiently without feeling bulky.
Manufacturer dimensions:
- Overall dimensions (includes wheels and carry handles): 23″ H x 14.5″ W x 9″ D
- Case dimensions (the main body): 21″ H x 14″ W x 9″ D
Does it fit Spirit’s carry-on size rules?
Spirit’s published carry-on maximum is 22″ x 18″ x 10″ (including handles and wheels). That means the Maxlite 5 fits comfortably on width and depth, but its 23″ overall height makes it a close call if Spirit measures strictly.
How I approach it on Spirit:
- I keep it unexpanded and avoid overstuffing the front pockets.
- If I want a more conservative “no-drama” fit, I use a 22″ overall carry-on instead (Travelpro makes a compact Maxlite option).
This carry-on bag has been sizer bin tested to accommodate overhead bin space on most major US airlines.
Case Dimensions:
- H: 21 in. W: 14 in. D: 9 in.
Note: If fully expanded it may not meet overhead bin size limits, so be careful to not overpack.
Spirit carry-on weight limit
Spirit does not publish a standard carry-on weight limit. That said, if your bag is so heavy that it can’t be stowed safely in the overhead bin, Spirit notes it may be required to travel as checked baggage.
If you’re checking a bag instead: Spirit’s standard checked bag maximum is 50 lbs and 62 linear inches, including handles/wheels, with charges for overweight/oversize.
Spirit carry-on fees: how pricing works
Spirit doesn’t use one fixed carry-on price. Bag prices vary based on your itinerary and when you add the bag, so the most durable advice is:
- Check Spirit’s current bag prices for your specific trip, and
- If you’re buying a carry-on, do it early rather than waiting until the airport.
Spirit Airlines liquids policy for carry-ons
Spirit’s own support guidance on liquids is straightforward: yes, you can carry liquids as long as they meet the proper requirements, and Spirit points travelers to TSA’s liquids rule for the details.
TSA 3-1-1 rule (for U.S. departures)
For most travelers going through TSA screening in the U.S.:
- Containers must be 3.4 oz (100 mL) or less
- All containers must fit in one quart-size clear bag
- One liquids bag per traveler
If you want the plain-English version (with examples and the common “is this a liquid?” edge cases), use my guide to the TSA liquids rule.
Spirit Airlines Carry-On Pet Policy
Spirit Airlines allows small domesticated pets to travel on all domestic flights including Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. Spirit will only allow the following pets on the aircraft:
- Domestic dogs
- Domestic cats
- Small household birds (except to/from Puerto Rico and the U.S.V.I.)
- Small domestic rabbits (except to/from Puerto Rico and U.S.V.I)
If you are going to bring a pet on board with you, it must be able to fit in a small, ventilated pet carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Your pet carrier cannot exceed 18″ x 14″ x 9″, and the combined weight of your pet and the carrier must not exceed 40 pounds.
Here are a couple of other guidelines when traveling with a pet:
- A health certificate is not required for pets traveling with guests in the aircraft cabin, except for Guests traveling to U.S.V.I.
- Spirit Airlines does require a rabies vaccination certificate for pets traveling with guests in the aircraft cabin to Puerto Rico.
- Spirit only allows small domestic dogs, domestic cats, small household birds, and small domestic rabbits on the aircraft.
- Birds are not allowed to and from cities in Puerto Rico or the U.S.V.I.
- Exotic pets such as snakes, spiders, rodents, etc. will not be accepted.
- A maximum of 2 pets per container is permitted, but only one container per guest is allowed.
- Animals must be able to stand upright and move about comfortably in the container.
- The pet should be at least eight (8) weeks old and fully weaned.
- The animal must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless, and require no attention during the flight.
- If the animal becomes offensive or causes a disturbance prior to leaving the gate; it will be removed.
- The pet cannot be ill, violent, or in physical distress.
- Advance notice is recommended but not required.
- You may choose to sit anywhere you wish with the exception of the first row and emergency exit rows.
TSA-Approved Pet Carrier for Spirit
If you plan on bringing your pet with you, make sure you follow TSA’s pet policy and have an approved Pet Carrier that conforms to Spirit’s pet policy.
Features mesh panels so your pet can breathe easily, a non-slip shoulder strap, locking zippers, and a rear storage pocket for treats and other goodies.
Approved for use on most major airlines and the small and medium sizes are included in Sherpa's exclusive Guaranteed on Board program.
Summary: Spirit Carry-On Policy
In summary, Spirit’s carry-on fees can be a big, unexpected expense for travelers who are not aware of their strict and painful policies. With Spirit, in particular, it’s very important to review their carry-on and checked baggage guidelines before booking a flight.
It’s always a good idea to research the baggage fees and policies of any airline before booking a flight, but it’s especially important with low-cost carriers, like Spirit Airlines. Here’s a link to Spirit’s Carry-On page to make sure you have the most up-to-date information.
Good Luck!
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes. You can bring snacks on board a Spirit flight. They offer snacks and drinks for sale, but you will pay for them at a rate of $3-$15 each. Bringing a snack with you will ensure you get what you want and will save you some money as well.
Yes, as long as you adhere to the TSA Liquids requirements. Mini bottles of alcohol are allowed in carry-on bags but they must be able to comfortably fit into a single quart-sized bag.
Yes. But be careful. Spirit charges for carry-on bags, so make sure to tell them it is part of your clothing (i.e. a “wrap”) or you might get charged.
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hello I have a personal item bag that is 18.5 x 7.5 x 12.6 is that acceptable