Spirit Airlines Follows Frontier & Scraps Change Fees

The Florida-based ultra-low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines has announced that it will eliminate change and cancelation fees for all ticket fares. The news follows Frontier’s decision to also get rid of the change fees for almost all ticket fares as part of a wider effort to revitalize its brand.

More flexibility

Change fees are charges incurred when a passenger voluntarily requests to change their original flight reservation. The Florida-based carrier, known for its low-cost tickets, previously charged for additional services such as cancelation and flight reservation change fees.

The airline used to charge $119 for ticket changes made 0 to 6 days before departure, $99 for changes made 7 to 30 days prior, and $69 for changes made 31 to 59 days before departure. Previously, Spirit did not charge passengers if the flight was changed or canceled within 24 hours after the initial purchase or if the change was made 60 days prior to departure.

Spirit Airlines did not make a formal announcement regarding the changes to its change fees or cancelation fees. Instead, this information appeared on its main website. The budget airline stated that “cancelation fees are gone for everyone” and “change fees are gone for all.” The new policy will provide more flexibility for passengers and is designed to attract more customers and enhance the passenger experience.

Tracing Frontier’s path

Spirit Airlines was the latest budget airline to abolish change fees after Frontier Airlines. On May 17, 2024, Frontier announced its new policy aimed at enhancing the passenger experience and increasing price transparency. Commenting on its pricing overhaul, Frontier’s chief executive, Barry Biffle, said:

“This enhancement is a key part of our promise to make travel with Frontier as flexible and worry-free as possible. We understand that plans can change, and we want to ensure that when they do, our passengers can adjust their bookings without the stress of additional fees.”

Photo: Vincenzo Pace | Simple Flying

In addition to scrapping change fees, the airline introduced four new booking bundles: Basic, Economy, Premium, and Business. According to the airline, the new pricing options are currently only available on its website and will eventually be rolled out on its mobile app.

“Today marks the beginning of a new era for Frontier – one with transparency in our prices, no change fees, and the lowest total price. This is ‘The New Frontier’, and we are committed to offering more than the lowest fares – we deliver the best price for all the options you want and the customer support you need when you need it. No gimmicks, just really low prices and good customer service.”

The changes follow a final rule from the Department of Transportation (DOT) that prevents airlines from implementing surprise junk fees when travelers book their flights.

Related

Frontier Airlines Scraps Change Fees, Overhauls Pricing As Reality Of FAA ‘Junk Fees’ Rule Bites

The airline’s new pricing model similarly reflects what its legacy competitors offer.

What are your thoughts on this new policy? Have you ever needed to change your flight? Let us know your experiences in the comments section below.