What is the Spirit Airlines Refund Policy? Unveiling Options

Travel plans change and thus, all your air trip arrangements might sometimes need a U-turn. Whether it’s a personal commitment, official work, or you are stuck with something more important, cancelling a Spirit Airlines flight might become necessary. As you may already know that Spirit Airlines operates on an ultra-low-fare model. So, their refund policy may not be that flexible. This blog provides a deep insight into all facets of the Spirit Airlines Refund Policy and makes you aware of the ins and outs. 

Get to know the ways and claim your money back. Read on!

Refund Policy for Flights Cancelled by Passengers 

Spirit Airlines offers refundable and non-refundable tickets. 

Let’s first understand the scenarios when you can request a refund in case you choose to cancel your flight associated with a refundable ticket.

24-Hour Window Rule

If you cancel your flight within 24 hours or less from the time you reserved it, you will be entitled for a full refund. But in this case, your flight’s scheduled departure must be away for seven or more days. You will receive the refund to the original form of payment. 

A cancellation charge will be applicable for Go fare type. You need not pay the charge if you booked the Go Big, Go Comfy, or Go Savvy fare type.

Now if you do not fit the above criterion, you will get a Reservation Credit for the value of the flight booking, as per the airline’s policy. This is not applicable for Go fare type bookings. 

At the same time, if you make any itinerary changes to your reservation then the differences in government taxes & fees, ancillary fees, and carrier fee will be applicable.

Cancel for Any Reason Service

This is an exclusive feature provided by Spirit Airlines using which you can get a full refund of the initial cost of the flight booking. The same is credited to your original form of payment. If you want to purchase Cancel for Any Reason, you can visit the airline’s official website and go to the “Options” page on the booking path.

Conditions for Applicability 

Cancel For Any Reason becomes applicable only if you booked the flight through the airline’s official website, and that too, up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure of the first flight on your booking. This means it is valid for initial flight-only bookings.

• You must purchase Cancel for Any Reason for all passengers traveling on the same booking. 

• Make sure to cancel your flight through the airline’s official website more than 24 hours in advance of the scheduled departure of the first flight on your travel route.

• Cancel For Any Reason will apply to all flights on the reservation.

• If you cancel your flight less than 24 hours in advance of the outbound flight, please bear in mind that you will not be entitled for a refund. But the airline will offer you a Reservation Credit. 

Important Note: 1. This is an optional service, and thus, you may be able to purchase it for certain defined flights only, as per the policy set by Spirit Airlines. 

2. The purchase can be made only at the time of flight booking. It cannot be added for existing or already created reservations. 

3. The Cancel for Any Reason charge is not refunded by the airline even if you don’t use it.

How to Use the Cancel For Any Reason Service?

You can use this service on the airline’s official website. Follow the easy steps given below. 

• Visit the “My Trips” page.

• Now enter your last name. You also need to check a 6-digit confirmation code provided on the confirmation email associated with your flight reservation. 

• Go to the “Trips Summary” page and choose the “Cancel Flight” option.

• Click “Cancel Reservation”, and now the Cancellation Confirmation page will appear.

Once this process is complete, the refund will reflect in your account within 7-10 business days.

Refunds for Active-Duty Military Service Members

The Active-Duty Military Service Members can request a refund if they need to cancel their flight owing to orders including deployment and training. If this is the case with you, make sure to contact the airline’s customer service team and speak about the refund processing. 

You need to present the valid documentation of military orders or directives. This documentation could be a Letter of Deployment. You can also show the Notice from a Governing Body.

The documentation must have the Organizational Letterhead, Date of Issue, and Name of the Service Member. This name must be the same as that given on your flight booking.

Refund for a Non-Refundable Booking If a Passenger Falls Sick

If you don’t add travel insurance to your flight booking, which is non-refundable, you are bound to comply with the defined terms and conditions. 

Nevertheless, there could be certain exceptions for a refund of an unused part, if an unforeseen event like the death of the passenger happens before or at the time of air travel. In this case, the airline will ask for the death certificate. 

Refund for Fare Difference on Price Drop 

If you had booked a flight with Spirit Airlines at a higher price and now it has dropped then you will not get a refund of the difference amount.

Spirit Airlines Cancellation Refund Policy 

Let’s now understand the refund policy applicable in case a flight is cancelled by the airline itself. 

Refunds During Uncontrollable Events 

You are entitled to receive a refund when your flight is canceled due to an event not in control of the airline. Now it could be a harsh weather condition like a hurricane etc., or regulations implemented by the air traffic control department. The refund is credited to your original form of payment used at the time of flight booking.

Now if you don’t want a refund, you can also choose to rebook your flight. This means you can fly on the next flight operated by Spirit Airlines, without paying any other charge. 

Well, the airline also offers you a Reservation Credit, which can be used to reserve your next flight with the airline. This is explained in detail further in the blog. 

Refunds During Controllable Events 

When the airline cancels a flight in case of factors under control like operational disruptions, aircraft maintenance, crew scheduling issues etc., it still offers you a refund to your original form of payment. 

Now here also, you have other options – travel on the next Spirit flight without paying any additional charges, or receive the Reservation Credit.

In fact, in this case, you can also ask the airline for hotel accommodation if there is a need for an overnight stay.

Spirit Airlines Delay Refund Policy 

If a flight is delayed by Spirit Airlines due to uncontrollable factors, you can change or cancel your flight through the airline’s official website or mobile app. In case of cancellation, you will receive the refund, as explained above. 

Changes in Flight Schedule 

If the airline reschedules your flight and the change is of at least 60 minutes or more then you can cancel your reservation and ask for a refund. This will reflect in your original form of payment. Else, you can ask the airline to give you the Reservation Credit, which can be used to reserve a new flight.

Now you have another option as well. You can choose to fly on any other flight operated by Spirit Airlines. The same must happen within 7 days of the original date of your travel. But this option depends on the availability of flight. You can connect with the airline’s team for assistance. 

How to Use the Spirit Reservation Credit?

You can use this credit to make payment for your next flight bookings, purchase additional baggage, pay for seats, or taxes etc. This credit can be redeemed on the airline’s official website only. 

Here are the quick steps:

1. Visit the airline’s website and book your next flight. Enter all your personal information, and the details must be the same as given in the trip cancellation email. 

2. Choose “Redeem A Voucher or Credit” on the Payment Page.

3. Enter your 6-digit alphanumeric Confirmation Code, which is mentioned in the cancellation mail. This needs to be entered in the second box provided under the Payment section. Then choose “GO”.

4. Now input the “Amount to Spend” for the current booking. You can use some part or the full amount and choose “APPLY CREDIT”.

5. The system will show alerts or prompts for other payments, if there is a remaining balance due.

6. Now you will get a new confirmation email with the new flight details. So, your booking is finalized.

Any balance left in your Reservation Credit can be used to reserve air travel with the airline in future.

How to Initiate the Refund Process with Spirit Airlines?

Here are certain ways to connect with the airline’s team and initiate refunds.

Official Website 

You can refer to the airline’s official website, which is solely dedicated to managing your reservations and requesting refunds. This is often a straightforward method to post a refund request. 

LIVE Chat 

This option is also available on the airline’s official website. Clicking the Chat link will lead you to conversation with a customer agent.

Spirit Guest Service 

The airline’s website also provides a text and a WhatsApp number. You can use any of these modes to chat with their customer service executives. 

Telephone 

You can contact the airline’s team through its customer service contact number. You might have to wait and be on line, especially during peak travel seasons.

Social Media

This is the last option. Sometimes, reaching out to the airline’s team through its official social media accounts can also help you convey your request.

Tips to Maximize Your Chances of a Refund with Spirit Airlines

Here’s how you can stay confident about seeking a refund from the airline at the right time.

Be Alert 

If you feel the need to cancel your flight, and you are within the 24-hour window of booking, don’t wait, do it quickly.

Understand the Scenarios

Be aware of the particular cases or situations when Spirit Airlines offers refunds. This helps you make a valid claim.

Keep Documentation Ready 

If you need to ask for a refund, and the same is based on an exception to show documentation, make sure to keep everything ready on hand.

Be Aware of Your Passenger Rights

There could be a case when the refund is not issued by the airline, but you believe you are entitled to a refund according to the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) regulation or policy, keep such guidelines ready with you for handy reference.

Refund for Flights Booked with Third-Party Platforms 

It is important to note that if you reserved your flight through a third-party platform or a travel agent then you need to contact them for a refund. They will process it on your behalf. 

You are advised to carefully review their refund policy and other terms & conditions, before you finalize booking a flight with them.

Concluding Words

So, this is all about the Spirit Airlines ticket refund policy. While the policy is generally restrictive, it doesn’t mean that it’s devoid of options for passengers. Different options are made available by the airline for your free choice and convenience.

Make sure to carefully review the 24-hour rule, certain cases involving cancellations or delays by Spirit Airlines itself, and other exceptions, so that you can initiate the process more effectively and get your money back. 

Reviewing the terms and conditions of your flight reservation is highly suggested. In case of any issue or query, you can always connect with the Spirit Airlines office team. On the whole, stay informed about each and every detail, as this paves the way to smart decision-making and an appropriate action taken on time.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 

Looking for quick answers to certain queries? We have got you covered below!