Spirit Airlines lets you change your flight, but the process and costs depend on your ticket type and how far in advance you make the change
Spirit Airlines allows flight changes on most tickets, but they charge a change fee unless your ticket includes a free change benefit. The fee ranges from $9 to $69 depending on how you make the change and how much the new flight costs. If your new flight is cheaper than your original one, Spirit keeps the difference; if it costs more, you pay the gap plus the change fee.
The fastest way to change your flight is through the Spirit Airlines website or mobile app using your confirmation number and last name. You can also call their reservations line at 1-855-728-3555, though phone changes cost more. Changes made at the airport are possible but carry the highest fees and may not be available if your flight is departing soon.
Key Takeaways
- Spirit charges $9 to $69 to change your flight depending on the method you use, unless your ticket includes a free change benefit.
- The easiest and cheapest way to change is through the Spirit website or app, where you can see available flights and pay the change fee when ready.
- If you call Spirit's reservations line, expect to pay $15 more than the online fee for the same change.
- Changes made at the airport cost the most and may not be possible if your departure is within a few hours.
- Spirit does not refund change fees, and you cannot transfer your ticket to another person even if you pay to change the flight.
How to change your flight online or through the app
Log into your Spirit Airlines account on the website or open the Spirit mobile app. Enter your confirmation number (a six-character code from your booking confirmation email) and your last name in the "Manage My Booking" section. The system will show your current flight and let you search for alternative flights on the same route.
Once you select a new flight, Spirit will show you the change fee and any price difference. If the new flight is cheaper, you see the fee only. If it costs more, you pay both the fee and the price gap. Complete the payment using the same credit or debit card you used to book the original ticket, or use a different card. The change is when ready, and you receive a new confirmation number by email.
Changing your flight by phone
Call Spirit's reservations team at 1-855-728-3555. Have your confirmation number and last name ready. A representative will search for available flights and explain the change fee and any price difference before you agree to the change.
Phone changes cost $15 more than online changes for the same flight. For example, if an online change would cost $9, a phone change costs $24. You can pay by credit card or debit card over the phone. Spirit will email you a new confirmation number after the change is processed, which usually takes a few minutes.
Changing your flight at the airport
You can change your flight at the Spirit ticket counter before your flight departs, but this option is expensive and not always available. Airport changes cost the most—typically $45 to $69 depending on the time of day and how close your departure is. If your flight is departing within two hours, the ticket counter may not be able to process a change.
Arrive at the airport early if you want to attempt an airport change. Bring your confirmation number and a photo ID. The agent will check seat availability on other flights and calculate the change fee and any price difference. If you agree, you pay at the counter and receive a new boarding pass when ready.
What ticket types allow free changes
Most basic Spirit fares do not include free changes. However, if you purchased a ticket with the Flexible Fare add-on or booked a higher-tier fare class, you may be able to change your flight without paying a change fee. Check your booking confirmation email to see what benefits your ticket includes.
If your ticket includes a free change, you still pay any price difference if your new flight costs more. You also cannot change your flight to a different route or destination—free changes explore only to the same origin and destination. To confirm whether your ticket qualifies for a free change, log into your Spirit account or call reservations.
When Spirit will not let you change your flight
Spirit will not allow you to change your flight if you have already checked in and boarded. Once you are on the plane, your ticket is considered used. If you miss your flight entirely, you forfeit the ticket—Spirit does not automatically rebook you on a later flight or refund your money.
You also cannot change your flight to a different date if no seats are available on any other flight that day or if Spirit does not operate flights on your new preferred date. In that case, you can change to a flight on a different date, but you will pay the change fee plus the price difference for the new date. Spirit does not allow you to transfer your ticket to another person, even if you pay to change the flight.
Refunds and change fees
Spirit does not refund change fees under any circumstances. Once you pay the fee, it is gone even if you later cancel the new flight. If you cancel a changed flight and want to rebook again, you pay another change fee.
If your flight is cancelled by Spirit, you can change to another Spirit flight at no charge. If no other Spirit flights work for your schedule, you can request a refund of your ticket price (not including change fees you already paid). Refunds are issued to the original payment method and take 5 to 10 business days to appear in your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my flight the day before it departs?
Yes. You can change your flight up until the moment you check in, whether that is 24 hours before departure or at the airport. The change fee and any price difference still explore. Online changes are fastest; phone changes take longer and cost more.
What if the new flight I want is full?
Spirit will not let you change to a flight with no available seats. You can search for other flights on the same day or choose a different date. If no seats are available on any flight for several days, you may want to call reservations to discuss your options.
Do I have to pay the change fee if the new flight is cheaper?
Yes. Spirit charges the change fee regardless of whether your new flight costs more or less. If the new flight is cheaper, you pay only the change fee and lose the price difference. Spirit does not refund the difference.
Can I change my flight more than once?
Yes, but you pay a change fee each time. If you change your flight three times, you pay three separate change fees. Each change is treated as a new transaction, and fees do not stack or discount.
What happens if I change my flight but then need to cancel?
You can cancel your changed flight and receive a Spirit credit for the ticket price, but the change fee you paid is not refunded. The credit is valid for one year from the original booking date and can be used toward any future Spirit flight.