spirit trip lookup

Spirit Airlines 4+

Spirit airlines.

• #19 in Travel
• 4.8 • 1.6M Ratings

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Description.

More Fly – Download the Spirit Airlines App! Easily manage all your trips in one place. From booking your next getaway to receiving real-time flight updates, the Spirit Airlines app makes travel easier and faster than ever. Key Features: My Trips • Access all upcoming trip details at your fingertips – from flight status to gate info, seat assignment, and more. • Get notified when it’s time to check-in, so you’re ready to go! • Access your mobile boarding pass instantly. • Modify your seats, add bags, or upgrade your trip with no change or cancel fees! Book Flights • Easily search, find, and book your next getaway in just a few taps. Flight Status • Stay in the loop with real-time notifications for flight changes. • Track the arrival times of family and friends with ease. My Account • Join Free Spirit® to start earning points towards reward travel – as low as 2,500 points! • Track your tier status, point balance, and personalize your profile. Download today and fast track your airport experience with Spirit!

Version 3.2.0

More Choices. More Flexible Travel. More Fly. * Four New Booking Options – Go Big, Go Comfy, Go Savvy and Go offer convenient travel options, each with great perks. * Free Spirit Gold® members receive complimentary Wi-Fi, subject to availability. * Priority Check-In is available to our Guests in Go Big and Free Spirit Gold® members. * Optimized features to customize travel selections. Thank you for soaring with us! Please contact us at https://www.spirit.com/s/contact-us with feedback or questions.

Ratings and Reviews

1.6M Ratings

Best Flight EVER!

We were traveling home after spending a few days at Walt Disneyworld in Orlando, FL. Flights with other major airlines were way out of budget since this was Christmas week. I took a chance and booked our flights home with Spirit. I will admit, I was anxious due to poor reviews I’d read online but figured I could tolerate a short flight (2 hours) even if it wasn’t that great. I was nervous our bags would be too big and we’d have to pay to check them but the agent said “Oh! Just those (backpacks)?! You’re fine!” and we had no issues boarding the plane and ever were allowed to use overhead storage (I understand this may not be the norm). When it came time for refreshments/snacks we found the variety very impressive; even though we had to pay for them we didn’t mind because they were high quality, substantial snacks- our son was even able to order Cup Noodles! Our son usually has ear pain on take off/landing due to a history of ear infections which caused some damage but not on this flight!!! When we were leaving the plane, the pilot was coming out of then cockpit, we complimented him on a great flight and he invited my son to come up front and look around. We were VERY satisfied with the airfare fees and overall high quality of services provided by Spirit. We will definitely fly with Spirit in the future!

Developer Response ,

Woo, talk about #MoreGo! We’re so happy our app was able to assist with your travels!✈️💛-- Your Spirit Mobile Help

Spirit Flights

I’m a frequent flyer and have been with Spirit for almost 10 yrs. Without failure they have always been good to me except for and I say again only when COVID -19 started. I don’t think any airline was prepared on how to deal with COVID-19. Over all they are affordable and there Pilots are amazing the flight attendants varies but the seats could be a lot more comfortable even the big seats which they call first class. At $100-$130 that seat should give me a message be heated recline and should come with a free glass of wine. But for that kind of service I would have to switch to a different airline altogether. Well spirit I’m a ride or die type of gal so I guess we are stuck with one another. It’s good to have wi-if now so I guess you are working to make it better so no complaints a little at a time. Please stop going up on your bags the pricing for carry on is more the a checked bag why, there’s no reason for this seriously. We are all trying to survive Along with that comes traveling so be a little more considerate to your dedicated customers and your pricing. Things change all the time just be aware to how much your adjusting your prices. For many it hurts they’re pockets especially to a med to large size family. Ijs thanks spirit for all the safe travel to and from much appreciated.

Hi there, thanks for the feedback. We’ll be sure to pass down this information. -- Your Spirit Mobile Help Team

A Few Things To Improve Accessibility for People Who Are Blind/Visually Impaired

Hello, I am totally blind, and just downloaded Spirit a few minutes ago. I found upon signing up for an account, almost all parts of the process are somewhat inaccessible. The “Sign in” and “Create an account” buttons, as well as everything else in the app, are labeled just fine, but here’s what could be fixed: The text fields after the statement “Please enter your name as it appears on your government ID” should be labeled “First name,” “Last name,” and “Email.” The field to enter your password (which my iPhone’s screen reader, VoiceOver, reads as “Secure text field”) should be labeled “Password.” The button to show/hide password should also be labeled, as well as the button to go back at the top of the sign-up menu. The areas to enter your birthday and country, although my screen reader handled the pop-ups beautifully, should be labeled accordingly. Finally, after you are in the main app after creating an account, the button at the top of the home screen that takes you to a menu where you can view/edit your profile should be labeled “My account” or something similar. Thank you for taking the time to read this, and hope these issues can be resolved soon.

Hi there, thanks for the feedback. Our app developers are constantly improving our app to fit all your needs! We’ll be sure to pass down this information. -- Your Spirit Mobile Help Team

App Privacy

The developer, Spirit Airlines , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .

Data Linked to You

The following data may be collected and linked to your identity:

• Financial Info
• Contact Info
• User Content
• Identifiers

Data Not Linked to You

The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:

• Diagnostics

Privacy practices may vary, for example, based on the features you use or your age. Learn More

Information

• Developer Website
• App Support
• Privacy Policy

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15 Things Travelers Should Know Before Flying Spirit Airlines for the First Time

*in an ominous voice* It’s time.

I’ve shared my thoughts on Avelo .

I’ve shared my thoughts on Contour .

I’ve shared my thoughts on Frontier .

Today I’m sharing my thoughts on Spirit.

I first flew the budget carrier back in 2018, from Orlando to Asheville and back, and my flight more or less went off without a hitch. It helped that I’d previously flown Allegiant, and thus had some exposure to the ULCC (that’s Ultra-Low Cost Carrier ) flying experience.

Since then, I’ve flown Spirit more times than I care to admit. It doesn’t feel unfair to say the airline would be most travelers’ last choice (if money were no object, I doubt many would choose Spirit over a legacy carrier, wouldn’t you agree?), but the opportunity to save valuable travel dollars is what gets me on board, every time.

With all of this first-hand experience under my belt, plus a recent refresher thanks to a $75 fare to Boston , I thought it was high time to put together my review of Spirit Airlines.

New to flying Spirit? Here are fifteen things you need to know before flying Spirit for the first time:

1. You won’t be the only one

I’ve had enough conversations with seatmates to know that new passengers fly the airline every day. Even if you feel frustrated by the airline’s many quirks, you can find comfort in knowing you’re not alone. In casual conversations with the airline’s crew, I’ve also learned that for many, this is their first flight ever . If that’s you, I’m honored to be your guide today and help make your first adventure a breeze (so you can keep on flying to new destinations !). And if it’s not your first time flying ever? This is a good reminder to treat your fellow passengers with grace.

2. Bob and weave those extra charges

Trying to purchase tickets on Spirit’s website turns my internal “scam alert” signal on. From sneaky buttons to try to get you to enroll in the Spirit Saver$ Club (recurring annual fee: $69.95) to pop-up windows flashing with rental car deals, I find that the purchasing process is incredibly off-putting. Read the fine print carefully on every screen (believe me, there are so many screens).

3. Know these money-saving tips for bags and seats

Because you’re an informed flyer, you probably already know that the price you see for a Spirit flight is only the base fare to get you from A to B. What once were considered travel essentials (you know, things like luggage and a seat assignment) are now considered add-ons. Now, I won’t tell you how and when to spend your money – if you like traveling with multiple suitcases or have a favorite seat picked out and are willing to shell out for those items, go for it!

But for my fellow travelers who prefer to save that money to spend on other things, I have a few insider tips for saving on these categories. Baggage costs on Spirit can add up quickly (as in, doubling the price of your ticket), but all travelers are entitled to bring one personal item up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches for free. For my fellow travelers who carry a purse, you’ll need to place it inside your personal item or face a hefty fee at the gate.

My recommendation is to purchase a bag that maximizes these dimensions ( this is the one I personally use and highly recommend ), and learn to pack light for your trip. Can’t quite squeeze everything into a backpack? Consider sharing a carry-on or checked bag with your travel companion, and pay for your bag when you buy your tickets for the best price.

As for seats, the only way to guarantee that you will be seated with your party is to pay for them (Spirit’s family seating policy states, “If Guests with children aged 13 and under do not opt to pre-select seats at the time of booking, our gate agents and Flight Attendants will work to provide adjacent seats when possible.”

The when possible is critical to note here – it’s not a guarantee). However, only on rare occasions have Michael and I been assigned separate seats on a Spirit flight, typically only in the event of a plane change or cancelation (more on that in a moment). My advice for travelers who are willing to sit apart if needed? Save your money and skip the seat!

4. Is it really as cheap as it seems?

Before booking your Spirit flight, double-check that the final price of your ticket (with any add-ons) is actually cheaper than the competitor’s fare. If you’re adding bags and seats, it might not be!

5. Be prepared for tons of emails

In the days leading up to your departure, be prepared for 1-2 emails per day from Spirit advertising services for sale. From bags to rental cars to hotels to bidding on a better seat, they’ll appear in your inbox. I’ve grown so used to deleting email after email from Spirit that I’ve nearly deleted my boarding pass (whoops!).

6. Play “Check-In Chicken” ( if you dare )

Didn’t pay for seats? You can play what Michael and I call “Check-In Chicken.” For passengers who did not purchase seats, Spirit typically assigns seats from the back of the plane to the front. Starting at the 24-hour mark (when check-in opens), I periodically scope out the remaining seats on my flight to pick the perfect time to check-in. Only once enough seats in the rear of the plane disappear do I actually check-in for the flight. It’s risky on a full flight – flights can be overbooked – but I value hopping right off the plane and getting out to explore my destination quickly.

After checking in, be sure to print your boarding pass at home or download the Spirit app to access a digital version. If you need to have a customer service agent print your pass for you, it will set you back a whopping $25 each. Note : In the event you are unable to access your boarding pass this way, an agent should print one for you for free. I recommend keeping this page bookmarked just in case.

7. Be prepared to be uncomfortable

Thin, hollow seats with tiny tray tables and little room for your feet – that about captures the in-flight experience on Spirit. The airline prioritizes fitting as many passengers as possible onto each of their planes, and the result is getting to feel like a sardine for a few hours. My back is always so cranky after a ULCC flight that I’ve had to set a personal max flight time of four hours on any budget airline. To ease the discomfort, I try to get as many steps in as possible before and after my flight and add in a little stretching when I can.

8. Pack your creature comforts

If your flight is long enough, in-flight snack and beverage service will be offered on your flight – but like everything else, it’s not included (even water – it feels like it should be complimentary, but it’s not). Consider packing a meal or snack and filling up your reusable water bottle to save money and the environment.

While you’re at it, toss in your noise-canceling headphones – in my experience, there tend to be more kids on a budget flight than on a legacy carrier flight (I mean, I get it – I wouldn’t want to pay mainline carrier fares for an entire family, either!). Spirit flights in particular seem to be the noisiest, and carving out a little peace and quiet goes a long way to making the experience marginally more comfortable.

9. Pockets are your friends

In addition to helping you maximize your luggage space ( fishing vests and other multi-pocket garments are popular with budget travelers for this reason), garments with pockets are incredibly helpful in-flight, as many Spirit planes lack a seat back pocket. No one wants to have to chase down an errant AirPod midflight!

10. Flight attendants with attitude

And by that, I’m not talking about a bad attitude (though everyone has an off day now and again); I’m talking about how seemingly more often than not, Spirit flights often have a few sassy flight attendants on board. Dealing with grumpy passengers all day long can’t be any fun – flight attendants who recognize the frustrations of budget travel and flip it on its head add a little levity to the experience.

11. Like flying in a commercial

Picture this: you’re just forty-five minutes away from your destination and you’re deeply engrossed in your page-turner of an eBook when a voice comes over the intercom offering an amazing deal for passengers. Your ears perk up (snacks?? Maybe it’s free snacks?!), only to feel crushing disappointment as you realize the flight attending is advertising Spirit’s credit card offerings to an incredibly captive audience. You avoid eye contact and the waving pamphlet because you are uncomfortable and have no interest in being incentivized to sit in one of these seats again.

12. A delayed flight? That’s not a surprise…

Spirit’s annual on-time performance (OTP) record falls significantly short of the national average . Make sure to leave plenty of cushion in your itinerary in case your flight is delayed – as a general rule, flights that are scheduled for earlier in the day are more likely to be on time.

13. Flight canceled? Good luck.

Despite traveling quite frequently, I’m fortunate to have experienced very few cancelations along the way. Still, the contrast between how a legacy carrier handled a cancelation ( hotels, meals, and a hefty check – aided by strict EU regulations, of course) versus how Spirit handled a cancelation ( stranded for multiple nights with no assistance) is quite stark.

While it feels good to vent to the internet about your bad experience, I also want to add a few helpful tips should you ever find yourself with a “canceled” notification from Spirit (though I sincerely hope you never do!).

Before you even start booking flights, make sure you have a great travel credit card in your wallet. Had I not booked my trip with my Chase card , I would have been stuck with the bill for the additional nights I stayed in Raleigh after my Spirit flight was canceled (they refunded about $500 in expenses incurred). Travel insurance can also be a good help here (purchased before your trip!).

But when it comes to actually dealing with the airline itself, skip the lengthy (often hours-long) telephone hold times. Instead, head over to the brand’s official account on X (formerly known as Twitter) to get the quickest, and often least painful response. You’ll also have the benefit of getting everything in writing, just in case you need any documentation down the line.

14. They fly internationally.

Most of the ULCCs in the United States have limited international flight offerings, but Spirit has a hearty network of flights between the U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean. I’ve only flown internationally with Spirit once (to Cartagena ), but the flying experience was about the same as flying domestically with Spirit: not great, but so much cheaper than the next airline. This leads me to…

15. Be prepared to go back on your word

After your first Spirit flight, these two things are pretty much guaranteed to happen:

• You’ll walk off the plane, shaking your head and muttering, “Never again.”
• Next time you’re booking a flight, you’ll spot a Spirit flight that’s so cheap you go back on your word.

I suppose it could always be worse (hey, at least it’s not Frontier !).

Questions for you

Have you ever flown on Spirit Airlines? What else do you think travelers should know before they book their first flight?

If you’re new to Spirit, what other questions do you have about the flying experience?

Why not fly on over to one of these related posts next?

• How to Find Cheap Flights
• 14 Things You Should Know Before You Fly Frontier Airlines for the First Time
• 13 Things You Should Know Before You Book a Flight With Avelo Airlines
• 10 Things You Need to Know Before You Fly on Contour Airlines
• 20 Questions You Should Ask a Potential Travel Partner Before You Leave Home
• How to Split Travel Costs When One Person Makes More Money
• What Happens When You Cancel a Non-refundable Trip?
• Dinner Party Survival Kit: 20 Travel-Themed Conversation Starters
• 5 Easy Things You Can Do Today to Save for Your Next Trip
• A Travel Blogger’s Review of the Solgaard Carry-On Closet
• How to Pack the Away Carry-On
• I won a trip! (Now what?)
• Checking In: Hotel Reviews
• All Travel Guides Sorted by Destination
• Exclusive Discounts + Promo Codes
• All of My Personal Item Packing Lists

54 Comments on “ 15 Things Travelers Should Know Before Flying Spirit Airlines for the First Time ”

If they should happen to “rip” the entire wheel assembly off your checked bag… GOOD luck getting reimbursed! Happened to me and they offered me $20. I sent the check to the CEO and told him apparently they needed the money more than me!

And you better get your claim in within 4 hours of landing (domestic) otherwise your outta luck.

Do you need to purchase the “free” carry on bag? Without it, the boarding pass says no luggage. Thank you so much for your help!

On Spirit you can bring one free under-the-seat bag and you don’t need to register it or pay for it. If you want to bring a bigger suitcase for the overhead bin or a bag to check at the counter, you will need to pay for it (and hopefully ahead of time to save money!).

I still haven’t braved a Spirit flight, but we have flown Avelo a few times and enjoy it because the airport they fly from is 15-20 mins from our house vs 1 hour 15.

That’s good to hear about Avelo! I’ve only flown them once before, but they just launched service closer to Charlotte and I just booked my second trip. I feel like both of these airlines are fairly comparable in terms of in-flight experience and pricing, but Spirit operates many more routes overall (helpful in case of cancellation!).

You forgot to mention, Spirit, has never had a fatal accident since its inception as an airline. If you’re going to point out all the negative. Maybe you should point that out as well. How many other airlines can say that?

You have a flight that sometimes costs less than a sandwich at the airport. No reclining seats….at least the guy in front of you does not have his head in your lap! I’ve flown with spirit more than 30 times, never paid for a seat and never not sat next to my partner! Cant say the same for southwest!Get the right size bag, check one big bag between two peopleif needed in advance only $30! Newest fleet in the USA. Learn spirits rules and fly cheaply and smugly!

I agree. Plus most airlines also charge for checked bags and choosing your seats. I also found with their bag pricing policies, fewer people check a larger suitcase making decorating a lot quicker on spirit

Hey Peter, Thanks for your info. Was wondering how to check a big bag in advance. I want to travel with my golf clubs. Can you carry on a hanging bag without being charged? Thanks for your help!

We flew Alleigant, similar airline. We used Ship Sticks to send our golf clubs. They pick them up at your house and deliver to your hotel etc. the6 have coupons all the time. It was definitely worth it.

Also, Spirit has upgraded services in Michigan that are not yet in other larger airports… For example, checking in your own luggage without going to the agent….. Cool!!! And timely!!

Bill, I never knew that about Spirit, but was happy to hear that. I have been flying Spirit for many, many years. To me their prices have been awesome. Yes I no longer get round trip tickets for $26.00 Detroit to Florida. But I do pay their yearly fee, which has saved me a lot of money. I usually travel with just an under the seat carry on which helps on pricing. This week I just booked a non stop trip Det. To Dallas, each one ways. Total Cost was $85.00 +6000 miles from my membership & I had to check a bag each way because I was staying longer. Family in both states has saved me a lot of money!!!

With Airport hassles and no luggage for that 1 hour. I’ll drive

This is why I refused to fly Spirit. I actually own stock, but I would not use them. I would drive or use a different airline or drive or not go. Being retired, only a few times I have to.

This is so true. She should get the facts before dissing SPIRIT AIRLINES. I personally travel very frequently with them. The only unfortunate thing that can sometimes make the flight not as pleasant is the ratchet clientele, because low fares draws alot of low class ratchet passengers

This was my first time using Spirit Airlines and it was a joy and frightful. Let’s start with the joy first: I love the wheel Chair Assistance program at Spirit, for seniors and the disabled. They not only get you checked in fast with ease but will also move you to the front of the plan for easy departure when the plane lands and closer to the rest room. Wheel chair Assistance even took me to pick up my luggage. They were very helpful. The frightening thing was when Spirit plane took off it made an engine noise as if it was about to go down for 15 minutes or more until it was at the altitude, than it stop. The plane repeated the same when at landing. I was so thankful to had safely landed. My suite case was caught in whatever and zipper front was ripped off and scuff shred marks down the front as if it was caught in a machine. The 15 Things mention was so correct plus more. The question is will I fly Spirit again and the answer would be yes in an emergency when funds are low.

Spirit has the newest planes of any airline Also I have measured the distance between seats in. United which I flew in Area that Spirit does not go to they’re is 3 inches more leg room also Flight attendants are the most courteous the man that wrote this article has shown a bais against SPIRIT I fly 25 times a year on this airline

Look I passed out flying Spirit pissed the entire seat. Sorry to the next person who got that seat because they sure didn’t do anything to clean it up. This was my first flight on Spirit but not my first time flying. Never again! Low price or not. NEVER AGAIN. They didn’t even have anyone qualified to help me, another passenger had to step in. Thank God for this angel.

Two words regarding spirit airlines: Never Again.

If you fly on Spirit, you’ll become one.

I fly Spirit quite often for international business trips but also quite a bit of leisure travel, enough to hold Gold Status. There are quite a few valid points here, however I have to disagree with the sassy staff.

I’ve yet to run into a Spirit flight attendant that was rude, despite running into multiple passengers cursing them out for things out of their immediate control.

If the weather is bad enough, no flights are taking off, that’s not their fault, yet people complain like the staff can fix the weather if they wanted to.

The add-ons can make the ticket more expensive so I just use their bundle option to make it simple.

The normal seats are pretty lack luster, no denying that, but I typically opt for the big front seat. (And I understand that doesn’t work for everyone)

And the staff pushing the Spirit credit card doesn’t happen on every flight but a polite no thank you or a hand wave is all that’s needed. The staff are human and just doing their job. I feel a lot of passengers seem to forget that and just get into their mind set that Spirit airlines is some kind of monster and all the employees are out to get them.

This comment won’t make much difference but if you do go on a Spirit flight try to understand that we’re all just people trying to get through the day.

Shitt and third class service cheap crue uneducated high school diploma holder running spirits airlines worst experience first and lost time bus service is way better

i booked a round trip flight to charlotte for a wedding. Booked on February. Wednesday May 29 arriving 5 pm. Returning June 1st leaving 5 pm. just got notice of flight changes. will arrive at 1159. How will i get my car rental and check in at hotel at that hour. Returning flight Bumped up a day May 31st at noon. WHAT?? i’ll miss part of the wedding. a 30 hr difference. A different day. I’d only be in Charlotte 1 day. ridiculous. they better refund me or find me another flight.

I flew on this airline once and never again. I fly often and would rather pay the extra charges for good to great service. The flight attendants were rude and non approachable. I would rather pay more and have a polite attendant than have a well groomed nasty make or female yo serve me. I getting ready to book a flight to Africa and going to be real picky about airlines.

My daughter, husband and myself were on a flight back from Vegas to Baltimore. My daughters son lived in an autism facility in Philadelphia at that time and before we took off she got a phone call from children’s hospital of Philadelphia telling her they found multiple tumors in her son and to get there as quickly as we could. The flight attendants, pilot did everything they could to get us a straight flight to Baltimore but unfortunately we had a layover in Atlanta and they couldn’t find a straight thru flight even with another carrier. They sat us upfront and comforted us the entire way offering snacks, drinks, etc. we did get to chop at 2 am after flying and driving all afternoon and night. These flight crews were wonderful to us and thank god my grandsons tumors were treatable with chemo and he is in remission. So there are some wonderful people who work for this airline. Also my grandson was not in hospital when we went on trip 3 days prior to this event or we never would have gone away. And one last thing Andy is home with his family and doing great.

And….. Spirit has more never planned than other around……

Spirit, like other airlines, has its Pros and cons….. If you are a light traveler you save a bundle with Spirit…. Take the batter essentials that fit the FREE Carry On and you are good to go…..

I flew round trip from Burbank to Charlotte last Spring with Spirit and I never encountered what those cry babies were moaning about. Attendants were nice and I didn’t even noticed when we landed. The Pilots were thanking us on the way out as well as the attendants. I was so satisfied that I bought 25 shares of SAVE and another 10 when I got some extra money. And I planned to get more SAVE stocks in the future. I flew many times with expensive airlines an their services are just tiny better than Spirit Airlines.

I am 60 years old. I took my first flight ever on spirit from Richmond, Virginia to Las Vegas. I had an awesome time. Everybody was friendly and polite and I’d recommend it to anybody.

Well, I am sorry to hear these tons of bad experiences, but I have to share my experience, traveling for years with Spirit, AXM – ORD round trip intntl, and domestic ORD – LGA. It is not the most comfy plane in the economy but (traveling in a group of 5) we have always sit together, baggage as expected never damaged, never delayed even with stop over. Hopefully Spirit implements the necessary actions to improve their service, as in terms of costs it is competitive, and you understand 5 travelling would not be possible with another airline.

I have several complaints about Spirit. I’ve flown them numerous times because, of course, I can’t pass up the cheap tickets. The latest was Feb 29th when I booked a 1 way to Vegas for my boyfriend and got the big seat in front for him as he has a sciatic issue and needed a wheelchair to even get to the gate. He finds out when he’s boarding that he was getting kicked out of that seat so some 20 something can have it and placed in 5 D instead. He’s a big guy anyway, was very uncomfortable the whole flight, not offered a reason or refund/ compensation and aggravated even more his sciatic nerve. Another time I flew to Sea Tac and due to weather was delayed so was offered a layover in Vegas which I took. Was given a voucher for a hotel room and when arriving at this so called hotel/ motel in a very bad part of lLas Vegas, was told that they do not honor this voucher and never had. I had to search for a hotel room after midnight that would take me. Another time , boyfriend and I flew to New Orleans and got the big seats in front, of course, paying for them. Come to find out, they had changed the flight , making it a 1 stop in Atlanta and when we disembarked and then returned to the plane to board again, found we lost our big seats to someone else who bought them. So we paid 60 bucks each for an hour of flying then had to go to the middle of the plane for the rest of the trip. This should be enough reason to stop flying on this airline.

I fly Spirit only because of the high prices from the other airlines have and I pay months in advance. I’ll pay for my seat but I can carry about 5 days in an adult size backpack. I found most hotels have an iron and if not 1 hour drycleaners work. See you in the sky or on a layover 🤙👍

Did you know that with Spirit, at times, you can buy tickets at the airport cheaper than online?

I never had any problems with them. Discomfort for a few hours so I can spend my money on an experience is better for me. They’ve always been a great airline service in my opinion. Sure these are all good points, but if you live by the “You get what you paid for” motto…then don’t fuss.

Absolutely avoid this airline. Just awful experience. They nickle and dime you for everything. And charge for services they don’t even provide. They will shut down soon anyway. They are awful they use fake accounts to reply on Facebook as well.

You can see easily the fake accounts they use on Facebook to respond to your post and complaints. I have to assume the positive posts here are probably fake as welll.

Iam on the Spirit sucks team

What bank is your check drawn on?

So true BUT…. Legacy Airlines are acting pretty much the same nowadays. Wasn’t any guarantee or even a real feeling or compromise with what you purchase, schedules or even good and direct communication when delays or cancelations. It’s awful, but after Covid [that’s the excuse for a while] I feel it’s no good Airlines anymore. I look for destination, flying time/avoid layovers and cost. That’s all. No loyalty, cuz none have been taking care of their customers.

Worst fucking airline never again. I book my trip less than 24 hrs and try to cancel it, it’s literally said they not giving me my money back. I hope to one books with you and you guys shut down. I guess that why the plane was empty you guys half where they no having no jobs.

I was coming back from a night of Disco and heavy drinking in Vegas. Had a layover so long in Detroit I ended up living there to this very day. Sorry don’t even remember the flight.

Is there internet on my international flight?

In theory, yes, WiFi should be available for purchase anywhere in the airline’s network, however, I would have a backup plan just in case it doesn’t work. You can learn more about Spirit’s WiFi availability here .

Does anyone know who spirit banks with? I have a judgement against them (they NEVER showed up in court) they don’t respond to subpoenas and I’d just like to attach their bank account for my 4,000!

I suggest bringing a portable power bank for your phone and a seat cushion for flights longer than 2 hours. Bring your own snacks and water.

I’m originally from Michigan and have been flying Spirits since their Inception which is an early 1990s, I’ve flown them over 100 times easily and I’ve had five issues out of all those trips, I understand flying a lower Budget Airline that there may be some small problems, legroom, extra charges, example, I once got an argument with someone who told me you had to pay for your seat, I told them that was an option you don’t have to pay for your seat and they went on to tell me that you did so I ended the conversation there, I don’t deal with stupid too well, in closing alls I’ll tell you is if you’re looking to save money don’t purchase the seed let them pick it for you, sometimes when you’re up in the air they will let you switch seats so if there’s a exit row seat available show a little kindness to the flight attendants who work hard by asking them would it be okay if I were to switch seats you’d be surprised how many times I’ve got into an exit row seat or a seat with more room by just being kind, also all Airlines have major flaws let’s keep it real, and flight delays happened to every Airline, so keep the bug out of your butt by bashing this carrier, have the day you deserve.

I flew for the first time on a budget airline (Frontier ) DFW-LAS i read the rules about the personal item size beforehand so i didn’t have any problem with my back pack, the leg room was enough for me, cons, a lot of people upset when their personal item doesn’t fit inside the airline’s sizer, no charger, no entertainment , tiny tray. overall, i was prepared for the worst and wasn’t that bad.

Spirit is a joke. You have to check all your luggage and the cost is outrageous. You can only carry purse or backpack. You have to pay to select. A seat So the flight is no longer a good price. I will never fly Spirit again.

When you pay for extra bag when booking your flight, during check in, you won’t find it there. They’ll make you pay for extra bag again… cunning system. Happened to my mom, and Happened to me. Then you’ll face rude and careless attendants on top all the money you paid. You’re right, spirit is not worth it.

I like Spirit only for their low prices and some convenient time schedules. It’s my go-to airline when I fly from BWI to DFW. I’m able to read the fine print and to know that this airline charges for everything other than a seat and a personal bag. I make it work for me as the savings makeup for any discomfort or other any inconveniences. I never made any purchases while on board. I’ve only paid for a carry-on bag just once, on an 8 day vacation, in which I knew I was going to bring back some souvenirs. All else has fit into a nicely compact personal bag that I occasionally have to suck the air out of when asked to put it in the luggage sizer. I have removed an item or two from my bag and threw it over my shoulder to reduce space in my bag.

Boarding the plane towards the end of the line can be tricky if that plane is full and there’s no longer any overhead storage space and you have to now check your bag under the plane. At 6 ft 3 and having to sit in the middle seat my last flight, this can be a discomfort if the bag has to be placed between your legs under the seat in front of your because you don’t want to separate from it. If the plane isn’t full, I will search for any two empty seats on the plane even though I have an assigned seat. That’s one reason I didn’t pay for a seat.

After a 2 plus hour delay, Spirit once sent me a message stating that they will give me a $50 credit for “making it right”. No complaints there as I try to avoid Spirit for connecting flights with another airline.

Not pretty but again I make it work for me.

Spirit is one of the only airlines that sells their tickets cheaper at the ticket counter at the airport than online. It doesn’t have to be done the day of the flight. It can be done in advance. You are not paying online ticket fees.

Not only is Spirit late 75% off the times that I’ve flown with them (a lot lately), but they won’t update the flight status! You’ll arrive at your gate on time and there will be no plans to board, but the status will still say”On Time!” I Suppose Wonder Woman is out there with her Invisible Plane ready to sweep us all off to our destination. What a bargain for such an adventure!!! OR your plane will arrive an hour late with mechanical problems; therefore, you will be delayed 3 hours and miss your connecting flight. I don’t know, maybe that one will be delayed too, and you’ll be alright. Either way, the price really is the bait and the hook. I just keep going back! You’re so right! Every effing time!!!

As a World Traveler, who has used Spirit Airlines from their beginnings, when they had $0.05 flights to Mexico and $0.09 fights to Lima, Peru ; I gotta say that although not perfect, Spirit Airlines has their uses. Now a days, Spirit Airlines Service is NOT much different from the service received on most other airlines – and if you follow the Spirit Airlines Policies & Rules, you can save lots of money !! Plus if you join their Frequency Flyer Program and get their Credit Card to get the 50,000 Bonus Miles ; you can use as little as 5,000 miles to fly roundtrip for almost FREE, in the USA, Mexico and the Caribbean.

I got the Spirit MasterCard Bank of America to earn points to use for flights. The big catch was you could put your family in your pool points and fly them free on your points, after getting the card and working hard through purchases to build up my points suddenly the rules have changed With no advance warning! now you have to call in and book the flight through Spirit and they charge you a $25 fee to do it. You can’t do it online yourself anymore so what’s the point? It’s no longer a deal! why are you gonna pay $25 Fee for $35 flight scam. Shame on you Spirit for a scam on your passengers!!!

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Spirit airlines: expert advice and recommendations.

Known for their incredibly low fares and bright yellow airplanes, Spirit Airlines has become synonymous with cheap air travel. With over 90 destinations in their network, the carrier offers access to many popular destinations in the United States, Mexico, the Caribbean, and South America.

Spirit’s fares are primarily designed for travelers who want to save money when going on vacation once or twice per year. But with the addition of multiple ticket packages and a Savers club, even regular flyers can find value from the ultra-low-cost-carrier. Here’s everything you need to know about planning your next trip with Spirit Airlines.

Why should you consider Spirit Airlines?

The biggest advantage of flying Spirit is the cost of their “unbundled” airfares. The carrier advertises flights at low prices, with the option to pay monthly for terms between three- and 11-months using Uplift. They save money by operating a “point-to-point” network instead of a “hub-and-spoke” model, letting you connect to your final destination often with fewer flights than a traditional airline.

For an ultra-low-cost-carrier, Spirit has one of the biggest international networks to and from the United States. Their route map runs across the country and into Mexico, The Caribbean, Central America, and Northwest South America.

Unlike other airlines, Spirit only has one type of aircraft in their fleet: The Airbus A320 and A321. This means that each aircraft has the same exact configuration and space between seats. And while Spirit does not have a traditional “Business Class,” passengers can take advantage of their premium product, “The Big Front Seat,” for a nominal fee.

Spirit Airlines’ single-class cabin

When it comes to international travel, many airlines offer at least three cabin classes: First/Business class, Premium Economy, and Economy. Spirit only offers a single economy cabin, split between the premium seats at the front, and the regular seats through the aircraft.

At the front of the aircraft is the “Big Front Seat:” The airline’s “premium” product. The Big Front Seat comes in a two-by-two configuration, measuring 20-inches wide with up to 11” of additional legroom compared to the standard seats. The number of Big Front Seats” are extremely limited by aircraft: The A320’s offer eight, while the A321neo is limited to five. You can score the Big Front Seat either with the “Go Big” ticket, or by upgrading separately.

The remainder of the cabin is configured in economy. Each row offers three seats on each side, with a 17.5-inch wide seat and only 28 inches of pitch, tying with other ultra-low-cost-carriers for the shortest legroom. If you want extra legroom for your flight but don’t want to pay for the Big Front Seat, the exit row seats are the best option. Be prepared to pay for these seats unless you are a Free Spirit Gold or Silver elite member.

Spirit fare class and pricing

Spirit Airlines does not operate with traditional “fare classes.” The airline currently offers four fare packages, depending on what experience they want.

The base fare is called the “Go” ticket, and it embodies the original option that made Spirit famous. Travelers purchase the ticket at the lowest advertised price, which only includes the airfare and one personal item. During the check-out process, you will have the option to add a carry-on bag or checked bag, or both. Prices will vary based on the route and length of your trip.

If you want to select your seat with the “Go” ticket, you will need to purchase that as well. Otherwise, your seat will be assigned randomly – which means if you’re traveling with a group, your seats aren’t guaranteed to be next to one another.

The “Go Savvy” ticket comes at the second-lowest price tier. This ticket includes airfare, the choice of a carry-on bag or a checked bag, and seat selection for you and your party.

The next level up is the “Go Comfy” seat, which includes both a carry-on and checked bag, and a “comfy seat,” where the middle seat is blocked off. This fare also comes with a small snack and drink aboard the flight and priority boarding with Group 2.

The “Go Big” is the all-inclusive fare at the highest price tier. In addition to everything in the “Go Savvy” ticket, “Go Big” includes everything from the “Go Comfy” ticket, along with free in-flight Wi-Fi, priority check-in at select airports, and seating in the “Big Front Seat” section.

Accessing Wi-Fi on Spirit

As with everything aboard Spirit Airlines, your amenities and entertainment will depend on how much you want to spend. The only free content is access to Spirit’s website. In addition, there are no USB power outlets on the flight, which means you may have to bring your own portable charger if you want to stay online throughout your trip.

Spirit offers two different Wi-Fi packages for their flights. The slower “Browsing” plan allows travelers to do all the basics online, such as browsing, checking e-mail, or going through social media. The “Streaming” package comes with speeds advertised as fast enough to stream video games, shows, and movies – although your personal experience may vary.

The Wi-Fi connectivity goes gate-to-gate, meaning flyers can login and start surfing the internet or watching shows immediately. Even better, coverage is available across all the routes where Spirit flies, meaning you can stay online throughout the duration of your flight.

Spirit’s amenities: Pay-as-you-go

“Free” amenities aboard Spirit only go as far as what ticket bundle you bought. If you booked “Go Big,” premium snacks and drinks are included for your flight. But if you only went for the “Go Comfy” package, you only get a selection of one small snack and a drink. All other flyers will need to buy their food and drink a-la carte.

Free Spirit Gold members can also get a free snack and non-alcoholic beverage during their flight. All they need to do is show the flight attendant proof of their status to take advantage of this benefit.

To save the most money, travelers should be prepared to bring their own snacks aboard the flight. Dry foods and empty water bottles can be brought through the TSA checkpoint – many airports have water bottle filling stations throughout the terminal. Anything else can be purchased at a comparative discount before the flight.

Free Spirit: Spirit Airlines’ loyalty program

Free Spirit is Spirit’s loyalty program. Travelers can join for free and start earning points towards free travel. The number of points you can earn is based directly on how much you spend with the airline.

Members earn six points per $1 spent on airfare, and 12 points per $1 spent on upgrades, baggage allowances, and food and beverage purchases. On the ground, travelers can earn up to 10 points per $1 for select promotions.

You can also earn Free Spirit points with the airline’s credit cards. The Free Spirit Travel Mastercard offers bonus miles when spending on airfare, while the Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard offers bonuses on Spirit tickets and eligible dining and grocery store purchases.

After earning 2,000 qualifying points in a year from travel or credit card spending, Spirit travelers reach the Silver tier. Silver members get free exit row seating, free priority security screening, a better boarding group, and one free checked bag.

Earning 5,000 qualifying points in a year unlocks Spirit Gold status. In addition to all the Silver benefits, Gold passengers get both a free checked and carry-on bag, one free snack and drink onboard, Zone 1 boarding, and a pet fee waiver. Both Silver and Gold members can also start a points pool, where family and friends can come together and collectively use their points for free travel.

Points can be redeemed for discounted or free flights with Spirit. Travelers can use a Points + Cash fare to reduce the cash price of their tickets. Points won’t expire as long as you earn points in a 12-month period, or hold one of the two Spirit credit cards.

Spirit $avers Club: Access to the lowest fares

For Spirit’s most loyal travelers, the Spirit Savers Club offers the airline’s deepest discounts on everything from airfare to options. Unlike Free Spirit, there’s a fee to join the club. Active students get a 20% discount when joining.

In exchange, you get access to exclusive fares, and discounts on checked bags, carry-on bags, and seat choices for up to eight people traveling together. You will also get to save money when upgrading to priority security and boarding lines, along with exclusive savings from the airline’s partners.

Joining the Spirit Savers Club only makes sense if you are planning to fly with Spirit more than once or twice per year. If you aren’t going to be a regular aboard the big yellow aircraft, you probably won’t get the full value of the program.

This KAYAK-commissioned article is presented as-is, for general informational purposes only, and may not be up-to-date. The opinions contained in the article are original to the author and reflect their authentic experience, which may vary significantly from the experience of others. Find more perspectives in our user reviews below.

Good to know

Faqs about flying with spirit airlines, what is spirit airlines' carry-on size allowance.

On board Spirit Airlines flights, cabin baggage should not exceed 22x18x9in. If your hand luggage is bigger, the Spirit Airlines assistance team will most likely ask you to pay extra for checked luggage.

Where does Spirit Airlines fly to?

Spirit Airlines offers direct flights to 85 cities in 17 different countries. San Diego, Fort Lauderdale, and Las Vegas are the most popular cities covered by Spirit Airlines.

What is Spirit Airlines’ primary hub?

Spirit Airlines concentrates most of its flight operations in Fort Lauderdale.

How does KAYAK find such low prices on Spirit Airlines flights?

KAYAK is a travel search engine, meaning that we continuously look across the web to find the best deals for our users. With over 2 billion flight queries processed yearly, we are able to display a variety of prices and options on flights from all airlines, including Spirit Airlines.

When are Spirit Airlines plane tickets cheapest?

Flight prices with Spirit Airlines will depend on the season and route you are flying. Our data shows that overall, the cheapest month to fly with Spirit Airlines is June, while the most expensive is February.

What’s the cheapest route that Spirit Airlines flies?

In the last 72 hours, the cheapest route flown by Spirit Airlines found on KAYAK was from Los Angeles to Las Vegas, with a price of $32 for a round-trip.

What are the most popular airports for Spirit Airlines flights to depart from?

With 67 Spirit Airlines flights departing each week, Fort Lauderdale airport is the most popular airport for Spirit Airlines flights to depart from. The most popular destination from this airport is Cali. The next most popular departure airport is Orlando airport, with 47 Spirit Airlines flights departing from there each week.

Is Spirit Airlines part of an airline alliance?

No, Spirit Airlines is not part of an airline alliance.

How many destinations does Spirit Airlines fly to?

In total, Spirit Airlines flies to 85 destinations.

Top tips for flying with Spirit Airlines

• If you’re looking for the cheapest Spirit Airlines tickets, then try to fly from Las Vegas, where flights have been cheapest lately. The cheapest route from here available recently is to San Francisco, and cost $21.
• The cheapest month for flights with Spirit Airlines is June, while the most expensive is generally February.

Spirit Airlines customer reviews

• Flight crew was very attentive. (in 2579 reviews)
• Plane was clean crew was friendly. (in 2123 reviews)
• Hardly makes for a cheap flight (in 288 reviews)
• First and LAST time flying Spirit. (in 1951 reviews)
• Last minutes extra charges (in 679 reviews)

Traveler rating:

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• Las Vegas to San Diego
• Atlanta to Fort Lauderdale
• Los Angeles to Las Vegas
• Fort Lauderdale to Atlanta
• San Jose to Las Vegas
• Burbank to Las Vegas
• Las Vegas to Sacramento
• Las Vegas to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport
• Dallas/Fort Worth Airport to Las Vegas
• San Diego to Las Vegas
• Las Vegas to San Jose
• Fort Lauderdale to Baltimore
• Baltimore to Fort Lauderdale
• Newark Airport to Orlando Airport
• Fort Lauderdale to Nashville
• Dallas/Fort Worth Airport to Fort Lauderdale
• Las Vegas to Houston George Bush Intcntl Airport
• Las Vegas to Burbank
• Orlando Airport to Newark Airport
• Portland to Las Vegas
• Las Vegas to Los Angeles
• Las Vegas to Oakland
• Las Vegas to Portland
• Fort Lauderdale to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport
• Newark Airport to Fort Lauderdale
• Houston George Bush Intcntl Airport to Fort Lauderdale
• Oakland to Las Vegas
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport to Las Vegas
• Las Vegas to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
• Fort Lauderdale to Newark Airport
• Spirit Airlines flights to Las Vegas
• Spirit Airlines flights to Fort Lauderdale
• Spirit Airlines flights to Los Angeles
• Spirit Airlines flights to Miami
• Spirit Airlines flights to Orlando Airport
• Spirit Airlines flights to Orlando
• Spirit Airlines flights to New York
• Spirit Airlines flights to San Juan Luis Munoz Marin Intl Airport
• Spirit Airlines flights to Atlanta
• Spirit Airlines flights to Dallas/Fort Worth Airport
• Spirit Airlines flights to Newark Airport
• Spirit Airlines flights to Cancún
• Spirit Airlines flights to Boston
• Spirit Airlines flights to Tampa
• Spirit Airlines flights to New Orleans
• Spirit Airlines flights to Houston Hobby Airport
• Spirit Airlines flights to Nashville
• Spirit Airlines flights to Myrtle Beach
• Spirit Airlines flights to Charlotte
• Spirit Airlines flights to Chicago
• Spirit Airlines flights to Houston George Bush Intcntl Airport
• Spirit Airlines flights to Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport
• Spirit Airlines flights to San José
• Spirit Airlines flights to Baltimore
• Spirit Airlines flights to Philadelphia
• Spirit Airlines flights to Saint Thomas Island
• Spirit Airlines flights to Medellín Jose Maria Cordova Intl Airport
• Spirit Airlines flights to Oakland
• Spirit Airlines flights to Phoenix Sky Harbor Intl Airport
• Spirit Airlines flights to San Antonio

Top airports served by Spirit Airlines

• Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL)
• Las Vegas Harry Reid Intl Airport (LAS)
• Orlando Airport (MCO)
• Los Angeles Airport (LAX)
• Newark Airport (EWR)
• Houston George Bush Intcntl Airport (IAH)
• Dallas/Fort Worth Airport (DFW)
• Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)
• Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson Airport (ATL)
• New York LaGuardia Airport (LGA)
• Chicago O'Hare Intl Airport (ORD)
• Boston Logan Intl Airport (BOS)
• Baltimore/Washington Airport (BWI)
• New Orleans Louis Armstrong Airport (MSY)
• Tampa Airport (TPA)

Spirit Airlines contact information

• NK IATA Code
• +1 801 401 2222 Call
• spirit.com Visit

Overview of Spirit Airlines

Based in Fort Lauderdale, Spirit Airlines has a wide-reaching network of hubs across the United States and offers international travel to the Caribbean, Central America and South America. Secondary hubs in Chicago, Detroit, Orlando, Las Vegas, Dallas and Atlantic City enable the carrier to operate a broad range of domestic services within the United States. Colombia, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic are among the countries with regularly scheduled flights.

Spirit Airlines positions itself in the aviation market as an ultra-low-cost carrier. Operating costs are minimalized by using their network of bases and offering streamlined onboard amenities. Extras such as seat selection, refreshments and checked baggage are not included in the standard fare. It is renowned for reliable, on-time departures and draws a customer base that are keen to get to their destination quickly.

All passengers are situated within a singular Economy cabin. You can upgrade to a Big Front Seat, which is essentially Premium Economy, featuring an additional 6 in of legroom and reinforced padding. Located at the front of the cabin, the Big Front Seats are ideal for working-on-the-go and either have aisle access or a window view.

Airbus is chosen as the preferred manufacturer, making up the entirety of the fleet. The A320 and A321 families of aircraft are used for the majority of services. Unmistakable with any other carrier, the Spirit fleet is painted in a bold yellow design that has been labelled the taxi livery. Check underneath the pilot window to see if the plane you’re traveling on has a name. Some examples include Spirit of the Americas and Spirit of Orlando.

Spirit Airlines information

Other popular airlines in the united states.

Everything you should know before flying Spirit Airlines

Update : Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

In a recent head-to-head comparison, two TPG reporters found Spirit gave Delta a run for its money . Another TPG reporter recently wrote about his pleasant experience flying Spirit's Big Front Seat . Indeed, some travelers love to fly Spirit . After all, Spirit's low prices can be attractive -- especially for large groups and families.

But Spirit Airlines recently placed eighth out of 10 on TPG's 2021 best U.S. airlines list . The airline is notorious for long bag drop lines and poor communication during delays. Plus, you'll face more fees when flying Spirit than with most other U.S. airlines.

Here, I'll discuss how flying with Spirit Airlines might be different from trips you've taken with other airlines. With this information, you can decide whether to book with Spirit. If you've already booked a Spirit flight, this guide will answer common questions about flying Spirit, so you can have the best trip possible.

What fares does Spirit Airlines offer?

Spirit offers Standard fares and Saver$ Club fares. But you can only get Saver$ Club fares if you purchase a membership, which carries the following costs:

• 12-month membership : $69.95
• 18-month membership : $99.90
• 24-month membership : $129.90

Regardless of which membership option you choose, Spirit will automatically renew your membership as an annual membership for $69.95 each year unless you cancel your membership.

Related: Can I book budget carriers on the Chase portal? What you need to know

Should I join the Saver$ Club?

It depends. Saver$ Club fares aren't available for every flight. For example, here's a calendar showing which days in October 2021 have Saver$ Club fares for travel from Atlanta (ATL) to Austin (AUS).

Spirit's Saver$ Club doesn't just get you lower fares on flights. Saver$ Club members also get:

• Up to 50% off on checked and carry-on bags for you and up to eight guests
• Savings on seat selection costs for everyone in your party
• Discounts on Shortcut Security (access to the quickest possible lane to get through the security screening experience), Shortcut Boarding (board in an early group) and Flight Flex (modify your itinerary online once with no modification charges)
• Savings with select partners

If you fly on Spirit frequently or travel as a group -- and often pay for add ons such as baggage and seats -- membership may quickly pay for itself. Spirit says that members save $160 a year on average. However, before you buy a membership, consider how much you'll likely save and whether the savings justify the fee.

With the free TPG app , you can track your progress toward your next trip, and get spending recommendations to help you reach your travel goals.

What happened to the $9 Fare Club?

Spirit loyalists may remember the $9 Fare Club. Effective Jan. 21, 2021, the $9 Fare Club transitioned to the Spirit Saver$ Club. Now, members can save on more than just fares and baggage, and two new membership options are now available for new members.

If you held a $9 Fare Club membership as of Jan. 21, 2021, Spirit converted your membership automatically to the Spirit Saver$ Club. Your membership expiration date will remain the same, but you'll now get more perks.

Related: Spirit Airlines will add 3 routes to brand-new Honduras airport

Should I book my ticket at the airport?

Spirit tacks on a passenger usage charge when you book flights online or via a reservation center. However, you can avoid paying Spirit's passenger usage charge if you book at the airport.

Spirit's website notes that passenger usage charges range from $6.99 to $22.99 per segment. However, the passenger usage charge was just $2.99 for my recent Spirit flight from Orlando to Louisville when I booked on Spirit's website.

Before heading to the airport to book, calculate how much you'd pay in passenger usage charges. Also, consider how much going to an airport served by Spirit to make your booking will cost you. Typically, going to the airport will only make sense if you're booking flights for multiple people and it's not too much of a hassle to do so.

Related: Spirit's network chief explains the airline's 11-destination mid-pandemic growth spurt

Can I check a bag?

Yes, you can pay to check one or more bags when flying Spirit. Each checked bag should typically be no larger than 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and weigh 40 pounds or less. But the checked bag that comes with the Boost It and Bundle It upgrade packages on some routes can weigh up to 50 pounds. You'll need to pay additional fees if your checked bag is overweight (up to 100 pounds) or oversized.

Checked bag fees vary based on the route you're flying and when you purchase your checked bag with Spirit. You can use a tool on Spirit's website to calculate baggage fees. Typically, paying for bags during booking is the cheapest, while paying at the gate is the most expensive. Although a checked bag will usually cost you less than a carry-on bag, standing in Spirit's notoriously long bag drop lines at some airports may not be worth the savings. Once you get to the gate, the checked bag fee is the same as the carry-on bag fee.

Can I bring a carry-on bag?

All Spirit passengers can bring one personal item, like a purse or laptop bag, that is no larger than 18 inches by 14 inches by 8 inches without any additional charge. Before a recent flight, I found that my relatively empty daypack would easily fit into the personal item sizer.

However, if you want to bring a larger bag -- or a second smaller bag -- onboard, you'll need to purchase a carry-on bag. If you purchase a carry-on baggage allowance, your luggage must be no larger than 22 inches by 18 inches by 10 inches. Like checked bags, your carry-on cost will depend on your route and when you purchase your carry-on item. Paying for a carry-on bag on Spirit's website when you buy your ticket will be the cheapest option, while buying a carry-on bag at the gate will be the most expensive.

Related: How to fly without bag fees on Spirit Airlines using the free personal item

Can I select a seat?

You can pay to select a seat when flying Spirit. The cost to choose a seat depends on the route, seat type, when you purchase the seat and seat location. Regular seats cost $1 to $50, while Big Front Seats cost $12 to $150 when purchased in advance and $25 to $175 when purchased onboard.

I recently booked a Spirit flight from Orlando to Louisville. About two weeks before departure, seat costs were as follows:

• Big Front Seats : $52
• Exit row : $28
• Near the front of the aircraft : $25
• In the middle of the plane : $19
• At the rear of the plane : $13

I decided to book without selecting a seat. After all, Spirit's website says:

"If you don't select a seat, we'll assign random seats at check-in for free, but we can't guarantee that you will get to sit with your friends or family."

I checked the cost to select seats a few hours before my flight. When I did so, I could still choose a Big Front Seat for $52, an exit-row seat for $28 or a seat near the front of the aircraft for $25.

I still didn't pay to select any of these seats at check-in and got a message noting Spirit would assign my seat at the gate. I lucked into a window seat at the front of the aircraft, but Spirit could have given me a less desirable seat. Pay to select a seat if you must sit with traveling companions or have a strong preference for a window or aisle.

Should I splurge for a Big Front Seat?

Big Front Seats are wider and have more legroom than standard Spirit seats. In short, these seats are similar to non-lie-flat business class products that other carriers fly domestically. TPG editorial director Summer Hull said she's never regretted paying extra for Big Front Seats. TPG senior reporter Zach Griff also enjoyed his flight in a Spirit Big Front Seat.

However, you won't get any extra service when flying in Spirit's Big Front Seats. Plus, no Spirit seats recline. Decide whether the cost to reserve a Big Front Seat is worth getting a larger, more comfortable seat at the front of the aircraft, even without the perks.

Related: Style vs. savings: Comparing JetBlue's Mint Studio and Spirit's Big Front Seat

Should I purchase the Bundle It Combo?

The Bundle It Combo is available for select routes when you buy your ticket on Spirit's website or app. This combo comes with the following:

• One checked bag up to 50 pounds
• One carry-on bag (in addition to a personal item)
• No cost for seat selection (including exit row seating, but excluding the Big Front Seat)
• Shortcut Boarding allowing you to board in an early group
• One complimentary flight modification up to 24 hours before departure

Prices vary by route and are per person each way, but Spirit Saver$ Club members get a slight discount. Unless you need a changeable ticket, it may be cheaper to purchase what you need separately.

Related: Earn easy miles with the Free Spirit Dining program

Can I check in and get my boarding pass at the airport?

Spirit encourages online check-in through its website or app when possible. You can use a self-service kiosk at the airport to check in and get a boarding pass for a $2 fee. Or, you can ask a customer service agent at the check-in counter to check you in and print your boarding pass for a $10 fee. Of course, Spirit will waive the fees if your trip doesn't allow online check-in -- for example, if you're flying to/from a country that doesn't allow online check-in.

Will I be served a snack or drink?

Snacks and drinks will be available for purchase, but you'll need to pay for them with a credit card or debit card . There's no complimentary drink or snack service on Spirit, so you might want to bring snacks and fill up your water bottle after clearing security. If you might want to purchase a snack or drink onboard, check out the options on Spirit's website before boarding.

Related: Your complete guide to the new Spirit Airlines loyalty program

Can I change or cancel my flight?

If you purchased Flight Flex or the Bundle It Combo, then you can change your flight once free of charge -- subject to fare differences -- up to 24 hours before departure. There's no fee to cancel a flight within 24 hours of ticketing as long as you made the reservation at least seven days before departure.

Otherwise, you'll face the following fees per customer, per booking if you need to change or cancel your flight :

• Six or fewer days from departure : $79 fee
• Seven to 14 days from departure : $59 fee
• 15 to 59 days from departure : $39 fee
• 60 or more days from departure : No fee

If you change to a flight with a higher fare, you'll need to pay the difference. If you cancel or switch to a flight with a lower fee, Spirit will issue any remaining balance after the fee as a travel credit . However, modification and cancellation charges do not apply to bookings made before April 5, 2021.

Can I earn points on Spirit flights?

Free Spirit members earn 6x points on fares and 12x points on optional add-on items like baggage and seat selection. Free Spirit Silver and Gold elite members earn even more points on these purchases. For example, Gold members earn 10x points on fares and 20x points on optional add-on items.

Of course, you can also earn card rewards on purchases with Spirit Airlines. I recommend using one of the best cards for airfare or one of the best cards for travel to maximize your purchase. My choice would be the Chase Sapphire Reserve, Chase Sapphire Preferred Card or The Platinum Card® from American Express because these cards will provide bonus earnings on your airfare and travel protections on your flight.

Related: The best credit cards to use on low-cost carriers

Should I get a Spirit Airlines credit card?

Spirit has two cobranded credit cards available to U.S. residents: the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® ($0 introductory annual fee, then $79) and the Free Spirit® Travel Mastercard® (no annual fee). It only makes sense to have these cards if one or more of the following is compelling to you:

• Become a Pool Pilot to unlock points sharing for up to eight friends and family members (Free Spirit members with Silver or Gold status can also be Pool Pilots)
• Get a 25% rebate on all inflight food and beverage purchases when you pay with your Free Spirit card
• Zone 2 boarding
• Your Free Spirit points don't expire as long as your Free Spirit card is open
• Earn 1 Status Qualification Point (SQP) for each $10 in purchases on your card (SQPs are how you earn Free Spirit Status; only on the Free Spirit Travel More card)
• Pay no award redemptions fees as a primary cardholder (only on the Free Spirit Travel More card)

The information for the Free Spirit Travel More and Free Spirit Travel card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Credit card showdown: Frontier Airlines World Mastercard vs. Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard

TPG's Spirit Airlines review

Spirit is an ultra-low-cost carrier, so adjust your expectations appropriately. You may need to wait in long bag drop lines. Plus, there won't be any amenities on board, and Spirit doesn't serve complimentary food or drinks.

The airline also operates fewer flights on many routes than full-service competitors, resulting in fewer rerouting options if your flight is delayed or canceled. On the plus side, the fares are often very low, and the planes are relatively new. Here are a couple of our recent flight reviews from Spirit flights:

• Watch as we review 2 very different ways of flying Spirit Airlines
• The do-it-yourself airline: A review of Spirit Airlines on the A320neo from New York to Fort Lauderdale
• Dispiriting: Flying Spirit's A320 in the Big Front Seat From Newark to Las Vegas

For extra space, consider booking a Big Front Seat if the cost is reasonable. I recommend booking your flight with a credit card that offers trip delay benefits, like the Chase Sapphire Reserve or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card, so you'll be protected if Spirit delays or cancels your flight.

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Airline Loyalty Rewards

Spirit Airlines Free Spirit Loyalty Program Review [In-Depth]

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

Free Spirit and the Spirit Saver$ Club (formerly known as the $9 Fare Club)

Atlantic City (ACY), Chicago (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Las Vegas (LAS), Orlando (MCO)

Redemptions start at 2,500 points and are dynamically priced. When searching for your flight on spirit.com , select Points  as your payment type to see the total points required.

• Best Ways to Earn Free Spirit Points

Best Ways to Redeem Spirit Free Spirit Points

• Spirit Airlines Review – Seats, Amenities & More
• Spirit Airline Boarding Zones & Process
• FAQ’s About Flying Spirit Airlines
• Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees

Spirit Airlines Overview

Spirit Airlines falls squarely into the budget airline category, joining the ranks of airlines like Frontier and Allegiant . What makes Spirit unique is just how many Latin American and Caribbean destinations the airline serves.

The Spirit Airlines loyalty program, Free Spirit, is free to join, and the points that you earn can be redeemed for an award flight or with select partner products and services.

Elite status is earned by:

• Earning a certain number of Free Spirit points over a designated time period
• Spending a certain amount of money on base fares over a designated time period

The best way to earn Free Spirit points is to fly on Spirit, spending on its Bank of America co-branded credit cards, or participate with its partner programs.

When Spirit Airline points are earned, those points can then be used to book an award flight on Spirit’s website.

Joining Free Spirit

The loyalty program is free to join by filling out this application .

After you join the Free Spirit program, you’ll have the ability to earn and redeem points for an award flight, in addition to working your way toward elite status.

How To Sign in to Your Free Spirit Account

Head to the Spirit Airlines login page where you’ll enter your email address or Free Spirit number and password to access your account. You’ll also need to be logged in to search for and book an award flight.

Viewing Your Account Activity

Free Spirit mileage activity can be accessed by logging into your account, clicking your name at the top of the page, and clicking My Account , then Activity.

On the statements page, you’ll see a detailed ledger of your posted transactions.

This process to review your activity is simple and only requires a few clicks after logging into your account.

Points Expiration

As long as you earn any amount of points within the previous 12 months, your points won’t expire . If you don’t earn points in that time frame, any points older than 12 months will expire.

In addition to flying, another way to keep points from expiring is to make at least 1 transaction per month on your Free Spirit World Elite card or Free Spirit card.

The last 2 ways to keep your points are using one of the Spirit Airline partners or buying points to restart the clock on your points balance.

Bottom Line: Spirit offers several ways to make sure that your points don’t expire in that 12-month window!

Spirit Airlines Mileage Program

Free spirit elite status.

As a Free Spirit member, you have access to 2 elite tiers: Silver and Gold.

Separately, Spirit has a program called the Spirit Saver$ Club (formerly known as the $9 Fare Club). This club offers benefits like discounted fares, baggage fees , seats, Flight Flex, Shortcut Security, and Shortcut Boarding for a fee of $69.95 for 12 months, $99.90 for 18 months, or $129.90 for 24 months.

The base membership tier offers the following benefits:

• Earn points at a rate of 6x for fares and 12x for À La Smarte Options (like bags and seats)
• Access to exclusive members-only offers and promotions

Spirit’s lowest tier status comes with these perks:

• Earn points at a rate of 8x for fares and 16x for À La Smarte Options
• Free Shortcut Security and Boarding
• Same-day standby
• Seat selection at check-in
• Dedicated Guest Care line
• Ability to create a Points Pool
• Never paying redemption fees

The highest elite tier in the program has the following benefits:

• Earn points at a rate of 10x for fares and 20x for À La Smarte Options
• All Silver benefits
• Free Flight Flex
• First checked and carry-on bag
• Seat selection at booking (including exit rows)
• Free inflight beverage and snacks

If you’re interested in learning more, check out Spirit’s website for the full list of benefits .

Value of Free Spirit Elite Status

Spirit revamped its Free Spirit program in 2021, replacing the lack of benefits that you’d find with a non-budget airline with tangible perks like accelerated points earning, seat and baggage benefits, the ability to pool points with family and friends, and a longer expiration date for points. The airline also plans to introduce Free Spirit Points + Cash redemption options in March 2021.

Bottom Line: We once said there wasn’t much in value in holding Spirit elite status, but that isn’t the case anymore!

Earning Free Spirit Elite Status

Free Spirit Elite status can be obtained through Free Spirit Status Qualifying Points (SQPs) earned by dollars spent with Spirit, as well as eligible purchases made with your Free Spirit World Elite card or Free Spirit card.

Spirit’s Silver status is earned with at least 2,000 SQPs or spending at least $2,000 on base fare tickets (not including taxes, fees, or optional services). Gold requires 5,000 SQPs or an incremental $3,000 spend from Silver ($5,000 total).

Another way to earn Elite status is by signing up for a Free Spirit credit card. Primary cardholders can attain Silver status when purchases on the card reach $20,000 and Gold status when purchases reach $50,000 in a calendar year.

Free Spirit World Elite cardholders also earn 1 SQP for each $10 in net purchases.

Your Silver or Gold status will be effective for the remainder of the year in which you earn it and the entire following year. For example, if you become Silver in October 2021, you will hold that status through December 31, 2022 .  

How To Earn Spirit Airline Points

Spirit doesn’t provide a ton of ways to earn Free Spirit points , but it’s still important to know your options.

Earning Points Through Flying

The main way to earn Free Spirit points is to hold elite status. Spirit Airlines has 2 tiers of elite status. Here’s a breakdown of what each tier level earns from flying:

• Member — 6x points for fares and 12x for À La Smarte Options (like bags and seats)
• Silver – 8x points for fares and 16x for À La Smarte Options
• Gold – 10x points for fares and 20x for À La Smarte Options

Earn Points With Credit Cards

Spirit Airlines partners with Bank of America, which offers 2 co-branded airline credit cards.

In addition to flying Spirit Airlines, spending on the Free Spirit World Elite card or Free Spirit card is the best way to earn Free Spirit points.

Bottom Line: Combining revenue flights and credit card spending will ensure you are earning points that can be redeemed for an award flight.

Earning Bonus Points in Other Ways

The Free Spirit program has other ways for its member to earn points as well.

Spirit Airlines has car rental partners like Hertz  and hotel partners like Choice Hotels  that allow you to earn points when you spend with them.

You can also earn points through purchases at the Free Spirit online mall, via Free Spirit Dining , with Spirit Cruises, and partners like Vinesse Wine Club.

Hot Tip: If you add your airline loyalty program to other services, you won’t also earn status points with these brands (unless it’s a preferred car rental agency that has specifically partnered with the airline; this partnership acts as a sort of alliance between airline and rental agency).

Branded and Partnered Credit Cards

Spirit Airlines offers 2 credit card for the U.S. market and does not partner with any of the flexible point programs ( American Express Membership Rewards , Citi ThankYou Rewards , Chase Ultimate Rewards , or Marriott Bonvoy ).

However, the revenue and award flight costs for Spirit flights are typically low, so it shouldn’t take much cash or points to get you to your destination.

Spirit Airlines Credit Cards

Spirit Airlines partners with Bank of America, which is the issuer of its co-branded credit cards. You will earn Spirit Airlines points directly with the Free Spirit ® Travel More World Elite Mastercard ® and Free Spirit ® Travel Mastercard ® .

How To Redeem Spirit Airlines Free Spirit Points

Redemptions start at 2,500 points and are dynamically priced. When searching for your flight on spirit.com , select Points as your payment type to see the total points required.

Spirit also has a Points Deal Finder where you can search for one-way routes from 15,000 to 45,000 points in 10,000-point increments.

Free Spirit Points + Cash

Starting in March 2021, Free Spirit members will be able to combine as few as 1,000 points with cash.

Points Pooling

You can earn reward flights faster by Points Pooling with up to 8 friends and family members.

Points Pooling accounts are managed by “Pool Pilots” — a Free Spirit member with Silver or Gold status or a Free Spirit credit cardholder.

Booking Online

Spirit is not in an alliance , so the only flights you’ll see on its search engine will be Spirit Airlines. This is similar to what you’ll find with Southwest Airlines and JetBlue .

If you book an award flight more than 28 days prior to departure, there is no redemption fee. For those looking to travel with less than 28 days’ notice, the redemption fee is $50 per guest. Primary cardholders of the Free Spirit World Elite card do not pay redemption fees.

We recommend redeeming your points online instead of calling in to book, where you’ll be required to pay an additional $25 booking fee .

Hot Tip: Even though you’re likely to see cheap flights offered by Spirit Airlines, sometimes it can make sense to redeem Free Spirit points when the revenue cost of a Spirit Airlines flight is higher. 

The information regarding the Free Spirit ® Travel More World Elite Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Free Spirit ® Travel Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

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UP's Bonus Valuation

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