What is the difference between a personal item and a carry-on Spirit?

We allow our Guests to bring 1 + 1, one personal item (free) and one carry-on item (charge applies). 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.



On Spirit Airlines, the primary difference between a personal item and a carry-on is size and cost. Every traveler is allowed one personal item for free, which must measure no more than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) and fit entirely under the seat in front of you. This is usually a small backpack, purse, or laptop bag. A carry-on bag is a larger item, up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm), that fits in the overhead bin. Unlike most major carriers, Spirit charges a fee for carry-on bags, and this fee is often higher than the price of a checked bag. In 2026, the price for a carry-on can range from $37 if booked during the initial flight reservation to as much as $100 if you wait until you reach the boarding gate. If your "personal item" is too large to fit in the sizer box at the gate, Spirit agents will force you to pay the "Gate Check" fee on the spot. Mastering the "under-seat" pack is the key to flying Spirit for the lowest possible price.

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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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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.

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A personal item is any type of luggage that fits underneath the plane seat in front of you. Most domestic airlines in the United States require a personal item to be 18” x 14” x 8” or smaller in size. Personal items can include a purse, briefcase, small backpack, laptop bag, weekender or small duffel bag.

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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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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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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.

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Your backpack will generally be allowed as a carry-on if it's under 50 liters, or about 22 x 14 x 9 inches. Get a 45-liter backpack if you want to carry as much stuff as possible on the plane with you.

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Certainly, you can pack clothes in your personal items or carry-on bag. But for a better experience, we recommend packing most of your clothes in your carry on and leaving extra space in your personal items.

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A personal item is a type of hand luggage that you carry on to the plane with you and is smaller than a carry-on. What is considered a personal item bag varies from airline to airline, but a small purse, briefcase and laptop bag are always considered personal items.

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Can you bring a backpack on Spirit for free? Spirit allows you to bring one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, meaning that it cannot exceed 18” x 14” x 8”. You can bring a small backpack for free as long as it is not larger than that. Larger backpacks or other carry-on bags cost extra.

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One personal item that fits entirely in the smaller sizer box (like a purse, small backpack, etc.) is included with your ticket. Another personal item or anything larger like a standard carry-on or checked bag will need to be paid for.

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In general, travelers are permitted to bring into the plane one personal item and one carry-on bag with them on most flights. The personal item is often a small bag, such as a handbag or laptop bag, that is able to be stowed away beneath the seat that is directly in front of you.

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Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked baggage. TSA officers may instruct travelers to separate items from carry-on bags such as foods, powders, and any materials that can clutter bags and obstruct clear images on the X-ray machine.

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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.


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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.

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Weighing. If you have both checked and carry on luggage, usually both are going to be weighed at the check-in/luggage drop. If you only have a carry on and check-in online you have small chances to have your luggage weighed, however it might not be true if you apparently struggle with it.

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Spirit Airlines Carry-on Bag Size. The maximum Spirit Airlines carry-on size is 22 x 18 x 10 inches, including handles and wheels. Spirit checks oddly sized carry-on bags at the gate, so stick to carry-on luggage that matches these dimensions.

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