Tips for flying on Spirit Airlines are considered one of the important things that must be known before booking a flight, and this topic will be very useful for those who are traveling for the first time, as this company is one of the most important economic airlines in the United States of America, and its system is different from any other airlines, which guarantees the traveler an enjoyable and comfortable experience and at the same time less expensive, we will share with you in today’s article all the details that help you benefit as much as possible on flights By our website travelzat.

Best 10 Tips for Flying on Spirit Airlines
1. Understand Spirit Airlines’ Flight Change Policy and Rules
One of the most essential tips for flying on Spirit Airlines is to fully understand their flight change policy before you book. Spirit operates on an ultra-low-cost model, which means flexibility often comes with a price. You can modify your flight within 24 hours of booking without fees, as long as your departure is at least seven days away. After that, a change fee applies — and it increases closer to your travel date.
The rules of Spirit Airlines also state that if the airline makes a schedule change or cancels your flight, you’re eligible for a free modification or refund. Reading these policies carefully saves you stress later and helps you travel smart by avoiding unexpected costs.
2. How to Change a Flight on Spirit Airlines
Knowing how to change a flight on Spirit Airlines can make a huge difference when plans shift. Simply log into your Spirit Airlines account, find your booking, and select “Modify Flight.” You’ll see all available options along with any applicable fees.
For cheaper changes, make modifications online rather than at the airport — Spirit sometimes charges a higher service fee for in-person help. Another smart trick? Book your ticket using Spirit credit or travel vouchers if you have them; it simplifies the process and often reduces extra charges.
3. Pay for a Carry-On Instead of a Checked Bag
A surprisingly smart tip for flying on Spirit Airlines is to pay for a carry-on rather than a checked bag. Why? Because carry-ons are usually cheaper, and they save time at both check-in and baggage claim. Spirit allows one free personal item (like a small backpack) that fits under the seat, but if you need more space, purchasing a carry-on online during booking is much cheaper than doing it at the airport.
This simple move can save you $30–$60 per flight. Plus, packing light encourages efficiency — you’ll move faster, avoid lost luggage, and feel more organized.
4. Consider Buying Your Ticket at the Airport
One of the top tips for flying on Spirit Airlines that few travelers know is this: you can actually save money by buying your ticket directly at the airport. Spirit charges an online “Passenger Usage Fee,” which can add up to $20–$40 each way per ticket. Buying your fare at the counter eliminates this hidden fee.
If you live close to the airport or can stop by while running errands, this tip alone could save you a significant amount — especially if you’re booking for multiple travelers. Just remember to bring your ID, payment method, and patience, as wait times can vary.
5. Don’t Reserve Seats Until the Last Minute
Another best tip for flying on Spirit Airlines is to delay seat selection until the final check-in phase. Spirit charges extra for assigned seats, and if you’re flexible about where you sit, you can save money by letting the system assign your seat automatically.
However, if you’re traveling with family or want a window seat, it’s better to pay for your preferred spot in advance. Spirit’s “Big Front Seat” offers extra legroom and a more premium experience for a fraction of what traditional airlines charge for business class — still keeping your flight budget-friendly.
6. Use Skyscanner and Leave on a Friday
To maximize savings, one of the top travel hacks I’ve learned is to use Skyscanner and leave on a Friday. Skyscanner’s flexible date search helps you find the cheapest day to fly — and surprisingly, Friday departures with Spirit often have competitive fares.
By combining this with Spirit’s already low prices, you can plan spontaneous weekend getaways for a fraction of what major airlines charge. Plus, Skyscanner alerts help you track fare drops, giving you the advantage of timing your purchase perfectly.
7. Bring Your Own Snacks and Entertainment
Since Spirit focuses on affordability, don’t expect complimentary snacks or inflight entertainment. One of the smart tips for flying on Spirit Airlines is to prepare your own comfort kit. Pack snacks, refillable water bottles (after security), and offline entertainment like music playlists, podcasts, or downloaded shows.
This small preparation turns a no-frills flight into an enjoyable one. You’ll save money while avoiding overpriced snacks onboard — and the flight will pass much faster when you’re relaxed and entertained.
8. Check In Online and Arrive Early
A critical but often overlooked essential tip for flying on Spirit Airlines is to check in online 24 hours before your flight. Spirit charges a small fee for airport check-ins, so doing it online saves both time and money. Print your boarding pass at home or download it to your phone to avoid lines.
Also, Spirit is strict about cutoff times — most gates close 15 minutes before departure. Arriving at the airport early gives you a safety margin and prevents unnecessary stress if security lines are longer than expected.
9. Join the Free Spirit Loyalty Program
If you plan to fly with Spirit again, joining their Free Spirit Loyalty Program is one of the best tips for flying on Spirit Airlines. You’ll earn points on flights, baggage, and onboard purchases. Unlike many programs, Spirit allows you to redeem points for nearly any seat or date without blackout periods.
The program also connects with Spirit’s branded credit card, offering bonus miles and additional perks like free flight redemptions and exclusive deals. Over time, this can offset fees and make your travel experience more rewarding and cost-effective.
10. Be Flexible, Plan Ahead, and Travel Smart
Finally, the most important of all Tips for Flying on Spirit Airlines is to plan ahead while staying flexible. Spirit’s model rewards those who think ahead — buying add-ons early, comparing routes, and staying aware of policy updates.
Here’s how to travel smart with Spirit:
- Book early to get the lowest base fares.
- Double-check your baggage dimensions before leaving home.
- Monitor your email for gate or schedule changes.
- Stay calm and courteous — Spirit staff are often willing to help when you communicate respectfully.
Flexibility is key. If you adapt and prepare, you can enjoy comfortable, efficient, and budget-friendly travel every time you fly. Spirit Airlines isn’t about luxury — it’s about maximizing value and minimizing stress. And with these top tips for flying on Spirit Airlines, you’ll be ready to fly like a true pro.
Spirit Airlines App: The Smart Companion for Easy Check-in
The Spirit Airlines app helps you easily track your flight and manage all reservations; it is one of the essential tools for the traveler to make the experience easier and more economical, as it gives you the following:
- Choose the seats that suit you according to class and preferences and pay additional fees.
- Easily pay baggage fees without waiting at the airport terminal.
- Easily book tickets online by submitting all your required information online.
- Easily download your boarding pass online through the app.
- Push notifications are sent to you in case of an emergency regarding the flight or boarding gates.
- Track your journey step by step, and you can also add an extra bag or get additional services.
The Importance of Reading Spirit Airlines Policies Before Paying
Before booking with any airline, you must read its terms, booking policy and required fees in order to avoid any unwanted surprises, as Spirit Airlines adopts a distinctive policy of “pay as you go”, which means that you only pay the seat fee and any other required services start paying until you benefit from them.
By familiarizing yourself with the company’s policy and conditions, you can learn about the following:
- The weights allowed to be carried on board the airplane from different bags and luggage.
- The costs that must be paid after exceeding the free services.
- Learn about the company’s policy regarding flight rescheduling or cancellation.
- Familiarize yourself with the difference between paid and free bags to avoid surprise fees.
You can learn about these fees and read the policy in just a few minutes, but they are very important and make for a more organized trip, especially if you’re traveling with a flexible airline like Spirit Airlines.
Additional Tips for First-Time Spirit Airlines Travelers
If you are traveling for the first time with Spirit Airlines, here are the top tips to make the experience more enjoyable and smoother without any issues or surprises:
- Double-check the size of your bag and check the weight allowed on board according to the airline’s policy.
- Any excess, even if you think it’s minor, can cost you a hefty surcharge.
- Book all the services you want to take advantage of online as it’s more economical than booking in person.
- It’s best to arrive at the airport lounge a few hours before your flight to avoid any emergencies.
Common Mistakes Travelers Make with Spirit Airlines
Many travelers, especially if this is their first travel experience, fall into some mistakes that may cost them additional fees that they do not need, most notably the following:
- The traveler relies on the initial price of the ticket without looking at the company’s rules and other services, so you must read the booking details well to know the final cost.
- Exceeding the maximum allowable weight of bags on the plane, the sizes must be in accordance with what is specified and available.
- Arrive late or a few minutes before the departure time, as it is better to arrive at least two hours in advance to avoid any emergencies.
- Do not print your boarding pass before entering the airport, because the printing fees inside the airport are not simple and it is better to do it outside.
Smart Strategies to Take Advantage of Spirit Airlines offers
Spirit Airlines offers a lot of diverse offers and great discounts on flights, so if you are looking for an economical travel plan, this company will be your first choice, but follow some smart strategies in order to benefit successfully:
- Book the flight from the company’s official website and completely avoid intermediary websites to save yourself any additional fees.
- Sign up for the Spirit Saver$ Club program, which gives you an annual subscription with more exclusive discounts on seats, baggage and tickets.
- Keep an eye out for weekly emailed offers and seasonal discounts, sometimes up to half price.
- Choose flexible travel dates, as off-peak prices are much lower than holidays and vacations and services are quite different.
- Use the rewards and points offered by the Free Spirit program, which you can then redeem for free tickets in the future.
FAQ:
What Food Can You Bring on Board Spirit Airlines?
Travelers must abide by the airline’s rules that everything that can be obtained on board is at an additional charge, so if you want to save money, you can bring your own food and drinks, as the following are allowed:
- You can bring dry snacks such as nuts, biscuits and some pre-cut fruits.
- The food you bring must be packaged and must not have a strong odor or contain liquids.
- Water bottles and some juices that are checked by security before boarding the airplane.
Does Spirit Offer in-Flight Wi-Fi?
Yes, complimentary in-flight Wi-Fi is available, but it is subject to several restrictions and there are details that you should know first:
- Although this service is available with the airline, it may not be included in the plan for some airplanes, so check first before boarding.
- This service is not free of charge, you must book and pay the required fees as part of the travel and reservation procedures.
- Your device must be in flight mode and then the Wi-Fi service is activated and connected to the network according to its name and password.
When is The Best Time to Book a Flight with Spirit Airlines?
Determining the ideal time to book a flight with Spirit Airlines depends on the time of booking and travel flexibility, as premium fares are approximately 2 to 3 months before the flight date for regular seasons, but peak seasons are best booked at least six months in advance.
From the experiences of previous travelers, it would be best to book on Tuesday or Wednesday, as it is the best time to book because on these days the company starts to launch its promotions, and Saturday is cheaper than the weekend.
✈️ My Personal Experience About Tips for Flying on Spirit Airlines
I have to admit — I’ve always been a little nervous about traveling. New places, new airports, new airlines… it all felt a bit overwhelming to me. Because I travel frequently for work abroad, I’ve had my fair share of surprises in the air — from missed connections to unexpected fees. So when I first thought about booking a flight with Spirit Airlines, I hesitated. I had heard mixed reviews — some good, some not so much — but curiosity (and the low price tag!) finally won me over.
🌟 The Start of My Spirit Journey
Before booking, I spent an evening scrolling through travel forums and blogs, reading every possible Tips for Flying on Spirit Airlines article I could find. The more I read, the more I realized that flying with Spirit wasn’t really about luck — it was about preparation. This airline is known for being ultra-low-cost, but that means every extra — from your seat selection to carry-on bags — can come with a fee if you don’t plan ahead.
Armed with a checklist and a cup of coffee, I started planning like a pro. I packed light, checked the baggage dimensions twice, and even brought my own snacks to avoid paying extra onboard. By the time I got to the airport, I felt oddly calm — as if I had finally cracked some secret traveler’s code.
💼 Small Details That Made a Big Difference
The first thing that struck me about Spirit Airlines was how efficient the check-in process was. The staff were surprisingly friendly, and even though the line moved fast, they took time to answer a few of my questions. The plane itself was simple — no fancy screens or extra frills — but it was clean and modern.
Here are a few small things I did that truly helped:
- Checked in online early. It saved me both time and money.
- Brought a personal item only. The bag fit perfectly under the seat — no extra fees!
- Downloaded entertainment ahead of time. Spirit doesn’t offer free in-flight Wi-Fi, so I came prepared.
By following these little steps, I realized that what some travelers complain about — like tight seats or extra costs — were actually easy to manage once you knew the system.
✈️ What I Learned from This Experience
Honestly, I used to think budget airlines meant chaos and discomfort. But Spirit Airlines taught me something different. It’s not about cutting corners — it’s about being smart. By following these simple tips for flying on Spirit Airlines, I managed to make my trip both affordable and surprisingly enjoyable. The flight was smooth, the crew was polite, and I landed feeling more relaxed than I had in months.
Spirit isn’t a bad airline — it’s just one that rewards smart travelers. When you plan ahead, understand the rules, and stay organized, you can actually enjoy a comfortable flight without breaking your budget.
After exploring these 10 genius Tips for Flying on Spirit Airlines, it’s clear that small choices can completely transform your travel experience. From packing light and choosing the right seat to understanding Spirit’s fare system, these strategies help you fly smarter, save more, and actually enjoy the journey instead of stressing about it.
We can see from the above that following the right tips for flying on Spirit Airlines truly makes a big difference. When you plan ahead, stay organized, and apply the advice shared here, you’ll strike the perfect balance between comfort and savings on every trip. Ready to try these tips yourself? Share your experience or your favorite travel hack in the comments below!
SOURCES AND INTERNAL IMPORTANT LINKS:
- How to Change Spirit Airlines Flight? Fees, Tips & Policy
- Spirit Airlines: 9 Tips
- Economy and Premium Economy Difference, Notably on US Airlines
- The Best Airline Ticket Price Alerts: 9 Secrets Airlines Don’t Want You to Know


