Last Updated on July 25, 2026 by Daniel Globe
Spirit Airlines can offer a low trip price, but the cheapest advertised fare is not always the cheapest final purchase. As of 2026, Spirit sells three main travel options: Value, Premium Economy, and Spirit First. The best way to save is to compare each option after adding every bag, seat, and flexibility feature you actually need.
Quick Answer
To save money on Spirit Airlines, compare the complete round-trip cost rather than the base fare. Pack within the free personal-item limit when possible, add necessary bags before check-in, accept a random seat if location does not matter, and compare Value plus extras against Premium Economy or Spirit First before paying.
Key Takeaways
- Compare the total price of Value, Premium Economy, and Spirit First, not just the first fare shown.
- Every traveler may bring one free personal item measuring no more than 18 × 14 × 8 inches, including handles and wheels.
- Value does not include a carry-on bag, while Premium Economy and Spirit First normally include one.
- Add required bags early because baggage pricing can rise closer to departure.
- Free Spirit members earn points on eligible fares and optional purchases, but points are mainly used for Spirit reward travel.
- Check in online and reach the gate before Spirit’s cutoff times to avoid losing the reservation.
At a Glance
| Time Required | About 10–20 minutes to compare fares, bags, seats, and policies |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Tools Needed | Spirit website or app, bag measurement, and a calculator or notes app |
| Cost | Free to compare; fares and optional-service prices vary by itinerary and purchase timing |
Understand Spirit Airlines’ Current Travel Options
Spirit’s current pricing structure gives travelers three main choices. The least expensive option at first glance may not be the best value after bags, seats, and flexibility are added.
| Travel Option | Main Inclusions | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Value | One personal item. Bags and selected seats cost extra. Changes or cancellations carry a fee, and a fare difference may apply. | Travelers who can pack very lightly, accept a random seat, and have firm plans. |
| Premium Economy | Personal item, carry-on, Premium Seat, Group 2 boarding, a discount on inflight menu purchases, and no change or cancellation fee. Fare differences may still apply. | Travelers who need a carry-on, more space, a selected seat, or greater booking flexibility. |
| Spirit First | Personal item, carry-on, first checked bag, Big Front Seat, premium snacks and drinks, Group 1 boarding, available streaming Wi-Fi, priority check-in at participating airports, and no change or cancellation fee. Fare differences may still apply. | Travelers who need both cabin and checked baggage or who value the larger front seat and added services. |
Spirit states that travel options and individual features are subject to availability. Confirm the included services shown for your exact itinerary before completing payment.
Warning: Do not compare Spirit with another airline using only the first fare displayed. Compare the final price for the same number of bags, seat requirements, flexibility, and boarding benefits on both airlines.
Booking Strategies for the Best Deals
Airline prices change according to route, demand, departure time, and remaining inventory. Booking early can help, but no advance-purchase window guarantees the lowest fare. A better approach is to compare several suitable dates and calculate the full cost of each option.
1. Search Flexible Dates
Check nearby departure dates when your schedule allows. Midweek flights and non-holiday periods may be cheaper, but the lowest day varies by market. Spirit’s flight search and deal finder can help you compare available dates.
2. Calculate the Round-Trip Total
Write down the price for both directions and add every required extra:
- Carry-on and checked bags for each traveler
- Seat assignments
- Change or cancellation flexibility
- Food, drinks, or Wi-Fi you expect to purchase
- Transportation to a farther airport
- Membership cost if joining Spirit Saver$ Club
Repeat the calculation for Value, Premium Economy, and Spirit First. Premium Economy can cost less than Value after adding a carry-on and selected seat. Spirit First may also be competitive when you need a carry-on, checked bag, and larger seat.
The lowest base fare is a good deal only when it also produces the lowest final trip cost.
3. Compare Both Directions Separately
Optional-service prices may differ between the outbound and return flights. Do not assume that a bag or seat will cost the same in each direction.
4. Add Required Bags Before Check-In
Spirit advises travelers to purchase bags early. Bags added within 24 hours of departure are charged at the online check-in rate, which may be higher than an earlier online purchase.
5. Evaluate Spirit Saver$ Club Carefully
Spirit Saver$ Club can provide access to member fares and discounts on eligible bags, seats, and other options. It is a recurring membership, so compare the membership charge with the actual savings displayed for your trip. Also check the renewal terms before joining.
Pro Tip: Take a screenshot of the final checkout page showing the fare, bags, seats, and included benefits. This gives you a clear record of what you purchased.
Packing Smart to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees
The most reliable way to avoid a baggage charge on Spirit is to fit everything inside the free personal item. According to Spirit’s current baggage rules, the item must fit completely inside the airport sizer, including its handles and wheels.
| Bag Type | Maximum Size or Weight | Typical Inclusion |
|---|---|---|
| Personal item | 18 × 14 × 8 inches, including handles and wheels | Included for all travelers |
| Carry-on bag | 22 × 18 × 10 inches, including handles and wheels | Paid separately with Value; included with Premium Economy and Spirit First |
| Standard checked bag | Up to 62 linear inches and 50 pounds before overweight or oversized charges | First checked bag included with Spirit First; purchased separately with other options |
Measure the bag after it is packed. Soft bags can expand beyond the allowed dimensions, especially when exterior pockets are full.
Ways to Fit More in the Free Personal Item
- Choose a bag designed to stay within 18 × 14 × 8 inches.
- Use packing cubes or compression bags without overstuffing the outer shell.
- Wear your heaviest jacket, shoes, or sweater during boarding.
- Pack clothing that can be worn in several combinations.
- Use travel-size toiletries and confirm TSA liquid restrictions.
- Place small items inside shoes and other unused spaces.
- Remove duplicate chargers, toiletries, and “just in case” clothing.
When a personal item is not enough, compare the price of adding a carry-on to Value against the displayed Premium Economy price. Premium Economy includes a carry-on and a Premium Seat, so it can provide better value than buying those items separately.
Note: Active-duty U.S. military members and eligible accompanying spouses and children may receive a free carry-on and two free checked bags after completing Spirit’s required verification process. Bags already included with a travel option count toward that allowance.
Travelers researching a suitable suitcase can also review this guide to the best carry-on luggage for international travel. Verify the bag’s external dimensions against Spirit’s current limit before purchasing or packing it.
Maximizing the Free Spirit Rewards Program
Free Spirit is free to join. Members earn points according to eligible dollars spent rather than the distance flown. Base members currently earn six points per eligible dollar spent on fares and 12 points per eligible dollar spent on optional purchases such as bags and seats. Taxes and government fees do not earn points.
| Free Spirit Feature | Current Details |
|---|---|
| Fare earning | Base members earn six points per eligible dollar spent on fares. |
| Optional-service earning | Base members earn 12 points per eligible dollar spent on qualifying options such as bags and seats. |
| Reward travel | Members can book eligible Spirit flights using points or Points + Cash and may select Value, Premium Economy, or Spirit First when available. |
| Points expiration | Points remain active when the member earns or redeems through Spirit or an eligible partner at least once within 12 months. Separate rules may protect points for eligible cardholders. |
| Silver and Gold status | Status can provide faster earning and travel benefits such as seat, baggage, boarding, or other benefits according to the member’s tier. |
Always enter your Free Spirit number before completing a paid booking. If points from a qualifying Spirit flight do not post, Spirit allows members to request missing points within 12 months of the eligible flight.
Reward pricing varies with the fare available for the selected flight. Spirit currently allows reward bookings with points or Points + Cash and permits members to book reward travel for another person. However, points should not be treated as a general credit for separately purchasing bags or seats. Spirit also states that points cannot be used for a standalone upgrade to a Big Front Seat.
Use Points Only When the Redemption Is Worthwhile
Before redeeming, compare the cash price with the required points and any additional amount due. A low cash fare may provide better value than using a large points balance. Conversely, points can be useful when the cash fare is high and the reward requirement remains reasonable.
Points Pooling can allow an eligible pool leader to combine balances with up to eight friends or family members. Review the current eligibility rules before creating a pool.
Using Optional Services Without Overspending
Optional services save money only when they replace something you would otherwise buy at a higher price. Do not add a service simply because the booking screen describes it as a deal.
Seat Selection
Value travelers may pay for a standard seat or accept a free random standard assignment at check-in. Premium Economy includes a Premium Seat, while Spirit First includes a Big Front Seat.
Skip paid selection when seat location does not matter. Pay or choose a travel option with an included seat when sitting beside a companion, avoiding a middle seat, or obtaining extra space is important.
Baggage
Compare individual bag prices with the next travel option. Value plus a carry-on and selected seat may cost more than Premium Economy. A traveler who needs both a carry-on and checked bag should also compare Spirit First before buying everything separately.
Priority Boarding
Priority boarding can be useful when overhead-bin access matters, but it has little value when you are traveling with only a personal item. Premium Economy currently includes Group 2 boarding, and Spirit First includes Group 1 boarding.
Food, Drinks, and Wi-Fi
Bring permitted food and an empty refillable water bottle when practical. Fill the bottle after security. Compare any Wi-Fi purchase with how much you will realistically use it during the flight. Spirit First includes streaming Wi-Fi when available, but availability can vary by aircraft and route.
Tips for Navigating Spirit’s Seating and Boarding Process
Seating Options
Value provides a free random standard seat assignment at check-in unless the traveler purchases a specific standard seat. Premium Economy includes a Premium Seat, while Spirit First includes a wider Big Front Seat with additional legroom.
Spirit says seat-selection prices vary by route and location within the aircraft. Compare the complete travel-option difference before purchasing an individual seat.
Traveling With Children
A free random assignment does not guarantee that friends or relatives will sit together. When travelers with children aged 13 or younger do not purchase seats, Spirit says gate agents and flight attendants will work to provide adjacent seats when possible. This is not a guarantee.
Families that must sit together should review the seat map and compare paid standard seats with Premium Economy. Waiting until the airport introduces the risk that suitable adjacent seats will no longer be available.
Boarding Procedures and Airport Deadlines
Spirit recommends arriving at least two hours before a domestic departure and three hours before an international departure.
- Domestic check-in and bag cutoff: Generally 45 minutes before departure, with a 60-minute cutoff for departures from Los Angeles International Airport.
- International and U.S. Virgin Islands cutoff: 60 minutes before departure.
- Domestic gate closing: 15 minutes before departure.
- International gate closing: 30 minutes before departure.
Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure. Complete it as soon as practical, save the boarding pass to your phone, and confirm the gate in the Spirit app or airport displays.
Warning: Reaching the airport before departure is not enough. Missing the check-in, bag-drop, or gate-closing deadline can cause Spirit to cancel the reservation or seat assignment.
Tips for a Smooth Boarding Experience
- Check in online instead of waiting for the airport counter when your reservation is eligible.
- Keep identification and the boarding pass easy to reach.
- Measure your personal item and carry-on before leaving home.
- Stay near the gate after boarding begins, even when the flight is delayed.
- Listen for boarding-group announcements rather than joining the line early.
- Keep medicine, keys, identification, electronics, and irreplaceable items with you instead of placing them in a checked bag.
Making the Most of Spirit’s Change and Cancellation Policies
Spirit’s current flexibility rules depend on the travel option purchased.
- Value: A modification or cancellation fee applies, and a fare difference may also apply.
- Premium Economy: No change or cancellation fee, but a fare difference may apply.
- Spirit First: No change or cancellation fee, but a fare difference may apply.
If the replacement flight costs more, the traveler normally pays the difference. If it costs less, review the displayed terms to see how the remaining value will be handled.
Use the 24-Hour Refund Rule Correctly
A traveler who cancels within 24 hours of booking may qualify for a full refund to the original payment method when the flight was booked directly with Spirit and is at least seven days away. Do not confuse this limited window with a general right to cancel any Spirit reservation for cash.
Make Changes Before the Online Deadline
Spirit states that eligible changes can be made online up to one hour before scheduled departure. Waiting until the airport can reduce available choices and increase the risk of missing a cutoff.
Know the Difference Between Your Cancellation and Spirit’s Disruption
Different rules may apply when Spirit cancels a flight or makes a significant schedule change. Depending on the situation, travelers may be offered rebooking or a refund for unflown portions. Review the disruption notice and current refund options before accepting an alternative.
Note: Reservation credits have their own validity and redemption terms. Check the expiration date shown in the cancellation email rather than assuming every credit lasts for the same period.
Insider Tips for a Smooth and Affordable Spirit Airlines Experience
Use a Pre-Booking Checklist
- Search several suitable travel dates.
- Record the price of Value, Premium Economy, and Spirit First.
- Add bags for every traveler and both directions.
- Add seats only when they provide real value.
- Compare change and cancellation terms.
- Include the cost of traveling to and parking at the departure airport.
- Compare the final Spirit total with competing airlines.
- Save the receipt and included-benefit summary after booking.
Use the App, but Save Offline Copies
The Spirit app can provide check-in, gate, and flight-status information. Save a screenshot or wallet copy of the boarding pass in case airport connectivity is poor.
Avoid Unnecessary Airport Purchases
Bring an empty water bottle, permitted snacks, a charged phone, and wired or wireless headphones. Confirm what is included in your travel option before buying food, drinks, Wi-Fi, priority boarding, or another bag.
Recheck the Reservation Before Departure
Open My Trips several days before the flight and confirm the airport, departure time, travel option, bags, and seats. Check again on the day of travel for schedule or gate changes.
Know When Spirit Is Not the Cheapest Choice
Spirit is often most competitive for travelers who pack lightly and need few extras. Another airline may provide a lower total price when its fare already includes a carry-on, checked bag, seat selection, or more flexible changes. Compare equivalent trips rather than airline labels.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spirit Airlines?
Spirit Airlines is a U.S. airline known for low starting fares and customizable travel options. Its current primary choices are Value, Premium Economy, and Spirit First. The services included with each option differ, so travelers should compare the full checkout price.
How can I save money on Spirit Airlines?
Pack within the free personal-item limit, compare flexible travel dates, add required bags before check-in, accept a free random seat when location does not matter, and compare the total price of Value, Premium Economy, and Spirit First.
Is it cheaper to book Spirit Airlines in advance?
Booking earlier may provide a lower fare and usually gives you more time to purchase bags before the online check-in period. However, airfares are dynamic, so no advance-purchase window guarantees the lowest price.
What bags are free on Spirit Airlines?
Every traveler may bring one personal item measuring no more than 18 × 14 × 8 inches, including handles and wheels. Premium Economy and Spirit First include a carry-on, while Spirit First also includes the first checked bag under the applicable limits.
Does Spirit charge change or cancellation fees?
A fee applies to voluntary changes or cancellations of Value bookings. Premium Economy and Spirit First do not have a change or cancellation fee, although a fare difference may still be charged.
Can I cancel a Spirit flight within 24 hours for a refund?
A full refund to the original payment method may be available when the reservation is canceled within 24 hours of booking and the scheduled flight is at least seven days away. Review the conditions shown for the reservation before canceling.
Can I choose a Spirit seat for free?
Value travelers can accept a free random standard seat at check-in. Choosing a specific standard seat costs extra. Premium Economy includes a Premium Seat, and Spirit First includes a Big Front Seat.
Will Spirit seat my family together for free?
Free random seating does not guarantee adjacent seats. Spirit says its airport and onboard teams will work to seat children aged 13 or younger beside an accompanying adult when possible, but families that require specific seats should consider selecting them in advance.
Is Spirit Saver$ Club worth joining?
It can be worthwhile when member fares and eligible bag or seat discounts exceed the membership cost. Compare the displayed member savings for the full trip and review the automatic-renewal terms before joining.
Sources
- Spirit Airlines Travel Options — current Value, Premium Economy, and Spirit First inclusions.
- Spirit Airlines Bag Information — personal-item, carry-on, checked-bag, size, and weight rules.
- Spirit Airlines Change and Cancellation Guidance — fare-specific fees, fare differences, and the conditional 24-hour refund rule.
- Spirit Airlines Airport Arrival and Boarding Times — recommended arrival times, check-in cutoffs, and gate-closing deadlines.
- Spirit Airlines Free Spirit Points Earning — current base-member earning rates.
- Spirit Airlines Reward Flight Booking — points, Points + Cash, and eligible travel options.