Travel plans often change unexpectedly, and if you're flying with Spirit Airlines, it's important to know the ins and outs of their cancellation policy. Spirit Airlines is known for its low-cost fares, but that also means the cancellation process can come with some specific terms and fees. This article will cover everything you need to know about the Spirit Airlines Cancellation Policy and how to handle Spirit cancellation policy efficiently. For immediate help, you can always contact Spirit Airlines' customer service at 1-888-725-8215.
Spirit Airlines Cancellations Policy Overview
Spirit Airlines offers several options when it comes to cancellations, though it’s important to note that Spirit’s fares are typically non-refundable. However, the airline provides flexibility through credits, and in some cases, partial refunds depending on the timing of your cancellation. Below, we break down the key points of their cancellation policy.
1. 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation
Spirit Airlines, like many U.S. airlines, complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 24-hour cancellation rule. Under this policy, you can cancel a flight within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if:
The flight was booked at least seven days (168 hours) before the scheduled departure time.
The cancellation is made within 24 hours of the booking time.
This option is available regardless of fare type, making it a great choice for passengers who may need to quickly adjust their plans after booking.
2. Cancellations After 24 Hours
If you miss the 24-hour window, Spirit Airlines allows you to cancel your flight but typically does not offer a refund. Instead, you will receive a credit for the full value of your ticket, minus a cancellation fee, that can be applied to future travel.
The cancellation fees vary based on when you cancel:
60 days before departure: No cancellation fee, and you receive a full travel credit.
7-59 days before departure: Cancellation fee of $69 per passenger, and you receive the remaining value as a credit.
0-6 days before departure: Cancellation fee of $99 per passenger, and you receive the remaining value as a credit.
3. How to Cancel Your Spirit Airlines Flight
Spirit Airlines offers several ways to cancel a flight, making it easy to manage your bookings if plans change:
a. Online
- To cancel your flight online, follow these steps:
- Visit the Spirit Airlines website and log in to your account.
- Go to the “My Trips” section.
- Locate the flight you want to cancel and click on “Cancel Reservation.”
- Follow the prompts to complete the cancellation process.
You will receive a confirmation email with details of your cancellation and any applicable credit.
b. Mobile App
You can also cancel your Spirit Airlines flight via the Spirit mobile app, following a similar process to the website.
c. Customer Service
For those who prefer speaking with a representative, you can call Spirit Airlines customer service at 1-877-784-5049 to cancel your flight. The customer service team will guide you through the cancellation process and provide details about any travel credits or fees that apply.
4. Spirit Airlines Cancellation Fees
As mentioned, Spirit Airlines charges a fee to cancel flights outside of the 24-hour window. Here’s a recap of the fees:
- 0-6 days before departure: $99
- 7-59 days before departure: $69
- 60 days before departure: No fee
These fees are deducted from the cost of your original ticket, and the remaining balance is provided as a travel credit. The credit can be used for future Spirit Airlines flights but must be used within a certain timeframe (usually within 12 months from the original booking date).
5. What About Refundable Tickets?
Spirit Airlines does not typically offer refundable tickets. All tickets, including those purchased under their "Bare Fare" category, are considered non-refundable unless canceled within the 24-hour risk-free period. Refunds, therefore, are mostly issued as credits for future travel.
How to Use Spirit Airlines Travel Credits
If your cancellation results in a travel credit, it’s important to understand how and when you can use these credits. Here’s what you need to know:
- Validity Period: Credits issued by Spirit Airlines are usually valid for 12 months from the original booking date.
- How to Redeem: You can apply your travel credit toward any new Spirit Airlines reservation. When booking a flight, you’ll see an option to use your credit during checkout.
- Restrictions: The credit can only be used for Spirit Airlines flights and must be used by the same passenger whose flight was canceled. You cannot transfer your travel credit to another person.
Spirit Airlines Trip Flex Option
Spirit Airlines offers a feature called Trip Flex, which provides greater flexibility for changes or cancellations. When you purchase Trip Flex with your flight, you can make one free modification to your booking, including:
Changing your flight to a new date or time without paying a change fee.
Canceling your flight without incurring the standard cancellation fees, and receiving the entire value as a travel credit.
Trip Flex must be added at the time of booking and costs an additional fee, but it can be worth it for travelers who anticipate the possibility of changes to their plans.
Spirit Airlines Cancellations Due to Weather or Airline Issues
Sometimes cancellations are beyond the control of the passenger, such as when flights are canceled due to weather, mechanical issues, or other operational problems. In these cases, Spirit Airlines typically offers the following options:
Rebooking on the Next Available Flight: If Spirit Airlines cancels your flight, they will often rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost.
Full Refund: If rebooking is not an option, or if you prefer not to wait for the next flight, you may request a full refund back to your original payment method. This is one of the rare situations where Spirit offers a cash refund instead of a travel credit.
For immediate assistance in the event of a flight cancellation due to weather or operational issues, you can contact Spirit Airlines at 1-888-725-8215.
Conclusion
Dealing with Spirit Airlines cancellations can be stress-free if you understand the airline's policies and know how to navigate their cancellation options. While Spirit’s low-cost fares come with more restrictive cancellation policies compared to full-service airlines, the 24-hour risk-free window and flexible travel credit options give passengers room to adjust their plans. For those who want added peace of mind, purchasing Trip Flex at the time of booking can offer even more flexibility with flight changes and cancellations.
