Need to call off your Spirit Airlines trip? Cancelling can be straightforward if you know the rules and steps. Your outcome—a refund or a credit—is dictated entirely by the specific Spirit cancellation policy attached to your ticket. This guide walks you through the exact process, fees, and how to get your money back.
What is Spirit Airlines' Cancellation Policy?
Before you cancel, you must understand your fare rules. Spirit cancellation policyis not one-size-fits-all; it changes based on the type of ticket you purchased:
Saver$aver (The Lowest Fare): This is typically non-refundable. Cancelling usually results in the value being converted into a Spirit Flight Credit, minus applicable Spirit cancellation fees. There is often no path to a cash refund.
Fare Options with "Flex" or Bundles: If you paid extra for flexibility at booking, you likely have a more lenient Spirit cancellation policy. This often includes waived change/cancellation fees, making you eligible for a credit for the full amount paid. Always review the terms during booking.
The policy that applies is the one you agreed to when you bought your ticket.
What is the Difference Between a Refund and a Credit?
This is the most critical distinction in the Spirit flight cancellation refund policy.
A Refund means money is returned to your original payment method (your credit/debit card). Under the standard Spirit cancellation policy refund, this is rare and only available in specific cases: if you cancel within the 24-hour risk-free window, if Spirit cancels your flight, or if you purchased a fully refundable fare.
A Travel Credit is a voucher for future travel with Spirit. This is the most common outcome. The credit amount is your original fare, minus any Spirit cancellation fees. This credit is stored in your "My Wallet" on Spirit.com and has an expiration date.
How Much are Spirit Cancellation Fees?
Spirit cancellation fees vary based on how close to departure you cancel and your route. They can range from as low as $0 if you have a Flex bundle or are well ahead of your flight, to $119 or more per person for cancellations made close to the departure date. These fees are deducted from any credit issued. The only way to know your exact fee is to start the cancellation process online—the system will show you the final credit amount before you confirm.
How Do I Actually Cancel My Flight Online? (Step-by-Step)
This is the fastest and most efficient method.
Go to Spirit.com and click on "My Trips."
Enter your Confirmation Code (aka Record Locator) and your Last Name.
Find your booking and select the "Cancel Flight" option.
Review the Summary Carefully. The system will explicitly show you: Any Spirit cancellation fees being charged. The remaining Spirit Flight Credit amount you will receive. The credit's expiration date.
Confirm the cancellation. Your credit will be issued instantly to your Spirit account.
Can I Cancel My Spirit Flight Over the Phone?
Yes, you can call Spirit Airlines' reservations line. However, agents follow the exact same Spirit cancellation policy and fee structure as the website. Phone support may involve long wait times and does not provide better terms. Using the online "My Trips" portal is almost always the recommended, self-service path.
What If Spirit Cancels My Flight?
If Spirit cancels your flight for any reason (maintenance, weather, scheduling), you are protected under the Spirit flight cancellation refund policy. In this scenario, you are entitled to choose between:
A full refund to your original payment method.
Rebooking on the next available Spirit flight.
You will typically be notified via email or text with these options.
What Should You Do Before Cancellation Your Flight?
Check the 24-Hour Rule: U.S. regulations require that if you book a flight at least 7 days before departure, you can cancel for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase. Use this if you act fast.
Consider a Change Instead: Sometimes, changing your flight to a future date (and paying a fare difference) can be more economical than cancelling and incurring a fee. Check the "Change Flight" option first.
Have Your Info Ready: Have your confirmation code, passenger name, and credit card used for booking handy before starting the process.
Conclusion
Successfully cancelling a Spirit flight hinges on understanding your specific Spirit cancellation policy. Start by managing your trip online to see your exact fees and credit, and always act before the departure time to retain any value.
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