Beginning April 4, low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines will reduce the allowable size for customers’ free carry-on bag.
The airline says the allotted space for carry-on luggage under its Bare Fare policy will shrink from 2,688 cubic inches to 2,016 cubic inches. Passengers who board with a single bag that exceeds the new limit will be charged $100 to bring the bag on board. Travelers who prefer to bring larger bags can prepay fees starting at $26.
“As far as the personal item size, you’re correct about the planned adjustments noted on our site. We heard from many customers who told us their laptop bags or larger purses weren’t fitting quite as well under our seats length-wise,” a Spirit Airlines spokesperson said. “We take customer feedback very seriously, so we’ve adjusted the length to accommodate these popular personal items. We’re still proud to offer one of the largest personal item sizes in the industry.”
This change follows a wider industry trend in which major carriers are trimming included services while offering lower base fares. Airlines such as American Airlines and United Airlines have rolled out basic economy options that restrict carry-on allowances and remove seat selection from the included benefits, prompting travelers to weigh fare savings against added fees for luggage and seat choice.
For passengers who frequently travel with larger bags, it will be important to measure luggage before flying and consider prepaying for carry-on allowance to avoid the higher gate fee. Airlines typically provide exact size limits and fee schedules on their websites and during booking; checking those details ahead of time can prevent surprises at the airport.
Spirit’s adjustment aims to balance customer feedback about under-seat fit with its low-fare model. By narrowing the free carry-on dimensions, the carrier can better manage cabin storage while continuing to offer budget-conscious options for travelers who are willing to pay extra for larger baggage or additional conveniences.