How to Change a Spirit Airlines Flight: Step-by-Step Guide
When you book a flight with Spirit Airlines, it’s often for its ultra-low-cost fares, but that doesn’t mean flexibility is out of reach. Life happens, and travel plans can change, leaving you asking, “Can I change my Spirit flight for free?” While Spirit does offer low fares, it comes with a few important policies regarding flight changes, and the answer to your question largely depends on when you need to change your flight and how you go about it.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about changing a Spirit Airlines flight. From understanding the airline’s policies to step-by-step instructions on how to make the changes, this blog will help you avoid unnecessary fees, and we’ll even discuss Spirit Airlines Flight Flex and how it can give you more flexibility. Whether you’re changing your flight due to a schedule change, a personal conflict, or simply because life threw a curveball your way, we’ve got you covered.
Understanding Spirit Airlines’ Flight Change Policy
Before we dive into the step-by-step process, it’s crucial to understand Spirit Airlines’ flight change policies. Knowing what’s allowed and what isn’t can save you both time and money when it comes to modifying your travel plans.
1. What Is Spirit’s General Change Policy?
Spirit Airlines allows you to change your flight, but they charge fees based on how far in advance you request the change. Here’s a breakdown of the standard policy:
- More than 60 Days Before Departure: Spirit offers free flight changes if your flight is more than 60 days away. You won’t incur any change fees.
- 31-59 Days Before Departure: If you change your flight 31-59 days before departure, the fee is $69.
- 7-30 Days Before Departure: The change fee goes up to $99 for changes made 7-30 days before your flight.
- 0-6 Days Before Departure: If you need to change your flight within 6 days of departure, Spirit charges a hefty $119 fee.
If you ask, “Can I change my Spirit flight for free?”, the answer is yes if the change is made more than 60 days before your departure.
2. What Is Spirit Flight Flex?
Now that you know the general policies, you might be wondering if there’s a way to make changes without paying fees. That’s where Spirit Airlines Flight Flex comes in. But what is Spirit Flight Flex?
Spirit Flight Flex is an optional add-on available during the booking process. It allows you to make one flight change at no additional charge, other than the difference in fare. That means if you book a flight with Spirit Airlines Flight Flex, you have the flexibility to change your flight without paying change fees, making it a great option if you anticipate needing to change your travel plans.
Here’s a summary of what Spirit Flight Flex offers:
- Free Flight Change: Spirit allows you to change your flight for free with Spirit Flight Flex, as long as the new flight fare is the same or higher.
- Cancellations: If you cancel your flight, you’ll receive a travel credit that’s good for up to 60 days for use on a future Spirit flight.
- When to Buy: You’ll need to purchase Spirit Flight Flex when you initially book your flight. If you didn’t add it during booking, you’ll have to pay the standard change fees.
If you’re wondering, “What is Spirit Flight Flex?” it’s the key to easier flight changes and cancellation flexibility.
How to Change Your Spirit Airlines Flight: A Step-by-Step Guide
Once you’re familiar with Spirit’s policies and know whether you need Spirit Flight Flex, it’s time to start the process of actually changing your flight. The steps are relatively simple, and they can be done online, via the Spirit app, or over the phone. Let’s go over the steps in detail so you can make the changes with ease.
Step 1: Log Into Your Spirit Airlines Account
The first thing you’ll need to do when you decide to change your flight is log into your Spirit Airlines account. You can do this through the Spirit Airlines website or the Spirit Airlines mobile app. If you don’t have an account, you can still make changes to your booking by entering your booking confirmation code and last name.
- Website: Visit the Spirit Airlines website at www.spirit.com.
- Mobile App: Download the Spirit Airlines app from the App Store (for iOS) or Google Play (for Android).
Once you’re logged in, navigate to the “My Trips” section where you’ll find a list of all your current and upcoming flights.
Step 2: Select the Flight You Want to Change
In the My Trips section, you’ll see all your booked flights. Locate the flight that you want to change and click on it. You’ll be prompted to either select a new flight or review your existing flight details.
Step 3: Choose Your New Flight
Once you select the flight you wish to change, Spirit will present you with a list of available alternative flights. You can select a new date, time, or route for your journey.
Remember, if you’re changing your flight within 60 days of departure, Spirit will charge a change fee. If you’re trying to avoid these fees, consider purchasing Spirit Flight Flex during the booking process or making the change more than 60 days ahead of your original flight.
Step 4: Confirm the Change
Once you’ve selected your new flight, review the details. Double-check the new departure time, the location, and whether you are being charged a fare difference. Spirit Airlines will also notify you of any additional charges based on the fare class, taxes, and fees.
If you’re using Spirit Flight Flex, the process should be much simpler, as you won’t have to worry about the change fee. You may still have to pay the fare difference if your new flight costs more.
Step 5: Pay the Fare Difference (If Applicable)
If the new flight you choose costs more than your original flight, you will need to pay the difference in price. This applies to all changes made within 60 days of departure. Spirit will show you the exact amount you owe, and you can proceed to payment.
If you purchased Spirit Flight Flex, you’ll only pay the fare difference, which may be significantly less than paying the standard change fee.
Step 6: Receive Confirmation of Your New Flight
Once the payment is processed, you’ll receive a confirmation email or a notification through the app about your updated flight details. Be sure to check the new flight information carefully to avoid any surprises on your travel day.
Can You Change Spirit Flights for Free?
This is a common question, and the short answer is sometimes. While Spirit Airlines doesn’t generally offer free changes, there are a few exceptions where you might be able to change your flight without incurring additional fees.
1. 24-Hour Cancellation and Change Window
If you’ve just booked your flight, Spirit Airlines offers a 24-hour grace period in which you can change or cancel your flight for free. However, the flight must be booked at least seven days before departure for the 24-hour policy to apply.
So, if you’re asking, “How can I change my Spirit flight for free?” the answer is yes—if you act within 24 hours of booking and the flight is at least seven days away.
2. Spirit Flight Flex
As previously mentioned, Spirit Flight Flex allows you to change your flight for free once, provided you pay for any fare difference. If you think you might need flexibility, this add-on is a great option to avoid additional change fees.
3. Spirit Airlines Initiated Changes
If Spirit Airlines changes or cancels your flight (due to weather, mechanical issues, or other reasons), you may be entitled to a free change. In this case, Spirit will often offer you a refund or a voucher, depending on the nature of the change.
Important Considerations When Changing Your Spirit Airlines Flight
- Booking Flexibility: If you purchase Spirit Flight Flex, you’ll be able to change your flight for free, though you’ll still need to pay any fare difference.
- Non-Refundable Fees: Keep in mind that Spirit’s service fees and certain taxes are non-refundable. Even if you change your flight, these fees won’t be refunded.
- Travel Credits: If you cancel your flight entirely, Spirit will issue a travel credit, which can be used for future flights. However, you must use the credit within 60 days of issue.
- Refunds for Cancellations: Spirit Airlines doesn’t offer refunds for cancellations, but travel credits can help make up for the loss of your fare.
Conclusion
Changing a Spirit Airlines flight doesn’t have to be a complicated process, as long as you understand the airline’s policies. While Spirit Airlines Flight Flex can make the process more flexible, it’s important to plan ahead to avoid hefty change fees. Remember to act early to minimize costs and make sure you know all your options when modifying your flight. If you need help at any point in the process, don’t hesitate to call Spirit Airlines customer service at +1 855-215-1262.
With the right information and tools, you can confidently change your flight with Spirit Airlines and get back to planning your travels. Safe travels.
Also read: How to Request a Refund for a Spirit Airlines Flight That Was Canceled or Delayed?
Also read: Is Spirit Airlines’ $9 Fare Club Worth It for Your Next Holiday Trip?
Also read: How To Claim a Refund from Spirit Airlines Delays
