Spirit Return Policy

Understanding the Spirit return policy is your first step to a stress-free travel experience. Whether you need to change a flight or get a refund, knowing the rules saves you time and money.

Spirit Airlines is known for its ultra-low fares, but its policies are strict. Their approach to returns, changes, and refunds is very different from traditional airlines. This guide breaks down everything in simple terms. You’ll learn how to navigate fees, deadlines, and the steps to take. We cover tickets, baggage, and even vacation packages. Let’s get started.

This is the core set of rules for getting money back or changing your travel plans. It’s not a single policy but a collection of terms for different situations.

Spirit operates on a “Bare Fare” model. You pay for only what you need. This means flexibility usually costs extra. Most tickets are non-refundable in the traditional sense. But you have options, like receiving a credit for future travel.

The key factors are timing and the type of purchase. Here’s what you need to know first:

Flight Tickets: Most are non-refundable. You can make changes for a fee, but cash refunds are rare.
Optional Services (Bags, Seats): These are generally refundable if you cancel before check-in.
Vacation Packages: Different rules apply, often with stricter cancellation windows.
The 24-Hour Rule: A federal rule that is your best friend for full refunds.

The 24-Hour Flexible Booking Policy

This is the most important part of the policy. U.S. Department of Transportation rules require airlines to offer a hold or refund.

Spirit gives you a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking. Two critical conditions must be met:

You booked your flight at least 7 days (168 hours) before the departure time.
You cancel within 24 hours of the original purchase time.

If you meet these, you get all your money back to your original payment method. This includes taxes and fees. It’s the only way to guarantee a full cash refund outside of a schedule change by Spirit.

Changing or Canceling a Flight

If it’s past the 24-hour window, your ticket value becomes a Flight Credit. This credit is stored in the “My Account” section of the person who booked the ticket.

To make a change or cancel:

Go to “My Trips” on Spirit’s website or app.
Enter your name and confirmation number.
Select “Modify/Cancel Trip.”
Follow the prompts. The system will show any fees and calculate your remaining credit.

Remember, the credit is usually valid for one year from the original booking date. You’ll pay a change fee and any fare difference when you rebook.

Change and Cancellation Fees

Fees vary and can be high. They are charged per person, per direction. As of now, you can expect:

Change/Cancel Fee (via call center): Often $99 per person.
Change/Cancel Fee (online self-service): A lower fee, typically $69 per person. Always try to do it online.
Fare Difference: You must pay any increase in the ticket price for your new flight.

Getting a Refund for Optional Services

This is a brighter spot in the policy. Services you add on like bags, seats, and refreshments have different rules.

You can generally get a refund for these if you cancel them before check-in opens. Check-in usually starts 24 hours before the flight.

For example, if you paid for a carry-on bag but decide not to bring one, cancel it online before check-in. The refund will go back to your original payment method. If you already checked in, these add-ons become non-refundable.

Spirit Vacation Package Refunds

Spirit Vacations bundles flights, hotels, and cars. Their cancellation policy is separate and usually more strict.

Cancellation penalties depend on how close you are to your travel date. You might forfit a deposit or a percentage of the total cost. Always read the specific terms for your package at the time of booking. It’s crucial to understand these deadlines.

Step-by-Step Guide to Request a Refund or Credit

Follow these steps carefully to handle your modification or refund request.

Step 1: Gather Your Information

Have your confirmation code and the passenger’s last name ready. Also, have the payment card used for booking handy.

Step 2: Access “My Trips”

Visit the Spirit website or open the app. Click on “My Trips” at the top of the page.

Step 3: Choose Modify or Cancel

Find your booking and select the option to modify or cancel your itinerary. The system will guide you.

Step 4: Review Fees and Credit

Before confirming, the system will show a breakdown. You’ll see the change fee, any taxes being refunded, and the total remaining credit for future use. Make sure you agree.

Step 5: Confirm and Save Your Credit

After confirming, you’ll get an email with your Flight Credit details. Save this email! The credit will also be in the booker’s account. You’ll need the confirmation code from the original booking to use the credit later.

Understanding Flight Credits and Travel Funds

This is where many people get confused. Your money isn’t gone, but it turns into a form of airline currency.

Flight Credit: This is what Spirit calls the money from a canceled non-refundable ticket. It has an expiration date (typically 1 year from original booking). It’s tied to the original passenger’s name.
How to Use It: When booking a new flight, enter the original confirmation code at payment. The system will deduct the credit amount. You pay any remaining balance.
Important: Flight credits are often non-transferable. They usually can only be used by the person named on the original ticket.

What Happens if Spirit Cancels or Changes Your Flight?

If Spirit initiates a significant schedule change or cancels your flight, you have more power. This is one of the few times you are entitled to a full cash refund by law.

A “significant change” is usually defined as:

A departure or arrival time change of more than 60 minutes.
An increase in the number of connections.
A change in the departure or arrival airport.
A downgrade in service (like going from a direct flight to a connecting one).

In these cases, Spirit will typically offer you a few choices:

Accept the new schedule they propose.
Choose an alternative flight on Spirit.
Request a full refund to your original payment method.

You must request the refund; it is not always automatic. Contact Spirit customer service or use the prompts in your change notification email.

Baggage and Seat Fee Refunds

Managing add-ons is simpler than flight changes.

Baggage Fees

You can get a refund for checked or carry-on bags if you cancel the service before online check-in begins. Log into your booking, manage your extras, and remove the bag. The refund processes in 7-10 business days. If you miss this window, you generally cannot get a refund, even if you don’t show up for the flight.

Seat Selection Fees

The same principle applies. If you paid for a specific seat (like a Big Front Seat or a window seat), you can cancel it before check-in for a refund. After check-in, the fee is non-refundable. Sometimes, if Spirit changes your seat, they will refund the fee.

Tips for Minimizing Fees and Stress

A little planning goes a long way with Spirit.

Buy Travel Insurance: Consider a third-party policy that covers “cancel for any reason.” This can protect you from illness or unexpected events.
Pay for Flexibility at Booking: Spirit offers “Flight Flex” as an add-on. It allows one free change or cancelation (you still pay fare difference). It can be worth it for uncertain plans.
Always Do It Online: The fee to change a ticket over the phone is much higher. Use the website or app whenever possible.
Double-Check Your Dates: Use the 24-hour rule as a safety net to correct any booking mistakes.
Keep Documentation: Save every email confirmation, including cancellation emails with your credit details. Take screenshots of important pages.

Common Scenarios and Solutions

“I missed my flight. Can I get a refund?”

No. If you miss your flight (a “no-show”), Spirit will cancel any remaining return or connecting flights on your ticket. The entire ticket’s value is forfited. You will not receive a credit or refund.

“I found a cheaper fare. Can I price match?”

Spirit does not offer price matching or refunds for price drops after purchase. Your only option is to cancel within 24 hours (if eligible) and rebook at the lower price, paying any applicable fees.

“Can I transfer my ticket to someone else?”

No. Spirit tickets and flight credits are non-transferable. They must be used by the person whose name is on the original reservation.

“How do I use an expired Flight Credit?”

You usually cannot. Expired credits have no value. Spirit is very strict about this. Some airlines offer extensions for a fee, but Spirit rarely does. Mark your calendar with the expiration date.

How to Contact Spirit for Refund Issues

If you need help, especially for a refund you believe you are owed, here are the best ways:

Twitter/X: Sending a direct message to @SpiritCare is often faster than calling.
Phone: Call their customer service line. Be prepared for long wait times. Have all your details ready.
Website Form: Use the “Email Us” contact form on their website for non-urgent issues.

When you contact them, be clear, calm, and provide your confirmation number, passenger name, and a brief explanation of what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Spirit’s cancellation policy?

Most tickets are non-refundable. Canceling after the 24-hour risk-free period results in a Flight Credit, minus change fees. You can use this credit for a future Spirit flight within one year.

How long does a Spirit refund take?

For eligible refunds (like within the 24-hour window or for add-ons), it typically takes 7-10 business days to appear on your credit card statement. Refunds due to a Spirit cancellation may take a bit longer, sometimes up to two billing cycles.

Can I get a refund from Spirit Airlines?

Yes, but only under specific conditions: 1) You cancel within 24 hours of booking (and booked 7+ days out), 2) Spirit significantly changes or cancels your flight, or 3) You cancel an optional service like a bag before check-in.

Are Spirit flight changes free?

No. Changing a flight always incurs a fee (lower online) plus any difference in the fare. The “Flight Flex” add-on, purchased at booking, allows one fee-free change.

What happens if I cancel my Spirit flight?

You will receive a Flight Credit in the booker’s account. Its value is your original fare minus the change/cancellation fee. Taxes and fees are usually refunded separately. You will not get cash back unless you are within the 24-hour window.

How do I get a refund for Spirit baggage?

Go to “My Trips,” manage your booking, and remove the bag service before you check in for the flight. The refund will be processed automatically to your original payment method.

Final Thoughts

The Spirit return policy is built for simplicity but requires your attention. By understanding the 24-hour rule, the difference between refunds and credits, and the rules for add-ons, you can make informed decisions.

The key is to act quickly if your plans change and to always use the online tools to avoid higher fees. While Spirit’s model offers low upfront fares, the cost of flexibility is clear. Planning ahead and buying the right add-ons for your needs is the best strategy for a smooth journey with Spirit Airlines.