If you plan to fly Spirit or Frontier this holiday season, be aware that both low-cost carriers have raised checked bag fees during this peak travel period.
Spirit is applying a temporary increase of $2 to its checked bag fee from Dec. 18 through Jan. 4. The airline first used this temporary surcharge last year and has applied similar increases at other busy times, including this past summer. Frontier uses a different approach: a dynamic pricing system that determines baggage fees based on route and travel dates. Because Frontier requires you to enter origin, destination and travel dates to reveal the fee, the exact charge may not be visible until you reach that stage of booking. In some cases, Frontier adds an extra $2 seasonal surcharge on top of its dynamic fee.
Spirit spokesperson Paul Berry explained the rationale behind the temporary charge: it helps offset added costs associated with baggage handling, additional staffing, airport infrastructure needs and the extra fuel burn that results when aircraft carry more weight. Rather than increase fares for every passenger, the airline says it prefers to apply a modest, temporary charge only to travelers who check bags during the busiest travel period.
The U.S. Department of Transportation reported that the 27 largest U.S. airlines collected more than $3.5 billion in baggage fees last year, illustrating how checked-luggage charges have become a significant source of ancillary revenue for carriers nationwide.
For travelers, these changes mean a couple of practical steps: check baggage policies and fees before you book, compare total travel costs (including baggage) between airlines, and consider whether traveling with carry-on only could save money and time during the holiday rush. Also keep in mind that dynamic fees, like those Frontier uses, may fluctuate by route and date, so the price you see can differ depending on when and where you search.
During peak periods, airports and airlines are frequently stretched by higher passenger volumes. If you must check a bag, allow extra time at the airport for check-in and security lines, and be prepared for the possibility of slightly higher charges than during off-peak travel dates.
In summary, budget airlines sometimes add temporary surcharges to checked baggage during high-demand windows. Spirit has a clearly announced $2 temporary fee over the holidays, while Frontier’s dynamic pricing and occasional seasonal surcharge can make exact costs harder to determine until you enter specific travel details. Reviewing baggage rules before booking and packing with fees in mind can help you avoid surprises at checkout and at the gate.