Travel plans can change in the blink of an eye, and knowing your airline's cancellation rules is crucial. If you're flying with Spirit Airlines, understanding their policies can save you time, money, and frustration. Whether it's a change in personal plans, a weather disruption, or a schedule conflict, Spirit Airlines does offer flexibility — but it comes with conditions.
In this detailed guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Spirit Airlines cancellation policy, including how to cancel a Spirit Airlines flight, what kind of Spirit Airlines cancellation fees you might face, and tips to minimize losses or rebook efficiently.
Overview of Spirit Airlines Cancellation Policy
Spirit Airlines operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier, and that business model influences their cancellation and refund policies. Unlike legacy carriers, Spirit separates every service and charge, so canceling a flight isn’t always as simple as clicking a button.
Here’s a quick overview:
Spirit offers free cancellations within 24 hours of booking (if the flight is at least 7 days away).
Cancellations after 24 hours will typically incur a cancellation fee, unless you purchased one of their more flexible options like the Flight Flex add-on.
Refunds are rarely given in cash; Spirit usually offers Future Travel Credits.
Flight credits expire within 90 days from the date of issuance.
Let’s explore these points in more detail.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy
The Spirit Airlines cancellation policy allows all customers to cancel their booking within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund, as long as:
The flight is more than 7 days (168 hours) from the time of booking.
The ticket was booked directly through Spirit Airlines’ website or reservation center.
This aligns with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations, giving travelers a small window to change their minds at no cost.
If you booked through a third-party travel agency or site, you’ll need to go through them to cancel and may be subject to additional rules.
Spirit Airlines Cancellation Fee Explained
One of the most important aspects travelers want to understand is the Spirit Airlines cancellation fee. This fee can vary based on how and when you cancel:
Time Before Departure | Cancellation Method | Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|---|
Within 24 Hours of Booking | Website/Phone | $0 |
More than 24 Hours | Online | ~$69-$119 |
More than 24 Hours | Airport or Phone | $10–$25 higher than online fee |
Note: Prices can fluctuate depending on route, time of year, and promotional waivers.
Also, Spirit recently introduced a sliding scale model for fees. The closer you are to your departure date, the higher the cancellation fee may be.
Pro Tip: Cancel online if you can. Cancelling over the phone or at the airport can cost more.
Flight Flex: The Add-On That Can Save You
If you anticipate potential changes in your travel plans, consider purchasing Flight Flex during your booking. This optional service allows:
One free modification to your itinerary (no change fee).
Cancellations without paying the full cancellation fee (though fare differences still apply).
But Flight Flex doesn’t exempt you from Spirit Airlines cancellation fees altogether — it just reduces your exposure to them.
How to Cancel Spirit Airlines Flight
Cancelling a Spirit flight is relatively straightforward if you booked directly. Here's how to cancel Spirit Airlines flight online:
Step-by-Step:
Go to spiritdotcom
Click on “My Trips” at the top of the homepage.
Enter your confirmation code and last name.
Select the flight you want to cancel.
Follow the prompts and review any cancellation fees.
Confirm cancellation and save the Future Travel Credit details, if applicable.
You’ll receive a confirmation email shortly after.
Spirit Airlines Refund Policy
Generally, Spirit Airlines does not issue cash refunds except for:
Cancellations made within 24 hours of booking.
Cancellations initiated by the airline (e.g., weather, mechanical issues).
Refunds mandated under specific DOT or FAA regulations.
In most other cases, you’ll receive a Reservation Credit, which is:
Valid for 90 days.
Can only be used by the original traveler.
Must be used for new flights, not extras or add-ons.
This policy highlights the importance of carefully reviewing your itinerary before confirming.
Canceling Award Flights with Spirit
Spirit’s loyalty program, Free Spirit, allows you to redeem points for flights. But what happens if you cancel a flight booked with points?
The cancellation fee still applies, deducted from your points.
You won’t lose the entire value unless you’re very close to departure.
Remaining points after the fee are returned to your account.
Make sure to review the point deduction before finalizing the cancellation.
What Happens If Spirit Cancels Your Flight?
Spirit Airlines does occasionally cancel flights due to:
Bad weather
Mechanical issues
Staffing problems
If Spirit cancels your flight, you have options:
Rebook on the next available Spirit flight at no extra cost.
Receive a Reservation Credit for future use.
In some cases, get a full refund to your original payment method.
You can claim these through their website or at the airport kiosk. Spirit won’t typically rebook you on other airlines, so you might have to make alternate arrangements yourself.
Last-Minute Cancellations and No-Shows
If you miss your flight or cancel after the scheduled departure, you’re generally out of luck:
No refunds or credits will be issued.
Spirit will treat it as a no-show.
If you know you can’t make your flight, cancel it before the departure — even if it’s minutes before — to salvage some of the cost.
Tips to Minimize Cancellation Losses
Here are some smart strategies to minimize the impact of Spirit’s cancellation policies:
Book directly with Spirit so you have full control over changes.
Always cancel online to avoid extra fees.
Purchase Flight Flex if your travel plans are uncertain.
Set reminders for credit expiration dates.
Consider travel insurance for emergencies.
Conclusion
Navigating the Spirit Airlines cancellation policy can seem overwhelming at first, but with a bit of planning and knowledge, you can avoid unnecessary costs. Always read the fine print before booking, and if flexibility is key, consider add-ons like Flight Flex or even another airline if your schedule is unpredictable.
By understanding how to cancel a Spirit Airlines flight and what the Spirit Airlines cancellation fee might be, you’re putting yourself in a stronger position to make smart travel choices.
FAQs About Spirit Airlines Cancellations
1. Can I get a refund if I cancel my Spirit Airlines flight?
Ans: Yes, but only under specific conditions. You’ll receive a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours of booking and your flight is more than 7 days away. Otherwise, you’ll typically get a Reservation Credit.
2. How much is the Spirit Airlines cancellation fee?
Ans: The fee ranges from $69 to $119 when canceled online, and higher if canceled through the phone or airport. The exact amount depends on how close you are to departure.
3. How do I cancel my Spirit Airlines flight online?
Ans: Visit spiritdotcom, go to “My Trips,” enter your confirmation code and last name, select your flight, and follow the cancellation prompts.
4. Can I cancel a Spirit flight after check-in?
Ans: Yes, but you must cancel before departure. If you wait until after the flight has departed, it will be treated as a no-show, and you won’t receive any credit.
5. What if Spirit cancels my flight?
Ans: If Spirit cancels, you can choose between a free rebooking, a Reservation Credit, or a cash refund (in limited situations). They do not book passengers on other airlines.
