Spirit Airlines Just Updated Its Policies for Checked Bags and Travel Vouchers — What to Know

Spirit Airlines is increasing its checked baggage weight limit and making it easier to use travel vouchers in its latest effort to make its policies more flexible.

Going forward, the airline will allow travelers to check bags that weigh up to 50 pounds, Spirit shared with Travel + Leisure. That’s 10 more pounds than the previous limit of 40 pounds for checked bags. The airline still charges for both carry-on and checked luggage.

In addition, Spirit will extend the validity of its future travel vouchers to 12 months. Previously, these vouchers were only valid for 90 days. The change applies to vouchers issued on or after June 3.

“Spirit has changed the game before and we’re doing it again with this first round of initiatives that will lead the way to a new era of low-fare, high-value flying,” Matt Klein, the executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Spirit Airlines, said in a statement shared with T+L. “These enhancements provide each and every one of our Guests unparalleled flexibility and peace of mind, and it’s just the beginning of our pursuit to make affordable travel easier and more seamless than ever.”

The expanded baggage allowance and voucher time comes just weeks after Spirit eliminated change and cancellation fees. Previously, the airline charged up to $119 to modify a flight. Now, travelers who change their flight must simply pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive or are eligible for a credit if the cost of the new trip is less.

Spirit is an ultra-low cost airline that charges passengers for nearly all onboard extras like baggage and seat selection. However, customers who belong to the airline’s paid yearly membership program, the Saver$ Club, can receive discounts on those same extras.

The changes come as Spirit is working to launch new routes to popular destinations for summer, including to Boston, Portland, Ore., and Salt Lake City. It also comes as the airline added flights to San Juan, Puerto Rico, from cities like Houston and New Orleans.