Can I have a purse and a personal item on Spirit Airlines?

Spirit allows passengers one free personal item, such as a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. Your personal item must be small enough to store under the seat in front of you.



No, according to Spirit Airlines' strict 2026 baggage policy, you are allowed only one free item per passenger, and it must qualify as a "Personal Item." A purse is considered an individual item; therefore, if you carry a purse and a small backpack, Spirit will count that as two items. To avoid a "Carry-On" fee (which can be as high as $65 to $99 if paid at the gate), you must be able to fit your purse entirely inside your backpack or laptop bag so that you are only boarding with a single piece of luggage. The dimensions for this free personal item are strictly capped at 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). In 2026, Spirit agents frequently use "sizer boxes" at the boarding gate to verify these dimensions. If your bag does not fit, it will be classified as a carry-on, and you will be charged the highest possible rate. The only way to bypass this in 2026 is by being a "Free Spirit Gold" member or by purchasing a "Spirit Savvy" or "Spirit First" bundle that includes a carry-on allowance.

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Personal items must fit entirely in the smaller sizer box (including handles and wheels). Another personal item, or anything larger will be charged as a carry-on.

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Technically, any piece of luggage that you “carry on” to an airplane is a carry-on bag. Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin, plus a “personal item” (a smaller purse, computer bag, diaper bag, small backpack, etc.

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Personal item: (e.g., purse, small backpack, etc.): Dimensions must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) including handles and wheels.

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Domestic carry-on policies. A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, etc. Larger bags, including suitcases, must fit in the overhead bin compartment.

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What is considered carry-on baggage? Technically, any piece of luggage that you “carry on” to an airplane is a carry-on bag. Most airlines allow one piece of carry-on luggage or “hand baggage” that can fit in the overhead bin, plus a “personal item” (a smaller purse, computer bag, diaper bag, small backpack, etc.

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Usually, many airlines won't check every carry-on but will instead go for ones that look oversized. If your luggage does not fit in the sizer, you might have to pay a checked bag fee along with the gate checking fee and have your bag transferred to the airplane's cargo.

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How to reduce or avoid bag fees on Spirit Airlines
  1. Only pack a personal item. You can take one personal item that fits underneath the seat in front of you for free. ...
  2. Pay for baggage during booking. ...
  3. Join the Spirit Saver$ Club. ...
  4. Bring your military documentation. ...
  5. Use a travel credit card.


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Firearms, ammunition, and fireworks are prohibited, as are all knives and safety razors (including pocket knives and Swiss Army knives). Straight razors and replacement blades for straight razors are also not allowed. Most tools also cannot be packed in carry-on luggage, as they have the potential to cause harm.

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Domestic carry-on policies. A good rule of thumb is that if your carry-on bag fits under the seat in front of you, it's considered a personal item. This includes small backpacks, purses, briefcases, laptop bags, etc. Larger bags, including suitcases, must fit in the overhead bin compartment.

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American Airlines
According to airline policy, any personal items stowed beneath seats should not exceed 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches.

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Checked bags: Maximum of 62 linear inches (length + width + height; 158 cm) including handles and wheels and maximum of 40 pounds in weight (18.1 kg). Any bag that exceeds these dimensions or weight limit is considered oversized/overweight and has a corresponding charge.

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Spirit Airlines passengers are charged for both carry-on and checked bags. This is so that the airline can keep their ticket prices low.

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Your personal item like a purse or small handbag must fit under the seat in front of you. Dimensions should not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). These don't count as your personal item or carry-on: Diaper bags (1 per child)

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All our fares include one small personal bag which can be brought on board, such as a handbag or laptop bag (40x20x25cm), which must fit under the seat in front of you. If you need additional baggage allowance, there are various options available to you.

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Is shoulder bag considered hand carry? Yep, that's the gist. A shoulder bag, small handbag, laptop bag, small backpack, camera bag, or standard briefcase is most commonly accepted. 17” x 10” x 9” fits virtually every airlines specific measurement guidance.

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What airlines lose the most luggage Europe? And if you've flown in Europe, we probably don't even need to tell you who it was. That's right: Ryanair. It led the pack of damaged luggage claims by a considerable margin, nearly tripling those made against second-place Emirates.

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