What happens if you miss your flight on Spirit?

Spirit Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Spirit Airlines' missed flight policy is designed to handle situations where passengers fail to board their flight on time, whether due to unforeseen circumstances or personal delays. Understanding this policy can help travelers navigate the potential challenges of missing a flight and minimize the impact on their travel plans.

Check-in and Boarding Timelines

Spirit Airlines requires passengers to adhere to strict check-in and boarding deadlines. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure and closes one hour before the flight. At the airport, passengers must check in at least 45 minutes before a domestic flight and 60 minutes before an international flight. Boarding typically begins 30-40 minutes before departure, and the gates close 15 minutes before takeoff. Missing these deadlines can result in being denied boarding, even if you have already checked in.

What Happens if You Miss Your Flight?

If you miss your Spirit Airlines flight, the airline considers it a "no-show." This means that your reservation is automatically canceled, and any subsequent flights in the same itinerary are also canceled. Spirit does not offer refunds for missed flights, as their tickets are generally non-refundable. However, there are a few options available depending on your situation:

Same-Day Standby: If you arrive at the airport within two hours of your missed flight's departure time, you may be able to fly standby on the next available flight. Standby is not guaranteed and depends on seat availability, but Spirit typically charges a fee for this service, which can vary.

Rebooking Options: If you miss your flight, you can rebook a new flight. Spirit Airlines allows you to apply the value of your unused ticket towards a new booking, but you will need to pay a change fee along with any fare difference between the old and new flights. Rebooking fees can range from $99 to $119, depending on how far in advance you rebook. Spirit offers a flexible option called "Flight Flex," which allows you to change your flight once without paying the change fee, but this must be purchased at the time of booking.

Refunds and Credits: Spirit Airlines does not provide refunds for missed flights, but you may be eligible for a credit if you purchased a more expensive fare that includes flexibility options. For instance, Spirit's "Bundle It" option includes added flexibility, allowing for some changes without incurring additional fees. These credits can be used toward future travel, typically within 60 days from the date of the original booking.

Tips for Avoiding Missed Flights

Arrive Early: Ensure you arrive at the airport well in advance, particularly if you need to check baggage or go through security screening. Spirit Airlines advises arriving at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights.

Check Flight Status: Regularly check your flight status online or via the Spirit Airlines app to stay informed of any changes or delays. This will help you avoid unexpected surprises at the airport.

Pre-Purchase Extras: If you anticipate needing flexibility, consider purchasing Spirit’s "Flight Flex" or other add-ons at the time of booking. This can save you money and stress if your plans change.

Plan for Delays: Allow extra time for traffic, security lines, and other potential delays when planning your trip to the airport. Being prepared can make a significant difference in avoiding a missed flight.

What to Do If You Miss Your Spirit Flight

If you miss your flight, the first step is to contact Spirit Airlines as soon as possible. You can reach them via phone, at the airport service desk, or through their website or mobile app. The sooner you reach out, the better your chances of securing a seat on the next available flight. Be prepared to pay any applicable fees, and keep in mind that availability may be limited, especially during peak travel times.

Conclusion

Missing a flight with Spirit Airlines can be a stressful experience, but understanding Spirit Airlines missed flight policy can help you navigate the situation more effectively. By knowing your options for rebooking, flying standby, or applying ticket value toward future travel, you can minimize the disruption to your travel plans. Always check the specific terms of your ticket and consider purchasing additional flexibility if your travel plans are uncertain.