Understanding The Spirit Airlines Refund Policy: What You Need to Know

If you are thinking about Spirit Airlines refund policy, you are not the only one. Most travelers are uncertain of what refunds they are entitled to- especially when it comes to non-refundable fares or last time booking cancellations. Here we explain the Spirit refunding policies, how to make a refund request, exceptions, and how to avoid the additional charges.

Regardless of whether you purchased your Spirit ticket directly from this airline or using a third-party reseller, you will find this guide to be useful in terms of claiming your refund and recovering your money faster.

Quick Summary of Spirit Airlines Refund Policy (2025)

Feature	Details
24-Hour Cancellation	Full refund for flights canceled within 24 hours of booking (if booked 7+ days in advance)
Refundable Fares	Spirit rarely offers fully refundable fares
Non-Refundable Fares	Generally not eligible for refunds unless flight is canceled or rescheduled
Flight Cancellations	Full refund or free rebooking offered by Spirit
Refund Timeline	7–20 business days depending on payment method
Request Method	Online form, customer service call, or at the airport
Third-Party Bookings	Must request refund through original booking platform

What is the Spirit Airlines Refund Policy All About?

Spirit Airlines is the low-cost airline with a proven track record of cheap prices- and yes- very strict refund policies. Their refund policy is tailored in such a way that it provides little flexibility and does not create huge loss. Most spirit tickets are non-refundable, but there are conditions, such as airlines cancellations or cancellation within 24 hours, in which the passengers can get a full or partial refund.

Expecting these conditions prior to making a reservation will help prevent the hustle or surprises on later payment.

Refund Rules by Ticket or Fare Type

Refundable Fares

• Spirit Airlines does not typically offer fully refundable fares.

• If you purchased a travel insurance plan or opted for the “Flight Flex” add-on, you may be able to modify your flight but not necessarily get a cash refund.

  
  

Non-Refundable Fares

• Most Spirit tickets are non-refundable.

• If you cancel outside the 24-hour window or without any special circumstances, you may receive a Reservation Credit instead of a monetary refund.

• Reservation Credits are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.

  
  

Basic Economy or Promotional Fares

• These are the most restricted fares.

• Generally not eligible for refunds, even with schedule changes.

• You may still qualify for a credit if Spirit cancels or significantly delays your flight.

  
  

How to Get a Refund from Spirit Airlines – Step-by-Step Guide

To seek a refund, follow the steps and request a refund depending on your eligibility:

1. Check Eligibility

Confirm eligibility to get a refund (in the first 24 hours, the ticket was canceled by the airline, etc.).

2. Visit Spirit’s Refund Page, Go to: https://www.spirit.com

3. Login to Your Account or Use Confirmation Number Enter your booking reference and passenger details.

4. Submit a Refund Request

   • Go to My Trips section

   • Go to the Flight you want to cancel, click on “Cancel Reservation”

   • In case they are eligible, a refund or credit option will be seen

5. Track Your Request: Spirit may take 7–20 business days to process the refund.

6. For Third-Party Bookings: Contact the travel agency or website you used to complete your refund request.

   
   

Fees and Refund Timelines

Refund Type	Processing Time	Notes
Credit/Debit Card Refund	7–10 business days	Delays may occur due to banking issues
Spirit Reservation Credit	Instant to 3 business days	Usable within 12 months
PayPal Refund	10–20 business days	Depends on PayPal's processing

• Refunds are issued in original form of payment.

• You cannot cancel your journey and be refunded the service fees and packaging fees of the airline, unless your journey was canceled by the airline.

  
  

Special Cases or Exceptions

DOT 24-Hour Rule

• Under U.S. law, you can cancel your booking within 24 hours of purchase for a full refund, as long as the flight departs 7 or more days later.

  
  

Flight Cancellations by Spirit

• In the event that Spirit cancels or signs your flight or significantly delays the arrival of your flight, you have the right to:

• A one hundred percent defeasance

• A complimentary rebooking on another Spirit flight

• Or a credit reservation

  
  

Medical or Emergency Cases

• Spirit may consider refunds for serious illness, death in the family, or military orders.

• Documentation (e.g., doctor’s note or death certificate) must be provided.

  
  

Travel Agency or Third-Party Bookings

• Refunds must be processed through the platform you used to book (e.g., Expedia, Priceline).

• Spirit cannot directly refund third-party bookings.

  
  

Tips to Get Faster Refunds or Avoid Fees

• Cancellation Early If you would like to cancel, do so within 24 hours of making a booking.

• Use the Spirit App: Refunds can be requested through the app, which can make a difference in getting the request approved.

• Direct with Spirit: Refund management is easier than on third-party websites.

• Consider Travel Insurance: Adds insurance in case of random cancellations.

• Retain Documentation and Receipts: Documentation is required whenever you are seeking a special case refund.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Spirit Airlines’ 24-hour refund policy?

Spirit offers a full refund if you cancel your flight within 24 hours of booking, provided the flight is at least 7 days away.

How long does it take to get a refund from Spirit Airlines?

Refunds typically take 7–10 business days for credit cards, and up to 20 days for PayPal.

Can I get a refund if Spirit cancels my flight?

Yes, if Spirit cancels or reschedules your flight, you are entitled to a full refund or a free rebooking.

What if I booked through Expedia or another site?

You’ll need to contact the original booking platform to request a refund; Spirit won’t process it directly.

Are baggage fees refundable?

No, baggage and seat selection fees are non-refundable unless the flight is canceled by the airline.

Conclusion

Being aware of Spirit Airlines refund policy can cost you not only time but stress and hundreds of dollars. The policy of Spirit is more critical as compared to the policy of traditional carriers, still, there are certain actions that are likely to increase your probabilities of getting your money back. The guide will help you to stay up to date and make a better decision when it comes to traveling. For additional guidance on airline policies or refund support, you can reach out to Tours N Travel Pro at www.toursntravelpro.com or call +1-866-679-5070.

✍️ Author Bio

Andrew Son is an Airline Policy Specialist with over 8 years of experience helping travelers understand airline refund rules, cancellations, and rebooking processes. He regularly contributes to trusted travel platforms and supports airline customers worldwide.