Travel plans can change unexpectedly, and understanding Spirit flights cancellation policy is essential to avoid unnecessary fees and frustration. Spirit Airlines, known for its budget-friendly fares, follows a strict cancellation policy designed to keep costs low. Unlike full-service airlines, Spirit operates on an ultra-low-cost model, meaning many services—including cancellations—come with additional fees.
If you’re planning a trip with Spirit Airlines and want to understand your options in case you need to cancel, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about Spirit’s cancellation policy, fees, refunds, and travel credits.
1. Spirit Airlines Cancellation Policy Overview
Spirit Airlines allows passengers to cancel their flights, but the rules vary based on how soon you cancel and the type of ticket you purchased. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- 24-Hour Free Cancellation: If you cancel within 24 hours of booking and your flight is at least 7 days away, you are eligible for a full refund without any fees.
- Cancellation After 24 Hours: If the 24-hour window has passed, you may still cancel, but a cancellation fee will apply.
- Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets: Most Spirit tickets are non-refundable, meaning you won’t get your money back in cash, but you may receive a flight credit for future travel.
- Missed Flight or No-Show: If you fail to cancel and miss your flight, you will lose the full value of your ticket.
2. Spirit Airlines Cancellation Fees
Spirit Airlines charges cancellation fees based on how far in advance you cancel before departure:
| Time Before Departure | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
| Within 24 Hours of Booking (if 7+ days before departure) | Free |
| 60+ Days Before Departure | Free |
| 31-59 Days Before Departure | $69 per passenger |
| 7-30 Days Before Departure | $99 per passenger |
| 0-6 Days Before Departure | $119 per passenger |
These fees are deducted from the total fare, and the remaining balance is issued as a flight credit for future travel.
3. How to Cancel a Spirit Airlines Flight
Canceling your Spirit Airlines flight is easy and can be done through multiple methods:
Online Cancellation (Easiest & Fastest Method)
- Visit Spirit Airlines’ website (www.spirit.com)
- Click on “My Trips”
- Enter your last name and confirmation code
- Select the flight you wish to cancel
- Review the cancellation fees and confirm cancellation
Cancel via the Spirit Airlines Mobile App
- If you booked through the Spirit app, you can cancel your flight directly through the app by following similar steps as the website.
Cancel by Calling Customer Support
- If you need assistance, you can call Spirit Airlines’ customer support. Keep in mind that additional service fees may apply when canceling over the phone.
4. What Happens After You Cancel?
Once you cancel your flight, you’ll receive either a refund (if eligible) or a flight credit. Here’s what to expect:
Flight Credits
- Spirit provides flight credits for canceled non-refundable tickets.
- The credits must be used within 60 days of issuance.
- They can be applied toward new Spirit flights but cannot cover baggage fees or other add-ons.
Refunds
- Refunds are only available if you cancel within the 24-hour risk-free period or if you purchased a refundable ticket (which Spirit rarely offers).
- If Spirit cancels your flight, you are entitled to a full refund or rebooking on the next available flight.
5. Changing vs. Canceling a Spirit Flight
Instead of canceling, you may consider modifying your flight. Spirit Airlines allows passengers to change their flight, but change fees apply unless you purchased a Flight Flex add-on.
| Time Before Departure | Change Fee |
|---|---|
| 60+ Days Before Departure | Free |
| 31-59 Days Before Departure | $69 per passenger |
| 7-30 Days Before Departure | $99 per passenger |
| 0-6 Days Before Departure | $119 per passenger |
If you simply need to adjust your travel plans, changing your flight may be a more cost-effective option than canceling.
6. What If Spirit Airlines Cancels Your Flight?
If Spirit Airlines cancels your flight for any reason, you have options:
- Get a Full Refund (including taxes and fees)
- Rebook on Another Spirit Flight at no additional cost
- Receive a Travel Credit for future travel
Spirit usually notifies passengers via email or SMS if a cancellation occurs.
7. How to Avoid Spirit Airlines Cancellation Fees
If you want to avoid cancellation fees, consider these tips:
- Cancel Within 24 Hours: If your plans change shortly after booking, cancel within 24 hours for a full refund.
- Book Flexible Fare Options: Though Spirit doesn’t offer many refundable tickets, the Flight Flex add-on allows one free flight change.
- Purchase Travel Insurance: If you think your plans might change, consider adding travel insurance during checkout.
- Use Flight Credits Quickly: Spirit’s travel credits expire in 60 days, so book your next trip promptly to avoid losing them.
8. Conclusion
Spirit Airlines offers some of the lowest airfares in the industry, but its cancellation policy is strict. While you can cancel your flight, doing so often comes with fees unless you qualify for a refund under the 24-hour cancellation rule or your flight is more than 60 days away. Understanding Spirit’s cancellation rules and planning ahead can save you money and ensure a hassle-free experience.
If you frequently fly with Spirit, consider purchasing flexible fare options or travel insurance to protect yourself from unexpected changes. By knowing your rights and the airline’s policies, you can navigate cancellations with confidence and minimize costs.
