spirit airlines seat assignment fees

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What You Need to Know About Spirit Airlines Fees

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It can be easy to be fooled into thinking you scored a deal after nabbing a $26 flight to Las Vegas on Spirit Airlines.

But while the airfare itself is certainly cheap, there’s a good chance your total flight costs will far exceed $26. That’s because Spirit Airlines has one of the most comprehensive a la carte pricing models of any airline. Spirit seats on their own tend to be tantalizingly cheap, but things that other airlines typically include in the cost of airfare — like soft drinks and reserved seats — will cost you extra.

Suddenly, your $26 flight might start to cost the same, or even more, than the fares listed for non-budget airlines.

» Learn more: Spirit Airlines: The complete guide

Spirit Airlines bag fees

Base fares include one personal item, like a laptop bag or purse. But don’t think you can get away with not having to pay by stuffing all your possessions into a backpack, as even that might not fit. Spirit defines a personal item as anything 18 by 14 by 8 inches or smaller. Even something like this fairly standard-size Adidas backpack would be too large by Spirit standards.

For larger bags, like that backpack or rolling luggage, there’s a good chance that the cost to fly your stuff is more than the cost to fly yourself.

Spirit doesn’t publish standard bag fees, as they can vary not only based on route but also on when you pay for them. And the longer you wait, the more you’ll pay. If you’re paying at the gate, you could end up paying nearly twice as much as if you had paid the bag fee at the time of booking.

While fees can fluctuate, here’s what Spirit bag fees look like for the aforementioned $26 flight between Seattle and Las Vegas:

And that’s assuming your baggage weighs 50 pounds or less. Here are the additional fees you’d pay per bag if transporting large or heavy items:

For customers enrolled in Spirit’s add-on membership program called Spirit Saver$ Club, there’s some good news: Bag fees are discounted. The membership costs $69.95 for 12 months, $99.90 ($5 savings) for 18 months and $129.90 ($10 savings) for 24 months.

Here’s how much typical bag fees cost for that same flight if you’re a member of the Spirit Saver$ Club:

What does Spirit consider a personal item vs. carry-on vs. checked bag?

Depending on the size of your bag, it might not be considered a personal item, even if it fits under the seat in front of you. What’s more, you might not be able to carry it on, even if you think it’s a relatively small suitcase. Here’s how Spirit defines each type of bag:

Personal item: Maximum of 18 by 14 by 8 inches, including handles and wheels.

Carry-on: Maximum of 22 by 18 by 10 inches, including handles and wheels.

Checked bag: Maximum of 62 linear inches (length plus width plus height) including handles and wheels, and less than 100 pounds (overweight/oversize baggage fees apply).

Spirit Airlines change fees

In a move that brings them in line with many other carriers in the industry — even budget competitor Frontier — Spirit has done away with change and cancellation fees .

» Learn more: Plan your next redemption with our airline points tool

Fees to check in and obtain your boarding pass for your Spirit flight

There’s no fee to check in online for your Spirit flight. Once checked in, print your boarding pass at home, too, because it’s free.

But if you fail to plan ahead, you’ll have to pay up.

If you need to print your boarding pass at an airport kiosk, it costs $2. If you’re a luddite who prefers bypassing the kiosk in favor of a human, it costs even more: $10 to have your boarding pass printed by an airport agent.

Spirit waives those fees in a few circumstances, such as if you’re traveling as an unaccompanied minor, with a lap infant, or if you’re using a military ID instead of a passport and are unable to check in online.

Fees to select a seat ahead of time

Whether you’re trying to avoid the middle seat or you just want to guarantee that you can sit next to your kid, it’s going to cost you to choose your seat ahead of time.

Spirit doesn’t have a published list of seat assignment pricing as it varies per flight, though the airline says all seat reservations start at a minimum of $5.

But $5 is a liberal assumption for how much you’ll actually pay to reserve your seats. Here’s how much seat assignments cost on that same $26 flight between Seattle and Las Vegas:

The "Big Front Seats" have more legroom, are wider (no middle seat in the row) and cost an additional $40. The often-coveted seats in the emergency exit rows cost $20, and even a middle seat near the back costs $12 to reserve.

Fees for in-flight refreshments

Fees for in-flight food and alcoholic beverages are common across all airlines. Some more generous airlines will dole out complimentary in-flight snacks (we see you, Delta Biscoff cookies and JetBlue Terra Chips). But Spirit won’t even throw in a free Diet Coke.

All refreshments sold in-flight on Spirit come with a fee, such as coffee ($2), sodas and juices ($3), beer and wine ($8) and snacks like Pringles or Oreos (starting at $3).

In-cabin pet fee

Spirit charges $110 per pet container, each way, with a limit of four pets total in the cabin. Spirit allows you to put two pets in one container. If you are traveling with a pet or two, they’ll always ride with you in-cabin, as Spirit does not transport pets in cargo.

And even still, there are a number of limitations. Pets need to be small, since the container must fit under the seat, and pets must be able to stand and turn around in the container. Plus, the combined weight of the pet and carrier must be 40 pounds or less.

Priority boarding and security access

For an additional fee, you can whiz through security and be one of the first to board the plane. Starting at $7.99, Spirit’s “Shortcut Boarding” access allows you priority boarding in Zone 2.

Depending on the airport you’re departing from, you may also be able to pay for "Shortcut Security," though we don’t recommend it. It’s not TSA PreCheck , but it will allow you to go through security in an expedited lane. Costs vary per airport but don’t exceed $20, though it's not a guarantee your airport even offers the Shortcut Security program.

Unaccompanied minor fees

Is your kid flying alone? That’s an extra $100.

You’ll get hit with that unaccompanied minor fee if the child is 5-14 years old. On the bright side, Spirit will throw in a free snack and drink for your kid, a solid $6 value.

Spirit won’t allow children to fly alone if they’re 4 or younger, or if they’re traveling on a connecting flight, international flights or domestic flights that include a scheduled change of aircraft.

Bundle packages

Spirit offers bundled packages during the booking process. If you anticipate paying for a number of these fees anyway, then bundling them isn’t a bad deal.

Going back to that same flight between Seattle and Las Vegas, it costs $52.99 more for the Boost It package and $64.99 for the Bundle It package.

Here’s how much it would cost to order a la carte what you can get in the combo packages for one set price:

Boost It package (costs $52.99):

Pick Your Seat: $20 (exit row!).

Personal item: $0 (already included with airfare).

Checked Bag plus 10 pounds extra: $33 (if the bag weighs 40 pounds or less) or $63 (if it weighs 50 pounds or less).

Shortcut Boarding: $7.99.

The Boost It package is worth $88.99 in this scenario (if you take advantage of the 50 pound allowance), which is a $36 savings. If your bag is less than 40 pounds ($33) but you want to pick a seat ($20) and have Shortcut Boarding ($7.99), then you save only a few dollars on the Boost It bundle price. But if your bag is in that weight sweet spot (40-50 pounds), you’ll save $36 with this bundle.

Bundle It package (costs $64.99):

Pick Your Seat: $20.

Flight Flex: $45.

*It’s tough to assign a value to Spirit miles because you accrue a different number of miles based on your status within the Free Spirit program.

The 2x miles aside, the Bundle It package is worth $133.99 in this scenario, which is a $69 savings if you were to buy each item individually at booking. Spirit says it’s a $104 savings value, based on the company’s own mileage valuation.

Again, if you are packing that oversize bag (between 40 and 50 pounds) or you want the Flight Flex option (which we don’t really recommend), then it’s worth it. But if you want only a few things — say one checked bag that weighs less than 40 pounds, the ability to choose your seat and shortcut boarding — keep buying a la carte.

Fees across U.S. airlines

In NerdWallet's most recent analysis of airline fees , we compared seat selection, checked baggage and overhead carry-on baggage fees charged by the major U.S. airlines on typical one-way fares.

Note: This analysis is based on 2023 data and does not take into account recent baggage fee price hikes across multiple airlines. Our next analysis will happen in the fall of 2024.

Here's how they stacked up:

Spirit is a low-cost carrier, which means that the price you pay for the flight will include only the ticket itself. You will need to pay for everything you’d like to add such as bags, printing your boarding pass at the airport, selecting your seat, award redemption fees, meals on the flight, early boarding and more. The fees fluctuate based on when you purchase these add-ons, so a bag purchased at booking will be cheaper than if you purchase it at the gate.

Because Spirit is a low-cost carrier, you will need to pay extra for everything other than the flight. So, if you’ll be checking a bag, printing your boarding pass at the airport, purchasing food on the plane and paying for a seat up front, you’ll end up paying for each of these add-ons, which will increase the price of your ticket. If you often fly with Spirit and value these extras, the carrier offers the Spirit Saver$ Club, which provides discounts on bags, seats and more.

Spirit will assign a random seat to you during the check-in process. However, if you’d like to choose your own seat or select one at booking, you will need to pay for it. The proximity to the front of the plane also affects the cost of the seat. If you’re interested in the Big Front Seat, which is Spirit’s equivalent of domestic first class, it will be cheaper to purchase this seat in advance instead of at the airport.

You are allowed one personal item (e.g., purse, small backpack) free of charge. The dimensions must not exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) including handles and wheels. If your backpack is larger, refer to the carry-on and checked bag price list.

The bottom line

Book your $26 flight, but expect to spend a lot more than that.

You might have thought you could get away without a carry-on when you booked the flight, but as you start packing, you realize you’ll need a small rolling suitcase. That’s an extra $45 at check-in.

You don’t have a printer, so you’ll have to pay $2 to print your boarding pass at the airport kiosk.

You don’t want the middle seat so you accept you’ll pay $14 to choose an aisle, but why pay $14 for an aisle when it’s only $6 more for the exit row aisle? You pay $20 to choose a good seat.

Once flying, you pay $3 for a ginger ale. While your credit card is already out, you throw in Sea Salt PopCorners for $4.

Suddenly, your $26 flight has become $100. That’s not even including a number of other fees you might end up paying too, like pet fees, priority boarding and more.

Don’t be fooled into thinking Spirit has ultra-cheap fares. Traveling with Spirit is cheap if you pack uber-light — and pack your own snacks. For budget travelers who can plan ahead, Spirit can be a deal. But pay attention when booking, because your “cheap” Spirit flight might cost more than a ticket on any of the other airlines.

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Spirit Airlines do's and don'ts: Don't freak out about the seats, do sign up for deals

With a fraction of the planes and daily flights, Spirit Airlines isn't as well known as its major competitors save for the occasional eye-popping fare sale or joke on late-night TV.

But the Florida-based budget airline is expanding rapidly, with new service in Nashville , Tenn.; Charlotte, North Carolina; and California this year, meaning an increasing number of travelers are going to see Spirit in airfare searches and at their airport gates.

USA TODAY took seven Spirit flights in five days to check out the expanding discount airline with the hard-to-miss yellow and black planes.

Here are 13 do's and don'ts:

1. Do the math when shopping for tickets . That $65 one-way fare from Detroit to Las Vegas will quickly balloon if you’re bringing anything bigger than a purse or backpack   (Spirit charges for carry-on and checked bags ) and want an advance seat assignment. Conversely, it probably can’t be beat if you travel light and don’t care where you sit.

2.  Don’t assume a similarly priced ticket on another airline will get you more . American, United and Delta created basic economy fares to match Spirit’s bargain fares, and those tickets come with their own restrictions. American and Delta do allow a free standard carry-on bag unlike Spirit, but United, for example, does not. And all three major airlines charge basic economy passengers for advance seat assignments . 

3.  Do sign up for Spirit emails and , if you plan to fly Spirit a lot, the $9 Fare Club ($60 a year). Spirit sends almost daily emails with promo codes for flight discounts. One 50% off deal saved me $35 on a cheap flight from Fort Lauderdale. Note that they are limited-time offers, sometimes requiring purchase that day, and the discount doesn’t shave 50% off the posted fare because Spirit has several fees – including an arcane and pricey "passenger usage charge" – baked into the fare that is displayed. But it's still savings you wouldn't otherwise get. The $9 Fare Club, which is $60 the first year and $70 in succeeding years, provides discounts on airfare and big discounts on bag fees. I recouped the cost with my first booking.

7 Spirit Airlines flights in 5 days: The good, the (not too) bad and the annoying

4. Don't pay for a seat assignment if you aren't picky about your seat. A Spirit ticket does not include an advance seat assignment. A seat is assigned last minute at online check-in or at the airport. The pickings may be slim – hello, middle seat – or you could get lucky and be randomly assigned an aisle or window seat or, even better, an exit row seat or empty Big Front Seat. Families are often separated. Spirit tries to sell you a seat several times during and after booking. The price to reserve an aisle seat on two of my flights: $12 a piece. If you're flying on an Airbus A321, check out seats 10B and 10C. They're the favorite of Spirit Vice President Greg Christopher because there are only two seats in the row, which is in front of an exit row seat with a rear-facing seat for the flight attendant.

5. Do make sure the Thrills Combo, a package of "perks'' including a carry-on bag, checked bag, seat assignment and waiver of the change fee, is necessary before clicking buy . Spirit touts the savings during every booking, but it's only a deal if you were planning to buy everything that is included in the lineup.

6. Don't book a last-minute ticket thinking you can get your money back within 24 hours if your plans change . Like other airlines, Spirit has a 24-hour risk-free cancellation period . Unlike other airlines, however, the policy doesn't apply to tickets booked fewer than seven days before travel, i.e., last-minute trips. Passengers in the latter category have to pay Spirit's $90 change fee (which is less than other airlines' change fees) plus any fare difference.

7. Don't wait to pay for your bags at the airport.  Spirit's bag fees are priciest at the airport. Pay for them when you book your ticket.

8. Don't wait until you get to the airport to print your boarding pass. It'll cost you $10 per person. You can print one out at home, use a mobile boarding pass from Spirit's app or print one for free at the airport kiosk.

9.  Don’t freak out about the seats. Yes, they’re thin, there’s not much cushioning and they don’t recline. But they are more than manageable for all but the tallest or largest passengers or those with a big carry-on stuffed underneath the seat.

10.  Do splurge on the Big Front Seats if it’s in the budget . The seats at the front of the plane are large, plush and there’s no middle seat. You’ll feel like you’re in first class, minus the free food and drink and the curtain separating you from the passengers in coach. Many passengers mistakenly call it first class when they file by. Prices vary by route. I paid $60 on one flight and $45 on another.

11. Don’t bother pulling out your laptop to work or watch a movie.  Spirit's tray tables are tiny. Most passengers use their smartphones or tablets for entertainment.

12. Do bring your own food and drinks. Spirit charges for in-flight drinks, including coffee ($2), bottled water ($3) and soda ($3). It sells snacks, too, like many airlines, but some of the choices (Cup of Noodles, anyone?) might leave you wishing you'd picked up something at one of those trendy airport restaurants or at least at an airport sundries shop.

13. Do expect a lot of infrequent flyers on board . There’s a reason the flight attendants make repeated announcements about using headphones when playing music or watching videos; remind travelers to use the restroom before the plane starts it descent and the seat belt sign goes on; and to use the restroom, not the seats, to change a diaper.

Is the Spirit Airlines Big Front Seat worth it?

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

The term ' Spirit Airlines ' evokes lots of emotions, especially in light of some of the airline's recent operational challenges . But, while that was a pretty terrible run of events for the airline and its passengers, during times of normal operations, Spirit can be an affordable and underrated way to get across the country (and beyond).

Flying Spirit can be a solid choice even if you decide to sit in the admittedly cramped economy seats. But, Spirit also has bigger seats at the front of the plane that it calls Big Front Seats. And if you book these Spirit seats, you can fly in what is essentially a domestic first-class seat for at least 50% off the regular cost on most traditional airlines.

Spirit's Big Front Seats are in the first couple of rows of each aircraft. And if you've never flown in them, you may be surprised by the experience -- in a good way . They are essentially the same as other domestic first-class seats available on most U.S. airlines but are usually available for a much lower price.

What are Spirit Airlines Big Front Seats?

On Spirit Airlines, every advance seat assignment costs extra whether you pick the last row or the first row. The difference, of course, is how much the various seat assignments cost. Unquestionably, Big Front Seats cost several times more than any other seat on the Spirit aircraft.

Spirit's Big Front Seats are covered in leather, have 36 inches of pitch and are 18.5 inches wide. This means you have an additional six inches of legroom beyond Spirit's standard seats and they are two across per side of the aisle instead of three with the regular seats.

As with all Spirit's seats, Big Front Seats come "pre-reclined." So, you can't change the recline on a Big Front Seat.

Related: Review of flying Spirit Airlines

To put this another way, on Spirit, you can have this:

Or, you can have this:

I've flown in both types of seats with Spirit — multiple times.

Historically, the easy advice to give is that, yes, Spirit's Big Front Seats are absolutely worth it. But, since that's just too easy of an answer (and prices seem to have recently increased), I'll be slightly more nuanced.

Related: 8 thoughts after first Spirit Airlines flight in several years

When are Spirit's Big Front Seats worth it?

If the flight is short (less than two to three hours), you are on the smaller side and every dollar counts, skip Spirit's Big Front Seats if you can't justify the cost.

For a family of four, even a $60 Big Front Seat upgrade would result in $480 of additional charges, based on round-trip travel. This is not a small amount, especially if you're traveling on a budget .

Spirit's Big Front Seats don't get you any included bags, snacks or other perks besides the larger seat. So keeping that cash safely tucked in your wallet can sometimes make sense. After all, you're probably flying Spirit because it's cheap, not because it's luxurious or comfortable.

But on the other hand, if you can fly in a nice, big seat for far less than the cost of an economy ticket on another airline, it's worth considering.

I've found that when you fly in the Big Front Seats, you are often with small business owners and relatively frequent flyers who largely put on their headphones and sleep or work (since the trays are actually large enough up there for a laptop). In that way, it ends up feeling a lot like every other airline.

It can also make sense to book the Big Front Seats if you want more space. My husband is a taller guy and while he doesn't get especially excited about flying Spirit, he will agree to it if -- and only if -- we book the Big Front Seats. On our recent flight home to Houston from Las Vegas, Spirit had a good departure time and a much lower price than United, even when factoring in the additional $68 fee per seat Big Front Seat assignment. So we booked Big Front Seats and didn't look back.

How much does the Big Front Seat cost?

The price of a Big Front Seat upgrade varies based on your flight and if you have elite status. I've seen the price for a Big Front Seat cost a little bit less for those logged in with Gold elite status, but only by a few dollars.

While you can see the number of available Big Front Seats when pricing out Spirit flights, you don't see the actual upgrade price until much further in the booking process. I've seen these upgrades start at around $20 per person on shorter flights in the past. But currently, the lowest prices I'm seeing are in the $40 to $60 range.

In test searches done for updating this article, the cost to select a Big Front Seat is currently much higher than it used to be.

In fact, on many of the routes I tested, Big Front Seats now cost $100 or more per flight. However, I rarely found routes higher than $100 even just a few weeks ago. In my recent tests, I found a handful of shorter routes (such as Los Angeles to Las Vegas) priced at under $100 for the Big Front Seats. But on average, the prices were twice what I used to see and can frequently be in the $100 to $140 range.

Here's a current real-life example.

A month from now, Spirit Airlines wants $54 to fly in a standard seat without a specific advance seat assignment from Houston to Las Vegas on a Saturday night. Going for an assigned Big Front Seat adds $135, for a total of $189 for a pretty comfy nonstop ride to Vegas.

United wants $242 for the same route at about the same time on a basic economy fare that also wouldn't come with an advance seat assignment. A regular economy ticket with a seat assignment on United costs $281. United's domestic first-class seat, which is basically the same as Spirit's Big Front Seat, rings in on that flight at $510 — over 2.5 times the cost of Spirit's similarly sized seat.

Related: Style vs. savings: Comparing JetBlue's Mint Studio and Spirit's Big Front Seat

That's a pretty good example that even with higher prices for the Big Front Seat than I'm used to, it's still possible to save real money over the traditional air carriers' cheapest economy tickets while still sitting in a much larger Spirit Big Front Seat. Of course, there are other trade-offs to factor into the equation when deciding to fly Spirit . But on a seat-to-seat comparison, Spirit's Big Front Seats are often one of the best values in the sky for those looking for a little more than just the cheapest available seat.

It's also worth noting that in Spirit's new frequent flyer program , you now earn 12 to 20 points per dollar (depending on your status level) for ancillary charges such as Big Front Seat assignments. TPG values Spirit points at 1.1 cents each, which means that you'll essentially earn a 13 to 22% return in Spirit points on any money you spend to reserve Big Front Seats.

We've also experienced Big Front Seat purchases counting towards cards' annual travel and airline fee credits with cards such as the Chase Sapphire Reserve and The Platinum Card® from American Express (enrollment required). If you have a card like that in your wallet, that's a way to potentially enjoy some extra space when flying with Spirit without spending as much out of pocket for the 'upgrade.'

Related: Why Spirit gives Delta a run for its money in our head-to-head comparison

Bottom line

You may not always need a larger seat to get where you're going with Spirit. Sometimes, the cheapest available ticket is the best one for the situation. However, if your budget can accommodate the added cost of a Spirit Airlines Big Front Seat, your back — and perhaps your mood — will probably thank you for the extra investment in the journey.

If I'm flying with my two kids, it sometimes makes more sense for us to sit three across in less expensive seats than spend several hundred dollars more on the Big Front Seats. But on the flip side, if I'm flying by myself or just with my husband, who really appreciates the extra space, then paying for Big Front Seats can make sense.

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Spirit Airlines Review – Seats, Amenities, Customer Service, Fees & More

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Table of Contents

Key takeaways, basic information, spirit ticketing options, spirit frequent flyer program, spirit baggage and other fees, spirit inflight amenities and seat specs, spirit customer satisfaction, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our  Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

• Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier that offers low base fares but charges for almost all extras, including seat selection, carry-on bags, and onboard refreshments.
• The airline’s no-frills approach is designed for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize price over comfort and amenities.
• Spirit’s frequent flyer program, Free Spirit, is free to join, and its Silver and Gold tiers include benefits such as seat selection and priority boarding.

This general review of Spirit Airlines has been compiled to give you a quick glance at the airline from the viewpoint of a viable customer.

Have you ever wondered — how much does Spirit charge for baggage fees? Do you get snacks and drinks when you fly Spirit? How often is Spirit delayed?

We’ve outlined some basic company statistics, ticketing options, added fees (including baggage fees), seat specs, inflight amenities, customer satisfaction ratings, and more.

Airline: Spirit Airlines

Alliance:  N/A

Category: Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier

Frequent Flyer Program:  Free Spirit

Tag Line: “Less Money. More Go.”

About/Mission Statement:  “We live for More Go. It’s the big idea behind our business model, making it possible for more people to travel to more places, more often. And it’s what inspires us to Invest In The Guest, going beyond low fares to discover more ways to make our unique brand of customizable travel a great personal experience too.” ( source )

Daily Flights: 500+ (pre-COVID-19)

Destinations:  65+ (U.S., Latin America, and the Caribbean)

Fleet: 150+ planes

Main Hub: Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International ( FLL )

FAQ Guide: Frequently Asked Questions About Flying Spirit Airlines

Standard Fare

Spirit Airlines prides itself on offering “unbundled” fares. In a nutshell, this means advertising the lowest possible rate as a base fare. Spirit then gives customers the ability to add options that it calls À La Smarte options.

This means Spirit’s basic fare includes the most standard seat and 1 personal item. No refreshments, no seat recline, no Wi-Fi, etc. Spirit claims this generally lowers the cost of your ticket since with most other airlines all of these “frills” are included in your base fare, even if you don’t want them.

Additionally, while you can pay more for a little extra legroom, there are no traditional premium economy, business class, or first class fares on Spirit Airlines.

Spirit Saver$ Club

Spirit advertises a Spirit Saver$ Club (formerly known as the $9 Fare Club) that it claims gives customers exclusive access to some of the lowest fares available, as well as discounted baggage fees , seats, Flight Flex, Shortcut Security, and Shortcut Boarding. It also claims that Spirit Saver$ Club members are privy to special deals only available to members.

The cost of the program is $69.95 for 12 months, $99.90 for 18 months, or $129.90 for 24 months. The club’s discounts are also applicable for up to 8 persons on your itinerary if reserved under the same booking confirmation number.

Hot Tip: Remember that when booking with Spirit, an average traveler usually encounters added fees for options they generally don’t even consider when purchasing a typical airline ticket. For example, it’ll cost you $10 to print your boarding pass at the airport ticket counter vs. on your home computer. You can find more information on Spirit’s options/fees below.

Spirit debuted a new and improved Free Spirit loyalty program in 2021, adding new perks like accelerated points earning, seat and baggage benefits, the ability to pool points with family and friends, and a longer expiration date for points.

Free Spirit is free to join and you can earn points by flying on Spirit, spending on its Bank of America co-branded credit cards, or participating with its partner programs.

You can redeem Free Spirit points on award flights or with select partner products and services.

Hot Tip: For more information, check out our in-depth article on Spirit’s Free Spirit loyalty program .

Since Spirit Airlines starts with a stripped-down fare, there are a number of additional options that can be tacked on for an extra fee.

Baggage Fees

Spirit only includes 1 personal item with its standard fare. This means a carry-on and all checked bags are extra. Additionally, baggage prices increase the closer you get to take-off. So, your best bet is to pre-purchase your desired baggage allowance during your initial booking.

It’s important to note that Spirit Airlines has some pretty tight size/weight limitations for baggage:

• Personal Item: 18 x 14 x 8 inches
• Standard Carry-On: 22 x 18 x 10 inches
• Checked Bag: max linear dimensions of 62 inches, max weight of 40 pounds

The following table displays general fees for  MOST routes . However, for the most accurate baggage fee calculations, please use Spirit’s online baggage calculator tool here .

Reservation Center Booking: Spirit Airlines charges $35 per reservation center phone booking for both standard bookings and Free Spirit award tickets. Save yourself some money and book online if possible.

Seat Assignment and Big Front Seat: Unless you pay an extra fee, Spirit randomly assigns you a seat at check-in. It also can’t guarantee you’ll get to sit with your friends or family with this free assignment. Spirit urges customers to purchase a seat assignment to choose the seat they really want.

Seat assignments begin at $1 and can cost up to $50, varying according to your specific route and the exact location of seats on the aircraft.

Additionally, customers can purchase a Big Front Seat that comes with about 6 inches of extra legroom (see seat specs below). Since these seats are limited (usually 4 to 10 per plane), you can expect the cost to fall between $12 to $150 in advance or $25 to $175 as an onboard upgrade. This price is based on availability and flight length.

Boarding Pass: Let’s be clear here: when flying Spirit, check-in online and print your boarding pass at home or select an email boarding pass .  If you wait until you get to the airport, Spirit Airlines will charge $2 per boarding pass printed at a kiosk and a hefty $10 per pass printed at its check-in counters. Spirit argues that it utilizes more of its time and resources to print a pass at the airport, so that’s why it charges for it.

Refreshments Onboard: Spirit provides a menu with variable pricing from which customers can make a drink/snack selection.

Soft drinks, juices, and water currently cost $3, with coffee and tea costing $2. You can expect to pay $8 to $11 for alcoholic beverages and snacks vary from $3 to $8.

Modification Fees: These are fees applied to change or cancel your reservation . If you purchase Flex Flight for $35 to $45 at the time of booking, you’re allowed 1 flight modification at no extra cost as long as it’s done more than 24 hours prior to your departure.

• Change/Cancellation Fee:   $90 (online); $100 (phone/in-person); $50 (group booking)

As an added benefit to canceling online, customers are issued a $10 voucher (per one-way fare) if the value of the reservation is less than the cost of cancellation.

Update: Due to COVID-19, Spirit is waiving all change and cancellation fees for travel booked by March 31, 2021. Refunds will be processed as a full purchase price reservation credit.

Priority Boarding:  Customers who wish to acquire Zone 2 priority boarding (Shortcut Boarding) may pay $5.99+ per one-way ticket.

Standby Fee:  The standby fee is currently $99 per one-way flight.

Infant (Lap Child) Fee:  FREE (taxes may apply in certain countries)

Unaccompanied Minor Fee:  $100 per customer, each way (includes snack and beverage)

Pet Transport Fee:  $110 per pet container, each way (limited to 4 pets per cabin total)

How To Avoid Excess Fees

There’s an easy way to avoid a number of these excess fees, and it involves utilizing the member benefits of specific credit cards.

The following Capital One cards allow you to redeem Capital One miles for 1 cent each as a statement credit for certain added fees (baggage, inflight purchases, etc.) purchased within 90 days.

The Capital One Venture X card is an excellent option for travelers looking for an all-in-one premium credit card.

The Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card is the premium Capital One travel rewards card on the block.

Points and miles fans will be surprised to see that the Capital One Venture X card packs quite the punch when it comes to bookings made through Capital One, all while offering the lowest annual fee among premium credit cards.

Depending on your travel goals and preferences, the Capital One Venture X card could very well end up being your go-to card in your wallet.

• 10x miles per $1 on hotels and rental cars purchased through Capital One Travel
• 5x miles per $1 on flights and vacation rentals purchased through Capital One Travel
• 2x miles per $1 on all other purchases
• $395 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Does not offer bonus categories for flights or hotel purchases made directly with the airline or hotel group, the preferred booking method for those looking to earn elite status
• Earn 75,000 bonus miles when you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Receive a $300 annual credit for bookings through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Get 10,000 bonus miles (equal to $100 towards travel) every year, starting on your first anniversary
• Earn unlimited 10X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel and 5X miles on flights and vacation rentals booked through Capital One Travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on all other purchases
• Unlimited complimentary access for you and two guests to 1,300+ lounges, including Capital One Lounges and the Partner Lounge Network
• Use your Venture X miles to easily cover travel expenses, including flights, hotels, rental cars and more—you can even transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs
• Enjoy a $100 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Premier Collection
• Receive up to a $120 credit for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck ®
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable)
• Foreign Transaction Fees:  None

Capital One Miles

Get 2x miles plus some of the most flexible redemptions offered by a travel credit card!

The Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card   is one of the most popular rewards cards on the market. It’s perfect for anyone in search of a great welcome offer, high rewards rates, and flexible redemption options.

Frequent travelers with excellent credit may benefit from this credit card that offers a lot of bells and whistles. And it offers easy-to-understand rewards earning and redemption.

• 5x miles per $1 on hotels, vacation rentals, and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel
• Up to a $120 Global Entry or TSA PreCheck application fee credit
• $95 annual fee ( rates & fees )
• Limited elite benefits
• Enjoy a one-time bonus of 75,000 miles once you spend $4,000 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $750 in travel
• Earn unlimited 2X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels, vacation rentals and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Miles won't expire for the life of the account and there's no limit to how many you can earn
• Use your miles to get reimbursed for any travel purchase—or redeem by booking a trip through Capital One Travel
• Enjoy a $50 experience credit and other premium benefits with every hotel and vacation rental booked from the Lifestyle Collection
• Transfer your miles to your choice of 15+ travel loyalty programs

The card offers unlimited miles at 1.25x per $1 and no annual fee. When you consider the flexible rewards, frequent travelers come out on top.

Interested in a travel rewards credit card without one of those pesky annual fees? Then say hello to the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card.

In addition to no annual fee, the Capital One VentureOne card offers no foreign transaction fees.

But is this card worth its salt, or is it merely a shell of the more popular Capital One Venture card?

• No annual fee ( rates & fees )
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates & fees )
• Ability to use transfer partners
• Weak earn rate at 1.25x miles per $1 spent on all purchases
• No luxury travel or elite benefits
• $0 annual fee and no foreign transaction fees
• Earn a bonus of 20,000 miles once you spend $500 on purchases within 3 months from account opening, equal to $200 in travel
• Earn unlimited 1.25X miles on every purchase, every day
• Earn 5X miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel, where you'll get Capital One's best prices on thousands of trip options
• Enjoy 0% intro APR on purchases and balance transfers for 15 months; 19.99% - 29.99% variable APR after that; balance transfer fee applies
• APR: 19.99% - 29.99% (Variable),0% intro on purchases for 15 months

What will my flight on Spirit look like?

Inflight Amenities:  As mentioned above, Spirit prides itself on offering the lowest possible base fare. This means a lot of inflight amenities many travelers are used to are simply unavailable.

• Spirit does not provide in-flight Wi-Fi, video streaming capabilities, or any onboard entertainment
• Refreshment service is limited to paid beverages and snacks only

Seat Specs: Seat specs for Spirit Airlines flights vary slightly depending on plane style. However, Spirit is notorious for having one of the shortest economy pitches of all domestic carriers. We’ve combined information from Spirit Airlines and SeatGuru  to aggregate the following seat specs.

In general, dimensions are as follows:

• Big Front Seats — 36-inch pitch, 18.5-inch width
• Standard economy seats — 28-inch pitch, 17.75-inch width

Hot Tip:  You can find information on Spirit’s boarding zones and boarding process here .

Are customers happy with Spirit Airlines?

While Spirit Airlines doesn’t drum up a lot of positive press when it comes to customer satisfaction, it is working hard to change the narrative.

Spirit’s new tactic involves talking up its standard fare and emphasizing the fact that stripped-down services are necessary to provide you, the customer, with the cheapest possible ticket option.

Here are a few examples:

Instead of hiding the fact that its seat specs are a little tight, Spirit states: “We’re a cozy airline; We add extra seats to our planes so we can fly with more people. This lowers ticket prices for everyone, just like a carpool.”

To justify its increasing baggage fee scale, Spirit says: “It costs time and resources to process at the airport, which means it costs you more money.”

To address its “no refunds” policy, Spirit claims it’s “trying to resell your ticket raises fares for everyone, so we don’t give refunds if your plans change. Insurance is available to protect you from the unexpected.”

Honesty and Transparency: One thing you can’t fault Spirit on is its honesty. It is very clear on its website that it is attempting to offer the best possible price by cutting unnecessary expenditures. It even states it’s proud to have broken some rules along the way.

Transparency on the other hand… not so much. With Spirit, it’s tough to determine your total costs until you’ve selected all your specifics, including destination, departure dates, add ons, etc. Without going through the motions all the way to your purchase point, customers are simply given quotes like “fees starting at $5.”

Most Common Complaints

What are the most common Spirit Airlines complaints?

The December 2020 Air Travel Consumer Report filed by the DOT ranks Spirit Airlines as having the fourth-highest number of consumer complaints across 13 reporting U.S. carriers (for October 2020).

For October 2020, there were 109 complaints out of 1,519,759 system-wide enplanements, or 7.17 complaints per 100,000 passengers. By comparison, Southwest had just 1.34 complaints per 100,000 passengers.

• Flight Problems (cancellation, delay, or misconnection): 5 / 4.6%
• Oversales: 1 / 0.9%
• Reservation, Ticketing, Boarding: 8 / 7.3%
• Fares: 6 / 5.5%
• Refunds: 67 / 61.5%
• Customer Service: 8 / 7.3%
• Baggage: 6 / 5.5%
• Disability: 6 / 5.5%
• Other: 2 / 1.8%

Consumer Rankings, Ratings, Etc. 

It’s difficult to compile all the rankings, ratings, reviews, and performance statistics into a single short synopsis, mainly because there are so many out there. Instead, we’ve listed a few of the more reputable options for a quick overview.

SkyTrax Ranking: 3 Star Airline (out of 5)

SkyTrax Customer Rating: 3/10 (average from 3,402 reviews)

ACSI Rating  (American Customer Satisfaction Index): 65 (lowest of 12 largest U.S. carriers in 2020)

AQR (Airline Quality Rating):  8th of 10 Overall

TripAdvisor Airline Review Rating: 3/5 (average from 21,702 reviews)

Performance

Bureau of Transportation Statistics

• Percent Flights Canceled: 2.31% (2020)
• Average Departure Delay, All Flights: 3.8 minutes (2020)
• Average Departure Delay, Late Flights: 59.63 minutes (2020)

People who speak positively about Spirit seem to be those who know exactly what they want out of a cheap flight: getting from Point A to Point B, and that’s about it. They’re expecting a stripped-down experience, and they’re expecting to encounter some surprise fees during the booking process.

They know what to pay for and when to pay for it, as well as where and what time to fly in order to secure some seriously cheap fares.

All in all, there are a number of factors that consistently land Spirit in the proverbial hot seat when it comes to customer satisfaction. Ticketing options are limited, extra fees abound, seat specs are tight, and inflight amenities are certainly lacking. Not to mention that the general consensus surrounding flying Spirit seems to be: don’t.

However, if you’re looking for an especially cheap fare, don’t mind a bare-bones flight experience, and aren’t too bothered about potential complaint-worthy hiccups, by all means… go ahead and book yourself a Spirit Airlines flight!

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Can You Choose Your Seat on Spirit Airlines? An In-depth Guide

Yes, on Spirit Airlines, you can choose your seat. However, there is a fee involved.

Many passengers inquire if they can change their seats on Spirit after checking in. The answer is yes, but it may come with additional costs. If you have specific preferences, such as window or aisle seats , or if you wish to ensure that you sit beside your travel companions, it’s advisable to select and purchase your desired seat in advance. Prices for this service start at a nominal fee and can fluctuate based on the route, the seat’s location in the aircraft, and the timing of your purchase. A glance at the Spirit Airlines seat map can help you make an informed decision.

Curious about more details? We invite you to read the detailed article below for an in-depth look at Spirit Airlines’ seating policies .

The Spirit Airlines Seating Policy: A Broad Overview

Ever wondered what makes Spirit Airlines stand out from the rest? The airline operates a bit differently, and their seating arrangements are no exception. It’s not your everyday airline process, so let’s dive into it, shall we?

Spirit Airlines offers a blend of free seat assignments and paid options. Think of it like choosing between making your own sandwich or buying one pre-made. Both have their merits.

The Free Seat Assignment: Leaving it to Chance

Opting for paid seat selection: peace of mind vs. pocket pinch.

Now, if rolling the dice isn’t your style, Spirit has you covered. For a fee, you can select your seat. Whether you’re eyeing that window view or need easy aisle access, there’s a price to make sure it’s yours.

Comparative Charges for Different Seat Positions

Spirit Airlines’ Seat Map: Navigating the Best Spot

Picture this: a map, but instead of cities and towns, it has seats. Spirit Airlines offers a seat map for travelers to select the best spot. It’s like playing a game of Tetris, ensuring your block fits perfectly. Need extra legroom? The map will guide you. Prefer a seat away from the lavatory? The seat map’s your friend.

Changing Your Seat Post Check-In

Group travel on spirit: ensuring everyone sits together.

Traveling in a pack? You wouldn’t want to scatter across the plane, right? Spirit Airlines has policies around group bookings. It’s a bit like reserving a big table at a restaurant. A tad tricky but possible. The trick is to book well in advance and choose seats together. Wouldn’t it be nice to chat with your friend or family during the flight rather than a random stranger?

Comparative Analysis: Spirit Airlines vs. Other Budget Carriers

While Spirit Airlines has its unique seating policies, how does it fare against other budget carriers? The above bar chart gives a visual insight. Blue represents Spirit’s charges, and red denotes other carriers. Notice the difference?

Cost Calculator: Estimating Your Total Flight Expense

Community insights: what travelers are saying.

Wondering what the buzz is about Spirit’s seating policy? Various platforms, like Reddit, are rife with traveler tales. The consensus? A mixed bag. Some find the free seat assignment thrilling, while others swear by paid selections. It’s like pineapple on pizza – a matter of personal preference.

Maximizing Value: Tips to Save Money & Secure Comfort

What does spirit airlines offer for seat assignments, are spirit airlines seats reclining or fixed in position.

Spirit Airlines seats are fixed in a non-reclining position. While this may hinder some travelers seeking enhanced seat comfort , it allows the airline to optimize space and offer lower fares. It’s advisable to bring a neck pillow or other amenities for added relaxation during your flight.

Are There Additional Costs for Choosing a Seat on Other Airlines?

How can i choose my seat on spirit airlines, do seat sizes on spirit airlines differ from other airlines.

When it comes to airline seating, many passengers wonder if there are smaller seats on spirit airline s compared to other airlines. While seat sizes vary across different airlines, Spirit Airlines is known for offering narrower and more compact seating options, which some travelers may find less spacious.

How Does Spirit Airlines Assign Seats?

Are you required to buy seats on spirit airlines, why does spirit charge for seats and bags.

Spirit Airlines operates as an ultra-low-cost carrier. To keep ticket prices low, they offer a base fare and then charge separately for additional services, such as seat selection and bags.

Can You Change Seats on Spirit After Checking In?

Is spirit airlines seat selection different from other airlines, does spirit allow travelers to sit together.

Spirit Airlines allows passengers to choose seats together if they purchase the seat selection option. Without this purchase, there’s no guarantee that travelers will be seated next to each other.

How to Avoid Spirit Airlines Fees and Extra Charges on Your Next Trip

They're somewhat notorious in the world of air travel : Spirit Airlines baggage fees, seating surcharges, and numerous other fare add-on options the ultra-low-cost-carrier sells for anything beyond basic transportation. It's a business model that has helped Spirit lower its fares , but those fees can add up quickly. With the carrier's dynamic pricing model, which charges on a sliding scale based on factors like the route and time of year, even the exact price of the add-ons can be tough to predict.

We read through all the fine print to create the ultimate guide to Spirit's fees. Here's how you can keep them as low as possible.

1. Buy your ticket at the airport

This may sound funny, but it's the easiest fee to avoid completely if you live near the airport. Spirit charges a "Passenger Usage Fee" that's between $8.99 and $20.99 each way if you book online or over the phone. It's treated like a convenience fee. To avoid it, just go to the airport and buy the ticket at Spirit's ticket counter . You have to go out of your way (and spend money on gas and possibly parking) to avoid the fee, but it will save you money on the ticket.

2. Don't reserve seats in advance

This one is fairly obvious. If you want to save money, then don't pay for an advance seat assignment. Spirit's dynamic pricing model will charge you from $1 to $50 to reserve any seat in advance of travel. Reserving a seat in advanced online is always cheaper than choosing a seat when you get to the airport, but you'll have to pay either way. If you don't pay, they'll just assign you a random seat when you check in. If you wait to get your seat assignment at the airport, I've found that the gate agent may move you to, say, an available exit row seat, without an extra charge at the check-in desk. That said, Spirit flights often are jam-packed, so don't count on moving. If you're okay with flying in a middle seat , this is an easy fee to avoid.

3. Print your boarding pass ahead of time

If you show up at the airport and want to get a boarding pass from the ticket counter, don't. You'll pay $10 per boarding pass that a Spirit agent prints, and that's just a silly fee to incur. Even printing at an airport kiosk will set you back an extra $2 per boarding pass. Print at home or opt for an e-boarding pass at online check-in, and you're good to go.

4. Pack extremely light

Spirit charges not only for checked bags but also for carry-on bags that are too big to fit under the seat in front of you. The only free bag allotted to passengers is one personal item (like a laptop bag or purse) that is smaller than 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Any additional bags will incur a fee. If you can pack light, and I mean really light, you can avoid the bag fees.

5. If you can't pack light, pay for your bags early

The reality is that most people can't cut their packing down to something the size of a purse or small backpack unless they're on a day trip. So how can you keep your bag fees minimal? Pay for them in advance.

If you pay for bags when booking your flight online, then you'll save the most money. Spirit charges around $38 to $40 for a carry-on during online booking (fees are charged on a sliding scale depending on the route), $48 to $50 before or during online check-in. But at the airport check-in counter? That carry-on is $55. If you try to sneak it to the gate and play dumb, you'll pay $65. Don't do it.

Prices for your first checked bag clock in around $32 at online booking, $42 before or during online check-in, $55 at the airport, and $65 at the gate (again prices are on a sliding scale). No matter when you choose to check your baggage, be careful about Spirit's bag rules. Checked bags must weigh less than 40 pounds each—that's less than most airlines. Bags that weigh between 40 to 50 pounds are charged an extra $30, with oversize fees increasing from there.

6. Bring your own snacks and drinks

Spirit will charge you for all drinks and snacks on the airplane (anywhere from $1 to $10 for snacks and $1 to $15 for drinks). Even water on an international flight costs $3 per bottle. So if you're going to pay for that carry-on bag, you might as well put snacks in it and save a little money. Of course, you can't bring drinks through security, but consider bringing your own water bottle and filling it up before you get on the plane.

7. Join the $9 Fare Club

While I wouldn't suggest that everyone should join this club, you should certainly consider it if you plan on flying Spirit frequently. The $9 Fare Club actually costs $59.95 a year and will auto-renew at $69.95 if you don't cancel, but you may save even more than that on a single booking.

Spirit often offers discounted fares to $9 Fare Club members (discounts can vary widely), but you can also get up to a 50 percent discount on any checked or carry-on bag you pay for online in advance of arriving at the airport (the discount is, again, subject to Spirit's signature dynamic pricing so it varies depending on route and time of year). Sure, it'll put you on a Spirit marketing list, but the benefits apply to up to eight people traveling on the same reservation together. Just remember to cancel your membership before the end of your year if you don't plan on flying Spirit again.

Follow these tips, and you'll save yourself some real money on your flight. Spirit keeps a running list of most of its various fees, so you can always see the current Spirit Optional Services schedule here .

This article was originally published in April 2014. It has been updated with new information. Additional reporting by Jessica Puckett.

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8 Things to Know Before You Fly Spirit Airlines

If you have been looking for cheap flights, you may have noticed Spirit Airlines show up in the results with low fares, but you may not know a lot about this discount airline.

Spirit Airlines is called an Ultra-Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) and offers extremely low airfares. Often you will pay for services on Spirit that are free on other airlines.

In this article, I’ll showcase everything you need to know before booking a flight on Spirit.

Seat Selection Fees

Baggage fees, change and cancellation fees, food, beverage, and entertainment, customer service.

This article was updated in July 2024 and I review it every 12 months. Detailed notes on all updates can be found here . 

Spirit Airlines is based in Miramar, Florida.

It flies to nearly 100 destinations in the United States, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean.

Spirit Airlines offers just one fare class, and those fares are lower than what you would find on a legacy carrier. However, many of the things you would get on a legacy airline for free could cost extra when flying on Spirit.

When booking a flight on Spirit, you will be able to make an advanced seat selection for a fee. Their website says the price of selecting a seat ranges from $1 to $750 per leg of your trip. In July 2024, I checked the price for a September flight from Atlanta to Detroit. I found the seat selection prices ranged from $17 (middle seat, rear of the plane) to $109 (big seat, very front of the plane) each way.

If you do not choose a seat at the time of booking, you’ll be assigned a seat at check-in at no charge. Spirit does not guarantee people traveling in the same party seats next to each other if you do not book them in advance.

Spirit allows you to bring one personal item onboard for free which includes a purse, laptop bag, or small backpack with maximum dimensions of 18x14x8 inches and that includes handles and wheels. You may want to break out your tape measurer to make sure your bag is small enough. Most regular-size “rollaboards” will be too large to count as your free personal item.

Spirit’s website says that in some cases, wheelchairs, car seats, and strollers may be checked or carried aboard free of charge.

How much you’ll pay to check or carry on a bag depends on its weight, your destination and your travel dates. The best thing to do is use the Spirit Bag-O-Tron tool when you book your flight. You’ll definitely pay more if you wait until you get to the airport.

In July 2024, I looked up prices for a flight a September flight from Atlanta to Detroit. One carry-on bag cost $65 on my trip to Detroit and $65 on my return flight to Atlanta. Or, I had the option to check my bag for $65 on the way there and $65 on my return flight.

These baggage fees can add up quickly. It’s always great to score a cheap deal on airfare , but before you book it is important to understand all fees to be sure you are truly scoring the best deal for your trip.

Priority Boarding

You can get priority boarding (“Shortcut Boarding”) if you’re buying a bundled fare (more on that below) or by purchasing it as an add-on at checkout.

As I went through the process of booking a flight, I opted not to select a bundle. By the end, I was prompted to add priority boarding for $9.99 per person each way.

Spirit Airlines offers several options to change or cancel a reservation including through your online account, live chat, texting, or by calling customer support. All changes or cancellations made to reservations 60+ days away are completely free. For reservations less than 60 days out, check out Spirit’s change and cancellation schedule .

Here are some of the other fees listed on Spirit’s website .

Ways To Save Money on Spirit

Below are the programs Spirit offers that may save you money by grouping add-on fees together or through discounts.

Spirit offers two different bundle options that can reduce the price of the add-on fees and provide other benefits such as priority boarding.

• Economy Bundle
• Big Front Seat Bundle

You will also notice that you have the option to proceed without a bundle and just “book it.”

When choosing a bundle option, note that the price you’ll see on the website is only for a one-way ticket.

Here are the bundles offered to me for a roundtrip ticket from Atlanta to Detroit in September 2024:

Source: Spirit.com

Spirit Saver$ Club

Spirit Airlines offers its lowest fares in what it calls the Spirit Saver$ Club .

Membership costs $69.95 for 12 months. In the past we have seen other options such as $99.90 for 18 months, or $129.90 for 24 months. One big perk of the membership is that you get the member discounted fare rate for up to 8 people when you book them on your reservation.

Other benefits of being a Saver$ Club member include:

• Discounted bag fees
• Discounted seat selection fees
• Discounted priority boarding
• Discounted shortcut security

I checked a half dozen fares with and without Spirit Saver$ Club to see if it would make sense to join, and I found the range of discounts to be 8-16%. I recommend comparing both fares along with the benefits of Saver$ Club to see if membership makes sense for you.

Spirit shares promo codes throughout the year in promotional emails that they send out. If you are considering a trip on Spirit, it may be worthwhile to join their Free Spirit program and opt into receiving their emails. Also, be sure to check Clark Deals for the latest Spirit Airlines promo codes.

Spirit Airlines does not offer complimentary food and beverages.

There is an array of beverages and snacks available for purchase.

If you are looking for onboard entertainment on Spirit, you will not find it.

Spirit does, however, have Wi-Fi onboard . But, like their other amenities, expect to pay for this service. Wi-Fi starts at $3.99 for browsing speeds and $6.99 for streaming speeds and the pricing goes up for longer flights.

To avoid these add-on costs, remember to pack a snack (if you can fit it in your carry-on!) and download your entertainment to your device before you get on board.

Spirit’s website says that you can get in touch via :

• SMS Text (48763)
• WhatsApp (855-728-3555)
• Phone (1-855-728-3555)

Spirit notes that contact via text, WhatsApp, and by phone are all 24 hours a day/7 days a week.

The table below shows 2023 data from the American Customer Satisfaction Index, which includes overall customer satisfaction ratings from Spirit Airlines customers and those of other airlines.

See more on the airline customer satisfaction ratings in our article .

According to the June 2023 Air Travel Consumer Report from the U.S. Department of Transportation, 60.70% of Spirit flights were reported to have arrived on time in April (most recent data available).

Final Thoughts

Spirit Airlines offers cheap base fares — but you need to be aware of their fees. They also rank pretty low for customer service and on-time arrival.

To save the most money, you’ll want to look at all the fees and compare them to a bundle package.

If you are a minimalist traveler, you may be able to get away with the base fare. But, if you need to check your bags, select your seat and have Wi-Fi and snacks on board you may find your ticket price quickly matches — or even exceeds — that of a full-fare traditional airline.

Have you ever flown Spirit? Share your experience in our Clark.com Community !

• July 23, 2024: Updated pricing throughout, bundle options, Savers Club and also baggage fees.

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Spirit Airlines Baggage Fees & Charges: Bringing Bags on the Low-Cost Carrier

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Moreso than perhaps any other budget airline, Spirit Airlines has a reputation for tight legroom and charging extra fees for … well, pretty much everything in exchange for a cheaper fare upfront. That's changing as the airline has moved away from that a la carte pricing model by selling bundled fares instead.

One thing isn't changing, though: Spirit Airlines baggage fees can still add up fast. 

Fortunately, the days of unpredictable Spirit baggage fees that vary wildly from flight to flight are over. Depending on what kind of fare you buy at the start, checking a bag with Spirit will now cost you another $50 each way – or even more if you need to check a second or third bag. And a carry on could cost you another $50, too … if you're able to bring a carry-on bag onboard at all: Spirit's cheapest fares don't allow it, period.

Understanding these baggage fees is the key to getting the most out of Spirit, ensuring you're still coming out ahead on that seemingly cheap ticket. So we've put together this guide to help you understand what you will pay for your luggage on your next Spirit flight.

Here's what you should know before you book.

What You Get with Spirit's New Fare Bundles

For years, Spirit charged a flat (and low) price for flights in exchange for higher fees for … well, absolutely everything else. Picking a seat, bringing a carry on, checking a bag, and even buying water onboard would cost you extra. 

Those days are over. As Spirit and other budget airlines struggled post-pandemic, the airline replaced that a la carte pricing system with four different bundles: Some of which include carry-on bags, checked bags, and seat assignments that the airline previously charged separately. 

• The cheapest  Go  fares look much like Spirit's previous tickets: checked bags, seat selection, snacks, and drinks will all cost you more. And bringing a carry-on bag simply isn't allowed – not even for an extra fee.
• Go Savvy fares include the choice between either one checked or carry-on bag, plus a standard seat selection for free.
• Go Comfy  is something new altogether: A space with a guaranteed blocked middle seat at your side to stretch out. Plus, a carry-on bag, checked bag, priority boarding, and a snack and a non-alcoholic drink.
• Go Big  fares get you in Spirit's wildly popular  Big Front Seat  … with much more included: A carry-on bag, a checked bag, priority check-in and boarding, free snacks and alcoholic drinks, and complimentary Wi-Fi at streaming speeds.

Rather than charging separately for everything, Spirit includes baggage on some (but not all) of these new bundles. But you're still paying for it: The more you get with each bundle, the more Spirit charges.

Exactly how much more varies from route to route. For example, the cheapest “Go” fare from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Las Vegas (LAS) costs just $71 each way. But for a “Go Savvy” fare that includes either a carry on or a checked bag, the cost jumps by $60 to $131 total.  Double that for a roundtrip: It'd cost an extra $120 total for that fare that includes some baggage and a standard seat assignment. 

On the cheaper and shorter flight from Minneapolis-St. Paul (MSP) to Detroit (DTW), the jump from the cheapest fare to one that includes baggage is just $40 each way – or $80 roundtrip. 

The difference in price between bundles varies widely from route to route and time of year. But we can safely say you can expect to pay an extra $20 to $80 or so each way to bump up from Spirit's cheapest , stingiest fare bundle.

And if you want to bring a carry-on bag, that's absolutely essential. 

Spirit Airlines Carry-On Baggage Fees

Unlike the major legacy airlines like Alaska, American, and Delta, you don't get a free carry-on bag when you book Spirit Airlines' cheapest tickets. 

The cheapest “Go” bundle from Spirit doesn't allow you to bring a carry-on bag, period – not even for an extra fee. Even fellow budget carrier Frontier lets travelers who book their cheapest fares add a carry-on bag to their reservation separately, but not Spirit. 

The one exception is if you really fly Spirit a lot, you can bring a carry-on bag onboard for free with Spirit Gold Status – part of the airline's revamped Free Spirit program .

Otherwise, you'll need to pay for at least a “Go Savvy” bundle which includes either a carry-on bag or one piece of checked luggage. That typically costs anywhere from $20 to $80 more each way.

If you buy a “Go Savvy” fare and pick a checked bag only to decide you also want to bring a carry-on bag onboard, too,  you can add it to your ticket for a flat $50 fee each way. 

Other, spendier fare bundles like the “Go Comfy” or “Go Big” fares include both a carry-on bag and a checked bag. 

If you don't pay for a carry-on bag, your boarding pass will show you're not allowed to bring one onboard. Trust us: Don't try to sneak one on.

With the cheapest Spirit fare bundles, all you get for free is a personal item – think of a purse or a backpack. These don't count as a Spirit Airlines carry-on, but dimensions must be smaller than 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 cm) including handles and wheels. A personal item flies free of charge on Spirit flights, but must fit underneath the seat in front of you.

Spirit Airlines Carry-On Size Requirements

Spirit carry-ons must not exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches – including handles and wheels – and must be able to fit into the overhead bin. Spirit can require you to check your bag at the gate if it's too large, which could be pricey.

The Spirit carry-on bag size policy mirrors that of other major airlines, meaning most regular carry-on bags will likely fit the Spirit size standards.

Spirit Airlines Checked Baggage Fees

How much is a checked bag on Spirit? It depends on what kind of ticket you booked. 

With the cheapest “Go” fare bundle, adding a first checked bag to your ticket now appears to cost a flat , $50 fee each way. That means you'll wind up paying $100 more roundtrip to check a bag. 

If you've worked your way up to Spirit Gold Status, you can always get that first checked bag free. Meanwhile, the pricier “Go Savvy” bundles give you the option to check a bag or bring a carry-on bag for free. Other, more expensive fare bundles always include both in the price. 

But the cost of baggage increases the more bags you check. 

• A second checked bag costs $75 each way
• A third, fourth, and fifth checked bag will cost $99 apiece each way

Believe it or not, it's actually cheaper to check your luggage with Spirit Airlines than it is to carry it on, in many cases.

But it's important to know when is the best time to pay for your Spirit checked bag so you don't wind up paying too much. Just as with carry-on bags, Spirit Airlines checked bag fees vary depending on when you book them and the size of the bag.

But the weight is critical. Spirit checked bags cannot exceed 40 pounds without getting hit with additional fees. That limit is 10 pounds less than most major U.S. airlines, so make sure you pack smart before you board your flight so you don't get stuck with a hefty additional Spirit checked bag fee.

What are Spirit's Checked Bag Size & Weight Requirements?

For years, Spirit was incredibly restrictive with how much checked baggage could weigh: While other airlines set the cap at 50 pounds before overweight baggage fees would kick in, Spirit only allowed bags up to 40 pounds in weight. 

Fortunately, that has changed. Spirit's bag policy now allows checked bags to weigh up to 50 pounds.  After that, overweight baggage fees will start to kick in – more on those shortly. 

As for the size of your bag, Spirit follows the rest of the airline industry: Checked bags can be up to 162 linear inches. Just add the total height, width, and depth of your bag to check … but most checked bags fit this requirement. 

You'll want to triple check your bag isn't oversize or overweight, otherwise some hefty additional fees will kick in. 

Spirit Airlines Overweight Baggage Fees

If your bag clocks in just 1 pound too heavy at 51 pounds at the check-in counter, you'll be forced to pay a $125 fee … on top of what you paid for your fare or separately to add a checked bag.

Here are the fees you can expect to pay in addition to your Spirit checked bag fee if your luggage is overweight.

• 51-100 pounds: $125

The only way to avoid these extra fees is by having Spirit status. But weight isn't the only factor to consider when packing up for your Spirit flight.

Spirit Airlines Oversized Baggage Charges

Anything under 62 linear inches means your Spirit Airlines checked bag is fit to fly under regular checked bag fees.

Linear inches are calculated by adding the total length, width, and height of your bag. If it's more than 62 inches, then it's considered oversized baggage and will be subject to a $150 fee on top of your checked bag fee.

And if your Spirit Airlines checked bag is more than 80 linear inches, it won't be accepted, period – unless it's a considered special item, in which case it will also incur an extra $150 fee. 

Get out that tape measurer before you head to the airport if you're flying Spirit. You don't want to get stuck with these fees!

Visit the Spirit Airlines website for more information on overweight baggage limits.

Spirit Airlines Checked Sports Equipment

Like many airlines, some popular sports equipment items can be checked as regular baggage with Spirit Airlines, while others require special fees.

Some other, more unusual pieces of sporting equipment and other obscure baggage types are outlined on Spirit's Contract of Carriage .

How to Save on Spirit Baggage Fees

These extra fees can add up quite fast. Fortunately, there are a few different ways you can save on Spirit Airlines baggage prices when you fly.

Some are as simple as buying a bundle that includes the baggage you need rather than trying to add it separately. Others require a little more creativity – or maybe carrying the right credit card.

And active duty military personnel do not have to worry about Spirit's baggage fees: They all receive a free carry-on and two free checked bags when they show their military ID.

Buy a Bundle with Baggage

It's this simple: If you want to check a bag, you're probably better off buying at least a “Go Savvy” bundle when you book your Spirit flight. 

While these fares are pricier than the cheapest Spirit ticket, they include the choice between a checked bag or a carry-on bag (as well as other perks like complimentary seat selection). And the cost of that bundle is often lower than the bag itself.

Here's an example. You could book the cheapest, $59 one-way ticket from Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to Boston (BOS), then pay $50 to add a bag later on …

But you could buy a “Go Savvy” bundle that includes a checked bag (or a carry on – your choice) for just $40 more instead. That's clearly the better choice here. 

You'll need to do the math to ensure you come out ahead buying a bundle versus adding a checked bag separately. But considering you'll also get complimentary seat selection, it's often the far better deal. 

Join Spirit Airlines Saver$ Club

For approximately $70 a year, you can join the Spirit Saver$ Club and shave a few bucks off every time you need to pay for a bag. But those savings don't go nearly as far as they did a year ago.

For years, you could save $7 or more on all luggage fees with a Saver$ Club membership. No more: Now, that subscription saves you just $1 a bag , no matter what kind of bag you're bringing or when you pay.

Earn Spirit Status

Back when Spirit overhauled its loyalty program in 2021, it also introduced a bonafide status program.

There are two tiers: Spirit Silver and Spirit Gold. Earning either level of status requires spending a good chunk of change on Spirit flights each year or spending on a Spirit-branded credit card. But both status tiers unlock some savings on baggage.

• Spirit Silver members don't pay overweight baggage fees
• Spirit Gold flyers can bring a free carry-on bag onboard and get their first checked bag free, too.

Use Credit Card Travel Credits or Miles

Some top travel credit cards come with annual credits that will cover travel expenses when you use your card. Just how they work varies from card to card, but Chase and American Express could help you cover the cost of your baggage fees.

*amex platinum* offers each cardholder a $200 airline fee credit that can be used on one domestic U.S. airline of your choice. So, if you plan to fly Spirit a few times this year and want those charges covered, you simply choose Spirit Airlines as your preferred airline, and any fees that show up on your statement from Spirit will be reimbursed up to $200.

Pssst … you could also use that credit to cover the cost of upgrading to the Spirit Big Front Seat.

Read more on how Amex Airline credits work and how to maximize them this year!

The *chase sapphire reserve* card also offers a credit for travelers, but without any strings attached. No matter what the travel expense, Chase will reimburse Sapphire Reserve cardholders up to $300 on their statements. That's $300 worth of Spirit baggage fees if you want it to be! Just pay for your bag fees on your Reserve card and it should kick in automatically.

Over at Capital One, both the *capital one venture card* and *venture x* offer a novel way to cover almost any travel expense using Venture Miles – and yes, that includes Spirit baggage fees.

Just pay for them with your card, then go back and erase the purchase from your statement using miles. Every mile is worth 1 cent, so a $37 checked bag would cost you 3,700 Venture Miles.

Bottom Line

Understanding Spirit Airlines' baggage fees are a crucial part of getting value out of your trip on Spirit.

The low-cost carrier has been known for charging fees for nearly everything separately, but that's changing as the airline pivots to selling bundled fares instead. Still, Spirit baggage fees can add up quick.

And with Spirit and other airlines like it, those extra fees can be the difference between a good deal and a bad one. Do the math about your Spirit Airlines bags and use any and all tools at your disposal to pay the least amount you can before traveling.

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Gunnar Olson

Gunnar is a reporter and flight deal analyst at Thrifty Traveler who joined the team in July 2021. He finds flight deals for our Thrifty Traveler Premium members and writes about flight deal trends and the travel industry. His insights have been featured on CNN, the Today Show, t...

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10 Responses

My husband and I booked our flight from Ohio to La round trip and at the same time told the representative that We were only checking 1 bag . We were charged $146.00 ( that would equal $73.00 each way) we paid it but now from reading this I believe we were overcharged!

can someone please help me im trying pay for my bag

Or do yourself a favor and avoid flying Spirit all together. With all the fees you will get screwed and over pay every time. They are the worst airline EVER.

This article isn’t quite accurate. Although Spirit does have a 40lb weight limit for checked in luggage, it does allow you to bring 5 luggage and spreads the weight across. For example, 2 luggage total 80lbs. If both of your individual luggage do not exceed 80lbs (say one is 50lbs & the other is 30lbs) – you DO NOT pay overweight fees. I’ve switched to flying Spirit since Aug 2021 and we’ve been very happy.

I have to use a walker. Is it a free check in or do I take it with me on the airplane free of charge. Please explain procedure.

Is there a charge for charge for checking a walker on Spirit Airlines.

Is there any military discounts on baggage

Spirit provides two free checked bags and a free carry-on for active-duty military members.

https://customersupport.spirit.com/en-us/category/article/KA-01299

I have been trying to pay for the bags we are taking on our flight, BUT THIS PROCESS IS EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, KEEPS ASKING FOR CONFIRMATION NUMBER, LAST NAME, FLIGHT NUMBER etc., when I enter everything, it replies with ” UNABLE TO LOCATE …..!

Looking to book trip on Spirit Detroit to Las Vegas in September 2024. Airfare was decent but to purchase a standard seat back of plane was $73 each way. Carry-on Luggage 1 piece $72 each way. What a rip off. Will be flying Delta.

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Southwest Airlines assigned seating: When it starts and who can get it

Southwest Airlines has revealed when assigned seating will start and how it will implement other changes to its flying experience in an effort to improve profitability.

The announcement, unveiled ahead of Southwest's Investor Day on Thursday, Sept. 26, revealed details of the airline's transformation plan − billed as "Southwest. Even Better." − that will be phased in over the next three years.

It included when and how Southwest will get rid of open seating, how assigned and premium seating will work, and the future of its Bags Fly Free policy allowing flyers two free checked bags.

Southwest first disclosed in July that it would start assigned seating but was scant on additional details. That month, it also said it would begin flying red-eye flights in 2025; Phoenix will get some of those red-eyes, including two just-announced routes connecting Hawaii and Phoenix .

When is Southwest changing to assigned seating?

Southwest Airlines will end open seating in early 2026.

It will sell tickets for the first flights with assigned and premium seating in the second half of 2025.

How will Southwest Airlines assigned seating work?

Assigned seating on Southwest will work similarly to other airlines: Passengers who buy the cheapest tickets can select a seat for a fee, or a seat will be assigned to them the day before their flight.

Passengers can also purchase premium seats with extra legroom. Premium seats will offer up to 5 additional inches of seat pitch, or the distance between seats. About a third of Southwest's seats will be premium, and premium passengers will be among the first to board the plane.

Southwest Rapid Rewards members can select seats without paying additional fees depending on their rewards status. A-List members can select standard legroom seats at the time of booking at no additional cost; they'll have the opportunity to upgrade to a premium seat within 48 hours of the flight at no extra cost if any are still available. A-List Preferred members can select any available seat, including extra legroom seats, at no additional cost.

Southwest intends to maintain its current average seat pitch of 31 inches on all its planes. How much legroom is available with extra legroom seats depends on the plane. Southwest estimates the availability of extra legroom seats will look like this:

• Boeing 737-8 and 737-800: 68 seats with 3 additional inches of legroom.
• Boeing 737-7: 48 seats with 3 additional inches of legroom.
• Boeing 737-700: 40 seats with 5 additional inches of legroom.

When Southwest reconfigures its cabins to include new assigned and premium seats, the planes will be outfitted with new seats from RECARO, known for their automotive seating and gaming chairs. The new seats will have six-way headrests, more cushioning and electronic device holders.

When is Southwest ending free checked luggage?

Southwest is not ending free checked luggage − at least for now. Every ticket will continue to include two free checked bags.

While customers love the policy − American Airlines , United Airlines and Delta Air Lines raised their baggage fees in early 2024 − investors think Southwest is leaving money on the table by not charging for checked luggage.

Elliott Investment Management, the activist investor pushing for sweeping changes at Southwest, hinted in a presentation called Stronger Southwest that charging fees for checked luggage would improve Southwest's profitability.

Southwest Rapid Rewards changes and other news

Southwest Airlines Investor Day also included these announcements:

New global airline partnerships. Southwest announced a partnership with Icelandair to offer international flights out of Baltimore-Washington International Airport; more partnerships and participating airports will be announced.

New vacation packages. In 2024, Southwest will launch Getaways by Southwest, offering customizable vacation packages.

Changes to Rapid Rewards program. Southwest will update benefits for its Rapid Rewards loyalty program, giving A-List and A-List Preferred frequent flyers the highest level of benefits. The airline intends to add opportunities for Rapid Rewards members to earn and redeem points for long-haul destinations as it develops international partnerships and Getaways by Southwest.

All Rapid Rewards members will continue to earn and redeem points at the same rate they do today and the program will continue offering no blackout dates, uncapped reward seat availability and points that don't expire.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Michael Salerno is an award-winning journalist who’s covered travel and tourism since 2014. His work as The Arizona Republic’s consumer travel reporter aims to help readers navigate the stresses of traveling and get the best value for their money on their vacations. He can be reached at   [email protected] . Follow him on X, formerly Twitter:   @salerno_phx .

Support local journalism.   Subscribe to  azcentral.com  today .

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How much will Southwest Airlines change to boost profits? Some details are emerging

By the associated press • published september 26, 2024 • updated 5 hours ago.

Southwest Airlines said Thursday that it plans to end the open-boarding system it has used for more than 50 years and start flights with passengers sitting in assigned seats during the first half of 2026 as the company tries to remodel the airline to change with consumer tastes and improve profits.

CEO Robert Jordan and other Southwest executives gave details about the airline's future transformation at an investor meeting in Dallas. The airline plans to reserve a third of seats on its flights for passengers who would pay a premium to get up to five extra inches of legroom - and provide a source of more revenue.

Streaming 24/7: Watch NBC 5 local news and weather for free wherever you are

The changes to some of Southwest’s quirky habits are designed to reverse its slumping stock price and to fend off a possible proxy fight with hedge fund Elliott Investment Management that could cost Southwest leaders their jobs.

It’s unclear whether the changes will work, but they could leave an airline that bears little resemblance to the Southwest customers know — a carrier that still has a core of rabid fans.

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Ahead of the meeting, the airline announced that it expects to begin selling assigned seats just like all other airlines in the second half of 2025 and launch flights under the new model in the first half of 2026. The open-boarding system it has used will disappear, and passengers will be assigned seats, just like on all the other big airlines.

Southwest says its surveys show that 80% of its customers now want to know their seat before they get to the airport instead of picking among the open seats when they board the plane.

The introduction of assigned and premium seating also will require some changes to how passengers board planes before takeoff. The airline said its “most loyal customers and those who purchase premium seating” will be put in the first boarding group. In the past, Southwest customers were assigned their spots in boarding lines based on when they checked in and then left to scramble for their preferred places on planes.

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However, the airline said it would continue to allow passengers to check two bags for free, describing the policy as “the most important feature by far in setting Southwest apart from other airlines.”

U.S. airlines brought in more than $7 billion in revenue from bag fees last year, with American and United reaping more than $1 billion apiece. Wall Street has long argued that Southwest is leaving money behind.

But Southwest has built years of advertising campaigns around bags-fly-free. Taking away that perk could change the airline's DNA as much as — or maybe more — than dumping open seating. The airline said doing away with its policy “would drive down demand and far outweigh any revenue gains created by imposing and collecting bag fees.”

Southwest has been contemplating an overhaul for months, but the push for radical change became even more important to management this summer when Elliott Investment Management targeted the company for its dismal stock performance since early 2021.

Tom Fitzgerald, an airline analyst with TD Cowen, said investors will be interested in seeing if Southwest introduces a cut-rate “basic economy” fare or offers changes to its Rapid Rewards frequent-flyer program.

The analyst said another major topic of interest would be whether Southwest plans to reduce its flying next year instead of growing and whether it plans to keep shrinking the workforce. Southwest expects to cut about 2,000 jobs this year through attrition.

Company management heads into the investor day having angered an important interest group: its own workforce. The airline told employees Wednesday that it will make sharp cuts to service in Atlanta next year, resulting in the loss of 340 pilot and flight attendant positions.

Employee unions are watching the fight between Elliott Investment Management and airline management, but they are not taking sides. “That’s between Southwest and Elliott, and we’ll see how it plays out,” Alison Head, a flight attendant and union official in Atlanta, said.

However, the unions are concerned that more of their members could be forced to relocate or commute long distances to keep their jobs. Southwest’s chief operating officer told employees last week that the airline will have to make “difficult decisions” about its network to improve its financial performance.

Elliott seized on that comment, saying that Southwest leaders are now “taking any action – no matter how short-sighted – that they believe will preserve their own jobs.”

The hedge fund controlled by billionaire financier Paul Singer now owns more than 10% of Southwest shares and is the airline’s second-biggest shareholder. It wants to fire CEO Jordan and Chairman Gary Kelly and replace two-thirds of Southwest’s board.

Southwest gave ground this month, when it announced that six directors will leave in November and Kelly will step down next year. The airline is digging in to protect Jordan, however.

Elliott increased its pressure on Southwest this week by saying that it intends to call a special shareholder meeting as soon as next week to make the case for a board overhaul. Elliott has a slate of 10 potential nominees, including former airline CEOs.

“We do not support the company’s current course, which is being charted in a haphazard manner by a group of executives in full self-preservation mode,” Elliott said this week in a letter to other shareholders.

Jordan fired back on Wednesday, saying it is Elliott that wants to fly solo by lobbing “another negative press public ambush” instead of contributing to Southwest’s “transformational plan.”

“We’re willing to compromise, but acquiescing to a single shareholder’s demand for control of the company is not a compromise,” Jordan said. “There’s a lot to be excited about in Southwest, and we will not allow Elliott’s public attacks to distract us.”

Before Thursday’s event started, Southwest announced a $2.5 billion share-buyback program designed to make existing shares more valuable.

The airline also said that a third-quarter revenue ratio will rise by up to 3% instead of being between flat and down 2%, partly because Southwest gained passengers from other airlines during the CrowdStrike computer outage in July, which hit Delta Air Lines particularly hard. And it named a former AirTran and Spirit Airlines CEO to its board.

Shares of Southwest rose 6% in trading before the opening bell.

Shawn Cole, a founding partner of executive search firm Cowen Partners, whose firm has worked for other airlines but not Southwest, believes Southwest is too insular and should follow the recent examples of Starbucks and Boeing and hire an outsider as CEO. He thinks many qualified executives would be interested in the job.

“It would be a challenge, no doubt, but Southwest is a storied airline that a lot of people think fondly of,” Cole said. “If Boeing can do it, Southwest can do it.”

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