Why Does Spirit Airlines Charge For Flight Change Requests?

Travelers looking for affordable airfare often turn to Spirit Airlines for good reason. With its ultra-low-cost business model, Spirit helps people fly for less. But what happens when plans change? Many passengers wonder: Why does Spirit Airlines charge for flight change requests? If you’ve asked this question, you're not alone.

Understanding the reasoning behind the Spirit Airlines Flight Change fees can help you plan smarter, avoid surprise charges, and make more informed travel decisions.

What Is the Spirit Airlines Business Model?

Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier. This means it offers passengers a low base fare and lets them add services they want, like bags, seats, snacks, or priority boarding. Spirit does not bundle extra services into ticket prices. That’s how it keeps fares low.

This same model applies to changes. When a passenger needs to change flight plans, Spirit charges a change flight fee instead of building that cost into every ticket. The result? You only pay for what you use.

By separating core services from add-ons, Spirit gives travelers more control. But it also means the Spirit Airlines Flight Change process comes with fees—fees that many travelers are unfamiliar with.

Why Does Spirit Charge a Change Flight Fee?

Every time you change your flight, it creates new work for the airline. Spirit must update its system, adjust seat maps, reassign aircraft or crew if needed, and manage available inventory. All of this takes time, technology, and staff.

Traditional airlines may allow free changes, but they also price tickets higher overall to cover those hidden costs. Spirit does the opposite. Instead of inflating fares, it charges a change flight fee only when necessary.

So, if you're paying for a Spirit Airlines Flight Change, you’re covering the cost of the service you’re using—not paying a penalty.

How the Spirit Airlines Reschedule Policy Works

The reschedule policy from Spirit is clear and structured to allow flexibility—if you follow the timing rules. Here’s a look at the options:

1. Free Changes Within 24 Hours

If you book a flight and realize your plans need adjusting, you have a 24-hour window to make a Spirit Airlines Flight Change for free. However, this only applies if the flight is more than 7 days away.

2. Paid Changes Based on Timing

After the 24-hour window, a change flight fee applies. The closer you get to your departure date, the more expensive the fee gets:

More than 60 days before departure: $69 fee

7 to 59 days before departure: $99 fee

Less than 7 days before departure: $119 fee

The fee applies per person, per direction. On top of the fee, you’ll also pay any difference in fare.

The reschedule policy encourages travelers to make changes early and finalize plans well in advance.

How Change Fees Keep Base Fares Low

Most travelers want two things: cheap tickets and flexibility. But the two don’t go together unless you separate pricing from service.

When you pay a change flight fee, you're helping Spirit keep base fares low. Instead of charging everyone more to cover the cost of flight changes, Spirit shifts that responsibility to the person making the change.

This is part of the Spirit Airlines Flight Change structure—designed to make flying more affordable for those who stick to their plans, while still giving options to those who need to adjust.

What Is Flight Flex and Should You Buy It?

Spirit offers an add-on called Flight Flex during the booking process. For a small fee, this feature allows one Spirit Airlines Flight Change without paying a change flight fee.

It’s not available after you book—it must be purchased with your original reservation. Here's what Flight Flex gives you:

One free change flight request

No fee for the change (only pay fare difference)

Must make the change more than 24 hours before departure

For travelers whose plans might shift, Flight Flex can be a smart buy. It’s especially useful for families or business travelers who value flexibility.

Common Scenarios Where a Change Fee Applies

Let’s walk through a few examples to show how the Spirit Airlines Flight Change policy works in real life.

Case 1: You Change Within 24 Hours

You book a flight on Monday and realize on Tuesday you need a different time. You go online, find your reservation, and change flight details without paying a fee—because you’re still within the 24-hour window and your flight is a week away.

Case 2: You Change 10 Days Before Travel

You booked a flight a month ago, but now you need to travel a day earlier. You log into your account and submit a Spirit Airlines Flight Change request. You pay a $99 change flight fee and the difference in fare.

Case 3: You Miss Your Flight

If you don’t show up at the airport and miss your departure, the reschedule policy does not cover your case. There are no refunds or changes once the flight leaves. You’ll likely need to buy a new ticket entirely.

How to Submit a Spirit Airlines Flight Change

Making a change is simple and can be done in a few steps:

Log in to the Spirit website or app

Navigate to “My Trips”

Select your booking

Choose “Change Flight”

Pay the change flight fee and fare difference

Confirm your new itinerary

You can also make changes by contacting customer support. If you need assistance, call +1-855-662-4577.

The online option is usually faster, but if you're dealing with a complicated situation or need to ask questions, calling is a good choice.

Tips to Avoid or Reduce Change Flight Fees

If you want to avoid paying a high change flight fee, here are some ways to plan smart:

Book Confidently

Try to finalize your schedule before booking. The more certain you are, the less likely you’ll need a Spirit Airlines Flight Change.

Use the 24-Hour Rule

If you’re unsure, book your flight and review your plans within a day. Cancel or adjust within 24 hours for free, as long as your flight is at least 7 days away.

Purchase Flight Flex

For travelers who like flexibility, buying Flight Flex can save money if a change flight becomes necessary.

Watch for Fare Sales

Sometimes the fare difference between your old and new flight is small. If Spirit is running a promotion, you might still get a low total cost—even after fees.

Customer Support: When to Call

If your change is urgent, complicated, or you simply prefer to talk to someone, Spirit’s customer service can help.

Call +1-855-662-4577 to speak with a representative. They can walk you through the reschedule policy, explain fees, and help you find the best option available.

Remember: Calling does not waive fees, but it can clarify your options and help avoid mistakes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I change my Spirit flight without paying a fee?

Yes, but only if you do it within 24 hours of booking and your flight is at least 7 days away. Otherwise, a change flight fee applies.

2. How much does it cost to change a Spirit flight?

The change flight fee ranges from $69 to $119 depending on how close to departure you are when making the change.

3. Does Spirit allow same-day flight changes?

Spirit does not offer formal same-day standby options. You must follow the reschedule policy and change flights in advance.

4. What is Flight Flex and is it worth it?

Flight Flex lets you make one Spirit Airlines Flight Change without paying the fee. It’s ideal for travelers whose plans might change.

5. Can I change my Spirit flight online?

Yes. Most change flight requests can be completed online under “My Trips.”

Final Thoughts: Know Before You Go

The Spirit Airlines Flight Change policy can feel strict, but it’s all about fairness and transparency. By charging only those who make changes, Spirit keeps base fares affordable for everyone.

A change flight fee is not a punishment—it’s a way to keep the airline’s operations running smoothly without raising prices for all passengers.

So what should you do?

Review the reschedule policy before booking

Use the 24-hour window if you’re unsure

Add Flight Flex for extra security

Call +1-855-662-4577 if you need help navigating options

Spirit’s model works best when you’re an informed traveler. With a little planning, you can enjoy low fares and avoid costly surprises.