Spirit Airlines Refund Policy: Eligibility, Fees & How Refunds Work

Understanding an Spirit Airline’s Refund Policy before booking can save you time, money, and frustration if your plans change. If you’re flying with Spirit Airlines, it’s important to know when refunds are allowed, what fees may apply, and how the refund process works. As a low-cost carrier, Spirit follows different rules than traditional airlines, so knowing what to expect helps you make smarter decisions.

Is Your Spirit Airlines Ticket Refundable?

Most Spirit Airlines tickets are non-refundable. This means that if you cancel your flight, you usually won’t receive your money back in cash. Instead, depending on the situation, you may be offered a reservation credit that can be used toward a future Spirit flight.

Refund eligibility mainly depends on:

• When you cancel

• The reason for cancellation

• Whether Spirit cancels the flight

  
  

24-Hour Risk-Free Refund Policy

Spirit Airlines follows the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 24-hour risk-free cancellation rule. You are eligible for a full refund if:

• You cancel within 24 hours of booking, and

• Your flight is scheduled to depart at least 7 days later

This refund is issued to your original form of payment and applies to most tickets booked directly through Spirit.

Refunds When Spirit Cancels or Changes Your Flight

You are entitled to a refund if:

• Spirit Airlines cancels your flight

• Spirit makes a significant schedule change and you choose not to travel

In these cases, you can request a full refund, even if your ticket was non-refundable. Refunds are typically processed back to the original payment method.

Refunds for Non-Refundable Tickets

If you cancel a non-refundable Spirit Airlines ticket outside the 24-hour window:

• You usually won’t receive a cash refund

• You may receive a Spirit reservation credit

• A cancellation fee may be deducted from the credit

Reservation credits typically have an expiration date, so it’s important to use them before they expire.

Spirit Airlines Cancellation and Change Fees

Spirit Airlines charges fees for voluntary cancellations and changes, depending on how close you are to departure:

• Higher fees apply when canceling closer to departure

• Fees are lower when changes are made well in advance

In some cases, if the cancellation fee exceeds the ticket value, no credit may be issued.

How Long Do Spirit Airlines Refunds Take?

Refund timelines vary based on payment method:

• Credit/debit card refunds: Usually processed within 7–10 business days

• Other payment methods: May take longer

Reservation credits are often issued more quickly than cash refunds.

How to Request a Refund from Spirit Airlines

You can request a refund by:

1. Visiting the Manage Booking section on Spirit’s website

2. Canceling your flight online and checking refund eligibility

3. Contacting Spirit Airlines customer support for assistance

Always keep your booking confirmation and cancellation details for reference.

What Spirit Airlines Does Not Refund

Spirit Airlines typically does not refund:

• Optional add-ons (seat selection, baggage, priority boarding) if used

• Flights missed due to personal reasons

• Weather-related delays if the flight still operates

Understanding these limits helps set realistic expectations.

Tips to Maximize Your Refund or Credit

• Cancel within 24 hours of booking when possible

• Avoid booking too close to departure if plans are uncertain

• Review fare rules before purchasing

• Keep track of reservation credit expiration dates

• Consider travel insurance for extra protection

  
  

Final Thoughts

Spirit Airlines’ refund policy is more restrictive than traditional airlines, but refunds are still possible in specific situations. Full refunds are available within the 24-hour booking window and when Spirit cancels or significantly changes your flight. Outside of these cases, travelers usually receive reservation credit instead of cash. By understanding the eligibility rules, fees, and refund process, you can manage changes confidently and avoid unnecessary losses when flying with Spirit Airlines.