When booking a flight with a budget carrier like Spirit Airlines, understanding the cancellation policy is just as important as finding a low fare. Spirit’s cancellation terms are designed to keep costs down, but they can be strict if you’re not familiar with the details.
In this blog, we’ll break down Spirit Airlines’ cancellation policy—including fees, refund rules, and special circumstances—so you know exactly what to expect before and after you book.
1. Spirit Airlines 24-Hour Cancellation Policy
Spirit Airlines follows a standard 24-hour cancellation policy in line with U.S. Department of Transportation regulations. Here's how it works:
If you book a flight at least 7 days (168 hours) before departure, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund.
This cancellation must be made directly through Spirit’s website or official channels.
This is the most flexible cancellation window Spirit offers, so if your plans are tentative, it’s a smart move to book early and use this period to finalize your decisions.
2. Cancelling After 24 Hours: What Happens?
If you cancel after the 24-hour window, Spirit charges a cancellation fee depending on how far in advance you cancel:
| Time Before Departure | Cancellation Fee (approximate) |
|---|---|
| 60+ days | No fee |
| 31–59 days | $69 |
| 7–30 days | $99 |
| 0–6 days | $119 |
These fees are deducted from your total fare, and the remainder is issued as a Reservation Credit, which you can use toward a future Spirit flight.
3. Refunds vs. Reservation Credits
Spirit Airlines generally does not offer cash refunds unless you cancel within the 24-hour window or the airline cancels your flight. Instead, you will receive a Reservation Credit that:
Is valid for 12 months from the issue date.
Can be used for booking new flights and paying for extras like bags or seats.
It's important to note that Reservation Credits are non-transferable and must be used by the original passenger.
4. Flex Options and Saver$ Club Perks
If you anticipate needing more flexibility, consider:
Flight Flex Add-On: Available during booking, this allows one free flight modification, including changes or cancellations, without paying the standard fee.
Spirit Saver$ Club: Members may receive additional benefits like discounted fees, though this doesn’t eliminate cancellation costs altogether.
5. Flight Cancellations by Spirit Airlines
If Spirit cancels your flight for any reason (weather, mechanical issues, etc.), you are entitled to either:
A full refund to your original form of payment, or
A free rebooking on the next available flight
In these cases, no fees are applied, and Spirit may offer additional travel credits as a goodwill gesture, though it’s not guaranteed.
6. Special Circumstances: Illness, Emergencies, and COVID-19
Spirit reviews emergency requests on a case-by-case basis. If you or an immediate family member becomes seriously ill, you may qualify for a refund or credit with proper documentation. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spirit introduced more flexible options, but those have largely been phased out.
For weather-related disruptions or natural disasters, Spirit typically waives fees and allows free rebooking or credits.
7. How to Cancel Your Spirit Flight
To cancel your flight:
Visit Spirit’s official website.
Go to the “My Trips” section.
Enter your last name and confirmation number.
Select your booking and choose “Cancel Flight.”
Review and confirm your cancellation to receive your credit or refund (if eligible).
You can also cancel by calling Spirit’s customer service, but additional service fees may apply.
Final Thoughts
Spirit Airlines offers some of the most affordable fares in the U.S., but that low price comes with a trade-off in flexibility. Understanding their cancellation policy can save you time, money, and frustration if plans change.
Whenever possible, take advantage of the 24-hour cancellation window and consider adding Flight Flex for peace of mind. Always read the fine print before booking, and keep a copy of your confirmation details handy in case you need to cancel or reschedule.
Being informed is the best way to travel smart—especially when flying on a budget.
