Spirit Airlines Carry On Size (2023 Update)

One of our favorite airlines is Spirit. It’s not a Rolls Royce but it does get you from A to B for a great price, and that’s something we can all get behind. Traveling on Spirit Airlines is usually a breeze but there’s one tip that we need to leave with you before you travel.

PLEASE make sure that your carry on suitcase fits within the Spirit carry on size limits, or else you could be subject to extra charges and be forced to check your bag at the gate. Now let’s get into the specifics.

Spirit Airlines Size Limits for 2023

Spirit Airlines requires that your carry on suitcase be no larger than 22″ L x 18″ W x 10″ H

How big is a carry-on bag for Spirit? Below is a chart that breaks those dimensions down and offers it in centimeters.

Carry on Luggage Size Limits

Max HeightMax WidthMax DepthMax Weight
Inches22″18″10″n/a
Centimeters56cm46cm25cmn/a
Including wheels and handles

Personal Item Size Limits

Max HeightMax WidthMax DepthMax Weight
Inches18″14″8″n/a
Centimeters45cm35cm20cmn/a
Including wheels and handles

According to Spirit, only 1 personal item is free and anything additional you will be charged for. This includes your carry on, checked bag, or 2nd personal item.

Spirit Carry on Weight Limits

As of right now, Spirit Airlines does not show a weight limit for carry ons on their website. Ideally you should be able to lift the bag up to place it in the overhead bin. Carry ons aren’t very big so most airlines don’t really care about weight, it’s more about the size of the luggage.

Spirit Airlines Carry On Size

FAQ

Is Spirit Airlines strict about carry-on size?

Spirit can sometimes be very strict about carry on sizes. We have not been forced to place our carry on inside the measuring box but we know folks who have. Like we always say, when in doubt, be ready to have your bag checked at the gate if it’s oversized.

As long as your carry on measures at or below the requirements in our table above, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.

Does Spirit Airlines have a weight limit on carry ons?

Currently, Spirit does not have a weight limit for carry on bags. They do have weight limits for checked bags and even charge an overweight fee on checked suitcases depending on how much it weighs.

Does Spirit Airlines have free carry-ons?

Spirit charges you for carry ons, but you are allowed one free personal item. Personal items are purses, backpacks, etc. Spirit is considered a budget airline so by charging for carry ons they are able to make the overall ticket prices a bit lower than airlines that “include” them for free.

What size bag can you carry-on Spirit for free?

Your free personal item must be no bigger than 18″ x 14″ x 8″. This usually includes purses and small backpacks. Unfortunately, carry on luggage is not free and can be purchased when you buy your ticket.

Does Spirit count a backpack as a carry-on?

Spirit Airlines views most backpacks as a free personal item and not a carry on. Backpacks can range in sizes, but as long as it is smaller than 18″ x 14″ x 8″ then you can definitely bring it as a free personal item.

We love saving money, and flying with Spirit is a great way to save some money and use it on the fun stuff for your trip. Knowing the carry on luggage size limits for whatever airline you’re flying can be the difference between a smooth experience and having to pay to check your bag at the gate.