Booking with Spirit Airlines: Low Fares, Flexible Options

Flying with Spirit Airlines has become a popular choice for travelers who want to explore more while spending less. As one of the most well-known ultra-low-cost carriers in the U.S., Spirit provides no-frills air travel at some of the lowest fares available. But with those low costs come certain rules—especially when it comes to refunds, cancellations, and travel credits.

Understanding how Spirit Airlines refunds and credits work is essential for anyone looking to make the most of their travel budget. Whether you're planning ahead or facing a last-minute change, knowing your options can save you time, stress, and money.

Spirit Airlines Flight Change Policy: What You Need to Know

Spirit Airlines offers flexibility through a system of credits rather than traditional refunds. This setup helps the airline maintain low base fares while still giving passengers some breathing room when plans change.

How to Modify Your Spirit Airlines Reservation

Spirit makes it relatively simple to modify your flight, as long as you follow the guidelines of its flight change policy. You can make changes online or through their customer support. Depending on how early you change your flight, the fees may vary—or even be waived.

Key points to remember:

Changes made 60+ days before departure are typically free.
Changes within 59 to 0 days may incur a change fee.
You’ll pay the fare difference if the new flight is more expensive.
If the new fare is lower, Spirit will issue a reservation credit for the remaining amount.

What Are Spirit Airlines Reservation Credits?

Rather than issuing a refund, Spirit Airlines typically gives travelers reservation credits. These credits can be used for future travel and are tied to the original booking passenger.

How Reservation Credits Work

Reservation credits are issued for:

Cancelled flights
Lower fare adjustments after a change
Missed flights (in some situations, when communicated in advance)

Important facts about reservation credits:

They are non-transferable and linked to your Spirit Airlines account.
They must be used before the expiration date, usually within 12 months.
You can apply them to new bookings, baggage fees, or seat selection.

Tip: Log in to your account to view available credits and apply them easily at checkout.

Can You Get a Refund from Spirit Airlines?

Spirit is a non-refundable airline, but there are a few rare cases where you may be eligible for a refund.

Refund Scenarios That May Qualify

Cancellations within 24 hours of booking and at least seven days before departure.
Flight cancellations by Spirit Airlines due to operational issues, weather, or staffing.
Military deployment with valid documentation.

If any of these apply, Spirit may offer you the option of a refund instead of a credit. Refunds are usually processed back to your original payment method.

Spirit’s Cancellation Policy: What Happens When You Cancel

If you cancel your flight, Spirit won’t refund your money directly unless it fits one of the rare qualifying reasons. Instead, they’ll issue a Spirit Airlines credit minus a cancellation fee if applicable.

Cancellation Windows & Fees

Cancel 60+ days in advance: No cancellation fee.
Cancel 59–7 days before departure: Cancellation fee applies.
Cancel less than 7 days out: Higher fee typically charged.

You’ll receive a reservation credit for the balance (fare minus the fee). Keep in mind that fees vary based on how close you are to the flight date.

Using Spirit Credits for Your Next Trip

When you receive a credit, it’s stored in your Spirit Airlines account under “My Trips” or “Wallet.” Booking with credits is easy and can be done online at checkout.

What You Can Use Credits For

New flight bookings
Seat upgrades
Baggage fees
Shortcut boarding

Just enter the code at checkout, and the system will apply it automatically. If the new purchase costs more than your credit, you can pay the difference using a card.

Tips for Managing Refunds, Cancellations & Credits

To avoid unexpected fees or credit expiration, follow these simple travel tips:

Book with confidence by checking Spirit’s flight change policy before buying.
Add optional travel insurance for added peace of mind.
Track credit expiration dates in your Spirit account.
Cancel early if your plans change—60+ days out avoids most fees.
Use credits promptly to make sure they don’t expire before your next trip.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How long does it take to get a refund from Spirit Airlines?

If you qualify for a refund (rare cases), it typically takes 7 to 10 business days to process back to your original form of payment.

What happens if I miss my Spirit flight?

If you miss your flight and don’t notify Spirit, you’ll usually forfeit the fare. However, if you inform the airline in advance, they may offer a reservation credit depending on your situation.

Can I transfer my Spirit Airlines credit to someone else?

No, Spirit Airlines credits are non-transferable. They can only be used by the original passenger listed on the booking.

Is there a fee to change my Spirit Airlines flight?

Yes, but the fee depends on how early you make the change. It’s often waived if the change is made more than 60 days before departure.

Does Spirit Airlines give refunds for cancelled flights?

If Spirit cancels your flight, you can choose between a refund or a reservation credit. In most other cases, only credits are offered.

Navigate Spirit’s Policies Like a Pro

Spirit Airlines offers budget-friendly travel, but it’s essential to understand how their flight change policy, reservation credits, and cancellation procedures work. While traditional refunds are rare, reservation credits give you flexibility for future travel at no extra cost—if used wisely.

Plan ahead, check change fees, and always keep track of your credits. With a little preparation, you can fly smart with Spirit and make the most of every dollar saved.

How Do Spirit Airlines Refunds and Credits Work?