mlbcruiser

Can't find a good place to ask this question, but since in this case it is in regard to a flight to the caribbean, I'm asking it on this forum.

We have to fly Spirit Airlines to the caribbean as that is the carrier that provided the air with the pkg. vacation we purchased. . We do NOT want to pay their carryon fee. According to their website, passengers can bring on a personal item (examples are handbags & backpacks), but the size limit is: 16 in. x 14 in. 12 in. . What I am wondering is how strict they will be regarding the actual no. of inches? The reason? I have found several very moderately sized backpacks that are exactly 17 " in length, top to bottom. . All of the other measurements are within the allowed size. Does anyone have experience w/Spirit and know just how strongly they adhere to the exact size to the inch?
Would like to hear from someone who really knows Spirit's tendency and has flown with them. Thanks for any help!

blamona

Most of the time you'll be fine. Sometimes they have a rod iron "cutout" that you can place your bag for size at the gate. If it doesn't come up easily (and it will be bigger with stuff in it) then they make you check it in at the gate. Check ins at the gate aren't charged.

fgmom

I am bumping this for more info? I have the same problem and am wondering if they a) whip out a measuring tape and are super strict, or 2) they have a bin-type measuring device, and if the carryon fits inside it, it's okay?

With a 17" backpack, it would be easy to understuff it a bit and it would fit into a bin and be okay?

Any help would be extremely appreciated!!!

RoamsAround

The problem with these types of questions is you'll only get anecdotal replies such as "when I flew they didn't check the size of my bag". The point being, how strictly the gate agents enforce the carry-on size restrictions is somewhat arbitrary and depends on the "mood" of the gate agent and how diligent they may be in enforcing the "rules" at the time YOU are boarding.

If you have an oversized bag and you are "stopped while boarding" telling the gate agent the contributors on a travel forum told you carrying on an oversized bag would be OK won't amount to a hill of beans.

So, either adhere to the size restrictions or take your chances with a larger bag - it's your choice but be prepared to suffer the consequences.

diann24

Roamsaround is very correct. it all depends and most of the rods will not fit your size. Jet Blue has different requirements per the type of plane. It is totally the luck of the straw--I was nabbed in Philly before going into security with Delta--had to go back and check baggage. Coming home from Florida no issue at all. I always just take a carryon when I travel to the Caribbean. No need for so many clothes. Just get a smaller carryon and you won't have to worry.