Flying Spirit with Just Personal Items (and Two Kids)
Did you know you could save $23 per ticket each way on a Spirit flight just by booking directly at their counter? For short trips, that kind of savings can literally cut your airfare in half, especially when you’re booking for a whole crew. So, for a quick getaway, I decided we’d give Spirit Airlines a try.
Then I learned to keep the fare rock-bottom, each passenger is allowed just one personal item. Not a carry on. Not a “squish-it-and-hope-it-fits” roller bag. A personal item.
As a mom traveling solo with two young kids, I paused (briefly) then thought: “Challenge accepted.”
Now that I’ve done it, I can say with confidence: yes, it’s totally do-able for a short trip. But like all great mom hacks, it’s all about the prep.
Bag the Right Bag
Spirit Airlines defines a personal item as no larger than 18 x 14 x 8 inches, including handles and wheels. It has to fit under the seat in front of you. No exceptions. I saw multiple people arguing with the crew on both ends of our round trip. Don’t be that person.
Most backpacks, however, are game. I lucked out and found the perfect travel backpack at Sam’s Club — right at the max dimensions, with a roomy interior and compartments that made my heart sing. For the kids, I kept it simple: regular school-style backpacks.
Pro tip: Measure before and after you pack. That “medium-ish” duffel might look innocent, but once stuffed, it could push you into carry-on fee territory faster than you can say “That’ll be $59.”
Channel Your Inner Packing Ninja
Packing light doesn’t mean going without. It means packing smart. My go-to space-saving moves?
- Roll your clothes. It seriously works. Rolled clothes take up less space and somehow wrinkle less. Magic? Maybe.
- Compression bags. These are the MVPs. You can literally suck the air out of your clothes (I’ve packed myself and a kid in one carry-on using this trick for London — and left space to bring back a high chair I had been eyeing from there).
- Know your compartments. Nothing’s worse than doing the frantic “Where’s the thing?!” shuffle in the middle of the airport. Pack with intention so you know exactly where snacks, wipes, and whatever toy will save a melt down are located.
Have a Plan For Every Item
I’m normally an over-packer. I like options, especially when children and potential juice spills are involved. But with one personal item? You have to get real honest with yourself.
I packed exactly what I knew we’d wear. Clothes had to be versatile, comfy, and re-wearable (hello, dark colors and layers). Each of us wore our bulkiest outfit on the plane — including the only pair of shoes we brought.
Outsource What You Can
There are some things that just don’t travel well when you’re living the personal-item-only life. Bulky diapers? Family-size wipes? Sunscreen that’s definitely more than 3.4 oz?
I didn’t try to pack those. I simply placed a grocery pickup order near our destination and grabbed them once we landed. Easy. Done. No stress about TSA rules or suitcase Tetris.
Would I fly Spirit with just a personal item again? Absolutely. It’s not luxury travel, but it’s efficient, affordable, and (if you plan ahead) surprisingly painless. For short trips especially, it’s a game-changer.
The key is mindset: Pack like a minimalist, plan like a mom, and get creative. You don’t need a suitcase to make great memories, just a solid backpack and a little strategy.
