In a move that affects millions of budget-conscious travelers, Spirit Airlines has officially reinstated change and cancellation fees for its lowest-tier fares. While the airline previously eliminated many of these charges during the pandemic, the return of fees marks a shift back to Spirit’s traditional fee-heavy model—and travelers need to prepare.
Whether you’re a family planning a vacation or a solo traveler looking for a cheap getaway, here’s what you need to know—and how Spirit compares to ultra-low-cost rivals like Frontier and Allegiant.
💰 What Changed: Spirit Brings Back Fees for Go Fares
As of February 5, 2025, Spirit’s Go fare tickets—its basic, no-frills offering—are once again subject to change and cancellation fees. If your travel plans shift, you’ll now pay:
|
Time Before Departure |
Change/Cancellation Fee |
|---|---|
|
31–59 days |
$59 |
|
7–30 days |
$79 |
|
0–6 days |
$99 |
📌 Note: Cancellations more than 60 days in advance remain free, and 24-hour cancellations (after booking) are still allowed under federal law. For assistance, contact Spirit at 866-548-2474.
👨👩👧 Why Families Should Care
Families booking months in advance often grab Go fares to save money—but kids get sick, schedules shift, and plans change. Under the new policy:
- A family of 4 canceling a trip 10 days before departure would face $316 in change fees
- If the flight cost $400 total, the fees nearly wipe out any refund
This makes Spirit riskier for families with unpredictable schedules, especially if you’re booking far in advance without trip insurance.
✈️ Spirit vs. Frontier vs. Allegiant: Fee Face-Off
Let’s compare how Spirit stacks up to its peers in the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) world:
|
Airline |
Change Fee (7–30 Days) |
Cancel Fee |
Refund Format |
Flex Fare Option? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Spirit |
$79 |
$79–$99 |
Spirit Credit |
Yes (Go Savvy, Comfy) |
|
Frontier |
$49–$99 |
$75–$99 |
Travel Credit |
Yes (Flight Flex) |
|
Allegiant |
$75 |
$75 |
Allegiant Credit |
Yes (Trip Flex) |
🧐 Takeaway:
- All three ULCCs now charge for most changes
- Spirit’s fees are highest within 7 days of departure
- Unlike Allegiant, Spirit has more fare tiers with flexibility—but you must upgrade
🎯 How to Avoid or Reduce Fees
Here’s how smart travelers dodge the worst penalties:
- Book higher-tier fares (Go Savvy or Go Comfy) – they include free changes
- Cancel early – >60 days out = free change
- Use 24-hour federal rule to cancel if plans shift immediately
- Track prices after booking – if fares drop, rebook and pay the fee only if savings justify it
🛠️ What’s Still Improved on Spirit?
Despite the fee rollback, Spirit has not reversed all of its pandemic-era improvements:
- Free Wi-Fi (for loyalty members and premium fares)
- Extended travel credits now valid for 12 months
- Bigger carry-on/personal bag limits for elite members
These enhancements may soften the blow—but only if you’re not flying bare-bones.
🧠 Final Thoughts: Spirit Is Still Cheap—But Riskier
Spirit’s ultra-low fares still make it attractive for travelers trying to stretch every dollar—but now those savings come with more strings attached. The return of change fees makes basic fares best only for people with locked-in plans.
If you’re traveling as a family, dealing with kids’ school or health uncertainties, or planning far in advance, it’s worth upgrading to a flexible fare—or flying a carrier with fewer traps.
❓FAQ
Q: Can I still cancel a Spirit Go fare for free?
A: Only if it’s more than 60 days before travel, or within 24 hours of booking.
Q: What happens if the fee is more than my refund?
A: You lose the value—Spirit won’t issue credit below the fee amount.
Q: Are fees waived for elite members?
A: No—Spirit’s elite status benefits don’t waive change/cancel fees.
Q: What fare should I book to avoid fees?
A: Choose Go Savvy or Go Comfy for fee-free changes and upgrades like seat selection or bags.
