Spirit Airlines Cancellation Policy: What You Must Know

In today’s unpredictable world of travel, flight cancellations are more common than ever. Whether it's due to last-minute changes, weather delays, or sudden plan shifts, knowing your airline's cancellation policy is essential. Spirit Airlines—known for its low-cost travel model—has a unique approach when it comes to cancellations and refunds.

In this 2025 guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Spirit Airlines cancellation policy, including step-by-step instructions on how to cancel a Spirit Airlines flight, breakdowns of the Spirit Airlines cancellation fee, refund eligibility, and much more.

Let’s jump into the specifics of Spirit’s cancellation and refund system so you can travel smarter.

Understanding Spirit Airlines’ Business Model

Before we dive into cancellation policies, it’s important to understand Spirit Airlines’ ultra-low-cost model. Spirit offers incredibly cheap base fares, but almost everything else—like bags, seat selection, and even customer service upgrades—comes at a cost.

This model directly impacts their cancellation and refund policy, making it more rigid and fee-heavy than traditional airlines.

Spirit Airlines Cancellation Policy: The Core Rules (2025 Update)

As of 2025, here are the key points of Spirit Airlines' cancellation policy:

✅ 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation

If you book a flight and then change your mind, Spirit allows a full refund if:

• The flight was booked at least 7 days (168 hours) before departure.
• You cancel within 24 hours of booking.

This applies to all ticket types and is mandated by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

❌ After 24 Hours: Fees Apply

After the 24-hour window, Spirit Airlines charges a cancellation fee depending on how close to the departure date you cancel:

• 60+ days before departure: $0
• 59-31 days before departure: $69
• 30-7 days before departure: $99
• Less than 7 days before departure: $119

These fees apply per person, per segment.

💸 No Refunds on Non-Refundable Fares

Spirit typically offers non-refundable fares. If you cancel your flight, you won’t receive a cash refund unless you purchased a refundable ticket or cancel within the risk-free window.

Instead, you’ll receive a Reservation Credit, valid for 12 months.

How to Cancel Spirit Airlines Flight in 2025: Step-by-Step

If you’re asking how to cancel a Spirit Airlines flight, here’s a step-by-step guide:

🧑‍💻 Option 1: Cancel Online (Easiest)

• Visit spirit*com
• Click on “My Trips”
• Enter your last name and confirmation code
• Click “Cancel Flight”
• Review your cancellation details, including any cancellation fee
• Confirm and submit your request

☎️ Option 2: Cancel via Phone

Call Spirit Airlines customer service at 1-855-728-3555. Have your booking details ready. Note: there may be additional service charges.

🏢 Option 3: Cancel at the Airport

You can also cancel directly at the airport via a Spirit agent, but this method is time-consuming and subject to availability.

Spirit Airlines Cancellation Fee Explained

The Spirit Airlines cancellation fee is a core part of their revenue model. Here’s a more visual breakdown for quick reference:

Days Before Departure                         Cancellation Fee

60+ Days                                                $0

59-31 Days                                             $69

30-7 Days                                               $99

< 7 Days                                                 $119

These fees apply to each individual ticket. For a family of four canceling within a week of departure, that’s $476 in fees!

Pro Tip:

Spirit occasionally waives cancellation fees for passengers with travel insurance or in cases of severe weather, bereavement, or military deployment—proof required.

Refund Eligibility: Can You Get Your Money Back?

Most Spirit Airlines tickets are non-refundable. However, you may be eligible for a refund in the following cases:

• Canceled within 24 hours of booking
• Purchased a refundable ticket
• Spirit cancels the flight
• You are severely ill (with medical documentation)
• Government-mandated travel restrictions

If eligible, refunds can take up to 7–10 business days to reflect on your card.

Reservation Credit: What You Get Instead of Refund

If you cancel your flight, Spirit will issue a Reservation Credit (unless you meet refund eligibility). Here’s what to know:

• Valid for 12 months from the date of issue
• Can be used to book any Spirit flight
• Can be used by the original passenger only

These credits are non-transferable and non-refundable, so make sure to use them before they expire.

Spirit Saver$ Club and Cancellation Perks

Spirit Saver$ Club is a paid membership that offers perks like discounted fares and bags. While it doesn’t waive cancellation fees, members occasionally get priority service or waived change fees during flash sales.

Spirit Airlines Travel Insurance: Is It Worth It?

When booking, Spirit offers optional travel insurance (via third-party providers). Coverage typically includes:

• Trip cancellation and interruption
• Emergency medical
• Baggage loss

While it adds to the cost, it can save you from steep cancellation fees in emergencies.

What Happens If Spirit Cancels Your Flight?

In some cases, Spirit may cancel flights due to:

• Weather conditions
• Operational issues
• Low demand

In this case, you're entitled to a full refund or rebooking at no additional charge. If Spirit cancels your flight, you’ll be notified by email, SMS, or in-app alert.

Real-Life Cancellation Scenarios

Let’s look at a few scenarios to clarify how the Spirit Airlines cancellation policy works:

Scenario 1: Jane books on Jan 1 for a July 1 flight

She cancels on Jan 5 (178 days before flight).

➡ No fee. Full Reservation Credit.

Scenario 2: Mike books for a family trip 10 days before travel

Cancels 2 days before departure.

➡ $119 x 4 = $476 in cancellation fees.

Scenario 3: Lisa buys travel insurance and cancels for medical reasons

➡ Covered under travel insurance. Full refund via insurance claim.

How to Avoid Spirit Airlines Cancellation Fees

Here are a few hacks to help you dodge or reduce fees:

1. Cancel within 24 hours of booking.
2. Book 60+ days in advance to enjoy zero cancellation fee.
3. Add travel insurance at booking.
4. Watch out for weather alerts or Spirit schedule changes—these may waive your fee.
5. Join the Saver$ Club for possible service perks.

2025 Traveler Insights: Social Buzz & Reddit Talk

Online forums and Reddit communities continue to buzz with discussions about Spirit’s cancellation practices. Some users praise the low fees if canceled early, while others warn of hefty charges and limited refunds.

Spirit Airlines ranks low on customer satisfaction due to its rigid policies—but savvy travelers can work the system in their favor by knowing the rules.

Conclusion

Spirit Airlines offers incredibly cheap fares, but with a trade-off—strict cancellation policies and non-refundable ticket structures. Understanding the Spirit Airlines cancellation policy, knowing how to cancel Spirit Airlines flight, and being aware of the Spirit Airlines cancellation fee structure will save you time, stress, and money in 2025.

Before booking, assess your plans, consider travel insurance, and always check the fine print. If flexibility is crucial to your travel, you might want to explore airlines with more generous cancellation policies.

Fly smart, plan ahead—and beat Spirit at their own game.

FAQs 

Q1: Can I cancel a Spirit Airlines flight for free?

Yes, within 24 hours of booking and if the flight is 7+ days away.

Q2: How much does Spirit charge to cancel a flight?

It ranges from $0 to $119 depending on how close to departure you cancel.

Q3: Can I get a refund if I cancel my Spirit Airlines flight?

Refunds are rare unless canceled within 24 hours or due to a Spirit-initiated cancellation.

Q4: How do I cancel a Spirit flight online?

Go to spirit.com → “My Trips” → enter details → select “Cancel Flight.”

Q5: What is a Reservation Credit?

A credit issued after cancellation (minus fee), valid for 12 months for future Spirit bookings.