How to pack only in a Spirit Airlines free carry-on bag
Editor's Note
Ultra low-cost airline carriers, such as Spirit Airlines, hook you in with really cheap fares -- like $19 one-way flights. It's not a scam, you really can fly miles above the earth's surface from around just $19 each way per person (or perhaps even cheaper with a kids fly free deal tacked on if you're flying Frontier).
Related: The best credit cards to use on low-cost carriers
But, as you likely know, the total price to fly can also easily go up dramatically from there with ancillary fees. One way the true total cost to fly can jump up quickly is if you start paying for checked or carry-on bags. The fees to bring your own full-sized carry-on bag on the plane vary, but if you are listing your bag(s) during the initial trip booking, expect to pay about $30 for each checked bag and $35 for one carry-on bag both ways. If bags are overweight or oversized, they will incur additional charges from $30-$150.
But -- you don't have to pay those fees. If you can pack just the essentials using a backpack or similar, you can enjoy the heck out of your inexpensive airline ticket and leave the fee-paying to other passengers.
Related: Everything you should know before flying Spirit Airlines
Now to be fair, I love stuffing my Rimowa carry-on and personal-sized purse or backpack to the brim when bags are included in my airline ticket. However, I've also learned to forgo my regular full-sized carry-on in favor of a free Spirit Airlines-approved carry-on when necessary.
When you fly Spirit Airlines, you can bring on a personal item up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches on board for free while a full-sized carry-on will cost you $35 and up, depending on when and where you purchase the right to bring the bag on board. (Prices slightly less for $9 Fare Club members.)
If it’s just me for a short trip and I’m flying Spirit Airlines, I’m not paying for a bag if I can help it. Instead, I’m going to pack for a Spirit Airlines free personal carry-on. Here's how.
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Related: Avoid bag fees with these credit cards
Choose the right bag
First things first, you need the right bag to avoid Spirit Airlines bag fees. I have used my much-loved Sole Society Tote with regularity, but a regular backpack can work, too, as long as it is within the set parameters.
I’ve found that small traditional backpacks, such as the one an average middle schooler might take to school, are pretty good about staying within those size guidelines. Many of the fancier and larger backpacks are technically too large. However, Spirit Airlines doesn’t have a reputation for being overly strict with requiring passengers to stay exactly within the size guidelines.
Wearing my trusty Samsonite Modern Utility Double Shot Backpack (sized at 12" x 8" x 18" with a laptop compartment) has worked wonders when avoiding carry-on bag fees. I've even been known to use a Mickey backpack from time to time -- which works especially great if you are heading on a quick trip to Disney World.
Related: Just how small is the free Spirit Airlines carry-on
Going over the stated measurements an inch here or there with a bag you are wearing or carrying probably won't be a big deal with Spirit. However, straying too far from the stated maximum sizes for a free personal carry-on item may cost you, so we don't recommend that approach. If you aren't sure where to start, here's a look at some of our favorite carry-on backpacks.
Essentials only
Now that you have your Spirit Airlines-approved personal carry-on bag identified, you get to stuff it full with your absolute essentials. And I mean, the absolute essentials.
Related: 14 packing hacks for traveling with just a carry-on
For me, this often means a laptop, wallet, a tightly rolled change of clothes and then several smaller bags that will each hold specific items. I have one bag for my computer cords, one for my smaller clothing items like pajama shorts, underwear, etc., a bag for make-up and a final bag for toiletries.
I don’t want any of those items loose in my small personal carry-on item, nor do I want them mingling with each other. If you don't need special toiletries or make-up, then you'll have more space for clothes than I usually do.
Related: Everything you should know before flying Spirit Airlines
When you are packing for a free Spirit Airlines personal carry-on, you probably are only going to bring one pair of shoes -- the ones on your feet. Occasionally I can also sneak a pair of extra flats into my bag, but that's about it. You'll also want to carry your coat on board, if needed, even if it's warm where you're starting from.
Diaper bags fly free
It's OK to skimp on how many shoes or hair products you travel with, but you don't want to skimp on supplies for your young kids. Fortunately, an infant diaper bag can also come aboard for free -- assuming you are flying with a baby.
You never want to run out of formula, kid-friendly snacks, diapers, wipes and a change of clothes for a little one on a flight. Kiddos can also bring a car seat and stroller along for free.
Related: How to open frequent flyer accounts for your kids with the major U.S. airlines
Consider paying for one bag for the family
Only you know your budget but if you are flying Spirit without little kids for a short weekend trip, it can be realistic to avoid Spirit bag fees and pack everything in a free Spirit carry-on -- especially if you're going somewhere warm. If you're flying with little kids or are heading on a longer trip, I think it's worth it to pay to check or carry-on at least one bag for the family.
Everyone can still have their free personal item, but then pack additional items in the shared larger bag that you pay to bring. Just book the bag in advance online to pay the lowest rate. If you have a credit card with an annual travel credit, this could be a good way to use some of that credit. In fact, I'm switching my Amex airline fee credit selection to an ultra low-cost carrier for this very reason.
Related: A look at the affordable Amazon Basics luggage line
Overall recommendations
The one downside to be aware of when loading up a free Spirit personal item to the max is that it might get really heavy. I was able to bring most everything I would have brought along if I packed in my regular roller carry-on on a recent two-night trip, but the difference was I was carrying all of that weight on my arm instead of rolling it behind me.
I would guess my bag ended up weighing close to 20 pounds, and after a while of carrying that on your arm, it starts to get uncomfortable. It would have been easier if I had gone the backpack route on that trip, rather than the tote.
Just be sure and factor in the weight you will be carrying to the equation, especially if you have any physical limitations, are managing young children or simply have to walk a very long distance before you get somewhere where you can unpack.
In many cases you don't need to pay to bring bags on board a Spirit Airlines flight, you just need to know how to pack for the free Spirit Airlines carry-on bag.
Related: What’s all the fuss about packing cubes — and are they right for you?
With additional reporting by Mimi Wright.
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.