Spirit Airlines is the latest carrier to eliminate change and cancellation fees.
The new policy went into effect on Friday, with Spirit’s website saying, “cancel fees are canceled for everyone” and “change fees are gone for all.”
The budget airline previously charged between $69 and $119 for ticket changes, depending on the number of days remaining before the flight, according to Simple Flying. However, it was already free to change a flight reservation within 24 hours of booking or 60 days before departure.
“Spirit has been evaluating changes to our product and strategy that will help us better compete, elevate the guest experience and return to profitability,” the airline said in a statement emailed to USA TODAY. “This new policy is among the best in the industry because it applies to each and every guest. We have many other enhancements in the works and look forward to sharing more soon.”
Changes to flights can be made up to an hour before the scheduled departure time, and any changes or cancellations can be done online under the My Trips page or the Spirit chat function, or by sending a direct message to Spirit on social media. Guest agents at the airport can also help with flight changes.
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If a customer cancels their reservation within 24 hours of booking or if the flight is seven or more days away, they’re eligible for a full refund. Otherwise, they will receive a flight credit for the value of the reservation, according to Spirit’s website.
Spirit’s first quarter 2024 results reported a loss, and Chief Financial Officer Scott Haralson said the airline is “on the cusp of making changes which we believe will position us on the road back to sustained profitability” following the failed JetBlue merger last year.
Also on Friday, fellow budget carrier Frontier Airlines’ announced it was also doing away with change and cancellation fees in an effort to be more transparent with customers.
The Department of Transportation has been cracking down on hidden and junk fees that airlines pose onto customers. What often seems like a low price can quickly add up when adding carry-on baggage or seat selection. Last month, the DOT banned bait-and-switch tactics – in which a discounted fare is advertised but doesn’t include mandatory fees – and to make it more transparent that seats are guaranteed and it’s unnecessary to purchase one.
Kathleen Wong is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Hawaii. You can reach her at kwong@usatoday.com.
