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Spirit Airlines Cancellation Policy & Fee 2024

by Trip Help Desk Airlines Help Desk

If you're looking for affordable flights, Spirit Airlines is likely on your radar. But before booking, it's crucial to understand their cancellation policy inside and out. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about Spirit airlines cancellation rules in simple, straightforward language.

Spirit Airlines Cancellation Policy Highlights

Here are the key highlights of Spirit Airlines cancellation policy to be aware of:

  • 24-hour risk-free cancellation window after booking
  • Options to cancel for major life events like death or illness
  • Either re-booking or refund if Spirit cancels your flight
  • Affordable cancellation fees if you cancel for any other reason
  • Easy online self-service cancellations 24/7
  • Option to add travel insurance for maximum flexibility

Spirit Airlines Flight Cancellation Situations

Spirit Airlines allows you to cancel flight bookings in several common situations without being penalized heavily. The cancellation rules differ based on the specific circumstances.

Can I Cancel My Spirit Flight Within 24 Hours?

Yes! One of the biggest advantages of booking with Spirit is their 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy. This allows you to cancel a reservation for any reason within 24 hours of purchase without paying any fees at all.

As long as you book your flight at least 7 days prior to your scheduled travel date, you're guaranteed a full refund to the original form of payment if you cancel within that first 24 hours. No questions asked!

How To Cancel My Spirit Flight Within 24 Hours?

Canceling a Spirit flight reservation within that initial 24-hour window is extremely easy. You have two main options:

Method 1 - Online Cancellation Via Spirit's Website

  • Visit Spirit.com and log into your account
  • Navigate to the "My Trips" section
  • Find your upcoming reservation and click "Cancel"
  • Follow the prompts to complete online self-cancellation
  • Your refund will process within 7 business days

Method 2 - Phone Cancellation Via Spirit's Reservations Line

  • Call 855-728-3555 to speak with a Spirit agent
  • Provide your confirmation number and explain you need to cancel
  • The agent will process your fee-free cancellation
  • Request they email you a cancellation confirmation

Whether canceling online or calling, the process is quick and straightforward within that first 24 hours after booking.

Spirit's Cancellation Policy for Death or Illness

You can cancel your Spirit flight with documentation if:

  • You or an immediate family member passes away
  • You or an immediate family member has a serious medical emergency

Provide a death certificate, medical records from a licensed doctor, or similar official proof. Spirit will allow you to cancel and receive a refund minus applicable fees.

What if Spirit Airlines Cancels My Flight?

When Spirit has to cancel your flight itinerary, you have rights:

  • For non-stop flights canceled 7+ days before departure, you'll receive a full refund
  • For flights canceled less than 7 days out, Spirit must rebook you on the next available flight at no extra cost
  • If the new flight doesn't work, you can request a full refund instead

Canceling for Any Other Reason After 24 Hours

To cancel a Spirit flight reservation for any reason outside of the above situations after 24 hours, you'll pay cancellation fees:

  • For domestic U.S. flights:
    • $49 fee if you cancel 60+ days before departure
    • $79 fee if you cancel less than 60 days before departure
  • For international flights:
    • Fees range from $79 up to $169 based on how close it is to your travel date

These fees are per passenger, per one-way flight segment. They're deducted from any refund amount based on your remaining ticket value.

While not ideal, Spirit aims to provide affordable cancellation options after their risk-free period expires in case your plans change.

How To Cancel Spirit Flight Online

One of the easiest aspects of Spirit's policy is the ability to self-service cancellations online anytime through their website or mobile app. No talking to agents required!

Just log into your account, go to the "My Trips" section, locate your reservation, and click to start the cancellation process. The website will outline your options, fees, and any refund eligibility.

Click through to finalize online, and any refund processes back to your original payment method within 1 week. Seamless and convenient!

Can You Get A Refund When Canceling Spirit Flights?

Yes, you can absolutely receive refunds when canceling Spirit Airlines flights in certain situations per their policy. Your refund eligibility depends on the circumstances:

Spirit's Refund Policy When You Cancel

  • Within 24 hours after booking: Full refund to original payment
  • For death/illness with documentation: Refund minus cancellation fees
  • If Spirit cancels your non-stop flight: Full refund
  • Any other cancellation after 24 hours: Refund minus cancellation fees based on remaining ticket value

How To Get Your Spirit Refund After Cancellation

To obtain a refund after canceling per Spirit's policy, there are a few options:

1) Request Online Refund Through Spirit's Website

The simplest way is to request your refund during the online self-service cancellation process on their website. The refund amount you're owed will be clearly outlined.

2) Request Cancellation Refund Over the Phone

If canceling over the phone, just inform the Spirit agent you'd like a refund processed at that time per the cancellation policy terms.

3) Request Refund Via Email to Reservations

You can also send a refund request email to Spirit's reservations department at reservations@spirit.com after canceling your flight booking.

Be sure to include your flight confirmation details and reason for cancellation. Most refunds are processed back to the original payment method within 7 business days.

How To Rebook After Spirit Flight Cancellation

If Spirit Airlines cancels your flight less than 7 days before departure, they are required to automatically rebook you on their next available flight per their policy.

However, if the new flight times don't work for you, simply explain that to the agent when they reach out. You can instead request a full refund and make alternate travel arrangements on another airline or future date.

Spirit's Weather Cancellation Policy

Many wonder what happens if their Spirit flight is canceled due to severe weather like storms or hurricanes. Their policy states:

  • For weather cancellations within Spirit's control, passengers can either rebook on the next flight or receive a refund.
  • For cancellations caused by uncontrollable weather events, Spirit may offer refunds or travel credits on a case-by-case basis.

In any weather situation, it's best to be proactive and contact Spirit as soon as possible to go over your re-booking or refund options.

What If Spirit Cancels My Flight Last Minute?

Having your Spirit Airlines flight canceled at the very last minute is incredibly frustrating but does occasionally happen. If this occurs, here are the steps to take:

1) Contact Spirit Airlines Immediately

As soon as you find out about the cancellation, call Spirit or reach out via their chat support or Twitter account to speak with an agent right away.

2) Request to be Rebooked if Possible

If it's due to a situation within Spirit's control and your schedule allows, request they rebook you on the next available flight to your destination.

3) Know Your Compensation Rights

Under federal regulations, if Spirit cancels your flight you may be entitled to compensation, reimbursement for delays over a certain timeframe, or a full refund. Discuss with the agent.

4) Consider Purchasing Travel Insurance

For additional protection, travel insurance provides coverage if your flight is delayed or canceled. It allows reimbursement of pre-paid expenses like hotels.

The key is being proactive and working with Spirit to explore all your re-accommodations or compensation options if your flight is canceled, especially at the last minute.

Spirit Airlines Cancellation Policy for Different Ticket Types

The specific cancellation policy and fees you'll face vary based on the type of fare/ticket you purchased with Spirit Airlines:

1) Spirit Cancellation Policy for Standard Fares

These are Spirit's cheapest but most restrictive economy fares. Outside the 24-hour risk-free window, cancellation fees are:

For Spirit's cheapest base economy "Standard" fares, the cancellation fees outside the 24-hour risk-free window are:

  • Domestic flights:
    • $49 fee if canceled 60+ days before departure
    • $79 fee if canceled less than 60 days before departure
  • International flights:
    • Fees range from $79 to $169 based on how close it is to travel dates

These fees apply per passenger, per one-way flight segment canceled.

2) Spirit Cancellation Policy for Flight Flex Fares

Spirit's "Flight Flex" bundles provide more flexibility compared to standard fares, including:

  • Free cancellations 60+ days before departure
  • Only $59 cancellation fees if canceled within 59 days of travel
  • Ability to make unlimited changes/exchanges

So while not entirely fee-free, Flight Flex tickets provide more lenient and affordable cancellation options.

3) Spirit Cancellation Policy for Award Tickets (Miles)

For flights booked using Spirit's Free Spirit frequent flyer miles/points, the cancellation guidelines are:

  • Within 60 days before departure: $90 fee per passenger, per one-way
  • Less than 60 days before travel: $129 fee per passenger, per one-way

Additionally, all miles redeemed for the award ticket will be re-deposited back into the account if canceled.

How Much Are Spirit Cancellation Fees?

To summarize Spirit's main cancellation fees at a glance:

  • Standard economy fares
    • Domestic: $49 fee for 60+ day cancellations, $79 fee under 60 days
    • International: $79 to $169 based on timing
  • Flight Flex bundle fares
    • Free cancellations at 60+ days before departure
    • $59 fee if canceled within 59 days of travel
  • Award tickets booked with miles
    • $90 fee per passenger at 60+ days before departure
    • $129 fee per passenger under 60 days before travel

The fees are per passenger, per one-way flight segment. There are also ways to potentially avoid or reduce these cancellation costs.

How To Avoid Spirit Cancellation Fees

While Spirit's affordable cancelation fees are reasonable compared to some major airlines, it's still money out of your pocket. To avoid fees entirely:

1) Provide Proof of Unexpected Cancellation

As mentioned, you can cancel Spirit flights fee-free if you can show proof of an eligible unexpected circumstance like:

  • Death of passenger or immediate family member
  • Medical emergency or illness with documentation
  • Military deployment or relocation orders

2) Find Travel Waivers for Major Events/Weather

Spirit occasionally issues flexible travel waivers in the event of major storms, weather events, or other disruptive situations allowing fee changes/cancellations.

3) Always Cancel Within the 24-Hour Window

Take advantage of that risk-free 24-hour cancellation window after booking to avoid all fees if your plans unexpectedly change.

4) Book Refundable "Flight Flex" Fares

The pricier Flight Flex fare bundles provide free cancellations at 60+ days before departure and reduced fees under 60 days.

5) Purchase Travel Insurance

Adding travel insurance allows you to cancel for any reason with the ability to recoup most pre-paid trip costs.

The key is booking informed and proactively exploring Spirit's policies and options to avoid cancellation penalty fees whenever possible.

How Often Do Spirit Flights Get Cancelled?

While flight cancellations are unfortunate for any traveler, Spirit Airlines does have one of the lower cancellation rates in the U.S. airline industry.

In 2022, Spirit canceled just 2.2% of their total scheduled flights for the year according to federal statistics. This ranks them right in the middle compared to other major U.S. carriers.

However, being proactive when a cancellation does occur is still advised to ensure you're re-accommodated per Spirit's policies or receive the compensation you're owed.

How To Speak With A Live Spirit Agent

While not required for basic cancellations and changes that can be done online, you may need to speak with a live Spirit Airlines agent for certain situations such as:

  • Extenuating circumstances like death or medical emergencies
  • Complicated reservations or group bookings
  • Requesting refunds after a cancellation
  • Getting through to a supervisor if a dispute arises

To speak with a live agent over the phone:

  1. Call Spirit Airlines' reservations line at 1-855-728-3555 (1-801-401-2222 for international callers)
  2. Follow the phone prompts to speak with a representative about "Existing Reservations"
  3. Be ready to provide your flight booking details and explain your situation clearly
  4. Request the agent's name and any reference numbers for quality assurance

You can also try reaching out via Spirit's social media support channels on Facebook and Twitter, or their live online chat functionality if available.

Spirit Airlines Cancellation Policy FAQ

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about canceling Spirit flights:

Q1: What are the cancellation charges if I cancel after the 24-hour window?

A1: For domestic U.S. flights, it's $49 if you cancel 60+ days before departure, or $79 if under 60 days before travel. For international flights, fees range from $79 to $169 depending on how close it is to your travel dates.

Q2: How can I cancel my Spirit flight online?

A2: Just log into your account on Spirit.com, go to the "My Trips" section, locate your reservation and follow the cancellation prompts. It will outline fees and any refund amounts due to you based on the policy.

Q3: How much do I have to pay for a Standard Ticket cancellation?

A3: For a standard economy fare, expect to pay $49 for domestic cancellations 60+ days out, or $79 if under 60 days before your flight. International fares are $79-$169 based on timing.

Q4: Will I receive a refund if I cancel within 24 hours?

A4: Yes, as long as you cancel any Spirit flight booking within that initial 24-hour window after purchase, you'll receive a full refund back to your original form of payment. No fees or penalties apply.

Q5: How many days will it take to receive my refund?

A5: For any eligible refunds from Spirit Airlines, you should receive the refunded amount back to your original credit/debit card or payment method within 7 business days.

Q6: How much for cancellation after the 24-hour risk-free window?

A6: The fees depend on whether your flight is domestic or international, and how close it is to your travel dates, but range from $49 up to $169 per passenger, per one-way.

Q7: Will Spirit provide a refund for bereavement cancellations?

A7: Yes, if you unfortunately need to cancel due to the death of yourself or an immediate family member, Spirit will provide a full refund minus any applicable fees if you can show proof like a death certificate.


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About Trip Help Desk Junior   Airlines Help Desk

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Joined APSense since, November 27th, 2023, From New Jersey, United States.

Created on Apr 8th 2024 08:34. Viewed 63 times.

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