When perusing flight options, we’ve all come across prices that seem too good to be true. Although such deals are tempting, it’s easy to fall prey to hidden fees and unreliable service without proper research. Spirit Airlines has developed a reputation in the travel community for doing just that. While some of this criticism is merited, Spirit has dramatically improved its percentage of on-time flights compared to rival airlines, especially since making headlines for a pitiful 65.3 percent of on-time flights in early 2016. Spirit’s extensive flight offerings throughout North and South America are another under-appreciated perk, making it difficult to rule out the airline entirely. To successfully navigate the layers of concealed costs and make it to your destination with your sanity, be sure to avoid these six rookie mistakes on your maiden voyage with Spirit Airlines.

Courtesy of Spirit Airlines

Charging for a checked bag is hardly uncommon, but dinging passengers with an extra carry-on fee is one of Spirit Airlines’ more unique policies. Often, carry-on bag fees are more expensive than checking baggage by $5 or so. Furthermore, putting off purchasing your carry-on bag until you arrive for your flight will induce even more expenditures. Prices jump from around $40 at booking to $55 at the airport, and $65 at the gate. To forgo the carry-on fee, anything you bring on the plane, including a purse, laptop bag, or backpack, must be smaller than 18” x 14” x 8”. Expect this size requirement to be strictly enforced.

Given the carry-on bag fees, it’s hardly a surprise that Spirit Airlines’ base fare does not cover checked baggage. Prices vary depending on flight duration, though the initial price for checked bags usually runs between $35 and $40. Reserving bags after booking, but before check-in, typically sees a $10 price hike. Further delaying checked bag reservations until online check-in can lead to added expense, whereas gate checking can cost between $65 and $100.

Courtesy of Spirit Airlines

Spirit’s lower prices are a product of features like smaller tray tables and narrower seats. Since you’re probably saving a considerable amount on the flight already, it’s worth doling out an extra $10 to $20 to snag an aisle seat or at least be cramped next to your travel companion instead of a stranger. Choosing not to select your seat will allow you to skip the fee, but will likely land you a middle seat in the rear of the plane.

The cabin on a Spirit Airlines flight is truly bare-bones. There aren’t any screens on the seatback or overhead, nor should you expect to find charging areas near your seat. You’re fully responsible for your own in-flight entertainment, so be sure to plan accordingly and pack your small personal item with a portable charger and other necessities like earplugs.

And so, the list of extra expenses continues! Passengers aren’t even granted free water onboard, so fill up your reusable water bottle or cough up $3 for bottled water. Spirit doesn’t provide any food for passengers either, including on its lengthier flights, so we recommend bringing plenty of snacks in your personal bag.

Courtesy of Spirit Airlines

Though it’s far from the steepest of Spirit Airlines’ additional fees, incurring an extra cost for printing a boarding pass at the airport is not an ideal start to any trip. Delaying printing will cost you $2 per boarding pass at an airport kiosk and $10 per boarding pass at the agent’s desk. That’s a quick way to tack on unwanted expenses, especially for families and groups traveling together. To save some cash, print your boarding passes ahead of time, and more importantly, maintain your patience on this less-than-predictable airline.

Bonus Tip: Book Your Spirit Airlines Flight at the Airport Counter, If Possible

Purchasing your tickets online or over the phone costs an extra $20, which in 2019, is virtually how all travel arrangements are made. Trekking out to the airport to avoid the $20 fee is probably not advantageous or realistic for most of us. However, if you happen to already be at the airport for a separate trip, it’s worth stopping by Spirit Airlines’ ticket counter to reap the savings and feel like a travel pro.

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