Booking a flight can be confusing, especially if it is your first time flying with a low-cost carrier. Spirit Airlines is known for offering some of the cheapest tickets in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean. This airline follows a budget model, which means passengers only pay for what they use. In this guide, you will learn how to book a flight on Spirit Airlines in a simple and easy-to-understand way.
This article will walk you through the steps of airline ticket booking, show you how to save money, and help you avoid common mistakes.
What Is Spirit Airlines?
Spirit Airlines is a low-cost airline based in the United States. It was founded in 1983 and has its headquarters in Miramar, Florida. Spirit serves over 80 destinations across the United States, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.
The airline is known for its affordable ticket prices. It keeps costs low by offering only the basics with your ticket. This means everything beyond your seat—like bags, snacks, and seat selection—comes with an extra fee.
Spirit Airlines uses the slogan “Less Money. More Go.” It reflects their goal of providing simple, no-frills travel. They operate with a fleet of Airbus aircraft and fly thousands of passengers daily.
Step-by-Step Guide to Book a Flight on Spirit Airlines
Step 1: Visit the Spirit Airlines Website
Go to www.spirit.com using your phone, tablet, or computer. The website is simple to use. On the homepage, you will find the flight booking section at the top.
Step 2: Enter Your Travel Details
Start by choosing if you want a one-way, round-trip, or multi-city flight. Then, enter your:
- Departure city
- Arrival city
- Travel dates
- Number of passengers
Click the “Search Flights” button to move to the next step.
Step 3: Choose Your Flight
Spirit Airlines will now show you a list of available flights. You can compare:
- Departure times
- Arrival times
- Total travel time
- Prices for different fare types
Spirit usually offers three fare types:
- Standard Fare – The basic ticket without extras.
- Boost It – Includes one carry-on bag and seat selection.
- Bundle It – Includes carry-on, checked bag, seat selection, and early boarding.
Choose the flight and fare that best suits your needs.
Step 4: Add Bags
Spirit does not include any bags in the basic fare—not even a carry-on. After selecting your flight, you will be asked if you want to:
- Add a carry-on bag
- Add checked luggage
Prices vary depending on when you buy. It’s usually cheaper to add bags during booking than at the airport.
You can skip this step if you are traveling light and only bringing a small personal item (like a purse or backpack that fits under the seat).
Step 5: Choose Your Seat
Spirit gives you the option to pick a seat, but it is not free with the basic fare. If you don’t select a seat, one will be assigned randomly at check-in. You can also pay extra for:
- A seat with extra legroom
- A seat near the front
- A window or aisle seat
If sitting next to your travel companion is important, it is a good idea to pay for seat selection.
Step 6: Add Optional Services
Spirit offers several optional services:
- Shortcut Security (faster security line)
- Shortcut Boarding (early boarding)
- Travel Insurance
- In-flight Wi-Fi (available on some flights)
You can choose to add these now or skip them.
Step 7: Enter Passenger Information
Enter your name, date of birth, gender, and contact details. Make sure everything matches your ID exactly. Any mistake may cause trouble at check-in.
You can also join the Free Spirit loyalty program. It’s free and allows you to earn points for every flight you take.
Step 8: Make the Payment
Now, you will see the full price of your airline ticket. This includes:
- Base fare
- Taxes and fees
- Any extras you selected
Enter your credit or debit card details to complete the purchase. Spirit accepts Visa, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover.
Once the payment is successful, you will get a confirmation email with your itinerary and booking number.
Tips for Saving Money on Spirit Airlines
Travel Light
The easiest way to save money with Spirit is to travel light. Only bringing a small personal item saves you from paying for bags.
Join the $9 Fare Club
Spirit has a special membership program called the $9 Fare Club. It gives you access to cheaper fares and discounted baggage fees. There is an annual fee, but it may be worth it if you fly often.
Book Early
Ticket prices tend to go up closer to the departure date. Book your airline ticket early to get the best deal.
Check Deals on the Spirit Website
Spirit often runs promotions and sales on its website. Check the “Deals” section before booking.
Be Flexible with Dates
Use the “Flexible Dates” option during your search. Sometimes flying a day earlier or later can save a lot of money.
What to Expect After Booking
Check-In
You can check in online 24 hours before your flight. It is free to check in online. If you wait to check in at the airport counter, there may be an extra fee.
After checking in, you can print your boarding pass or save it to your phone.
Arrive Early
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before domestic flights and three hours before international flights. Spirit’s check-in counters close 45 minutes before departure for domestic and 60 minutes before for international flights.
Boarding
Boarding usually begins 30 minutes before departure. Listen for announcements and watch the screens at the gate.
Spirit Airlines Mobile App
Spirit also has a mobile app for iPhone and Android. You can:
- Search and book flights
- Check-in
- Download your boarding pass
- Manage your booking
- Track flight status
Using the app can make your travel smoother.
Spirit Airlines Policies You Should Know
Baggage Policy
- Personal item: Free (must fit under the seat)
- Carry-on bag: Extra fee
- Checked bag: Extra fee
- Oversized/overweight bags: Additional fee
Cancellation and Changes
Spirit has a no-refund policy for most tickets. However, you can cancel or change your flight for a fee. You may also get flight credit.
Name Change Policy
Spirit charges a fee for name changes. Make sure you enter your name exactly as it appears on your ID when booking.
Spirit Airlines vs. Other Airlines
Unlike full-service airlines that include many services in the ticket price, Spirit follows a different model. It gives you the chance to pay only for what you use. This is great for budget travelers, but it can be confusing if you are not prepared.
To get the most out of your Spirit Airlines experience:
- Understand what’s included and what’s not
- Plan your trip carefully
- Avoid buying extras you don’t need
Pros and Cons of Flying Spirit Airlines
Pros
- Very low base fares
- Option to choose only what you need
- Flights to many U.S. and international destinations
- Simple and fast online booking process
Cons
- Charges for bags, seats, and extras
- Limited legroom in standard seats
- No free snacks or drinks
- Customer service may not be as responsive as larger airlines
Conclusion
Booking a flight on Spirit Airlines is simple if you understand how it works. By following the steps in this guide, you can complete your airline ticket booking quickly and avoid surprises at the airport. Whether you are traveling for work, vacation, or a quick weekend getaway, Spirit Airlines gives you a way to fly for less.
Make sure to read all terms and double-check fees before finishing your booking. This will help you stay within your budget and enjoy your travel experience.
