When booking flights with low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines, understanding their cancellation policy is crucial. Spirit Airlines offers affordable fares, but their cancellation policy can be a bit strict compared to traditional airlines. Knowing the ins and outs of Spirit’s rules can help you save time, money, and avoid any surprises should you need to change or cancel your flight.
At Tour N Travel Pro, we aim to make your travel experience as smooth as possible, which is why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to Spirit Airlines cancellation policy. Whether you’ve had a sudden change of plans or need to cancel due to unforeseen circumstances, we’ll help you understand the process and your options.
1. Spirit Airlines Cancellation Policy Overview
Spirit Airlines follows a non-refundable ticket policy for most of its flights. This means that if you need to cancel your flight, you won’t be issued a direct refund, but instead, you’ll receive a travel credit for future bookings. The value of this credit is the amount you paid for your ticket minus any applicable cancellation fees.
Key Points to Remember:
- Spirit Airlines does not offer a free cancellation window like some airlines.
- If you cancel, you generally won’t receive a refund — only a travel credit.
- Travel credits are issued for the value of your ticket, minus any cancellation fees, and must be used within 60 days of issuance.
2. How to Cancel a Spirit Airlines Flight
There are two primary ways to cancel your Spirit Airlines flight: online and by phone. Both methods are relatively straightforward, but online cancellations tend to be quicker and more convenient.
A. Canceling Online
To cancel your flight online, follow these steps:
- Visit Spirit Airlines’ Website: Head to Spirit Airlines official website.
- Go to “My Trips”: Click on the “My Trips” tab at the top of the homepage.
- Enter Your Details: You’ll need to enter your confirmation code and last name to access your reservation.
- Select the Flight: Choose the flight that you want to cancel.
- Confirm the Cancellation: After confirming the details, Spirit will issue a travel credit for the amount you paid for your flight, minus any cancellation fees.
B. Canceling via Customer Service
If you’d rather speak to a representative or need help with a more complicated situation, you can call Spirit Airlines Customer Service at 1-855-774-3548. While this option is available, it may involve longer wait times and can sometimes incur an additional service fee. For quick cancellations, we recommend using the online method.
3. Spirit Airlines Cancellation Fees
Spirit Airlines charges cancellation fees, which depend on how far in advance you cancel your flight. The fee structure is as follows:
- More than 60 Days Before Departure: If you cancel your flight more than 60 days before your departure, the cancellation fee is $90.
- Within 60 Days of Departure: If you cancel within 60 days of your flight, the cancellation fee increases to $100.
Flight Flex Add-On
Spirit offers an add-on called Flight Flex, which provides more flexibility for cancellations and changes. If you purchase Flight Flex when booking your flight, you can cancel or change your flight without incurring any cancellation fees. This add-on costs about $49.99 per person at the time of booking, so it’s a great option for travelers who want to keep their plans flexible.
4. Refunds vs. Travel Credit
As a general rule, Spirit Airlines does not offer refunds for canceled flights unless the cancellation is initiated by the airline. This means that if you decide to cancel your flight for personal reasons, you won’t get your money back. Instead, you’ll receive a travel credit for the amount of your ticket (minus the cancellation fee).
Travel Credit Details:
- Non-Transferable: Travel credits are issued only to the passenger who originally booked the flight. They cannot be transferred to someone else.
- Expiration: The travel credit is typically valid for 60 days from the date it is issued. If you don’t use it within this time frame, it will expire.
- No Refund for Add-ons: If you purchased extras like baggage, seat selection, or priority boarding, these costs are usually non-refundable. However, you may be able to apply your travel credit toward a new booking, including these add-ons.
5. Changing Your Spirit Airlines Flight
If you prefer to change your flight rather than cancel it, Spirit Airlines does allow you to make changes. However, just like with cancellations, changing your flight can come with additional fees unless you’ve purchased Flight Flex.
- Without Flight Flex: Spirit charges a change fee of $90–$100, depending on when the change is made.
- With Flight Flex: If you’ve added Flight Flex to your reservation, you can change your flight with no additional fees.
Note that if your new flight costs more than your original booking, you’ll need to pay the difference in fare.
6. How to Avoid Unnecessary Fees
While Spirit Airlines’ cancellation policy can seem restrictive, there are a few ways to minimize fees:
A. Purchase Flight Flex
If you have any doubts about your travel plans, consider adding Flight Flex to your reservation. This small investment gives you greater flexibility, allowing you to cancel or change your flight without incurring fees.
B. Act Quickly
Try to cancel your flight as early as possible. The closer you are to your departure date, the higher the cancellation fees will be. Cancelling well in advance (more than 60 days before departure) can save you $10–$20.
C. Travel Insurance
Consider purchasing travel insurance when booking with Spirit. While Spirit’s policy doesn’t offer refunds for cancellations, travel insurance may reimburse you in cases of illness, accidents, or other emergencies. Insurance can give you peace of mind and may help cover the costs associated with unexpected cancellations.
7. What Happens If Spirit Cancels Your Flight?
If Spirit Airlines cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund to your original form of payment or a travel credit. This applies if the cancellation occurs due to reasons like weather, mechanical issues, or other operational concerns initiated by the airline. In some cases, you may also be entitled to compensation, depending on the circumstances.
Conclusion
Spirit Airlines’ cancellation policy may seem rigid at first, but by understanding the rules and options available to you, you can avoid unnecessary fees and ensure a smoother experience when changes arise. Whether you need to cancel, change your flight, or explore options like Flight Flex or travel insurance, planning ahead is key.
At Tour N Travel Pro, we’re here to help you navigate the complexities of booking with Spirit Airlines. Need assistance with your booking or understanding your cancellation options? Don’t hesitate to reach out to us—we’re here to ensure your travels are as stress-free as possible!
