If you've ever booked a flight and later found yourself wondering, “Will I get my money back if I cancel?” You’re not alone. Travellers face this dilemma all the time, especially when booking with budget airlines like Spirit Airlines. Known for their low fares and à la carte pricing, Spirit offers a different approach to air travel that often leaves customers with questions about their policies, particularly refunds. In this blog, we’ll dive deep into spirit airlines cancel flight and refund policies, covering everything you need to know.
Spirit Airlines has a strict yet straightforward refund policy. Being a low-cost carrier, they focus on keeping their fares affordable, which often means a no-frills approach when it comes to refunds. However, there are certain circumstances where you may be eligible for your money back—or at least part of it.
Unlike traditional airlines, Spirit doesn’t provide refunds for most cancellations. Instead, they offer credits or vouchers that can be used for future travel. These credits are subject to expiration dates, so you’ll need to act quickly to take advantage of them. If you’re expecting a straightforward refund like you would with some other carriers, you may need to temper your expectations.
Good news: Spirit complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) 24-hour cancellation rule. This regulation allows passengers to cancel their booking within 24 hours of purchase, as long as the flight is scheduled to depart at least seven days later. In this scenario, you are eligible for a full refund, no strings attached.
Canceling a Spirit Airlines flight is relatively straightforward, thanks to their online portal. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Head over to the official Spirit Airlines website. Log in to your account using your credentials, or locate your reservation using your confirmation code and last name.
Once logged in, click on the "My Trips" tab. This will display all your active reservations.
Choose the flight you want to cancel and proceed to the cancellation page.
Spirit Airlines may charge a cancellation fee depending on how far in advance you cancel. The closer you are to the departure date, the higher the fee. Review the fees and confirm your cancellation.
Spirit Airlines is known for its low base fares, but they do charge various fees, including cancellation fees. Here’s what you need to know:
When you cancel a Spirit Airlines flight and are eligible for travel credits, those credits can only be used for flights on Spirit Airlines. Be sure to check the expiration date—credits typically expire within 12 months of issuance.
While Spirit generally operates on a no-refund policy, there are exceptions to the rule. Here are some scenarios where you might get your money back:
If Spirit Airlines cancels your flight, you’re entitled to a full refund or a rebooking at no additional cost. This is outlined in their Contract of Carriage and adheres to federal regulations.
Spirit does not have an official bereavement policy, but in some cases, you may be able to negotiate a refund or waive fees for cancellations due to emergencies. Contact Spirit’s customer service directly at +1-862-227-3716 to discuss your situation.
If you’re a member of the military and need to cancel due to active duty orders, Spirit Airlines may offer a refund or waive cancellation fees. Be prepared to provide official documentation.
If you’re concerned about losing money on a non-refundable ticket, purchasing travel insurance might be a good idea. Many travel insurance policies cover cancellations due to illness, emergencies, or other unforeseen circumstances. Before buying, read the fine print to ensure the coverage aligns with your needs.
Double-check all your travel details before booking. This ensures you won’t need to cancel unnecessarily.
For an additional fee, Spirit offers a Flight Flex option that allows one free modification to your booking. While it doesn’t cover cancellations, it’s a good safety net for those uncertain about their travel plans.
If you need to cancel, do so as soon as possible. The earlier you cancel, the lower the fee you’ll face.