Is Spirit Airlines picky about carry-on size?

I flew Spirit a few weeks ago and noticed the check-in person barely looked at my personal bag. I had paid for the additional carry-on which is stored in the overhead rack. Echoing the others - no one cares about the actual dimensions of the bag, just if it can fit in the sizer.



People Also Ask

Most Airlines Don't Care if Your Carry-On Is 1 Inch Too Big. Carry-ons are measured at the airport before boarding the plane. It's done with metal measuring boxes just in the right size for the allowed carry-on dimensions. If your bag is too large and it isn't flexible, you won't be able to fit it inside.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

A backpack can be your carry on if it meets your airline's carry on size limits. A personal item is a smaller, secondary bag, which you'll stow under the seat in front of you. Read Carry Ons vs. Personal Items for more on the differences between the two.

MORE DETAILS

Unless your carry-on is extremely large, the airline employees at the gate most likely won't ask to measure it. If they'd ask each passenger to measure their carry-on, the boarding would take too long. This could cause delayed flights, which airlines don't want.

MORE DETAILS

While this can be confusing, most popular airlines allow you to bring a carry-on and personal item, such as a backpack or purse. In general, your personal item should be smaller than your carry-on and under the specific airline's carry-on dimensions, allowing it to fit under the seat in front of you.

MORE DETAILS

Your bag will have to fit into the sizer for it to be approved as a carry-on. Having a flexible fabric bag is advantageous in this situation because you'll be able to squeeze it in even if it's slightly oversized. Usually, many airlines won't check every carry-on but will instead go for ones that look oversized.

MORE DETAILS

How strict are the airlines about luggage dimensions? Carryon dimensions are limited to the size of the overhead bin. In those cases dimensions are strict. Anything too big gets gate checked.

MORE DETAILS

Both Spirit and Frontier are requiring all passengers to test personal items in sizing racks at boarding to determine if it meets the appropriate dimensions. If your bag does not fit within the sizer, you will be charged an additional $99 to upgrade to a carry-on or checked bag.

MORE DETAILS

Oversized Carry-Ons Need to Be Checked-in
If your carry-on is oversized (and doesn't physically fit inside the overhead compartments) or you encounter a strict airline employee, they will ask you to check it in at the gate.

MORE DETAILS

You are allowed to bring a quart-sized bag of liquids, aerosols, gels, creams and pastes through the checkpoint. These are limited to 3.4 ounces (100 milliliters) or less per item. This is also known as the 3-1-1 liquids rule.

MORE DETAILS

In general, standard domestic carry-on luggage size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches. If you're flying internationally, that may vary a little to 21.5 x 15.5 x 9 inches. Remember, those dimensions include the handle, wheels and anything else that may protrude from your suitcase so don't miss them from your measurements.

MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

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.


MORE DETAILS

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. Checked luggage is usually measured with a tape measure, to make sure that it's below 62 linear inches (height + width + depth).

MORE DETAILS

Measuring the size of your luggage isn't tricky. Most airlines require that your bag be 62 linear inches or less. Therefore, your bag's length, width and height cannot exceed 62 inches. This measurement includes the wheels and the handle of your luggage.

MORE DETAILS

Now, those dimensions run 22in x 14in x 9in. That is a change of 1 inch in width. Some passengers have been told it is a new FAA regulation. But sizes vary on airlines, so it's always a good idea to check the allowed sizes of the airline you are using.

MORE DETAILS

Is there a weight limit for carry-on bags? Most major domestic airlines do not impose a weight limit on carry-on bags; however, several international airlines have weight restrictions for carry-on luggage, and in some cases, personal items.

MORE DETAILS

Is a 22 inch carry on too big? No, a 22 inch carry-on bag is not too big, since it's a standard size for most airlines. But we always advise to double check the size allowance before your trip to be safe.

MORE DETAILS

To pack a suitcase and maximize space:
  1. Assess the available space in your suitcase.
  2. Prepare your packing list.
  3. Roll clothes instead of folding.
  4. Create a strategy when arranging clothes.
  5. Use packing cubes.
  6. Use a toiletry bag.
  7. Pack travel-sized containers.
  8. Pack your shoes with the rule of three.


MORE DETAILS

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

MORE DETAILS

Typically in economy, you can bring one carry-on and one personal item. If you bring two bags, one must fit underneath your seat and the other can go into the overhead bin. If you're flying in an upgraded class like business or first, you may be allowed an additional carry-on bag.

MORE DETAILS