Are Car Seats Free On Spirit Airlines? | Smart Travel

Yes, Spirit Airlines generally allows one car seat per child to be checked for free, or carried on if the child has a purchased seat.

Navigating airline policies with little ones can feel like a puzzle, especially when it comes to essentials like car seats. Understanding how Spirit Airlines handles child restraint systems is key to a smooth journey, ensuring both safety and budget control.

Spirit Airlines’ Car Seat Policy Explained

Spirit Airlines does accommodate families traveling with children, and their policy regarding car seats is fairly straightforward. When a child is traveling, one car seat is permitted to be checked for free. This means it doesn’t count towards your baggage allowance and won’t incur additional fees, provided it’s for the child accompanying you.

This complimentary allowance applies whether you’re checking the car seat at the ticket counter or gate-checking it just before boarding. The policy is designed to ensure that families can transport necessary safety equipment without extra financial burden for this specific item.

Traveling with a Lap Infant vs. a Purchased Seat

The way you travel with your child—as a lap infant or in their own seat—significantly impacts how you’ll use a car seat on Spirit Airlines.

Lap Infant Considerations

Children under two years old can typically travel as a lap infant on Spirit Airlines, meaning they don’t occupy their own seat. In this scenario, the car seat cannot be used on board the aircraft because there isn’t a dedicated seat for it. However, you can still check the car seat for free, either at the ticket counter or at the gate. This allows you to have the car seat available for ground transportation at your destination.

Spirit Airlines requires that the lap infant be held by an adult 15 years of age or older. Only one lap infant is permitted per adult. If you wish for your lap infant to use a car seat on board, you must purchase a separate seat for them.

Child with a Purchased Seat

If you purchase a seat for your child, regardless of their age, you are permitted to bring an FAA-approved child restraint system (CRS) or car seat onboard for their use. When a car seat is used in a purchased seat, it does not count as a carry-on item and is not subject to carry-on baggage fees. This is a crucial distinction from general baggage policies.

The car seat must fit properly into the aircraft seat and be installed according to both the manufacturer’s instructions and FAA guidelines. Ensuring your child has a secure, familiar car seat can often make for a more comfortable and safer flight experience for everyone.

FAA Approval and Car Seat Requirements

For any car seat used onboard an aircraft, FAA approval is non-negotiable. This isn’t just an airline rule; it’s a federal aviation standard designed for passenger safety. You can confirm FAA approval by checking the label on your car seat. It will typically state, “THIS RESTRAINT IS CERTIFIED FOR USE IN MOTOR VEHICLES AND AIRCRAFT.”

The FAA mandates specific requirements for child restraint systems (CRSs) used on airplanes, emphasizing that they must be properly labeled. Booster seats and vest-type restraints without a crotch strap are generally not permitted for use during critical phases of flight (taxi, takeoff, landing) or when the seatbelt sign is illuminated, as they rely on the aircraft’s lap belt, which isn’t designed for them.

Car seats must fit between the armrests of the aircraft seat. Spirit Airlines aircraft typically have seat widths ranging from about 17 to 17.5 inches. It’s wise to measure your car seat beforehand to avoid issues on board. If a car seat does not fit, it must be checked as baggage.

Checking Your Car Seat: What You Need to Know

Checking your car seat with Spirit Airlines is a common practice for families. As mentioned, one car seat per child is typically free of charge, whether checked at the counter or gate-checked.

• Counter Check: You can check your car seat along with your other luggage at the Spirit Airlines check-in counter. This is convenient if you prefer not to carry it through the airport.
• Gate Check: Many families opt to gate-check their car seats. This allows you to use the car seat within the airport terminal, perhaps even to transport your child, and then hand it over to airline staff at the boarding gate. It will be returned to you at the gate upon arrival or at baggage claim, depending on the airport and airline procedures.

Protecting your car seat during transit is a smart move. While airlines handle items with care, baggage handling can be rough. Using a durable car seat travel bag or even a large plastic bag can help prevent scratches, dirt, and minor damage. Spirit Airlines’ liability for damage to checked items, including car seats, is limited, so personal protection is always recommended.

Item Type	Spirit Policy	Fee Structure
Personal Item	Fits under seat	Free
Carry-On Bag	Fits overhead bin	Varies by route/time of purchase
Checked Bag	Weight/size limits apply	Varies by route/time of purchase
Car Seat (per child)	Checked or used in purchased seat	Free

Using a Car Seat Onboard Spirit Airlines

Bringing your car seat onto the plane requires adherence to specific rules to ensure safety and compliance.

• Purchased Seat Required: Your child must have a purchased seat to use a car seat onboard. Lap infants cannot use a car seat on the plane.
• FAA-Approved: The car seat must have the “FAA Approved” label. Without this, it cannot be used.
• Proper Fit: The car seat must fit between the armrests of the aircraft seat. If it’s too wide, it will need to be checked.
• Installation: You are responsible for installing the car seat correctly. Flight attendants can assist with finding the right seat location but cannot help with the installation itself. Always follow the car seat manufacturer’s instructions.
• Placement Restrictions: Car seats are generally not allowed in emergency exit rows or in the rows immediately forward or aft of an exit row. They also cannot block the path to an emergency exit or obstruct another passenger’s egress. Window seats are often the preferred and sometimes only allowed location for car seats.

When going through security, the TSA states that car seats are subject to screening. You may be asked to remove your child from the car seat so it can be x-rayed, or it may undergo a visual inspection and swabbing for explosives. Be prepared to remove your child and collapse or maneuver the car seat through the scanner if necessary.

Spirit’s Specific Policies and Avoiding Surprises

While the general rule is one free car seat per child, understanding the nuances of Spirit’s policy helps avoid unexpected fees or complications. This free allowance is specifically for the child restraint system accompanying a child passenger.

If you are traveling with two children and two car seats, both would be free. However, if you are traveling with one child but wish to bring a second car seat (perhaps for a different vehicle at your destination), that second car seat would likely be treated as a standard piece of checked luggage and incur the applicable baggage fees. Always verify the most current policies directly on Spirit Airlines’ official website before your trip, as policies can be updated.

Action	Consideration	Benefit
Verify FAA Label	Essential for onboard use	Safety & compliance
Measure Car Seat	Ensure it fits aircraft seat	Avoid gate-checking if seat purchased
Use Travel Bag	Protects against damage/dirt	Maintains car seat integrity
Check Spirit Website	For current policies & fees	Prevents surprises
Arrive Early	Allows time for check-in/security	Reduces travel stress

Alternatives and Practical Tips

Sometimes, bringing your own car seat isn’t the most practical option. There are alternatives that can simplify your travel experience.

1. Renting at Destination: Many car rental agencies offer car seat rentals. While this adds to the cost, it eliminates the hassle of transporting your own car seat through the airport. Always book these in advance to ensure availability.
2. CARES Harness: For children weighing 22-44 pounds and up to 40 inches tall, the CARES (Child Aviation Restraint System) harness is an FAA-approved alternative to a traditional car seat. It’s lightweight, portable, and attaches directly to the aircraft seatbelt, providing upper body restraint. It’s a fantastic option for reducing bulk.
3. Lightweight Travel Car Seats: Several manufacturers produce car seats specifically designed for travel. These are often lighter and narrower than standard car seats, making them easier to carry and more likely to fit on an airplane seat.
4. Tagging and Identification: Whether checking or gate-checking, attach clear identification tags to your car seat with your name, phone number, and destination address. This helps in case of misplacement.

Traveling with children requires preparation, and understanding Spirit Airlines’ car seat policy is a significant part of that. Knowing what to expect regarding fees, approval, and usage can make your journey much smoother, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead.