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. Carry-on bag: Maximum of 22 x 18 x10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm) including handles and wheels.

On Spirit Airlines in 2026, your one free personal item must be smaller than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm). This includes handles and wheels. To avoid being charged a "carry-on" fee—which is significantly higher at the gate—the bag must fit entirely within the smaller sizing bin at the airport. Common examples of a personal item include a small backpack, a laptop bag, or a large purse. If your bag is even slightly larger than these dimensions, Spirit will classify it as a carry-on, which requires a fee that typically starts around $60 if paid at the gate. Many frequent Spirit travelers recommend using a soft-sided "underseat" bag rather than a rigid hardshell case, as soft bags can be squeezed into the sizer if they are slightly overstuffed. Remember that unlike traditional airlines, Spirit does not include a standard overhead bin carry-on in its base fare, so ensuring your personal item stays within these 18-inch limits is the key to maintaining a low-cost flight experience.