How to Fly Spirit Airlines

Co-authored by Amy Tan

Last Updated: July 14, 2022 References

Travelling the world has gotten easier and more accessible than ever before, with the growth of budget airlines such as Spirit Airlines. This airline provides a simpler, no-frills experience in exchange for a lower ticket price. However, this means that flying with Spirit may be a different travelling experience when it comes to airport procedures, booking tickets, and checking bags.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Booking a Ticket

1
Visit the Spirit Airlines website. In your web browser, you can visit https://www.spirit.com/Default.aspx to begin the process of booking a flight. Spirit offers a number of booking options, from flights to car rentals and entire vacations. Since you’re looking to book a flight, select the “flight” tab.^{[1]
X
Research source}
2
Select your departure and destination locations. Spirit only flies between select airports, which are provided for you in drop down menus. You will also want to include the dates you will be travelling and the number of people travelling with you. Once you search, a few different fare options will pop up.^{[2]
X
Research source}
- There may be a direct flight available, or you might have to choose a flight with a layover in a different city before continuing to your destination.
- Be sure to account for extra time in between flights if you select a flight with a layover, as Spirit experiences many delays.
Advertisement
3
Purchase a carry-on or checked bag while booking your flight. Since Spirit offers its services “a la carte,” you are given the option of adding additional baggage to your trip before checking out. This is the cheapest time to add baggage, but prices will vary between $21-$50 depending on your destination and the size of the bag.^{[3]
X
Research source}
- The price of carry-on or checked bag increases after you book your flight. If you realize you’ll need to check a bag, you can add luggage to your flight at any time at a slightly higher price. Adding checked luggage the day of the flight will incur up to $100 in fees.
4
Add seating assignments for a $10-$18 charge. It costs extra to pick your seat on Spirit airlines, otherwise you are assigned a random seat at check-in. If you’re travelling in a group and want to be seated near each other, this is a charge that you will likely want to add. If you don’t mind a random assignment, you can forego picking a seat.^{[4]
X
Research source}
5
Purchase a spot in the “Big Front Seat” for $50 if you need extra space. The seats and rows on Spirit are very close together in order to fit more people on one flight. If you need additional legroom or personal space, you can select the “Big Front Seat” for an additional charge.^{[5]
X
Research source}

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Packing Your Bags

1
Select a personal item smaller than 18 × 14 × 8 in (46 × 36 × 20 cm). Spirit has specific restrictions on the size of bag that is allowed as a personal item and is included with your fare. They describe it as a small backpack, laptop case, purse, or other item of equal or lesser size.^{[6]
X
Research source}
2
Make sure your checked luggage weighs less than 40 pounds (18 kg). Spirit also has restrictions on checked luggage weight, as do most major airlines. Make sure you are packing the necessities and leaving space for any items you might need to bring back. Any checked bag more than 40 pounds (18 kg) will incur a charge ranging from $30-$150.^{[7]
X
Research source}
3
Bring your own entertainment. Pack a book, magazine, smartphone, tablet, or other activity in your personal item for use on the plane.^{[8]
X
Expert Source

Amy Tan
Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
Expert Interview. 12 March 2020.} Spirit doesn’t provide in-flight entertainment on any of its flights, so you will have to bring your own.^{[9]
X
Research source}
- If you’re traveling with small children, make sure you pack coloring books, word searches, and toys to keep them occupied. Their fare includes a personal item, too, so you can pack their small bag with activities for the flight.
4
Pack drinks and snacks to avoid purchasing them in-flight. Spirit Airlines doesn’t provide free in-flight refreshments or snacks, but they do have some available for purchase. Soft drinks and water start at $3, and snacks range from $2.50-$7.^{[10]
X
Research source}
- To avoid having to purchase snacks, you can take fruit, vegetables, and most pre-packaged snacks that aren’t liquid through airport security. If you need a drink, you can also purchase a water bottle or beverage before your flight.

Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Having a Successful Flight

1
Check in for the flight online to save money. You can avoid an additional $10 fee for checking in at the check-in counter or kiosk by checking in online before your flight. Go to https://www.spirit.com/Default.aspx and click on the “Check-in” tab. Input your last name and confirmation number, then click “Submit.”^{[11]
X
Research source}
2
Print your boarding passes at home to avoid fees. If you want to avoid a $2-$10 fee for having boarding passes printed at the airport, print your own boarding passes at home. You can also skip a potentially long wait at the check-in counter or kiosk by doing this.^{[12]
X
Research source}
3
Prepare for delays. Spirit Airlines is one of the most delayed airlines, with only 20% of flights departing or arriving on time. Make sure you account for extra time in your travel itinerary due to delays. You can keep yourself occupied in the airport before the flight by shopping, eating, or people watching.^{[13]
X
Research source}
- Make sure you don’t leave your bags unattended at any point while you are waiting for the flight.

Expert Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

Question

How should I pack for a flight on Spirit Airlines?

Amy Tan
Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers
Amy Tan is a Travel Planner and the Founder of Planet Hoppers, a boutique travel design team founded in 2002. Planet Hoppers specializes in brainstorming and creating itineraries for dream vacations, honeymoons, exotic adventures, family reunions, and group trips. Planet Hoppers is a TRUE accredited travel agency and a member of the Signature Travel Network, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), and Travel Leaders. Amy earned a BA in Communications and a BS in Physics from the University of California, Davis in 2000.

Amy Tan

Travel Planner & Founder, Planet Hoppers

Expert Answer

Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

Try to use luggage that's a different color than black so it's easier to find later on.
Question

Do you have to print out a boarding pass, or can I take a screenshot in my phone and show it?

ICGIL

Top Answerer

You can either print your boarding pass via the Spirit Kiosk and then show the boarding pass to the ticket counter, or you can do the latter.
Question

Do you have to check in 24 hours before your flight?

ICGIL

Top Answerer

You do not have to, although it is recommended so you can save time getting to your gate on time.

Warnings

Spirit flights are non-refundable and non-transferable. If there’s a chance you may have to cancel or change your flight, you can purchase travel insurance during booking in case you have an emergency change of plans.

⧼thumbs_response⧽
Helpful 2 Not Helpful 0