Flying plans can change in a heartbeat—and knowing Spirit Airlines’ cancellation policy can save you time, money, and stress. If you’re wondering whether you can get a full refund or if there are fees involved, this guide breaks it all down for you.
What is Spirit Airlines’ cancellation policy?
Spirit Airlines cancellation policy is designed to be low-cost but strict. Since Spirit is an ultra-low-cost carrier, it charges for many services that traditional airlines offer for free—including cancellations and flight changes. The good news? There are some situations where you can cancel and get a refund or travel credit.
Most Spirit fares are non-refundable, but you can cancel and receive a Spirit Airlines reservation credit if eligible. The sooner you cancel, the better, especially if it’s within 24 hours of booking.
Can I cancel a Spirit Airlines flight within 24 hours of booking?
Yes! According to Spirit Airlines’ 24-hour cancellation policy, you can cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking and get a full refund—as long as the departure date is at least 7 days away. This policy applies regardless of the fare type.
This aligns with the U.S. Department of Transportation’s 24-hour rule and is a great way to hold your booking without commitment.
Does Spirit Airlines charge a cancellation fee?
Yes, Spirit Airlines does charge a cancellation fee, but the amount depends on when you cancel:
- 60+ days before departure: No fee
- 31–59 days before: $69
- 7–30 days before: $99
- 0–6 days before: $119
These fees are subtracted from your fare, and the remaining balance is issued as a Spirit Airlines reservation credit. You won’t get cash back unless you qualify for a full refund under special cases.
How do I cancel a Spirit Airlines flight online or through the app?
To cancel your Spirit flight:
- Visit Spirit.com
- Log in to My Trips
- Enter your confirmation number and last name
- Select “Cancel Reservation”
- Follow the steps to confirm your cancellation
You can also use the Spirit Airlines mobile app for flight cancellations or contact customer service if needed.
Will I get a refund if I cancel my Spirit Airlines ticket?
Refunds from Spirit Airlines are limited. Most base fares are non-refundable. However, you may be eligible for a full refund if:
- You cancel within 24 hours of booking
- Spirit changes your flight significantly (more than 2 hours)
- You have a Flight Flex add-on and cancel within the allowed window
- You purchased a refundable fare (rare on Spirit)
Otherwise, expect a Spirit Airlines travel credit rather than a cash refund.
What happens if Spirit Airlines cancels my flight due to weather or mechanical issues?
If Spirit Airlines cancels your flight last minute due to weather or operational issues, you have a few options:
- Rebook on the next available Spirit flight at no charge
- Request a refund or travel credit
- In some cases, Spirit may allow you to make free changes to your itinerary
Be sure to check the Spirit Airlines changed my flight policy section on their website for the latest updates.
Can I cancel a Spirit Airlines flight booked with points or Free Spirit rewards?
Yes, you can cancel a flight booked using Free Spirit® points. Spirit will re-deposit your points and issue any fees paid as a Spirit Airlines reservation credit, minus applicable cancellation fees.
Note: Award bookings follow the same cancellation timelines and fee structure as regular tickets.
What if I miss my Spirit Airlines flight—can I get a refund or credit?
If you miss your flight and don’t cancel in advance, you’ll likely lose the full fare—Spirit Airlines is strict about no-shows. However, if you miss your flight due to uncontrollable events (like a medical emergency), it’s worth contacting customer service and providing documentation.
For more flexibility, consider adding the Flight Flex option when booking, which allows for one free flight change before check-in.
How do I use Spirit Airlines travel credit from a canceled flight?
If you received a Spirit Airlines travel credit, here’s how to use it:
- Go to Spirit.com and book a new flight
- On the payment page, choose “Redeem a Reservation Credit”
- Enter the credit code provided via email
Credits are usually valid for 90 days from the issue date, so don’t wait too long to rebook.
Conclusion
While Spirit Airlines isn’t the most flexible when it comes to cancellations, understanding the Spirit Airlines cancellation policy can help you avoid unexpected fees. Remember to cancel within 24 hours when possible, watch for any schedule changes initiated by Spirit, and consider adding Flight Flex for extra peace of mind.
If you’re asking, “Do you get a full refund if you cancel a flight?”, the answer with Spirit is: only in certain cases—so always review your fare conditions before booking.
