Spirit Airlines Bag Policy 2017

Hey there, fellow traveler! Let’s talk about Spirit Airlines’ bag policy in 2017—back when the airline was basically the kryptonite of your wallet if you weren’t careful. If you’ve ever flown Spirit, you know they’re not exactly running a charity. They’re more like that friend who charges you for a slice of pizza at a party.

But here’s the thing: 2017 was a wild year for Spirit’s bag rules. It was before the great “personal item” crackdown, but still confusing enough to make your head spin. Let’s break it down, shall we? No judgment if you’ve already packed three pairs of shoes—we’ve all been there.

The Big Three: Carry-Ons, Personal Items, and Checked Bags

First, the basics. In 2017, Spirit allowed you to bring one personal item for free—like a purse, backpack, or that tiny suitcase that looks like it belongs to a doll. But here’s the catch: it had to fit under the seat in front of you, measuring 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Think of it as the “Cinderella’s slipper” of luggage—if it doesn’t fit, you’re out of luck (and money).

Now, if you wanted a carry-on bag to go in the overhead bin, that’ll cost you. Prices ranged from $26 to $45 at the airport, but if you paid online ahead of time, you might snag a discount. Pro tip: Always prepay, unless you love paying extra for the privilege of lifting your own suitcase.

Checked bags? Oh, they were a whole adventure. In 2017, Spirit charged per bag, per weight, and per mood. First bag could cost $30 online, $40 at the airport. Second bag? Add another $40. And God forbid your bag weighed over 40 pounds—then the fee jumped to $100 for overweight items. It was basically a tax on your inability to travel light.

The “Personal Item” Trap

Here’s where Spirit got sneaky. In 2017, the airline started strictly enforcing the size of personal items. If your “backpack” looked more like a duffel bag, they’d pull you aside at the gate with a sizer—a metal box that measures your bag like a medieval torture device. I swear, I saw a woman cry once because her purse was two inches too wide.

Don’t be that person. If you’re flying Spirit, measure your bag before you leave the house. Use a tape measure, or just your phone—but be honest. Your emotions aren’t worth a $65 gate fee. Trust me, I’ve paid it. Twice.

PPT - How do I Make Reservations on Spirit Airlines PowerPoint

The Wild Card: Weight Limits

Unlike some airlines that care only about size, Spirit in 2017 had weight limits on checked bags. Each bag could only be 40 pounds—anything over that cost you $50 extra for the first 10 lbs over, then more after that. Imagine looking at your suitcase and thinking, “Is this hair dryer really worth $50?” Spoiler: it’s not.

For carry-ons, there was a weight limit too—up to 50 pounds—but they rarely checked. So you could stuff your bag with bricks and hope for the best. But if you got flagged? Cue the awkward repacking at the counter.

The One Free Thing: Your Personal Item (But Be Clever)

So what could you bring for free? A purse, laptop bag, or small backpack. But here’s the fun part: people got creative. I saw a guy bring a golf club as his personal item (he argued it was a “large walking stick”). Spoiler: it didn’t work. But he made the gate agent laugh, so it was a moral victory.

If you were smart, you’d use a compression packing cube to fit more into your tiny personal item. Roll your clothes, not your eyes—this ain’t rocket science. And never, ever buy a ticket without confirming your bag plans first.

How Does Baggage Work With Spirit at Mary Reilly blog

What Happened When You Ignored the Rules?

You paid the “Gate of Shame” fee. That’s the $65–$100 charge they hit you with if your bag didn’t fit the personal item sizer at the gate. It was like a surprise tax on your vacation. One guy in 2017 had to choose between paying $65 or leaving his 12-pack of socks behind. He paid. The socks were expensive, okay?

The moral of the story? Read the policy, even if it’s boring. Spirit’s website in 2017 was a maze, but it had all the size charts. Bookmark it. Print it. Frame it. Or just follow my golden rule: pack light, pay less, and laugh at the people who don’t.

Our Favorite 2017 Hack: The “Bundle”

In 2017, Spirit offered something called the “Bundle”—a package that included a carry-on AND a checked bag for a flat fee (usually around $52–$68). It was often cheaper than buying them separately. Think of it as the airline version of a combo meal at McDonald’s: not gourmet, but surprisingly practical.

If you were a group traveler, the bundle was a lifesaver. Split the cost with your travel buddy and smuggle snacks in your personal item. Just don’t let the gate agent catch you eating a burrito during boarding—that’s a different policy entirely.

Spirit Airline Carry On Bag | The Ultimate Guide to Spirit Airlines

The 2017 Bottom Line

Spirit’s bag policy that year was basically a test of your patience and math skills. The average traveler spent $35 to $50 on bags alone—on a $50 flight. It felt like a scam, but it wasn’t. It was just honest low-cost airline math: you pay for the seat, and then you pay for your stuff.

But here’s the secret: you can beat the system. Pack a single personal item that fits the sizer, pay for a checked bag online if you must, and never, ever show up with a wheeled cooler. Oh, and always tip the gate agent with a smile. It won’t help your bag fee, but it makes the flight feel friendlier.

In Conclusion: You Got This!

Listen, flying Spirit in 2017 wasn’t a horror movie—it was more like a comedy of errors. The bag policy had its quirks, but you are smarter than the average suitcase. You’ll measure your bag, you’ll prepay, and you’ll walk onto that plane with nothing but a tiny backpack and a huge sense of accomplishment.

So here’s to you, my thrifty friend. May your personal item always fit under the seat, your overhead bin always be empty, and your wallet never cry at the gate. Travel light, laugh often, and remember: the best carry-on is a happy heart. (And maybe a snack. Definitely a snack.)