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Spirit Airlines Experiences? Specifically with luggage\carry ons
Hi there -- I've never traveled on Spirit... I've been told that they charge you for carryons (??!!??) I've also been told many airlines are doing this (???) I've yet to experience this. I, admittingly, don't get to fly often, however I typically go to Ohio twice a year and have always packed a mini suitcase -- gate checked, and my purse. It makes it easy to travel. I've been on Airtran, Delta, and United recently. I understand things change, but this was just a couple months ago.
I'm going to St. George and Vegas in May...Spirit seems to be the only option - however since my BF is running the 1/2 ironman and he is quite hesitent to check luggage and have it get lost with him being SOL for the race. (note that the main items he can carry on, they fit into a small enough "bag").
Has anyone experienced being charged for carryons - I am curious how it works.
Thanks!
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~ Jenn **Disney is REAL LIFE Magic, so much more than optical illusions **
The charge for carry on items but not for personal items:
Personal item: (e.g. purse, small backpack, etc.) dimensions must not exceed 16 x 14 x 12 inches (40 x 35 x 30 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. We may require that a carry-on bag travel as a checked bag if it cannot be safely stowed on a particular flight. $30 each way
We just bring back packs or small duffle bags that fit under the seat so they are free
I hate spirit but it is the closest airport to us and the only airline out of that airport but they are horrible!! They charge for seats and bags but they are cheaper still???
Good luck
Last edited by Cinderella072004; 12-31-2013 at 01:19 PM..
Thanks for the info.... Well cheapest not taking 2 stops. For whatever reason getting to Vegas is a huge issue.... flights use to be practically every hour both out of Milwaukee and Chicago, with several options to choose from. Not anymore.
Checked carryon --- checked to pick up at the gate when getting off the plane - or is it checked with the other luggage that may or may not arrive.
I can deal with eating the cost to gate check my mini suitcase, which i imagine would be larger than a "small" carryon...what I cannot deal with is having to check it and end up with no clothes and my BF not having his race gear. I also notice that they nickle and dime....charging for seat assignments as well.
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I vowed never to fly Spirit again, but if it was my only airline? Then I would. I just hated not being able to pick my seats, and it was actually cheaper to check a bag then to carry one on. Just make sure you pay the bag fees BEFORE you get to the airport, or it's stupid expensive.
Also, it was the only flight my legs were smushed on, and I'm only 5'10! BUT the flights were on time and we got our luggage no problem. After my last few flying experiences, I'd probably pick being smushed and nickle and dimed over EVER flying United again.
I vowed never to fly Spirit again, but if it was my only airline? Then I would. I just hated not being able to pick my seats, and it was actually cheaper to check a bag then to carry one on. Just make sure you pay the bag fees BEFORE you get to the airport, or it's stupid expensive.
Also, it was the only flight my legs were smushed on, and I'm only 5'10! BUT the flights were on time and we got our luggage no problem. After my last few flying experiences, I'd probably pick being smushed and nickle and dimed over EVER flying United again.
We ended up only needed them TOO Vegas.... I just worry so much about checking bags, because BF will need all his stuff right away. Shoes, wetsuit, bike helet (which would fit just fine in a back pack, clothes, etc. He can't experience the airlines losing a bag....he'll not only be unable to race, but out the obscence amount Ironmans charge. He's renting a bike, which ended up to be WAY cheaper than shipping his (otherwise he would have shipped all the other stuff too).
We found a cheap direct flight back home through Delta, which I've always had good experience on. Spirit, from what I could see, let you pick your seats for a fee. If you've flown them recently can you confirm that carryons that fit under the seat are free... and over head bins are what they charge for? With Delta and Airtran they've always "green tagged" my luggage carryon... stowed it.. and had it ready to pick up at the "hallway thingy" (technical term ) that connects the plane to the gate. It's always worked out well and allowed me to not have to check the bag the holds my clothes for travel. It's making me quite sad that airlines don't seem to do this... or at least Spirit doesn't. Flying to Ohio I've always done this -- with multiple airlines. Oh well... times are changing I suppose...
Thanks for your help!! I shouldn't have an issue with seating -- being that i am child size at 5' tall
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~ Jenn **Disney is REAL LIFE Magic, so much more than optical illusions **
I only carried on my purse, which was no charge. I think it matters the dimensions of the item more than where you actually put it on the plane. If it's obviously a roller-board, you'll be charged to carry-on. As far as gate-checking on the "hallway thingy" (because the name escapes me at the moment too!), I've only experienced them offering that on smaller planes (on any airline) where that size bag won't fit in the overhead. So either way I think you'll be fine
Also, we didn't pay to pick our seats ahead of time, but when we checked in we were at least given two seats together - if that's any concern. I'm sure it isn't guaranteed, but I was happy not to be alone in my smushed misery and instead got to bug my boyfriend the whole way
Thanks so much! I think this will prove to be a interesting travel experience for sure. I cannot recall the last time I flew without preassigned seats (no check in at the airport required). Also, the bag info was very helpful. I imagine that is why I experience it so much "gate bag checking" for lack of a better name -- as I always get a tiny plane - Milwaukee - Canton\Akron. I've been spoiled with not having to check a bag since 2007 where DME dealt with the bags.
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~ Jenn **Disney is REAL LIFE Magic, so much more than optical illusions **
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Glad I could be of help! My boyfriend goes with them all the time since they have great rates from NYC to DFW, but it was my first experience with them in September so I still kind of remember what was the most shocking from other airlines ALSO, the line for the Spirit Desk was one of the longest I've ever stood in - since more people have to check in at the airport - so make sure you give yourself enough time
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) that connects the plane to the gate. It's always worked out well and allowed me to not have to check the bag the holds my clothes for travel. It's making me quite sad that airlines don't seem to do this... or at least Spirit doesn't. Flying to Ohio I've always done this -- with multiple airlines. Oh well... times are changing I suppose... 
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