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What is free on Spirit Airlines?

Remember: You can bring one personal item and bring items like an umbrella, camera, infant diaper bag, assistive devices, outer garments (e.g., coats, hats and wraps), reading material and food for the flight for no additional charge.



On Spirit Airlines, the "free" offerings are strictly limited to ensure the lowest possible base fare. Your ticket includes one personal item (like a small backpack or purse) that must fit entirely within the small sizer box (45×35×20 cm). Beyond that, almost everything carries a fee, including carry-on bags, checked luggage, and seat assignments. Onboard, no snacks or drinks are free—not even water, which must be purchased from the menu. However, safety is always free; the airline provides the same FAA-mandated security and emergency services as any legacy carrier. In 2026, Spirit continues its "Frill-Free" model, so travelers are encouraged to bring their own empty water bottles to fill at the airport and pre-download movies on their devices, as there is no complimentary in-flight entertainment system.

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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.

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Free Spirit Gold elite status
  • Earn 10X points for every dollar spent on Spirit Airlines airfares.
  • Earn 20X points per dollar spent on extra flight options.
  • Free Flight Flex, which allows you to change your itinerary once, up to 24 hours before departure, with no modification charges.
  • Free first checked and carry-on bag.


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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. However, one personal item that fits entirely in the smaller sizer box (such as a purse, small backpack, etc) is included with your ticket.

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There are no free snacks or drinks (even water) Unlike most major airlines, there are no complimentary beverages or snacks on Spirit flights.

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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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Spirit Airlines is another U.S. budget carrier that has a poor record for on-time arrivals. Although slightly better than Frontier, only 72.96% of all scheduled flights arrived on time in 2022, while 23.87% of flights were delayed and 3% were canceled.

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Spirit Airlines seat selection for elite members
  1. Free Spirit Silver members get complimentary seat selection at check-in and may be able to move to an exit row seat prior to departure at no cost.
  2. Free Spirit Gold members get complimentary seat selection when booking, including exit rows.


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Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Spirit Airlines passengers are not entitled to any free checked baggage allowance. Again, this is so that the airline can keep their ticket prices low for everyone.

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You can always add bags at the airport or by calling our Reservations Center. However, these bags cost more. Bags purchased online are cheaper than those purchased at the airport because they don't require assistance from a Customer Service Agent. IMPORTANT: Online check-in closes one hour prior to scheduled departure.

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In fact, most regular airlines now charge for seat selection anyways. It's often around $10-$30 per seat per flight segment, so if you cave in and pay for that, it can add up quickly. You shouldn't do it. No matter which airline you're flying on, don't ever pay to select a seat.

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Flight problems such as delays and cancellations were the top grievance for travelers, while other top complaint categories included baggage, customer service, and reservations/ticketing/boarding.

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