So you booked a Spirit Airlines flight? Good for you - those ultra-low fares are hard to beat. But here's the thing I've learned after flying with them a dozen times: if you don't understand their check in process, you might end up paying more at the airport than your actual ticket cost. Seriously, I saw someone drop $65 extra just because they didn't check in properly. Let me walk you through everything about Spirit Airlines check in so you don't get surprised.
Why Spirit's Check In Process is Different
Look, Spirit operates on a totally different model than legacy carriers. They strip everything down to the basics to offer those crazy cheap base fares. That means their check in system has quirks you won't find with Delta or United. The biggest shocker for first-timers? If you check in at the airport counter instead of online, they'll charge you. Last time I flew, it was $25 per person just to have an agent print your boarding pass. Ouch.
Their whole system is built to push you toward self-service options. That's not necessarily bad - once you get the hang of it, you can breeze through. But if you're used to full-service airlines, you need to adjust your expectations. Their mobile app is surprisingly decent though - I actually prefer it over some legacy carriers' apps.
Key Differences from Other Airlines
| Feature | Spirit Airlines | Traditional Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Cost for airport check in | $25 per person | Free |
| Online check-in window | 24 hours - 60 minutes before departure | Usually 24 hours - 30 minutes |
| Boarding pass options | Mobile only saves money | Multiple free options |
| Baggage check at counter | Always incurs fee | Often free with ticket |
Step-by-Step Spirit Airlines Check In Options
You've basically got three ways to check in with Spirit. Your choice affects both your wallet and stress levels:
Online Check In (The Money Saver)
This is your golden ticket. Open the Spirit website or app exactly 24 hours before departure - I set a phone alarm because those cheap fares sell out fast. You'll need:
- Confirmation code (6 characters) or ticket number
- The payment card used for booking (they verify the last 4 digits)
- Passport if flying internationally
The process takes maybe 90 seconds if you've paid for bags already. If not, you'll see all the add-on options - seats, bags, insurance. Be ruthless here. Only buy what you absolutely need.
Mobile App Check In (My Go-To)
Spirit's app is surprisingly decent. Once you're checked in, your boarding pass lives right there. When I'm traveling light with just a personal item, this is all I use. But heads up - if you're checking bags, you still need to visit the bag drop counter. The app will show a special baggage barcode they'll scan.
What I like: real-time gate change notifications. What annoys me: constant upsell pop-ups for their credit card. Just swipe them away.
Airport Kiosk Check In (Emergency Option)
If you missed online check in, find those bright yellow kiosks fast. They work like ATMs for boarding passes. But here's the catch - if you need to check bags, you'll still pay the $25 counter fee after getting your pass from the kiosk. Total ripoff in my opinion, but that's their policy.
Watch out for:
- Long lines during peak times - I've waited 40 minutes at Fort Lauderdale
- Touchscreen sensitivity issues - stab those buttons firmly
- Credit card readers that don't work half the time
Spirit Check In Deadlines You Can't Miss
These aren't suggestions - they're hard deadlines. Miss them and you might forfeit your ticket:
| Check In Method | Domestic Flights | International Flights | What Happens if Late |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online/Mobile Check In | Closes 60 minutes before departure | Closes 60 minutes before departure | $25 fee + possible denied boarding |
| Airport Kiosk | Closes 45 minutes before departure | Closes 60 minutes before departure | Possible denied boarding |
| Checked Baggage Drop | Closes 45 minutes before departure | Closes 60 minutes before departure | Bags won't fly with you |
| Gate Check In | Not permitted | Not permitted | Forfeited ticket |
Baggage and Spirit Airlines Check In: The Hidden Cost Minefield
This is where Spirit makes their money. Their baggage fees confuse even experienced travelers. Let me break it down:
Personal Item vs. Carry-On
Your free allowance is just one personal item that fits under the seat. Dimensions:
- 18 x 14 x 8 inches (including handles and wheels)
Anything bigger is a carry-on and costs:
- $35-$65 if paid online during check in
- $55-$89 if paid at the gate
They're notorious for strict enforcement. I've seen gate agents make people put bags in the sizer - and charge them when it doesn't fit. Pack strategically!
Checked Baggage Fees at Check In
This is where prices get wild. What you'll pay to check in baggage with Spirit:
| When You Pay | First Checked Bag | Second Checked Bag | Overweight Fees |
|---|---|---|---|
| During Online Check In | $35-$42 | $45-$55 | +$50 for 41-50 lbs |
| At Airport Kiosk | $45-$55 | $55-$65 | +$50 for 41-50 lbs |
| At Ticket Counter | $55-$65 | $65-$75 | +$50 for 41-50 lbs |
Crazy right? I always pay for bags during Spirit Airlines online check in to save at least $20 per bag. Pro tip: Weigh your bags at home first. Their scales are ruthless.
Special Situations During Check In
Not all Spirit check in experiences are created equal. Things get trickier with special requests:
Traveling with Kids or Infants
You can't check in infants online - gotta go to the counter. Bring:
- Birth certificate (original or copy)
- Government photo ID for guardians
No lap infant fee surprisingly - one of Spirit's few freebies. Car seats and strollers usually fly free too.
Group Travel Check In
Groups of 10+ people have to call Spirit for special check in. Individual online check in won't work. Plan for extra airport time - their group handling is slow from what I've seen traveling with sports teams.
Pet Check In Process
$125 each way to bring your pet in cabin. You must call Spirit before online check in to add the pet fee. Then at the airport:
- Go to special services counter
- Show health certificate
- Get pet acceptance tag
I've flown twice with my beagle on Spirit. The process works but takes 20 extra minutes.
Avoiding Common Spirit Airlines Check In Nightmares
Based on my experiences and passenger forums, here's how to dodge frequent issues:
Website Crashes During Check In
Happens more than it should. If the site crashes when you're trying to check in:
- Switch to the mobile app immediately
- Clear browser cache and retry
- Call reservations at 855-728-3555 if under 60 mins to departure
Document everything - take screenshots of errors. Spirit may waive fees if it's their tech failure.
Boarding Pass Disappearing from App
Happened to me at O'Hare. Fixes:
- Toggle airplane mode
- Uninstall/reinstall app
- Use browser version on your phone
- Find a kiosk to reprint (but might incur fee)
Denied Boarding Due to Late Check In
Spirit has no mercy here. If you missed the 60-minute cutoff:
- Beg the agent to reprocess (rarely works)
- Ask about same-day standby ($125 fee)
- Prepare to buy new walk-up ticket ($300+)
After You Complete Spirit Check In
The check in process isn't done until you're in your seat. Critical post-check in steps:
Baggage Drop Process
Even if you did online Spirit Airlines check in, if you have bags:
- Find "Bag Drop" line (not regular check in)
- Have ID and baggage tags ready
- They verify bag count and weight
Get there early - I've seen 40-person lines at Orlando that took an hour to clear.
Boarding Process Nuances
Spirit's boarding groups confuse everyone:
- Group 1: Elite members and paid priority
- Group 2: Carry-on bag purchasers
- Group 3: Personal item only travelers
If you didn't pay for a carry-on but have an overhead bag, they'll stop you at the gate. Happened to me in Vegas - had to pay $65 to get my roller bag on.
Making Changes After Check In
Want to switch seats or add bags after checking in? Log back into your reservation. But fees are steep:
- Seat change: $5-$50 depending on location
- Add checked bag: $55+ at this stage
- Name corrections: $125 fee (insane!)
Double-check everything before finalizing your Spirit Airlines check in.
Spirit Airlines Check In FAQs
Can I check in at the airport for free?
No. Spirit charges $25 per passenger for airport counter check in. Only kiosk check in avoids this fee if you don't need baggage service.
What if I'm traveling without a smartphone?
Print your boarding pass at home after online check in. If that's not possible, use an airport kiosk. Avoid the counter unless absolutely necessary.
Do I need to print my Spirit boarding pass?
Only if you don't have a reliable smartphone. Mobile boarding passes work at TSA and gates. But I always print backup copies - their scanners can be finicky.
Can I check in without paying baggage fees first?
Yes, but you'll pay higher fees later. During Spirit Airlines check in you can skip baggage purchase, but airport rates are 30-50% higher. Risky move.
How early should I arrive after online check in?
With carry-on only: 60 minutes before domestic flights. With checked bags: 90 minutes minimum. For international: 2 hours minimum. Their bag drop lines move painfully slow sometimes.
What documents do I need for Spirit check in?
Government-issued photo ID for all passengers. Passport required for international. Payment card used for booking if you add services. Visa documents if required by destination.
Can I check in if my passport expires soon?
Most countries require 6 months validity beyond travel dates. Spirit's system blocks online check in if expiration is too close. Learned this the hard way before a Jamaica trip.
What if I miss the Spirit online check in window?
Use an airport kiosk immediately. If within 45 minutes of departure, beg an agent for mercy. But seriously - don't cut it this close with Spirit.
Final Spirit Check In Survival Tips
After dozens of Spirit flights, here are my non-negotiable rules:
- Set multiple alarms for 24 hours before departure - prime time for Spirit Airlines check in
- Buy bags during initial booking - cheaper than at check in
- Measure your personal item - their sizers are unforgiving
- Screenshot everything - boarding passes, payment confirmations, baggage fees
- Arrive stupid early - Spirit waits for no one
- Pack patience - their systems fail more than most
Look, Spirit isn't winning any luxury awards. Their check in process feels designed to trip you up into paying more. But if you follow this guide religiously, you'll unlock those crazy cheap fares without the last-minute fee surprises. Just promise me one thing: don't learn these lessons the hard way like I did. Now go check in like a pro.
Comment