Baggage

Carry-On Baggage

Spirit Airlines customers may bring one (1) carryon bag plus a personal item (such as a purse, briefcase, or laptop computer) on board at no charge.

  • A carry-on bag must fit under your seat or in the overhead bin.
  • Carry-on bag dimensions may not exceed 24" x 16" x 12" (61cm x 41cm x 30.5cm).

Spirit may require that a carry-on item travel as checked baggage if the item cannot be safely stowed on a particular flight. Excess items will be charged according to checked baggage fees.

Liquids, gels and/or aerosols are permitted through security checkpoints according to TSA requirements. However, items must fit in one clear, re-sealable quart or liter-sized plastic bag, in containers of 3 oz/100 ml or less.

Please keep valuables, computers, medications, and important papers in a carry-on with you at all times. For helpful packing tips, click here.

Additional Information

For the most updated information on what you may bring on board your flight, please visit the TSA website at www.tsa.gov.

Checked Baggage

The fee for the first checked bag is $15.00 each way when paid in advance online at www.spiritair.com and $25.00 each way when purchased at the airport. The fee for the second checked bag (when available for purchase) is $25.00 each way when paid in advance online at www.spiritair.com or when purchased at the airport. The fee for the third, fourth and fifth bags (when available for purchase) are $100.00 per item each way regardless of where purchased. All overweight or oversized items are weighed and sized at the airport, and applicable fees are collected at Check-In.

Spirit Airlines can only guarantee the transportation of one (1) item as checked luggage per fare-paying customer at the airport. Additional bags are accepted only when reserved in advance online at www.spiritair.com.  If not reserved, Spirit cannot guarantee that there will be space for additional bags and will not be held responsible for any additional items brought to the airport by the customer. 

Customers can pay for checked bags in the following ways:

ONLINE:
Bags can be purchased online at spiritair.com, up to one hour before flight departure:

  • $15 for the first checked bag each way, within normal weight and size
  • $25 for the second checked bag each way, within normal weight and size
  • $100 for the third, fourth, and fifth checked bags each way (when space is available)
  • NOTE: Bag purchases may be limited to one (1) per customer for certain destinations or travel dates.

AIRPORT:
Bags can be purchased on the day of departure at the airport ticket counter or at one of our kiosk locations (where available), or at a skycap position:

  • $25 each for the first and second checked bags each way, within normal weight and size
  • $100 for the third, fourth, and fifth checked bags each way (when space is available)

Standard Size and Weight and General Requirements

A standard checked bag is defined as a bag not exceeding 62 linear inches/158cm (length + width + height) in overall size and 50 pounds/23kg in weight.
Each checked bag must have identification on the outside of the bag. Spirit recommends placing identification tags inside luggage as well.

Excess Baggage and Maximum Limits

Any checked baggage that exceeds the standard size and weight limit is subject to excess baggage fees in addition to the standard checked bag fee.

Spirit Airlines will not accept baggage that weights more than 99 pounds (45kg), measures more than 80 linear inches (203cm) in a single dimension, or has combined dimensions exceeding 160 linear inches (406cm).

Items Transported at No Cost

  • There is no charge to check wheelchairs, strollers, car seats, or other assistive devices.

Checked Baggage Fees
All checked baggage fees are non-refundable and may be paid online at www.spiritair.com or at the airport. Spirit offers a discount for reserving space for your checked bag online.

Bags that may be overweight or oversized at the time of check-in will be charged accordingly.

CHECKED BAG CHARGES
1st BAG 2nd BAG 3-5 BAGS
Checked Baggage Fee $15 Online $25 Online $100 Online
$25 Airport $25 Airport $100 Airport
Overweight
(51- 70 lbs. / 23.13 – 31.75 kg)
$ 50.00
Overweight
(71 – 99 lbs. / 32.20 – 44.90 kg)
$100.00
Oversized
(62+ linear inches / 158+ cm)
$100.00
Oversized
(80+ linear inches / 203+ cm)
$150.00

Golf Clubs or Boxes/Containers

These items may be checked as a standard bag, and if overweight and or oversized, charges will apply at the time of check-in.

Surf Boards, Scuba Tanks, Bikes

The charge for these items is $75 one-way and may only be paid at the airport.

Other Items

Special restrictions may apply to other checked items such as sporting equipment. Please see the section titled Special Items for Spirit's policy regarding transport of these items.

Baggage Limitations

There are limits on the amount of baggage that can be transported in the cabin and cargo areas of the aircraft.

Only one checked bag per customer is permitted to/from the following destinations year round, whether reserved online in advance or at the airport.

Spirit Airlines Destinations with Baggage Limitations

Spirit Airlines Destinations with Baggage Limitations Year Round
Caribbean

Only one checked item per customer.

All items must be within weight and size limits.

Port-au-Prince, Haiti (PAP)
Port of Spain, Trinidad & Tobago (POS)
 
South America
Bogota, Colombia (BOG)
Cartagena, Colombia (CTG)
Lima, Peru (LIM)

HolidayEmbargo (December 1st - January 10th)
In anticipation of increased holiday or peak travel to/from certain cities in Latin America, Mexico and the Caribbean, Spirit Airlines limits baggage transported in cargo as follow:

Size (no more than 62” or 158 cm in overall dimensions L+W+H). Weight (no more than 50 lbs or 23 kg). Number of checked bags (no more than one). In addition, BOXES/PLASTIC TUB CONTAINERS (RUBBERMAID TYPE)* are prohibited to the destinations identified below.

*A "box" will be defined as a six-sided container of any size, constructed of cardboard, wood, plastic or metal, which is square, rectangular or cylindrically shaped and is not normally used for the transportation of items associated with air travel. Plastic tubs/containers and/or coolers are considered to be boxes.

All customers traveling to/from any of the destinations listed below are limited to:

  • One (1) checked bag, unless additional bags are pre-purchased online.
  • Not to exceed 50 lbs (23kg).
  • Bags should not exceed 62" (158 cm) in overall dimensions L+W+H linear dimensions.

Spirit Airlines Destinations with Holiday Baggage Limitations

December 1st - January 10th
Caribbean

Only one checked bag per customer. Boxes, excess, overweight (more than 50lbs or 23 kg), or oversized pieces (more than 62" or 158 cm in overall dimensions L+W+H) will not be accepted for transportation:

Aruba (AUA)
Freeport, Bahamas (FPO)
Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands (GCM)
Kingston, Jamaica (KIN)
Montego Bay, Jamaica (MBJ)
Nassau, Bahamas (NAS)
Providenciales, Turks & Caicos (PLS)
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ)
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ)
St. Maarten, Netherlands Antilles (SXM)
St. Thomas, U.S.V.I. (STT)
 
Central America
Guatemala City, Guatemala (GUA)
Managua, Nicaragua (MGA)
Panama City, Panama (PTY)
San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO)
San Pedro Sula, Honduras (SAP)
 
Mexico
Cancun, Mexico (CUN)

Dangerous Goods

Certain items are considered hazardous and, by federal law, are prohibited from all Spirit Airlines flights. You may not travel with these items as checked, cabin-seat, or carry-on luggage. Examples of these items include:

Hazardous Items Rules for Spirit Flights
Alcohol Liquor products over 140 proof are not allowed.
Fireworks or explosives Firecrackers, signal flares, and sparklers are not allowed.
Flammable liquids or solids Lighters, fuels, lighter refills, paints, stains, and lubricants, and "Strike-anywhere" matches are not allowed.
Non-"Strike-anywhere" matches are allowed, but they must be kept on your person.
Household items Aerosols, bleach, cleaning solvents, drain cleaners, and spray starch are not allowed.
Personal Medical Oxygen Devices Not allowed.
Sporting equipment Camping equipment containing fuel, CO2 cartridges and propane canisters are not allowed.
Self-inflating devices are also not allowed.
Scuba tanks are only allowed if they are empty.
Weapons Ammunition will only be accepted if it is boxed, small-arms ammunition, it weighs less than 11 pounds, and is packed in checked luggage only.

Firearms will be accepted only if they are unloaded, declared to the agent at check-in, and packed in a suitable container in checked luggage only.
Dry Ice Spirit will accept packages containing 4.4 lbs. (2 kgs) or less of dry ice within carry-on baggage.
Packages containing 5.07 lbs. (2.3 kgs) or less of dry ice within checked baggage. The package must: Meet carry-on baggage restrictions. Allow the release of carbon dioxide. Be plainly marked with: "Dry Ice" or "Carbon Dioxide Solid," the net weight of dry-ice material and the contents being cooled.
Personal care items Spirit will accept personal care items, such as cologne and hair spray, if you are carrying less than 16 ounces of each item and less than 70 ounces total.
Wet-cell batteries Wet-cell batteries (accepted if on a wheelchair, so long as the battery can be disconnected or the terminals isolated).
Other hazardous items Gasoline-powered tools including chainsaws and lawn equipment, infectious substances, poisons, and radioactive materials are not allowed.

Track Your Delayed Luggage

Spirit Airlines is a member of NetTracer - a computerized baggage tracing system with over 300 member airlines and 2200 airports worldwide participating to assist in the location of misdirected customer baggage.

If your baggage has not arrived at your final destination, contact a Spirit Airlines baggage representative, during the first five days for the status of your delayed baggage. A Spirit Airlines representative will enter your baggage information into the tracing system and will provide you with an update.

Click here to display information about your delayed luggage; enter your 10-character file reference and your last name, then, click 'Submit'.

Delayed and Damaged Baggage

Delayed Bags
If your bag is delayed, please notify a Spirit Airlines representative before leaving the airport, or within four hours of arrival at your destination. Track delayed bags.

Delayed Bag - Reimbursable Expenses
Spirit Airlines allows reasonable interim expenses for customers away from home, on a roundtrip reservation, and whose luggage is delivered later than 24 hours after flight arrival. Interim expenses incurred are limited to reasonable personal items such as clothing and toiletries purchased as a result of the delay and must be receipted. Please see our contract of carriage for more information on limitations of liability.

Delayed Bags - In Excess of Five Days
If your baggage has not been located and returned within five days, mail Customer Property Form to the Central Baggage Claims Office. Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to view this file.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Claims
ATTENTION: Luggage Resolution Department
Spirit Airlines, Inc.
PO Box 350506
Ft. Lauderdale, FL. 33335-0506
954-359-9594 (fax)

Damaged Bags
If your bag is damaged, please notify a Spirit Airlines representative within 4 hours of arrival at your destination. All reports must be made in person at the airport.

Spirit Airlines is not responsible for conditions that result from normal wear and tear, or the following:

Damage to:
  • Wheels, feet, zippers, extending handles
  • Over-packing of the bag
  • Fragile or perishable items
  • Loss of external locks
  • Pull or security straps
  • Manufacturer's defects

Lost Articles
For customers who need assistance in locating an item left onboard a Spirit Airlines aircraft, or left behind at a Spirit Airlines boarding gate area, please return to the nearest Spirit baggage service office or airport ticket counter during its hours of operation in order to provide information about the lost article.

We will search for your missing property and contact you only if we have located your property or an item similar to your description.

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Travel Itinerary Modification and Cancellation Policy:

MODIFICATIONS TO NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKINGS

24 Hours Prior to flight scheduled departure time:
Any modifications made to: flights, dates, or cities must be made 24 hours or more prior to the flight’s scheduled departure time, and the following charges apply:
Modifications made online at spiritair.com:

  • $80.00 USD service fee / plus applicable fare difference

Modifications made through Reservations or at Airport locations:

  • $90.00 USD service fee/ plus applicable fare difference

When modifying a reservation and the fare is less than the original fare amount, a credit will be issued less the amount of the service fee. Credits are good for 1 year and all travel must be booked and completed within one (1) year from the original purchase date. 

With-in 24 Hours of scheduled departure time:
Spirit understands that unforeseen circumstances may occur and it may be necessary to make last-minute changes to travel plans. Spirit allows changes to be made to your reservations within 24 hours, no less than 30 minutes before departure time (60 minutes for international flights and 45 minutes for domestic flights). In addition, the new flight must occur within 48 hours. All requests for changes within 24 hours must be made through our Reservations Call Center at 1-800-772-7117, and applicable service fees and fare differences apply. Any unused reservations are forfeited.

All reservations are non-transferable.

CANCELLATIONS TO NON-REFUNDABLE BOOKINGS:

24 Hours Prior to flight scheduled departure time:
Reservations may be cancelled at least 24 hours or more prior to the scheduled departure time. When a cancellation occurs, a credit voucher is be issued for future use. The credit issued can be applied toward a future booking, but all travel must be booked and completed within one (1) year from the original booking/purchase date. When booking the new reservation, there will be a service fee of $60 if done online (effective June 10, 2008, charges are $80 online). If rebooked through our Reservations Call Center, the service fee is $70 (effective June 10, 2008, charges are $90).

With-in 24 Hours of scheduled departure time:
Canceling a booking less than 24 hours of a scheduled departure time is NOT permitted, failure to notify Spirit Airlines in advance will result in forfeiture of the reservation.

REFUNDABLE BOOKINGS:

Refundable fares are unrestricted and fully refundable.  Changes and cancellations are permitted without Service Fees.  Spirit requests that changes are made at least 24 hours prior to the departure of the flight.  If the reservation is changed to a different flight or date, there may be an increase in air fare.  If the reservation is not used, the customer may apply the value towards the purchase of another booking or request a refund.  All travel must be booked and completed within one (1) year from the original purchase date.  Spirit Airlines does NOT allow name changes.

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Advance Seat Assignments

Purchasing seat assignments in advance on www.spiritair.com is recommended to guarantee a preferred location onboard the aircraft, and ensure that traveling companions are seated together. 
Spirit Airlines’ customers can purchase seats online in advance for a nominal fee only via www.spiritair.com when making their reservation during the booking process, or by retrieving the reservation at a later date. Customers may select seats within 90 days of flight time and up to one hour prior to flight departure. 
Within 24 hours and no less than one hour prior to flight departure, customers can check in online and either purchase assigned seats, or allow the system to generate a random seat at no charge with the seat number displayed on the printed boarding pass.  Seats cannot be changed once a boarding pass is printed.   

Pre-Purchasing Seats Online

  • Seat fees apply to Deluxe Leather Seats only. 
  • Prices differ based on location in the aircraft (Aisle, Window, Center, and Exit Rows).
  • Customers purchasing BIG FRONT SEATs have the option of assigning their specific seat in advance on the web, but there is no additional fee as the seat assignment is included in the price of the air fare.
  • Seats do not have to be purchased at the same time for all passengers or all segments.
  • Seat fees are not refundable.
  • Fees apply per flight number—each change of aircraft requires a separate seat assignment.  Example:  One way or Thru (Direct Flights) = one seat fee; a connecting flight with two flight numbers = 2 seat fees.
  • When pre-purchasing seats through the web at the time of the booking, seat fees do not appear on the confirmation email. 

Day of Departure

  • If seats have not been pre-purchased online, our Customer Service Agents assign random seats at airport check in at no charge.
  • At locations where there is a kiosk available for check in, seats can be purchased with a credit card, or the customer can request a randomly-generated seat at no charge.
  • Upgrades to BIG FRONT SEATS are available for a fee at either the ticket counter or kiosk locations.  Customers with prepaid seats requesting to upgrade at the counter or kiosk only pay the difference between the original seat selected and the upgrade fee.
  • Seats are blocked and assigned on the day of departure for Unaccompanied Minors, passengers with disabilities requesting the bulkhead, and other special situations at no charge.

Exit Rows

Exit row seats may be pre-purchased online, with a disclaimer outlining the qualifications:

  • 15 years of age or older
  • Willing and able to help in the event of an emergency
  • Not traveling with an infant, children, or pets
  • Able to speak and understand English
  • Able to lift 50 pounds

Airport Agents handling Exit Row customers are responsible for final determination of compliance with the regulations. If a customer is denied access to the Exit Row due to non-compliance, fees paid in advance for the seat are forfeited.

Online Seat Changes

Customers can change their seat assignments on the web site. If the newly-selected seat has a higher fee, the difference is paid as normal. If the fee for the new seat is lower, a credit for the seat is associated with the reservation which may be applied toward a future booking by using the record locator.

Spirit Airlines Flight Changes

For flights involved in schedule changes or irregular operations, Spirit Airlines does everything possible to retain the customer’s preferred or similar preference, but there is no guarantee that the same seats can be assigned, and there are no credits for seats which were pre-purchased. Our goal is to rebook the passenger on Spirit's first available flight to their destination without additional charges.

Modified or Canceled Itineraries with Pre-Purchased seats

Customers modifying itineraries with pre-purchased seats receive a credit for the amount of the seat which is associated with the reservation, and may return to the web site and re-purchase new seats for the newly-selected flights.  Previously-purchased seats are not refunded, and credits cannot be used to purchase advance seat assignments.  If a customer cancels their itinerary, any seats which were prepaid remain associated with the reservation as a credit, and may be applied toward the purchase of a future booking by using the record locator.

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Traveling with Children

One child over 7 days and under 24 months of age not occupying a seat, may be carried with a customer. A birth certificate is required to validate the age of all infants under 24 months. Spirit Airlines does not offer children's fares. Accompanied children ages 2 to 11 will be charged the applicable adult fare for the flight. For requirements when traveling internationally with children, please visit the International Travel section.

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Unaccompanied Minors

Domestic Travel - Including San Juan Puerto Rico and St. Thomas U.S.V.I

Children at least 5 years of age up to 11 years old are accepted for unaccompanied travel on domestic Spirit Airlines flights which do not involve a scheduled change of aircraft (i.e., connecting flights).

Children less than 5 years of age are not accepted for unaccompanied travel. All travel by unaccompanied children must be on flights on which the child holds a confirmed reservation. The unaccompanied child must be brought to the airport by the parent or other responsible adult and remain until 15 minutes after flight departure. Spirit Airlines must be provided the name and phone number of the parent or other responsible adult who will meet the child upon deplaning.

A one way service fee of $75 will be charged per unaccompanied child and includes a free snack and drink. For passengers 12 and older, Spirit Airlines will offer the same service for a per person service fee on an optional basis.

International Travel

Children 12 years of age or under must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult. Young adults ages 13 - 17 may travel alone on international flights provided that a notarized letter of consent is provided at the time of check-in. For additional information on international flights, please visit the International Travel section. As additional country-specific requirements may apply, checking directly with a local consulate or State Dept. is strongly suggested. 

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Day of Departure

Check-In

Check-in begins 3 hours prior to departure at the Spirit Airlines ticket counter. Spirit Airlines reserves the right to cancel the reservation or seat assignment of any passenger who does not have a boarding pass at least 30 minutes prior to scheduled or posted departure (60 minutes for international flights and 45 minutes for Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Orlando). Due to additional Transportation Safety Administration screening requirements, customers wanting to check baggage are required to do so at the ticket counter at least 30 minutes before departure (60 minutes for international flights and 45 minutes for Atlanta, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Los Angeles and Orlando). Customers presenting themselves at the boarding gate less than 15 minutes before the departure (30 minutes for international flights) may lose their reservation and become ineligible for denied boarding compensation. With proper photo ID, customers who are currently holding a boarding pass that do not need to check luggage can go directly to the gate area and await boarding. For more information on international flight check-in, please visit the International Travel section.

Airport Processing Times (in the United States)

Due to lengthy TSA security checkpoint times, it is recommended you check local news and airport information prior to arrival at the airport.

The average time it takes to enter an airport terminal, check in, clear TSA security and board our aircraft within the U.S. is approximately three (3) hours. Some airports may require more time during peak traffic hours (please refer to the chart below). For tips on how to help save time at the airport and to get more information about new security procedures, please refer to the TSA Web site at www.TSATravelTips.us. Checking in online within 24 and up to 1 hour(s) prior to your flight's departure time is highly recommended. In addition, using a Spirit Airlines self check-in kiosk (where available) to check-in for domestic flights will help reduce your airport processing time. The self check-in kiosks are located at or near Spirit Airlines ticket counters (at select airports) and before entering security checkpoints.

If you are departing during peak traffic hours, the listed approximate processing time should provide you with ample time to make your flight. Sunday afternoons, Friday afternoons and Monday mornings may require an additional half-hour. Peak traffic hours are: 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM, 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM - 7:30 PM.

City / Airport Approximate Processing Time During Peak Times
Atlanta (ATL) 5:00 AM - 7:30 AM: 2 hrs domestic, 2 hrs 30 min international
Atlantic City (ACY) 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: 2 hrs
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: 1 hr 30 min
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM: 1 hr 30 min
Chicago/O'Hare (ORD) 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: 2 hrs 30 min
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: 2 hrs 30 min
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM: 2 hrs
Detroit (DTW) 4:00 AM - 8:00 AM: 3 hrs
8:00 AM - 12:00 PM: 1 hrs 30 min
12:00 PM - 8:00 PM: 2 hrs
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: 1 hr 30 min
10:00 AM - 2:00 PM: 2hrs 30 min
2:00 PM - 4:30 PM: 1 hr
4:30 PM - 7:30 PM: 2 hrs 30 min
Fort Myers (RSW) 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: 2 hrs
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: 2 hrs
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM: 2 hrs
Las Vegas (LAS) 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: 2 hrs 30 min
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: 2 hrs 30 min
7:00 PM - 1:00 AM: 3 hrs
Los Angeles (LAX) 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: 2 hrs 30 min
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: 2 hrs 30 min
7:00PM - 1:00 AM: 3 hrs
Myrtle Beach (MYR) 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: 1 hr 30 min
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: 1 hr 30 min
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM: 1 hr 30 min
New York/LaGuardia (LGA) 5:00 AM - 8:30 AM: 2 hrs 30 min
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: 2 hrs
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM: 2 hrs
Peak days are Thur/Fri/Sun: 2 hrs 30 min
Orlando (MCO) 8:30AM - 10:30AM: 2 hrs
1:00PM - 3:00PM: 2 hrs
4:30PM - 6:30PM: 2 hrs
Providence (PVD) 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: 2 hrs 30 min
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: 2 hrs
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM: 2 hrs
Tampa (TPA) 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM: 2 hrs.
12:00 AM - 2:30 PM: 2 hrs.
3:30 PM - 7:15 PM: 2 hrs.
Washington, DC/Reagan National (DCA) 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: 2 hrs 30 min
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: 2 hrs
3:30 PM - 7:00 PM: 2 hrs 30 min
West Palm Beach (PBI) 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: 1 hr 30 min
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: 1 hr 30 min
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM: 1 hr 30 min

Airport Processing Times (Outside the United States)

Please keep in mind that for most cities/regions outside the U.S., the approximate airport processing time is three (3) hours. Refer to the following table for specific city / airport check-in times:

City / Airport Approximate Processing Time During Peak Times
Cancun, Mexico (CUN) 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM: 3 hrs
Nassau, Bahamas (NAS) 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: 3 hrs 30 min
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: 3 hrs 30 min
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM: 3 hrs 30 min
Punta Cana, Dominican Republic (PUJ) 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM: 2 hrs 30 min
Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic (SDQ) 6:30 AM - 9:30 AM: 3 hrs
11:00 AM - 2:00 PM: 3 hrs
3:30 PM - 7:30 PM: 3 hrs
San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM: 4 hrs

General Check-In Information and Tips

Customers checking in for flights must present themselves at the gate and be ready to board their flight no later than 15 minutes prior to departure on domestic flights and 30 minutes prior to departure for international flights, even if they have previously checked in. Customers not in the boarding area by this specified time prior to scheduled departure are subject to seat cancellation and non-transport of their checked baggage (if applicable).

Here are a few tips to help ensure a stress free airport check-in experience:

  • It is highly recommended that you utilize the convenience of online check-in for your domestic flights whenever possible in order to expedite processing time at the airport on the day of departure. Please visit www.spiritair.com and go to Online Check-In. Obtaining a boarding pass in advance will enable you to bypass ticket counter check-in and help get you to the departure gate quicker.

    (If you have baggage to check, you may do so curbside where available or at the Spirit Airlines ticket counter).

  • Allow more than enough time to check in and get to the gate. Some airports may require as much as three (3) hours for passenger processing.
  • Whenever possible, check in and obtain boarding passes at one of Spirit Airlines' self-check in kiosks (available in Atlantic City, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, New York LaGuardia, and Providence).
  • Remember that Federal law prohibits carrying sharp or other dangerous objects, which could be used as weapons aboard the aircraft. Pack appropriately to avoid inconvenience at security checkpoints.

Packing Tips and Security Procedures

TSA prohibits all lighters from the sterile area of airports (beyond security checkpoints) and onboard aircraft, effective March 1, 2005.  Passengers are prohibited from carrying all lighters on their person or in carry-on luggage.  Lighters will continue to be prohibited in checked luggage. The ban covers butane (BIC-type), absorbed-fuel (Zippo-type), electric/battery-powered, and novelty lighters. Matches are still allowed at this time.

Both checked baggage and carry-on baggage will be screened. Please pack accordingly. Please be aware of items that are not allowed. Some items are prohibited in carry-on bags, some are prohibited in checked bags, and some items are prohibited in both. The most commonly overlooked items are scissors, pocketknives and sharp or pointed tools. Please check http://www.tsa.gov/public/display?t heme=175 for an updated list of permitted and prohibited items.

Please be aware of items that may cause delays during the passenger screening process. Jewelry, belt buckles, keys, cell phones, pagers, PDA's, etc. should be placed in carry-on baggage and not left on your person.

Film should be packed in carry-on baggage as equipment used to screen checked luggage will damage undeveloped film. Wrapped gifts that you intend to carry-on may be opened during security check points, so please pack holiday gifts unwrapped.

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During Your Flight

Snacks and Beverages

On each Spirit flight, Spirit Snacks are available for purchase when you have the munchies! For $2 to $4, you may purchase a variety of tasty treats. Please visit our Spirit Snacks page for details.

Spirit Airlines is cashless for your convenience. If you wish to purchase a beverage, cocktail, beer, wine, or any of our Spirit Snacks during your flight, please pay with an American Express, Discover, MasterCard, or Visa credit card or a debit card carrying a MasterCard or Visa logo. Prices of beverages can be found below.

Beverages include:

Juices $3 Sodas $3 Hot Drinks $2 Water $2
Minute Maid Orange Juice
Minute Maid Apple Juice
Minute Maid Cranberry -
Apple Cocktail
Minute Maid Lemonade
Tomato Juice
Bloody Mary Mix
Coke
Diet Coke
Sprite
Diet Sprite
Seagrams Ginger Ale
Seagrams Seltzer
Seagrams Tonic
Coffee
Decaffeinated Coffee
Hot Tea
Spring Water

Alcoholic beverages include:

Beer $5 Wine $5 Liquors $5
Miller Lite
Budweiser
Bud Light
Sutter Homes - White Chardonnay
Sutter Homes - Red Cabernet
Bacardi Rum
Bailey's
Skyy Vodka
Beefeater Gin
Dewar's Scotch Whiskey
Jack Daniel's Whiskey
Crown Royal Whiskey

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International Travel

Check-In

Check-in begins 3 hours prior to departure at the Spirit Airlines ticket counter.

Spirit reserves the right to cancel the reservation or seat assignment of any passenger who does not have a boarding pass at least 60 minutes prior to departure for all international flights.

Due to additional TSA screening requirements and/or international security procedures, customers wanting to check baggage are required to do so at the ticket counter at least 60 minutes prior to departure for international flights.

Customers presenting themselves at the boarding gate less than 30 minutes prior to departure for international flights may lose their reservation and become ineligible for denied boarding compensation.

Required Documents

Effective January 23, 2007, all U.S. citizens (including infants and children) will need a valid passport to travel to and from Bermuda, Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, and the Caribbean (excluding Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands). -  Please visit the U.S. Department of State for further details.

Passengers are advised to keep proper documentation on their person during travel. It is the passenger's responsibility to ensure they have the correct documents needed for travel to or from any international destination. Should documentation not be adequate or sufficient, passengers will not be boarded.

Please visit the U.S. Department of State web site for detailed information regarding documentation requirements for international travel.

Consulates

Because documentation requirements vary based on the countries included in your travel, Spirit Airlines strongly recommends that you contact the nearest applicable Consulate(s) for the latest updates.

Consulates are government offices located in a particular country. In case of any problems such as deportation, or incarceration, the Consulate General should be contacted immediately. In the event of an emergency, or in cases where travelers have lost or have had stolen their citizenship or identity documentation, travelers should be directed to the local Consulate. The Consulate can assist travelers in getting in touch with other family members should the need arise.

Children / Minors

Proof of citizenship is required for children traveling to international destinations. Many governments have initiated procedures requiring documentary evidence of relationship and permission of the parent(s) for children traveling without one or both parents. For example, if a child is using a certified/original birth certificate to travel internationally and the mother has a passport with a different last name, then the mother is required to provide another form of ID showing the same name as the child (such as her certified/original birth certificate). In the case where only one parent/legal guardian is traveling internationally with the child, a notarized letter of consent signed by the parent/legal guardian not accompanying the child must be presented at the ticket counter.

Spirit Airlines accepts passengers ages 13-17 traveling alone to all international locations provided they have a notarized Letter of Consent signed by one parent or legal guardian.  A notarized Letter of Consent is required and must be presented to Spirit Airlines at time of check in.

Passengers must be able to present valid passports/travel documents proving citizenship, and visas when required.

Customers 12 years of age and younger MUST be accompanied by a passenger who is at least 18 years of age.
Customers 18 years of age and older do NOT require a notarized Letter of Consent when traveling alone.

As additional country-specific requirements may apply, checking directly with a local consulate or State Dept. is strongly suggested. - 

Please visit the U.S. Department of State web site for detailed information regarding the special requirements when traveling internationally with children.

Baggage

Same as domestic above.

Pet Acceptance

Spirit Airlines does not accept pets for travel in the cabin or in cargo on international flights.  Spirit does accept service animals, but country specific requirements apply and additonal documentation regarding the service animal may be required.  Checking with your local consulate is recommended for the most up to date information, or contact Spirit Customer Service at 800-772-7117 and one of our agents will be happy to check destination regulations for you.

Other Important Sites

U.S. Customs and Border Protection
View the latest updates on restricted/prohibited goods, and leaving and arriving in the United States.
U.S. Department of Agriculture
Find out about restrictions regarding bringing agricultural products into the United States.
Currency Converter
Use the Universal Currency Converter™ to check exchange rates in your destination country.

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Traveling with Pets & Service Animals

Pets are defined as domesticated dogs, cats and birds only. The number of pets allowed in the cabin is subject to space availability. A fee of $85 USD each way per pet container is charged at check-in at the airport ticket counter. These fees cannot be prepaid prior to the day of departure.

Carry-On Pets

A maximum of 4 pet containers is permitted in the cabin on all domestic flights including San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas U.S.V.I.

The animal must be in a container subject to inspection and approval by Spirit. The passenger is responsible for assuring that the container meets all government requirements for safe and humane transport.

Dimensions of container must not exceed 18" length + 14" width + 9" height and must fit beneath the seat. Soft-sided containers are allowed in the cabin.

One or more similar animals may be in the same container so long as each pet is free to stand in an upright position and freely move about the container. Animals must remain in the container at all times while on board the aircraft.

NOTE: Effective January 8, 2008, The Free Associated State of Puerto Rico, prohibits the entry of domesticated or exotic birds to its territory after discovery of birds infected with the bird flu virus in the neighboring country of the Dominican Republic. Spirit Airlines will not transport any birds to/from Puerto Rico.

Checked Pets

Spirit Airlines does not transport pets in Cargo.

Service Animals

We welcome service animals trained to assist customers with mobility, visual and hearing disabilities, in the aircraft cabin for no charge. Medical documentation may be required stating that the passenger must have the animal with them. The service animal will remain with the passenger, generally in the front row of the aircraft. The service animal must occupy the floor space where the passenger sits and cannot obstruct an aisle or areas that must remain clear in the case of an emergency evacuation.

For more information on special assistance call Spirit Customer Service at 800-772-7117 or visit the Spirited Special Assistance section.

International Travel

Spirit Airlines does not accept pets for travel in the cabin or in the cargo compartment on international flights, except in the case of service animals.

Depending on the international destination, specific documentation regarding the service animal may be required. Please contact Spirit Customer Service at 800-772-7117 and one of our agents will be happy to check destination regulations for you.

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Special Items

The following items may be accepted as carry-on and/or checked baggage with restrictions. Checked Baggage Fees apply to ALL checked items effective June 20th, 2007. Additional fees apply for Special Items and are outlined below where applicable. Checked baggage may require a limited liability release tag, which can be obtained at the Spirit Airline's ticket counter. If the information does not appear in this screen please see http://www.tsa.gov/public

SPIRIT DOES NOT PROVIDE SHIPPING BOXES.

Listed below are the special baggage items commonly requested to be transported. - 
  Alcohol Antlers Archery Equipment
  Artistic Items Ball/Balloons Baseball Equipment
  Bicycles Boogie Boards Bowling Equipment
  Boxes Camping Gear Ceramics/Chinawear/Glass
  Chainsaws Dry Ice Electronics
  Firearms Fishing Equipment Golf Equipment
  Hockey Equipment Household Items Ice
  Incubators Lacrosse Equipment Martial Arts
  Urns Musical Instruments Seat Baggage
  Nebulizers Oxygen Paintball Equipment
  Parachute Equipment Perishables Photographic Equipment
  Portable Oxygen Concentrators Precision Instruments Ski Equipment (Water or Snow)
  Scuba Diving Equipment Surfboards Snowboards
  Tennis Tools/Power Tools Wheelchairs
  Windsurfing Equipment Wakeboards Wood Carvings
       

Alcohol
A maximum of 5 L or 1.3 gallons of liquor products containing between 24% and 70% alcohol by volume are allowed to be carried per customer.  Liquor products over 140 proof or 70% alcohol by volume are not allowed onboard the aircraft.
Containers must be unopened and packaged so as not to break or leak.  Liquor cartons provided for hand carriage by Duty Free Shops are permitted.
A release form will also need to be signed by the customer.

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Antlers
Antlers will be accepted as baggage. The following conditions of acceptance apply:
 - Dimension (H + W + L) must not exceed 120 inches
 - Head/skull must be completely clean and free of residue
 - Points must be covered and protected
 - One rack per ticketed customer
 - Can't combine or cradle 2 or more racks
A release form will also need to be signed by the customer.

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Archery Equipment
Archery equipment will be accepted as baggage. One item of archery equipment consists of:
 - One bow
 - One quiver
 - One maintenance kit
Archery equipment must be packed in a case or container of sufficient strength to protect the bows and quiver with arrows from accidental damage. A release form will also need to be signed by the customer.

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Artistic Items
Oversized pictures, drawings, statues, models, souvenirs, art objects, curios and similar articles. Small items accepted in carry-on. A release form will also need to be signed by the customer.

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Balls/Balloons
Footballs, soccer balls, basketballs, volleyballs may be transported. Items may need to be slightly deflated for safe transport. Helium balloons may be transported if completely deflated.  These items are acceptable as carry-on or checked baggage. A release form will also need to be signed by the customer.

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Baseball Equipment
Baseball equipment will be accepted as baggage. A release form will also need to be signed by the customer.
One item of baseball equipment consists of:
 - 4 bats
 - Helmet
 - Uniform
 - Cleats
 - Batting gloves
 - Glove
 - Catcher will have additional equipment (padding, mask, etc.)

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Bicycles
Bicycles will be accepted as checked baggage for an additional charge per direction (charged at the airport on the day of departure). One item of bicycle equipment is defined as one non-motorized touring or racing bicycle with a single seat.

Bicycles should be prepared for transportation by the customer. Bicycle must be placed in a card board or hard cased bike container. Bicycle tires must be deflated. Bicycles not enclosed will not be accepted. A release form will also need to be signed by the customer.

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Boogie Boards
Boogie boards will be accepted as baggage.  A release form will also need to be signed by the customer.

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Bowling Equipment
Bowling equipment will be accepted as baggage. A release form will also need to be signed by the customer.

One unit of bowling equipment consists of:
 - 3 bowling balls
 - 1 bowling bag
 - 1 pair of shoes
Bowling bags are acceptable as carry on bags but must fit under the seat in front of you, and contain only one (1) bowling ball. Bowling balls may not be stowed in the overhead bins.

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Boxes
Boxes may be transported to all locations except when embargos are in place. The following conditions apply:

• Boxes may be opened and inspected upon check-in.
• A release form will also need to be signed by the customer.
• Boxes must meet the same restrictions contained in our baggage acceptance policy.
• Excess, oversize, and overweight charges apply as normal.
• Boxes must have the strength to hold the contents.
• Spirit is not responsible for packaging/re-packaging any boxes.
• Hazardous material or boxes with specific hazardous materials labels are unacceptable for transport.

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Camping Gear
Backpacks, sleeping bags, and knapsacks made of plastic, vinyl, or other easily torn material with or without metal frames, outside pockets, or protruding straps and buckles are acceptable as checked baggage only. Any dangerous goods such as flares, camping stove fuel, etc. will not be accepted. A release form will also need to be signed by the customer.

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Ceramics/Chinaware/Glass
Pots, statues, bowls, dishes, glasses or other containers made of clay