Spirit Air's Strict Personal Item Size Policy: A Close Watch

how closely does spirit air monitor personal item size

Spirit Airlines is known for its ultra-low fares, but this comes at the cost of limited amenities. The airline allows passengers to bring one personal item on board for free, as long as it fits within a specified size. The personal item dimensions must not exceed 18 by 14 by 8 (45 x 35 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels. While the airline is generally strict about these size restrictions, there have been reports of leniency by staff towards passengers with slightly larger items. However, exceeding the size limit may result in additional fees, with some passengers being charged $99 for non-compliant baggage.

Characteristics Values
Maximum personal item dimensions 18" x 14" x 8" (45 x 35 x 20 cm)
Included in the personal item Handles and wheels
Personal item examples Purse, small backpack, laptop bag, duty-free item
Additional allowed items Mobility devices, medical equipment, coat, jacket
Oversized personal item Considered a main carry-on bag; a fee may be charged

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Spirit Airlines staff check personal item dimensions at the airport

Spirit Airlines staff will check the dimensions of your personal item at the airport, so it's important to stay within their size requirements to avoid any surprises. The maximum dimensions for a personal item are 18" x 14" x 8" (45 x 35 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels, and this item is included in your fare for free. You can bring one of the following: a purse, small backpack, laptop bag, duty-free item, etc.

To be sure your bag is the correct size, you can check it against the metal box at the check-in counter. As long as your bag fits within this box (you can use some light force to squeeze or manipulate your bag), you're good to go. In fact, you can even go a little bigger with no issues. However, if your bag doesn't fit in the metal box, you can try layering on some clothes or tying a sweater around your waist to make it fit.

Spirit Airlines is slightly strict about its personal item size. Any item that exceeds these dimensions is no longer considered a personal item and will be considered your main carry-on bag, for which you will have to pay. If you try to bring an oversized personal item on board, you may be caught at the boarding gate and charged a fee of up to $100.

If you need more space, it's often cheaper to check a bag than to pay for a carry-on. You can also wear bulkier items and pack only the essentials in your personal item. Additionally, medical devices, mobility devices, and medical equipment are allowed in addition to your personal item.

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The maximum personal item dimensions are 18 x 14 x 8 (45 x 35 x 20cm)

When flying with Spirit Airlines, it's important to be aware of their strict personal item size restrictions. The maximum dimensions for a personal item are 18 x 14 x 8 inches, or 45 x 35 x 20 centimetres. This includes any handles or wheels on your luggage.

Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-fare or no-frills airline, offering far lower ticket prices than its competitors. However, passengers get access to far fewer amenities. While most airlines allow passengers to bring a free carry-on bag, Spirit does not offer this, no matter what type of ticket you purchase.

Instead, each passenger is allowed one personal item that meets the company's size limits and fits into the smaller box at the bag-size checkers found around the airport. This personal item must fit entirely in the smaller-sized bin at the airport, including any handles or wheels.

If you're thinking of bringing two smaller items instead of paying for a carry-on, don't bother. All passengers are only allowed one free bag, no matter the size of the other. After the first, all subsequent bags will be treated as carry-ons or even checked bags, depending on how many you have.

So, what counts as a personal item? A personal item is usually considered to be a small backpack, purse, briefcase, or laptop bag. These must always fit under the seat in front of you.

If you're looking to purchase a new bag to comply with these restrictions, there are several options available that meet Spirit Airlines' size requirements. These include:

  • Cabin Max Metz 30L Travel Bag
  • ECOHUB Travel Backpack
  • WANDF Travel Backpack
  • ECOHUB Travel Backpack for Men
  • Amazon Basics Carry-On Backpack

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Handles and wheels are included in the measurement

When flying with Spirit Airlines, it's important to be aware of their strict personal item size restrictions. The airline is known for its ultra-low fares, but this comes with limited amenities, including strict baggage policies.

Spirit Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item free of charge, which must adhere to specific size limits. The maximum dimensions for a personal item are 18" by 14" by 8" (45 cm by 35 cm by 20 cm), and this includes handles and wheels. This means that the length, width, and height of your item, including any protruding handles or wheels, must not exceed these limits.

To ensure your item fits within the specified dimensions, it's advisable to use a soft-sided bag that can be manipulated to fit within the allotted space. A backpack or a small clutch are good options to consider. Hard-sided luggage may pose more challenges in fitting within the size restrictions.

It's worth noting that Spirit Airlines staff will check the dimensions of your personal item at the airport. If your item exceeds the specified dimensions, it will be considered a carry-on bag, and you will be required to pay an additional fee. The airline is known to be strict about these size limits, and passengers have reported being charged for oversized personal items at the gate.

To avoid any surprises or additional costs, it's best to carefully measure your personal item before your trip and ensure it fits within the specified dimensions, including handles and wheels. This proactive approach will help ensure a smoother travel experience with Spirit Airlines.

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If your personal item exceeds the dimensions, it will be considered a carry-on bag

Spirit Airlines is quite strict with its personal item dimensions. Staff at the airport will check the dimensions of your personal item, so it is important to stay within their size requirements to avoid any surprises. The personal item size limit is 18-by-14-by-8 inches (45x35x20cm), including handles and wheels.

However, some passengers have reported that staff are lenient with passengers who carry larger personal items. If you are lucky, you may be able to bring your large personal item on board without any issues. But it is not guaranteed, and you risk having to pay for your bag to be checked.

To avoid any issues, it is best to pack a compliant bag that fits within the Spirit Airlines personal item allowance. If you need more space, you can always pay for a carry-on bag or wear extra layers to free up space in your personal item.

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You can only bring one personal item on board

If you're flying with Spirit Airlines, you are allowed to bring one personal item on board free of charge. This item must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels. This is slightly bigger than the average bag you would use as a personal item, such as a purse, small backpack, or laptop bag.

Spirit Airlines staff will check the dimensions of your personal item at the airport, so it's important to stay within their size requirements. If your item is too big, you will be charged for a carry-on bag. To avoid this, you can wear bulkier items and pack only the essentials. You can also wear a coat with deep pockets to carry more.

It's worth noting that Spirit Airlines does not specify a weight limit for personal items. As long as you can carry it yourself and safely stow it under the seat in front of you, you only need to worry about the size limit.

If you're unsure whether your bag will meet the requirements, you can measure it at the airport. There is a metal box at the check-in counter that measures 18 x 14 x 8 inches. As long as your bag fits within these dimensions, you're good to go. You can even go a little bigger without any issues.

In addition to your personal item, you are allowed to bring necessary items such as mobility devices, medical equipment, and a coat or jacket. Medical devices, formula, breast pumps, and infant diaper bags do not count against your free item allowance.

Frequently asked questions

The personal item size limit for Spirit Airlines is 18-by-14-by-8 inches, including handles and wheels.

No, Spirit Airlines allows passengers to bring a personal item for free.

Spirit Airlines is strict about its personal item size. If your item exceeds the limit, it will be considered a carry-on bag and you will have to pay for it. However, some passengers have reported that staff are lenient and may let larger items through.

No, passengers are only allowed one personal item. Any subsequent bags will be treated as carry-on or checked bags.

If you are caught with an oversized personal item at the gate, you will be charged $100.

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