Planning to Change a Spirit Airlines Flight? Here's What You Should Know

This guide covers Spirit Airlines' flight change policy essentials. We explain change fees (and how to potentially avoid them), step-by-step online/phone change processes, fare differences, deadline cutoffs (like the 60-minute rule), the impact of booking options (like the Saver$ Club), handling cancellations instead, and key tips to save money and stress. Includes FAQs for quick answers.Changing flights can feel stressful, especially when you're not sure about the rules or costs. If you booked with Spirit Airlines and need to switch things up, don't panic! I've been there, staring at my screen wondering, "What now?" Spirit has specific rules, and understanding them upfront is key to a smooth (and hopefully affordable) change. Let's break down exactly what you need to know about the Spirit Airlines flight change policy.

Spirit Airlines Flight Change Policy: The Core Idea

Think of Spirit's approach like a budget store. You get a super low base price for the seat itself. But if you want flexibility – like changing your flight date or time – that's often an extra service you pay for. Their flight change policy is built around this model. Unlike some airlines that might bake flexibility into higher fares, Spirit typically charges separate fees plus any difference in the new ticket price. Knowing this structure helps you decide if changing is the right move.

How Much Does It Cost to Change a Spirit Airlines Flight?

This is usually the biggest question! The cost isn't one flat fee; it generally involves two parts:

1. The Change Fee: This is a fee charged by Spirit Airlines just for processing the change to your itinerary. The amount can vary significantly:
   • Online Changes: Changing your flight yourself on Spirit's website or mobile app is usually the cheapest way. Fees often start around $69 USD but can be higher depending on how close to departure you are and the specific fare rules.
   • Changes via Phone or Airport: Needing help from the Spirit Airlines call center or an agent at the airport typically costs more. Fees here can range from $90 USD to over $100 USD. Pro tip: Always try online first if possible!
   • Saver$ Club Members: If you're a member of Spirit's Saver$ Club discount program, one of the perks is reduced change fees, especially when changing online. This can make a noticeable difference in cost.
   • Fare Type Matters: The specific fare you originally purchased (often called the "Bundle") impacts fees. The cheapest "Bare Fare™" usually has the highest change fees, while bundles including flexibility (like the "Shortcut Boarding" or "Thrills Combo") might offer reduced or waived fees.
2. The Fare Difference: This is often the sneaky cost that catches people off guard. Changing your flight isn't just about the fee; you also have to pay the difference between what your original flight cost and what the new flight costs on the day you make the change. If your new flight is cheaper, Spirit might give you the difference as a credit (minus any fees), but you usually won't get cash back. If the new flight is more expensive, you pay the difference on top of the change fee. Important: Fare differences can fluctuate wildly based on demand and how close you are to the travel date.

Analogy: Imagine you bought a basic t-shirt on sale for $5. Later, you want to exchange it for a different color. The store might charge a $3 restocking fee (the change fee). But if the shirt you want now is $10 (not on sale), you'd pay the $3 fee plus the extra $5 for the more expensive shirt (the fare difference). If the new shirt was only $4, they might give you a $1 store credit after the fee. Spirit works similarly with flights.

How Do I Actually Change My Spirit Flight? A Step-by-Step Walkthrough

Okay, you've decided changing is necessary. How do you do it? Here's the process I usually follow:

1. Log In: Head straight to Spirit's official website or open their mobile app. Log into your account using the email and password you booked with. If you booked as a guest, you'll need your confirmation code and the last name of the passenger.
2. Find Your Trip: Look for sections like "My Trips," "Manage Booking," or "Retrieve Reservation." Enter your confirmation code and last name if prompted.
3. Select 'Change Flight': Once you see your upcoming trip details, there should be an option clearly labeled "Change Flight" or "Modify Flight." Click that.
4. Search for New Options: You'll be shown a flight search tool, often pre-filled with your original route and dates. Modify your search to find the new flight you want. Pay close attention to the prices shown!
5. Review Costs: This is the crucial step! Before confirming, Spirit will clearly display the total cost to change. This breakdown should show:
   • The change fee
   • The fare difference (could be an additional cost or a credit)
   • Any applicable taxes
   • The total amount you need to pay right now (or the credit you'll receive).
6. Confirm and Pay: If the total cost is acceptable, proceed through the payment steps using a valid credit or debit card. If you have a Spirit Airlines credit from a previous change or cancellation, you might be able to apply it here.
7. Get Confirmation: Once payment is processed, you should receive a new confirmation email with your updated itinerary. Double-check all the details – date, time, flight number, airports!

What if I can't change online? Sometimes technical glitches happen, or maybe your change is complex (like involving multiple Passengers Should Expect on different reservations). In that case, you'll need to call Spirit Airlines reservations. Be prepared for potentially higher fees and longer wait times. Have your confirmation number, passenger names, and desired new flight details ready.

Is There a Deadline to Change My Spirit Flight?

Yes, timing is critical with Spirit! Here are the key deadlines to know about:

• The 60-Minute Rule: This is a big one. You generally cannot make flight changes online within 60 minutes of your scheduled departure time. At this point, you're considered "checked in" for the flight in Spirit's system. If you realize you need a change within this window, you'll likely need to go to the airport counter before your flight departs, and fees will be at the highest tier. Missing your flight usually means forfeiting the value, unless you have specific insurance.
• Standard Changes: For changes made more than 60 minutes before departure, the online and phone processes apply, with fees varying based on how far in advance you make the change. Changes made weeks or months ahead often have the same base fee as changes made a few days ahead, but the fare difference will usually be much lower if you change well in advance before prices surge.
• Same-Day Changes: Spirit Airlines does offer a specific Same-Day Flight Change option for a fee (typically around $99 USD), but it has strict rules:
  • It must be requested and confirmed on the day of travel.
  • You can only change to another Spirit flight on the same original route (same departure and arrival cities) with available seats.
  • It must be confirmed before your originally scheduled flight departs.
  • You usually need to request this at the airport gate or ticket counter, not online within the 60-minute cutoff.

What If I Just Need to Cancel Instead?

Sometimes changing isn't feasible, and you need to cancel altogether. Spirit's cancellation policy is tightly linked to its change rules:

• Cancellation Fees: Similar to change fees, Spirit charges cancellation fees unless you purchased a specific bundle that includes free cancellation. These fees are often in the same range as change fees ($69+ online).
• Refunds: Getting cash back is rare with Spirit, especially on the cheapest fares. What you usually get is a Spirit Airlines credit (often called a "Flight Credit") for the amount you paid minus the cancellation fee. This credit is valid for future travel within a specific timeframe (usually 60 days from the original booking date, not the travel date – check your specific terms!).
• Cancellation Process: The process is similar to changing – log in, find your business trip, select "Cancel Flight," review the fees and credit amount, and confirm. The credit will be issued to the original payment method or as a voucher number.

Scenario: Sarah booked a flight for $50 (Bare Fare). She needs to cancel. The cancellation fee is $69 online. Since $50 is less than $69, she wouldn't receive any credit; she'd effectively lose the $50. If her flight cost $150 and the fee was $69, she'd get a credit for $81 ($150 - $69) to use later. This highlights why understanding the fee structure before booking or changing is vital.

Tips for Changing Your Spirit Flight Smoothly (And Saving Money)

Based on my experience and understanding the Spirit Airlines flight change policy, here's how to navigate it smarter:

1. Change Online, Always: Seriously, the phone and airport fees hurt. Use the website or app unless it's absolutely impossible.
2. Change Early: While the fee might be the same, changing weeks or months ahead gives you way more flight options at potentially lower prices, minimizing that dreaded fare difference. Last-minute changes often mean paying peak prices.
3. Consider the Saver$ Club: If you fly Spirit even just a couple of times a year, the Saver$ Club membership fee might pay for itself just in reduced change and baggage fees. Run the numbers for your travel habits.
4. Buy Flexibility Upfront: When booking, honestly assess your chances of needing to change. If there's a decent possibility, paying a bit more for a bundle that includes reduced or waived change fees (like the "Thrills Combo") can save you a lot of money and hassle later compared to paying the standard change fees plus fare difference.
5. Factor in ALL Costs: Don't just look at the change fee! Always, always look at the total cost breakdown showing the fee plus the fare difference before hitting confirm. That "$69 fee" could easily become $200+ total after the fare difference on a busy route.
6. Check Fare Differences First: Before committing to the change process on Spirit's site, do a separate flight search for your desired new dates/times to get a rough idea of current prices. This helps you mentally prepare for the potential fare difference cost.
7. Understand Credits: If you cancel and get a Flight Credit, know the expiration date! Set a reminder. Also, understand that credits are usually applied to the base fare only; you'll still need to pay taxes, fees, and any add-ons (like bags or seats) on your new booking.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I change my Spirit flight for free?

 It's very unlikely unless you purchased a specific bundle that includes free changes (like some higher-tier options) or are a Saver$ Club member changing online well in advance (which reduces but doesn't usually eliminate the fee). Free changes are not standard with Spirit's basic fares. Always check the total cost before confirming

What happens if I miss my Spirit flight?

 If you simply miss your flight without notifying Spirit beforehand (a "no-show"), the value of your ticket is typically forfeited. You won't usually be eligible for a credit or refund. This is why it's crucial to proactively change or cancel your flight *before* departure if you know you can't make it, especially outside that critical 60-minute window

Does Spirit Airlines give refunds if I change my mind?

Refunds to your original payment method (cash/card) are generally only given if Spirit cancels your flight significantly, or in other very specific situations defined by law (like certain disability-related cancellations). If *you* cancel voluntarily, you'll almost always receive a Spirit Airlines Flight Credit for the amount paid minus the cancellation fee, valid for future travel within a limited period. Carefully read the terms during cancellation.Changing a Spirit flight doesn't have to be a nightmare. By understanding their specific flight change policy, planning ahead when possible, using the online tools, and carefully weighing the total costs (fee + fare difference), you can make the necessary adjustments to your travel plans without breaking the bank. Remember, knowledge is power – especially when flying the ultra-low-cost way! Safe travels!