Spirit Airlines, an ultra-low-cost carrier, has a cancellation policy that reflects its budget model, with flexibility varying by fare type and timing. Below is a concise overview based on the latest information from their official website (spirit.com) and reliable sources:
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation
- If you book directly through Spirit Airlines (spirit.com, mobile app, or customer service) or third-party platforms, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund to the original payment method, provided the flight departs at least 7 days (168 hours) later. This applies to all fare types (Go, Go Savvy, Go Comfy, Go Big) and Free Spirit award tickets, per U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations.
- No cancellation fees apply within this window, and refunds are processed within 7–10 business days.
After 24 Hours:
- General Policy: Spirit does not offer refundable fares to keep prices low. After the 24-hour window, cancellations typically result in a Reservation Credit for the ticket value, minus any applicable fees, valid for 1 year from issuance (for credits issued after May 12, 2024). Credits are non-transferable and must be used for a single booking, with no remaining value after use.
- No-Show Policy: Failing to cancel before departure results in forfeiture of the entire ticket value, with no credit or refund issued.
- Cancellations can be made up to 1 hour before the scheduled departure of the first flight.
Cancel For Any Reason (CFAR) Option:
- Available only during initial booking on spirit.com (not for existing reservations or third-party bookings), CFAR guarantees an 80% refund to the original payment method for cancellations made online at least 24 hours before departure.
- CFAR must be purchased for all passengers on the reservation, and the fee (based on reservation cost) is non-refundable. Cancellations within 24 hours of departure receive a Reservation Credit instead of a refund. Refunds take 7–10 business days.
Special Circumstances:
- Significant Delays: For delays over 2 hours, you may cancel and request a refund or opt for rebooking. EU/UK flights may qualify for EC 261/UK 261 compensation (€250-€600) if delayed 3+ hours, unless caused by extraordinary circumstances.
- Medical or Extenuating Circumstances: Refunds may be granted for emergencies (e.g., illness, death of a family member) with documentation, often via travel insurance or agency add-ons like Alternative Airlines’ Cancellation Protection.
- Weather-Related Cancellations: For hurricanes or similar events, Spirit may issue waivers allowing fee-free cancellations or changes. Check spirit.com for active waivers (e.g., for Florida in August 2024, as noted on Reddit).
