Spirit Airlines lets you change your flight, but the process and cost depend on when you change it and what type of ticket you bought

Spirit charges a change fee for most tickets, though the amount varies based on how far in advance you make the change and which fare type you purchased. Basic Economy fares — the cheapest option — carry the highest change fees. If you booked a higher fare class, your change fee may be lower or waived entirely. The airline also charges the difference in ticket price if your new flight costs more than your original one.

You can change your flight online through your Spirit account, by phone, or at the airport, though making the change online is usually fastest. Spirit does not allow you to change your flight for free within 24 hours of booking the way some other airlines do — that policy applies only to cancellations, not changes.

Key Takeaways

  • Spirit charges a change fee that ranges from $0 to $69 depending on your fare type and how close your flight is, plus any difference in ticket price.
  • You can change your flight online through your Spirit account, by phone at 1-855-728-3555, or at the airport ticket counter.
  • Changing your flight more than 60 days before departure usually costs less than changing it closer to your travel date.
  • If you change to a cheaper flight, Spirit keeps the fare difference as a credit toward future travel rather than refunding it to your original payment method.

Change fees by fare type and timing

Spirit's change fees depend on which ticket class you purchased and when you make the change. Basic Economy fares — the lowest price tier — carry the highest fees. Standard fares and higher classes have lower fees or no fee at all. The timing of your change also matters: changing more than 60 days before departure costs less than changing within 60 days.

As of the most recent update, Basic Economy fares cost $0 to change if you make the change more than 60 days before departure, but $35 to $69 if you change within 60 days. Standard fares and above typically have lower or no change fees. You should check your booking confirmation or log into your Spirit account to see the exact fee for your specific ticket, since these amounts can shift and vary by route.

On top of the change fee, you pay the difference in ticket price if your new flight costs more. If your new flight costs less, Spirit does not refund the difference — instead, it becomes a credit you can use for a future booking on Spirit.

How to change your flight online

The fastest way to change your Spirit flight is through your account on Spirit's website. Go to spirit.com, click "Manage My Booking," and enter your confirmation number and last name. Once you log in, you can view your reservation and select the option to change your flight.

Spirit will show you available flights on your new date and time. Select the flight you want, review the change fee and any price difference, and complete the payment. You will receive a new confirmation number by email. This process usually takes 10 to 15 minutes and does not require you to call or visit the airport.

Changing your flight by phone or at the airport

If you prefer to change your flight by phone, call Spirit's customer service at 1-855-728-3555. Have your confirmation number and last name ready. The phone line is available seven days a week, though wait times can be long during peak travel hours. You will pay the same change fee and price difference as you would online.

You can also change your flight at the Spirit ticket counter at the airport, though this should be your last option. Airport changes take longer and may not be possible if your flight is departing soon. If you arrive at the airport and want to change your flight, go to the ticket counter at least two hours before departure for domestic flights.

What happens if you miss your flight

If you miss your Spirit flight, you cannot change it to a later flight the same day for free. Instead, you must pay a change fee plus any fare difference to rebook on another Spirit flight. Missing your flight does not automatically cancel your return flight or any connecting flights — you need to contact Spirit to make those changes separately.

The sooner you contact Spirit after missing your flight, the more options you will have. Call 1-855-728-3555 or use the Manage My Booking tool online to see what flights are available and what the change fee will be.

Using a credit from a previous change or cancellation

If you previously changed or cancelled a Spirit flight and received a credit, you can use that credit toward your change fee and any price difference on your new booking. Log into your Spirit account and the credit will appear automatically when you select a new flight. The credit applies to the total cost (change fee plus any fare difference) and does not expire, though it is tied to the original passenger name and cannot be transferred.

If your credit does not appear in your account, contact Spirit customer service with your original confirmation number. They can verify the credit and explore it manually if needed.

Changes to international flights and connecting flights

Changing an international Spirit flight follows the same process as a domestic change, but the change fee may be higher and the available flights may be more limited. If you have a connecting flight, you must change both legs of your trip separately — changing one leg does not automatically change the other.

If you are changing a flight that connects through another airline (for example, a Spirit flight that connects to a partner airline), contact Spirit directly because the process is more complex and may involve fees from the partner airline as well.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change my Spirit flight for free?

You can change a Spirit flight for free only if you booked a Standard or higher fare class and change it more than 60 days before departure. Basic Economy fares always carry a change fee. You can also change for free within 24 hours of booking, but only if you cancel and rebook — not if you change an existing reservation.

What if the new flight I want is cheaper than my original flight?

Spirit does not refund the difference. Instead, the difference becomes a credit toward a future Spirit booking. The credit is non-transferable and tied to your name, but it does not expire.

Can I change my flight the day before it departs?

Yes, you can change your flight the day before departure, but you will pay the full change fee (up to $69 for Basic Economy) plus any fare difference. Changing this close to your flight date is the most expensive option.

What if I need to change my flight but I am not sure what date I want yet?

You do not have to decide your new date when ready. You can change your flight to a specific date and time, or you can cancel and receive a credit that you can use within one year to book any Spirit flight. A credit from a cancellation is more flexible than a change because you can use it for any date and route.

Do I lose my seat assignment if I change my flight?

Your seat assignment does not automatically transfer to your new flight. After you change your flight, log back into your Spirit account to select a new seat. If you had paid for a specific seat on your original flight, you may need to pay again for a seat on your new flight, depending on the seat type.