Top 5 hidden fees on Spirit Airlines and how to avoid them
Spirit Airlines is known for budget-friendly fares, but the final cost is NOT always what it seems. Hidden charges can pile up fast, turning a cheap flight into an expensive one. Knowing these extra costs and how to avoid them on this page of SkyTravelFly can help keep your travel budget intact.
Are there Hidden Fees on Spirit Tickets?
Spirit Airlines, known for its ultra-low-cost fares, attracts budget-conscious travelers looking for the cheapest way to fly. While the base ticket price may seem like a steal, the airline has a reputation for adding extra charges that often catch passengers off guard. There are five major hidden fees that can quickly add up, turning what seemed like a bargain into a pricier trip.
Baggage fees are one of the biggest surprises, with both carry-on and checked bags costing extra. Seat selection is not free either. Choosing anything other than a randomly assigned seat comes with a charge. Printing a boarding pass at the airport? That’s another fee. Even basic conveniences like in-flight snacks and drinks are not included. And if plans change, modification fees can be costly. While Spirit at 1-855-728-3555 or 1-888-415-1531 offers low fares upfront, these additional costs make it important for travelers to budget wisely. WE will show you the 5 major hidden fees of Spirit and also how to avoid them.
What are the 5 Hidden Fees on Spirit Flights?
Baggage Fees That Keep Increasing: Spirit may offer cheap tickets, but bringing anything more than a small personal item comes at a cost. A carry-on can set you back anywhere from $37 to $65, depending on when you pay for it. Checked bags start at $30 and can go up to $60 for a second bag. The later you pay, the more it costs—waiting until you’re at the gate will be the most expensive mistake.
Passenger Usage Fee: Buried in the fine print, this fee adds $22.99 per person, per leg of your trip. It’s essentially a charge for booking online, meaning you’re paying extra just to buy your ticket the way most people do.
Seat Selection Fees: Want to pick your seat? Be prepared to pay anywhere from $1 to $150 per flight. Otherwise, Spirit will randomly assign you one for free.
Check-in Charges: Checking in at the airport? That’s an extra $10 per person. Spirit strongly encourages online check-in, and now it’s clear why.
Printed Boarding Pass Fee: If an agent has to print your boarding pass, that’s another $10. Bringing a mobile or printed-at-home pass is the only way to avoid this extra cost.
Can I Avoid those Spirit Hidden Fees?
Pack Light to Dodge Baggage Fees:
Spirit allows one small personal item for free, but anything larger comes at a cost. If traveling light is not an option, the best way to cut down on baggage fees is to pay for them in advance. The earlier you add a carry-on or checked bag, the less you will be charged.
Skip the Passenger Usage Fee by Buying at the Airport:
Spirit tacks on a fee of $22.99 per person, per flight when booking online. That means a round trip for a family of five could come with an extra $229.90—without you even realizing it. The trick? Buy your tickets directly at a Spirit airport counter, and this charge disappears.
Avoid Seat Selection Fees by Letting Spirit Assign Seats:
When booking, Spirit will push you to pay for seat selection, but patience saves money. Skip this step and check in via the app 24 hours before departure you might get a seat for free. If you still don’t have an assignment by the time you reach the airport, don’t worry. Families often end up seated together, though it’s not guaranteed.
Check In on the App to Avoid the Extra Charge:
Spirit charges $10 per person for checking in at the airport, but this is easy to avoid. Use the Spirit Airlines app to check in for free, starting 24 hours before your flight. Since the app doesn’t offer much else, checking in early is the best way to make use of it.
Bring Your Own Boarding Pass:
Printing a boarding pass at the airport costs another $10 per person. Instead, print your passes at home or save them on your phone for a quick scan at security.
Via sidestepping these hidden charges, travelers can truly take advantage of the airline’s low fares. A little planning goes a long way in making sure the price you see is the price you actually pay. You can reach out to SkyTravelFly or Spirit at 1-855-728-3555 or 1-888-415-1531 to get more insights into cutting off extra fees.