Spirit AirlinesNK

Spirit Airlines is one of the largest ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCC) in the United States, headquartered in Miramar, Florida. Founded in 1980 as a trucking company, Spirit transitioned to passenger aviation in 1992 and pioneered the "Bare Fare" unbundled pricing model in the US market.

Spirit operates an all-Airbus fleet serving over 90 destinations across the United States, Caribbean, and Latin America. The airline's business model strips the base fare to its minimum, with passengers paying separately for carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selection, and refreshments. For travelers with flexibility and minimal luggage, Spirit can offer significant savings over legacy carriers. For those requiring bags and seat selection, always compare total costs.

Spirit is not a member of any airline alliance and does not have codeshare partnerships with other airlines.

Personal Item (Free)

Dimensions: 18" x 14" x 8" (45 x 35 x 20 cm) including handles and wheels

• Must fit entirely in the smaller sizer box at the gate
• Examples: Small backpack, purse, laptop bag, small tote
• Also allowed free: Umbrella, camera, infant diaper bag, assistive devices, coat/hat, reading material, food for the flight

Warning: Spirit strictly enforces personal item dimensions. Gate agents regularly check bags. If your bag doesn't fit the sizer, you'll pay the gate fee ($99 for carry-on size).

Carry-On Bag (Fee Required)

Dimensions: 22" x 18" x 10" (56 x 46 x 25 cm) including handles and wheels

When Purchased	Standard	Saver$ Club
At booking	$55+	$54+
Online check-in	$70+	$69+
Airport counter	$79+	—
Boarding gate	$99	—

Included with: Spirit First and Premium Economy fares

Checked Baggage (Fee Required)

Size limit: 62 linear inches (158 cm) — length + width + height Weight limit: 50 lbs (23 kg)

Fees vary by route and booking timing. Typical ranges:

• At booking: $35-55 first bag, $45-65 second bag
• At airport: $59-89 first bag, $69-99 second bag

Maximum bags: 5 per guest (subject to space availability; restrictions on some international routes December 1 - January 10)

Included with: Spirit First includes 1 checked bag up to 50 lbs

Overweight & Oversized Fees

Weight/Size	Fee
51-100 lbs (23-45 kg)	$125
Over 100 lbs	Not accepted
63-80 linear inches (160-203 cm)	$150
Over 80 linear inches	Not accepted

Overweight and oversized fees are charged in addition to standard bag fees.

Special Items

Item	Fee	Notes
Car seat	Free	Gate-check available
Stroller	Free	Gate-check available
Wheelchair/mobility aids	Free
Infant diaper bag	Free	Doesn't count as personal item
Musical instruments	Varies	Must fit in overhead or purchase seat
Sports equipment	Standard bag fee	Check size/weight limits

Spirit offers a single-class cabin with two seat types:

Standard Seats ("Deluxe Leather")

• Seat pitch: 28-29 inches (among the tightest in the industry)
• Seat width: 16 inches
• Recline: None (seats are pre-reclined)
• Power: USB ports on newer aircraft
• Entertainment: None; bring your own device

Standard seats are minimal but functional for short-haul flights. The pre-reclined design means no one reclines into your space, but legroom is limited.

Big Front Seat

• Seat pitch: 36-37 inches (about 32% more legroom)
• Seat width: 18.5-22.8 inches (varies by aircraft)
• Configuration: 2-2 (no middle seat)
• Location: First 2 rows of aircraft
• Recline: None (pre-reclined with curved seatback)
• Features: Larger armrest, inflatable seatbelt, extra under-seat storage

Pricing: $12-250+ depending on route and demand. Often available for under $50 on off-peak flights.

Included with: Spirit First fare bundle

Food & Beverage

All food and drinks are for purchase:

• Snacks: $3-6
• Meals: $7-12
• Soft drinks: $3-4
• Alcoholic beverages: $8-12

Included with Spirit First: Complimentary snacks and drinks including alcohol

Wi-Fi

Spirit rolled out Wi-Fi across its fleet in 2024, marketed as "the fastest Wi-Fi of any U.S.-based airline."

• Available on most flights
• Streaming access included with Spirit First
• Separate purchase for Value and Premium Economy fares