Carry on vs. "personal item" on Spirit Airlines??

[NJDisneymom]

We are a family of 5 and in previous trips each kid always had a small rolling carry on bag (not as big as a "real" one - kid sized) but now Spirit charges $20 per carry on so we are nixing that idea. You are allowed one free "personal item" that can be stored under the seat per person. I know it can be a purse or briefcase but would a school sized backpack be ok or is it too big?? It wouldn't be stuffed full, so should fit under the seat.

I just don't want to get to the airport with 3 kids w/backpacks and find I have to pay $20 each so any help would be appreciated on what kind of item they can use - mostly want it for some snacks and books/crayons and other things to occupy them on the plane.

Also, if you gate check a stroller do you have to pay a fee for that???

 

[goofy4tink]

We have routinely used backpacks as 'personal items' on other airlines..in addition to regular carryon bags. I believe that as long as it fits underneath the seat, it is considered a 'personal item'.

 

[CPT Tripss]

We have routinely used backpacks as 'personal items' on other airlines..in addition to regular carryon bags. I believe that as long as it fits underneath the seat, it is considered a 'personal item'.

Pretty much on target . . . if it's under the seat in front of you, it's personal. If it is in the overhead, even if relatively small it's a carryon and they charge - ymmv depending on cabin crew..

 

[NJDisneymom]

so a regular sized backpack will fit under the seat in front of you?? I wasn't sure.

Also, anyone know about gate checking the stroller? Do you pay to do that?

 

[bjakmom]

A back pack that is not packed full and does not have the wheels/metal frame should fit under the seat. Check the spirit site for the specific dimensions allowed for 'personal item'.
FYI - Spirit recently reduced their allowed weight for checked luggage from 50# to only 40# - and they will charge you an extra $25 for 41-50# - an extra $50 if you go over 50#. When we flew Spirit last month my small suitcase weighed in at 38# - so there is now no way I can even check my regular size suitcase on a Spirit flight without going 40# - the bigger suitcase alone weighs +2#!!!! They were hitting people left and right with extra baggage charges at the check in and people were furious! They are quickly loosing my business!

 

[mickeymom1]

There is no charge for checking a stroller at the gate (unless they just changed their policies again! )

I just flew this past weekend and the size of the personal item can be 16x14x12in. I was going for the weekend and only carried on a small duffle bag and was never questioned. It fit fine under the seat. Also, on their website it says that your personal item does not include any jackets, food or camera bags. You should be fine with school size backpacks.

Have a fun trip!

 

[keishashadow]

we're flying them for 1st time in June, even with the baggage fees are far less than comparable flights...still i'm going to try & just pay for 1 or 2 checked bags. We're flying out of such a small airport LBE i believe they hand process the luggage, thinking of using lightweight wheeled duffle bags.

in addition to the 'really' small backpackcarryon Spirit allows a camera case per passenger. I plan on bringing good sized ones w/camera placed on top & whatever else i can stuff underneath it

 

[jenseib]

I just booked my spirit flight 2 days ago, Carry on fees were $30, not 20 and the checked bag feew was $28. I am just checking the bag in.

Anyone know how they work it for those who don't pay for seats prior. I am traveling alone, so I didn't choose a seat. Do they assign a seat at check in or do you wait till all has boarded and do general boarding then?

I usually find Spirt to be the same or more than most other airlines that fly direct from Detroit to MCO, once you add all the baggage, etc, fees. So I go with other airlines, since Spirit planes are much more cramped as well. But this time they actually were cheaper, and since it was me and no need for an actual carry on, I'm biting the bullet.

 

[bjakmom]

Anyone know how they work it for those who don't pay for seats prior. I am traveling alone, so I didn't choose a seat. Do they assign a seat at check in or do you wait till all has boarded and do general boarding then?

My experience lately has been that they assign all seats about 24 hours prior to flight. Whenever I've printed my boarding pass within 24 hrs of the flight, without a chosen seat, they have already assigned me one.

 

[jenseib]

My experience lately has been that they assign all seats about 24 hours prior to flight. Whenever I've printed my boarding pass within 24 hrs of the flight, without a chosen seat, they have already assigned me one.

Thanks!