Last Updated on December 31, 2023 by Henry @ The Getaway Lounge
This post is reviewed on a regular basis to ensure a high level of accuracy.
Just how strict is Spirit with personal item?
It’s a question we hear all the time in the US travel community, and here’s the latest.
Spirit Airlines now state that you are entitled to one personal item on board free of charge. According to them, it must be small enough to fit in the sizer and so be easily stored underneath the seat in front of you.
And if you’re looking for the ideal personal item which is the perfect fit for Spirit airlines, we recommend this great value Maximum Allowance Backpack.
Spirit’s personal item policy is as follows:
18 x 14 x 8 inches with no weight limit.
Now, that might not sound like a great deal – but depending on the duration and type of trip it might just be enough to keep you going.
Besides, there are ways to make the most of this space if you have a bag that allows you to maximise it.
And nobody knows exactly how strict they are going to be on the day you travel!
So, if you plan on travelling fairly light, or if you plan on staying for a short duration of time, say a long weekend – we recommend ensuring you’re fully compliant with the latest personal item rules.
Like all other airlines in the US, liquids are allowed in your personal item in containers less than 3.4 oz (100ml).
They must be placed in a transparent, quart-sized bag.
For further information please head to this page on the Transport Security Administration website which covers liquids, gels and aerosols in greater detail.
In addition to your personal item, you are allowed to bring other day to day necessities such as:
It’s usually rare for airlines to investigate the size of your personal item.
However, with Spirit asking passengers to pay for full-sized carry-on luggage, they are more likely to be strict with your personal item at the gate.
Besides, if you did pay for carry-on luggage but noticed other passengers’ personal items were not being checked – you might avoid paying for it in future!
The only time this might be worth the risk is if your personal item is only an inch or so bigger than that of the limits stated, and is soft-sided.
At least if it’s only slightly bigger, you should still be able to pad it down and demonstrate it fits in the sizer if required to.
The best thing to do to make the most of your free baggage allowance is to wear some of your heavier / bulky clothing as you go through the gate.
Think coat with deep pockets if you’re really looking to make the most of your hard-earned cash!
This will give you more room to pack essentials for your trip.
So, if you’re looking for a bag which fits perfectly within Spirit’s personal item limits, we recommend this great value Maximum Allowance Backpack currently available on Amazon for around $50!
It’s been designed especially for this purpose, and so you’ll never need to worry about getting caught out with Spirit or any of the other major airlines’ personal item policies.
If you still think you might struggle for space, you might be considering paying the extra to be allowed a full-sized carry on bag as well as a personal item on board, so here’s the deal.
Dimensions must not exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches with no weight limit, and of course you can also take your personal item on board.
You can find out more information about this including a bag price checker on their website here.
In conclusion, Spirit are strict with your personal item.
Therefore, for peace of mind, we do recommend investing in a fully compliant Backpack like this and sticking within the limits.
Try wearing some of your heavy clothing as you go through the gate and you’ll be surprised how much you can fit into a bag this size!
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