Explained: Cabin Baggage Restrictions At The Major US Low-Cost Carriers

Navigating the cabin baggage policies of low-cost carriers in the United States can be challenging, as each airline has its own rules and fees. Understanding these policies is crucial for travelers who want to avoid unexpected charges and ensure a smooth boarding experience. This article provides a detailed overview of the cabin baggage restrictions for five major US low-cost carriers: Spirit Airlines, Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines, Southwest Airlines, and Avelo Airlines.
Related A Brief Guide To Alaska Airlines’ Baggage Policy An overview of Alaska Airlines’ baggage policy before the next time you fly.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is known for its ultra-low-cost model, offering low base fares with additional fees for various services, including baggage. According to Spirit Airlines’ baggage policy, passengers are allowed one personal item free of charge. This individual item must fit entirely in the smaller sizer bin and not exceed dimensions of 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm), including handles and wheels. Examples of personal items include purses, small backpacks, and laptop bags.
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Spirit charges an additional fee for carry-on bags. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on are 22 x 18 x 10 inches (56 x 46 x 25 cm), including handles and wheels. It’s important to note that carry-on bags must fit in the overhead bin, and fees vary depending on when the purchase is made—earlier purchases typically result in lower fees. Passengers should be aware that any item exceeding the personal item dimensions will be considered a carry-on and subject to the corresponding fee.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant Air operates on a similar low-cost model, with specific policies regarding cabin baggage. According to Allegiant’s baggage policy, each passenger is allowed one free personal item that must fit under the seat in front of them. The dimensions for an individual item should not exceed 7 x 15 x 16 inches (17.8 x 38.1 x 40.6 cm). Items such as purses, briefcases, and small backpacks typically qualify as personal items.
Photo: Carlos Yudica | Shutterstock
Carry-on bags are subject to a fee and must not exceed dimensions of 9 x 14 x 22 inches (22.9 x 35.6 x 55.9 cm), including handles and wheels. These bags should fit in the overhead bin.
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Allegiant encourages passengers to pay for carry-on bags during the initial booking process, as fees are higher when added later or at the airport. It’s also important to note that Allegiant has a weight limit for carry-on bags, which should not exceed 35 pounds (15.9 kg).
Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines offers low fares with optional services, including baggage. According to Frontier’s baggage policy, passengers are permitted one free personal item that must fit under the seat in front of them. The dimensions for an individual item should not exceed 8 x 18 x 14 inches (20.3 x 45.7 x 35.6 cm). Examples include purses, totes, and laptop bags.
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Carry-on bags are not included in the base fare and incur additional fees. The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 10 x 16 x 24 inches (25.4 x 40.6 x 61 cm), including handles and wheels, and the weight should not exceed 35 pounds (15.9 kg).
These bags must fit in the overhead bin. Frontier’s fees for carry-on bags vary based on when the purchase is made, with lower fees available during the initial booking process. Passengers are advised to pay for carry-on bags in advance to avoid higher costs at the airport.
Related The Frontier Airlines Mastercard Now Offers Complimentary Checked Bags The card now offers two free bags on Frontier flights and a fast track to elite status.
Southwest Airlines
Southwest Airlines differentiates itself from other low-cost carriers by offering more inclusive services. According to Southwest’s baggage policy, passengers are allowed one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge. The carry-on bag must not exceed dimensions of 10 x 16 x 24 inches (25.4 x 40.6 x 61 cm), including handles and wheels, and should fit in the overhead bin.
Photo: Wenjie Zheng | Shutterstock
The personal item must fit under the seat in front of the passenger and should not exceed dimensions of 8.5 x 13.5 x 18.5 inches (21.6 x 34.3 x 47 cm). Examples of personal items include purses, briefcases, and laptop bags. Southwest’s policy of allowing a carry-on bag and a personal item without additional fees provides added value to travelers, distinguishing it from other low-cost carriers.
Related What Other Planes Should Southwest Partner With? Back in September, Southwest announced that, for the first time, they will be partnering with an international airline. That airline is none other than Icelandair, which will increase passenger connectivity. This partnership opens the door for more collaborations with international airlines for Southwest.With that in mind, which airlines do you think Southwest could partner with next? Personally, I think a partnership with Volaris would work quite well, considering they fly to certain destinations where Southwest has a large operating base. Let me know your thoughts below!
Avelo Airlines
Avelo Airlines is a relatively new entrant in the low-cost carrier market, with specific policies regarding cabin baggage. According to Avelo’s baggage policy, each passenger is allowed one free personal item that must fit under the seat in front of them. The dimensions for an individual item should not exceed 6 x 15 x 17 inches (15.2 x 38.1 x 43.2 cm). Items like purses, laptop bags, and small backpacks are personal items.
Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock
Carry-on bags are subject to a fee and must not exceed dimensions of 9 x 14 x 22 inches (22.9 x 35.6 x 55.9 cm), including handles and wheels. These bags should fit in the overhead bin. Avelo encourages passengers to pay for carry-on bags during the initial booking process, as fees are higher when added later or at the airport. It’s also important to note that Avelo has a weight limit for carry-on bags, which should be at most 35 pounds (15.9 kg).
Summary: baggage allowance on US low-cost airlines
Airline Free Personal Item Personal Item Size Limit Paid Carry-On Allowed Carry-On Size Limit Notes Spirit Airlines Yes 18 x 14 x 8 inches Yes 22 x 18 x 10 inches Additional fees for carry-on; must fit in overhead. Allegiant Air Yes 7 x 15 x 16 inches Yes 9 x 14 x 22 inches Weight limit of 35 lbs for carry-on. Frontier Airlines Yes 8 x 18 x 14 inches Yes 10 x 16 x 24 inches Fees vary based on booking time. Southwest Airlines Yes, plus free carry-on 8.5 x 13.5 x 18.5 inches Yes, free 10 x 16 x 24 inches No additional fees for both carry-on and personal. Avelo Airlines Yes 6 x 15 x 17 inches Yes 9 x 14 x 22 inches Carry-on fee applies, weight limit of 35 lbs.
Key considerations for travelers
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Understand the definitions : Different airlines have varying definitions for personal items and carry-on bags. Ensure you know what qualifies as an individual item and its size limitations.
: Different airlines have varying definitions for personal items and carry-on bags. Ensure you know what qualifies as an individual item and its size limitations. Check dimensions and weight : Always measure your bags, including handles and wheels, to ensure they meet the airline’s specified dimensions and weight limits.
: Always measure your bags, including handles and wheels, to ensure they meet the airline’s specified dimensions and weight limits. Purchase baggage in advance : If you plan to bring a carry-on bag, it’s often cheaper to pay for it during the initial booking process rather than at the airport.
: If you plan to bring a carry-on bag, it’s often cheaper to pay for it during the initial booking process rather than at the airport. Be aware of additional fees: Low-cost carriers often charge for services that may be included with other airlines. Familiarize yourself with potential fees for seat selection, priority boarding, and other services.