Flying with Spirit Airlines can be a mixed bag, as its passengers can experience baggage-related issues. However, Spirit isn't the only commercial airline with such issues. There are other airlines that have already made too many mistakes so far this year. Moreover, some airlines may be considered as good or great, but that doesn't automatically mean that their baggage policies are off the charts.
From the United States to Spain, there are sneaky airlines who are strict with a carry-on and/or charge the most for carry-on. So it's best to do some online window shopping to make sure you're getting the most bang for your buck, and most importantly, pack accordingly to avoid getting in trouble with the law when you arrive at your local airport.
10 American Airlines Is Particular About Carry-Ons
Travelers have taken plenty of photos on American Airlines flights, so it shouldn't come as a surprise that they've snapped photos of their carry-on to show others how they packed prior to their flights.
American Airlines allows one bag and one personal item. However, your bag must fit in the sizer and your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you, or else they may ask you to check in your bags.
9 Frontier Airlines Tacks On Charges For Carry-On
Frontier Airlines is known as a low-cost airline without the bells and whistles, but you have to be careful if you want to avoid extra fees.
Frontier Airlines' low fares include one personal item, however, your carry-on won't be included in your fare. That being said, you can purchase a carry-on at the time of your booking and after booking.
If you have some extra cash to spare, purchase one of their bundles, which include carry-ons.
8 United Airlines Includes Wheels And Handles In Its Carry-On Dimensions
United Airlines is one of the world's largest airlines in terms of revenue, and frankly, it's safe to say that their carry-on fees contribute to their annual revenue.
When you fly with United Airlines, you can bring one carry-on and one personal item for free, but your carry-on cannot be more than 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches, and yes, this includes the handles and wheels. Think twice before you stuff your latest bag for takeoff.
7 Spirit Airlines Ruins Customers' Spirit With Carry-On Charges
Spirit Airlines is another low-cost airline that often shocks passengers with rather unexpected baggage fees.
Your Spirit Airlines fare will include one personal item, like, say, a laptop bag or a purse smaller than 18 inches x 14 inches x 8 inches. You'll have to pay for larger baggage like standard carry-ons along with any checked bags.
These baggage fees help keep Spirit Airlines' low fares low for everyone, but it, unfortunately, defeats the purpose of low fares.
6 Virgin Atlantic Is Specific About Carry-Ons
Virgin Atlantic is a nice, sleek British airline to fly with. Its baggage fees, however, aren't so nice.
All Virgin Atlantic fares include a coat, purse, and hand baggage as long as it's not more than 9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches. Also, if you have any checked bags, you should check them at least two hours before your flight, as they'll have to make sure that it doesn't exceed the standard allowance and pay if necessary.
5 Allegiant Air Charges Customers Fees To Bring Carry-Ons
If you haven't already noticed the trend of low-cost airlines tacking on additional fees, right now is the time to do so.
Allegiant Air is a good example of this, as each one of its passengers are allowed to bring one personal item onboard. But if a passenger wants to bring a standard carry-on, then they'll be dinged a fee between $13 and $75, depending on when they booked their flight and paid for it.
4 Philippine Airlines Is Strict With Carry-On
Philippine Airlines is strict when it comes to carry-ons.
When you fly Philippine Airlines, you're allowed to bring one carry-on that doesn't exceed 45 inches and 15 lbs. Also, you'll have to be able to put your carry-on in the overhead bin or under your seat. In addition, you can bring any two of the following items: a handbag, a purse, a blanket, a camera, a pair of binoculars, a laptop with a case, or a book.
3 Air Canada Doesn't Always Hold Back On Carry-On Fees
Canadians have a reputation for being nice and polite, but Air Canada took the guesswork out of packing with its carry-on fees. Of course, each passenger will be allowed one personal item and one carry-on, but it cannot exceed the standard baggage allowance or else it'll be subject to additional fees as checked baggage. Air Canada's carry-on crackdown is arguably a response to travelers who pushed the limits to avoid baggage fees in recent years.
2 Volaris Is Sneaky With Carry-On Fees
Volaris is a Mexican low-cost airline with cheap flights to more than 100 cities in the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
While Volaris may seem like a good deal, your job as a traveler is to make sure that your two carry-ons don't exceed 22.4 inches x 15.7 inches x 12.9 inches and 22 lbs. If you exceed the standard baggage allowance, be prepared to check in your carry-ons and cover the required fees demanded.
1 Vueling Lays Down The Law With Harsh Carry-On Rules
Vueling is the largest airline in Spain in terms of fleet size and the total number of destinations. But the bigger the airline, the bigger the rules.
With the exception of Excellence Fares, Basic Fare passengers are allowed to bring one carry-on that doesn't exceed 22 inches x 16 inches x 8 inches and 22 lbs. All other bags must be checked in, and if they exceed the standard baggage allowance, the traveler will be charged $32.55 USD per bag. Ouch!