spirit airlines seat assignment child

• Credit cards
• View all credit cards
• Banking guide
• Loans guide
• Insurance guide
• Personal finance
• View all personal finance
• Small business
• Small business guide
• View all taxes

You’re our first priority. Every time.

We believe everyone should be able to make financial decisions with confidence. And while our site doesn’t feature every company or financial product available on the market, we’re proud that the guidance we offer, the information we provide and the tools we create are objective, independent, straightforward — and free.

So how do we make money? Our partners compensate us. This may influence which products we review and write about (and where those products appear on the site), but it in no way affects our recommendations or advice, which are grounded in thousands of hours of research. Our partners cannot pay us to guarantee favorable reviews of their products or services. Here is a list of our partners .

The Guide to Spirit Airlines Seat Selection

Many or all of the products featured here are from our partners who compensate us. This influences which products we write about and where and how the product appears on a page. However, this does not influence our evaluations. Our opinions are our own. Here is a list of our partners and here's how we make money .

Spirit Airlines is known for its low fares and plentiful flights to popular vacation destinations. But because of the airline’s pricing model , choosing your seat and most other services beyond the ticket itself will cost you extra when flying Spirit.

Before you book your ticket, here’s what to know about seat selection on Spirit Airlines, including the types of seats available and how much they might cost.

Spirit Airlines seat assignment

As an ultra low-cost carrier, the rule of thumb on Spirit is that seat selection isn't free, and customers can expect to pay for seats on each leg of their trip.

The only travelers who don’t have to pay a seat selection fee are Free Spirit elite status members, who get free seat selection as one of the program’s perks.

When booking, you can pay for seat selection and baggage as part of a bundle. Alternatively, you can choose your seats individually as a trip add-on during booking or anytime after — even at check-in.

Do I have to select a seat on Spirit Airlines?

Travelers hoping to fly as cheaply as possible can skip paying for seat selection altogether. In that case, the airline will randomly assign them a seat at check-in.

Yes, that means you could end up sitting apart from your travel companions: The airline states it can’t guarantee travelers will be assigned seats next to each other, even if they booked the tickets on one reservation.

However, the airline says gate agents and flight attendants will try to provide adjacent seats “when possible” for travelers ages 13 or younger who are traveling with an adult.

Notably, this assurance is not enough to meet the U.S. Department of Transportation’s new recommendations that airlines guarantee adjacent family seating for no additional cost.

» Learn more: When to fly on low-cost carriers vs. full-service airlines

Spirit Airlines seat types

Unlike other airlines that have a wide range of seat types and classes of service, it’s pretty straightforward on Spirit — there are just three options to choose from.

Standard seats

Spirit’s standard seats represent the vast majority of seats on the aircraft. You can buy a standard seat a la carte or purchase it as part of a bundle — which we’ll discuss in a moment.

While you may want to equate a standard seat to economy class on another airline, don’t expect much besides a place to sit. As a budget airline, you’ll generally have to pay for anything else you want, from soda and snacks to carry-on bags and other services.

Premium seats

On Spirit, premium seats are exit row seats that come with a bit of extra legroom but also require passengers to be able and willing to assist in an emergency. This means travelers under the age of 15 can’t choose these seats, per federal guidelines.

Big Front Seats

While Spirit doesn’t have a true first class, it does offer wider seats with more legroom at the front of the aircraft. The airline calls the seats in this section the Big Front Seats .

With eight or ten such seats available on each flight — depending on the aircraft — Big Front Seat passengers get up to 32% more legroom when compared to standard seats. There’s also no middle seat, as all Big Front Seats are either window or aisle seats.

» Learn more: Your guide to Spirit Airlines’ award chart

Spirit Airlines seating chart

On the web, there are a few ways to see the Spirit seating chart. You can take a sneak peek before choosing a flight by selecting “seat map” on an itinerary you’re considering.

Once you do that, you can view seat types and availability on the plane, as shown in this example flight from Newark, New Jersey to Orlando, Florida.

When it comes time to select a seat while booking, the seat map will show the price of each seat. When you select a seat, a pop-up box will display the price, along with an image and additional information, like whether it’s an aisle or window seat.

If you’re selecting seats as part of a bundle, you’ll choose your seats using the same type of map, but seats included in the bundle will be listed at $0.

How to pick seats on Spirit Airlines

When it comes to selecting a seat on Spirit, you have three main options:

Pay to select seats a la carte while booking, or anytime up until check-in.

Pay for a bundle that includes seat selection, baggage and other benefits such as priority boarding.

Skip seat selection and pay nothing. This option will result in the airline randomly assigning you a seat at check-in.

» Learn more: Sweet spots for redeeming Spirit Airlines points

Spirit Airlines seat selection fees

Seat assignment prices can vary dramatically based on the flight and the seat you choose. Spirit advertises the price for a standard seat as starting at $5 per flight and climbing as high as $200 under the most expensive circumstances.

The price of a Big Front Seat ranges from $12 to $750 per route, and will be pricier than standard seats for the extra space. You can also save money by paying to upgrade to a Big Front Seat on the day of your flight, but there’s always a chance there won’t be any available.

In NerdWallet’s analysis of airline seat fees , Spirit Airlines is the second most expensive among major U.S. airlines, at an average of $20 per seat per flight. Spirit trails only its budget airline counterpart, Frontier, in that ranking.

» Learn more: Frontier vs. Spirit: The battle of the budget airlines

With such a wide range of prices, let’s see what these fees look like in practice. We priced out a summer weekend trip from Baltimore/Washington International Airport in Maryland to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport in Florida, with a base fare coming in at $229 round-trip. On the leg to Florida, seat selection fees start at $17 for a standard seat toward the back of the plane.

If we want to sit closer to the front of the plane, standard seats go for $18 or $27. Exit row seats are $33, while the larger, extra-legroom Big Front Seat costs $110.

For the return trip, the cheapest seats start at $20.

If we aren't paying for extra baggage, and if we select the least expensive seat each way, our $228 ticket ultimately comes out to $265.

Spirit Airlines fee bundles

Instead of paying for seats separately, you can pay for one of Spirit’s bundles. These include a checked and/or full-size carry-on bag, a standard seat and other services for one price.

Like the seats themselves, the costs of the bundles vary by flight. And keep in mind you’ll need to pay for the bundle for both the outbound and return flight.

Before choosing a bundle, you’ll want to decide what services you need and then price out the best option.

Here’s what you get with Spirit’s two main bundles:

For our hypothetical trip from Baltimore to Fort Lauderdale with a $229 base fare, the Just for You bundle costs $69 each way. The Bundle It Combo tacks on $130 each way.

So if we decide to add on the Bundle It Combo, we would pay $489 — which might not be such a good deal.

If we only want one part of a bundle’s offerings — for example, a carry-on bag — and don’t need seat selection or priority boarding, it might make sense to skip the bundle and pay for the carry-on bag separately.

» Learn more: How Spirit Boarding Zones and Shortcuts Work

Spirit Saver$ Club

Members of Spirit’s subscription-based Saver$ Club receive discounts on seat selection for themselves and up to eight travel companions, along with other benefits like expedited security access, early boarding and ticket flexibility.

The program costs $69 for a 12-month membership, with 18-month and two-year memberships also available.

Spirit Airlines seat selection for elite members

One of the most useful perks of Spirit Airlines elite status is the ability to select a seat for free. Spirit’s seat selection benefits for elite status members are as follows:

Free Spirit Silver members get complimentary seat selection at check-in and may be able to move to an exit row seat prior to departure at no cost.

Free Spirit Gold members get complimentary seat selection when booking, including exit rows. 

If you’re a frequent Spirit flyer, you can work toward Free Spirit elite status through flying and everyday spending using the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® . Cardholders earn 1 Status Qualifying Point (SQP) per $10 spent on eligible purchases.

For context, it takes 2,000 SQP to reach Free Spirit Silver and earn complimentary seat selection at check-in. Gold status is earned once you reach 5,000 SQPs.

Spirit Airlines seat selection recapped

When flying a budget airline like Spirit Airlines, you should go in expecting that your ticket only gets you a spot on the plane and a personal item that fits under the seat. Anything else, including choosing your seat, will cost extra.

When booking a Spirit Airlines flight, a little research and strategy can help you save money . Figure out your greatest areas of need— whether it’s a full-sized bag, shortcut boarding or selecting a seat — and then compare the price of bundling your add-on services or paying for them individually.

And, if you’re planning to fly Spirit regularly, supplementing your flying with an airline-branded credit card is a great way to help you reach elite status and earn free seat selection.

(Top photo courtesy of Spirit Airlines)

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

on Chase's website

1x-5x 5x on travel purchased through Chase Travel℠, 3x on dining, select streaming services and online groceries, 2x on all other travel purchases, 1x on all other purchases.

60,000 Earn 60,000 bonus points after you spend $4,000 on purchases in the first 3 months from account opening. That's $750 when you redeem through Chase Travel℠.

1.5%-6.5% Enjoy 6.5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel; 4.5% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and 3% on all other purchases (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year). After your first year or $20,000 spent, enjoy 5% cash back on travel purchased through Chase Travel, 3% cash back on drugstore purchases and dining at restaurants, including takeout and eligible delivery service, and unlimited 1.5% cash back on all other purchases.

$300 Earn an additional 1.5% cash back on everything you buy (on up to $20,000 spent in the first year) - worth up to $300 cash back!

on Capital One's website

2x-5x Earn unlimited 2X 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.

75,000 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.

Advertiser Disclosure

Many of the credit card offers that appear on this site are from credit card companies from which we receive financial compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site (including, for example, the order in which they appear). However, the credit card information that we publish has been written and evaluated by experts who know these products inside out. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse. This site does not include all credit card companies or all available credit card offers that are on the market. See our advertising policy here where we list advertisers that we work with, and how we make money. You can also review our credit card rating methodology .

20 Frequently Asked Questions About Flying Spirit Airlines

James Larounis

Senior Content Contributor

545 Published Articles 1 Edited Article

Countries Visited: 30 U.S. States Visited: 35

Michael Y. Park

15 Published Articles 157 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 60+ U.S. States Visited: 50

Stella Shon

News Managing Editor

87 Published Articles 620 Edited Articles

Countries Visited: 25 U.S. States Visited: 22

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 one of several U.S. ultra-low-cost carriers, but with a restrictive fare model and no-frills planes, it’s not necessarily for everyone.

There are many complexities and restrictions that many travelers aren’t aware of when booking Spirit tickets, since its tickets only include the bare bones. So we’re here to look in depth at some of the most frequently asked questions when it comes to flying Spirit Airlines. These include:

• How the airline operates
• How the ticketing process works
• Ticketing restrictions
• Ticketing fees and how to avoid them
• Seating options

Let’s dive right in.

1. What Is Spirit Airlines, and What Is Its Basic Business Model?

Spirit is an American ultra-low-cost airline that operates flights in the U.S., the Caribbean, Latin America, and South America.

The airline is headquartered in Miramar, Florida, with hubs in Atlanta (ATL), Atlantic City (ACY), Chicago (ORD), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Detroit (DTW), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Houston (IAH), Las Vegas (LAS), Miami (MIA), and Orlando (MCO).

It has a fleet size of about 200 aircraft that fly to more than 80 destinations worldwide, primarily within North America. The company slogan is “Less Money. More Go.”

As of 2023, Spirit Airlines has the following aircraft:

• Airbus A319-100
• Airbus A319neo (on order)
• Airbus A320-200
• Airbus A320neo
• Airbus A321-200
• Airbus A321neo (on order)

2. Why Is Spirit Airlines Considered Ultra-Low-Cost?

Spirit Airlines offers great deals and incredibly low-priced air tickets to its customers — there’s no secret about that. The base fare can be as low as $29 , sometimes even lower.

How does can it afford to sell fares for so low? In March 2007, Spirit changed its fare model by removing amenities (which inflate the base ticket price on other carriers). Spirit charges a low base fare, and customers must pay for carry-ons, drinks, food, seats with additional legroom, and baggage. The more amenities included, the more a ticket costs.

So, to capture its market, Spirit reduces the cost of a ticket and lets passengers buy all ancillary items, like seat selection or checked luggage , separately. This enables the carrier to earn extra revenue while posting fares much lower than traditional legacy carriers.

3. Do I Have to Purchase a Seat on Spirit Airlines?

You must purchase a ticket to fly on any of Spirit’s flights. The base fare is usually between $29 to $39 for cheaper tickets, though it could cost less or much more. Seats are assigned randomly at check-in — specific seat selection is not included in your ticket price unless you pay extra for it in advance.

That means there’s no guarantee that you’ll get to sit with family and friends unless you pay to choose seats. So if you are traveling with companions, take your time to read the Spirit Airlines policies, and purchase seats ahead of travel.

Bottom Line: Seat selection isn’t included with your ticket on Spirit, so you’ll need to pay more if you want to choose where to sit.

4. Can I Purchase a Seat Assignment While I Book My Ticket?

Yes, though Spirit considers this an á la carte option. To choose a seat you want, you have to pay for seat assignment, starting at $5.

You can also pick what’s known as a Big Front Seat, which is essentially a first-class-style seat, though with fewer perks. This upgrade starts at around $40. A Big Front Seat has 32% more legroom and no middle seat — prime real estate!

To view the seat prices for a specific flight, check the Seat page when booking online. You can also look under My Trips or the Online Check-in page within 24 hours of departure.

5. How Can I Book My Flight and Get My Boarding Pass?

Visit spirit.com for the quickest way to book your flight and get your boarding pass for free.

Start by signing in with your credentials. If you do not have an account, create one (it’s called a Free Spirit account). This only takes a few minutes; you can log in and print your pass at home.

Once you have created an account and signed in, select the Book tab. The page will display the following options:

• Round-trip, one-way, or multi-city
• Departure and return location
• Departure and return dates
• Number of adults and children

After you add the required details, click Search Flights.  You’ll see results on the page, where you can book your flight. If you have a promo code, the website lets you to enter it at checkout.

Once you finish the process, you can print your boarding pass. This is also a good time to buy a seat assignment, since these options are less expensive online than in person at the airport.

6. Can I Print My Boarding Pass at the Airport?

Yes, Spirit Airlines has simple self-service kiosks where you can purchase tickets and print boarding passes in minutes. (If you need assistance, there are customer service agents nearby.) You should complete your check-in or purchase of tickets at least 1 hour before departure .

Boarding passes are available at the check-in counter, but customers will be charged $10 to print a single boarding pass. So if you want to save, print your boarding pass at home.

Bottom Line: When it comes to Spirit bookings or boarding passes, avoid talking to a human if you don’t want to pay extra! At the airport, there are significant fees even to do simple tasks.

7. Who Can’t Check in Online To Fly With Spirit?

Here is a list of travelers who may not be able to complete check-in online:

• Unaccompanied minors
• Travelers with a lap infant
• Travelers with a military ID and no passport
• Non-U.S. citizens traveling from outside the U.S.
• Travelers who have purchased special items or extra seats
• Travelers who have made a group reservation of 10 or more
• Travelers with pets or service animals

These guests are required to check in at the airport counter. Unlike others who will be charged $10 when printing boarding passes at the airport, the guests listed above will have the $10 fee waived .

8. Can I Travel With an Infant on My Lap?

Yes, you are allowed to travel with an infant on your lap. Before departure, you should check in with Spirit staff . Spirit Airlines provides the following guidelines when it comes to traveling with an infant:

• Adult travelers (ages 15 and up) can carry 1 child per lap
• Infants under 7 days old or requiring life support systems like an incubator are not allowed to board (as is the case with most airlines)
• Car seats are not allowed in the emergency exit rows or any row close to the emergency exit
• Child car seats and lap children are not allowed to occupy seats with inflatable seatbelts
• You can add a lap child when booking online

Fees and taxes are applicable when an infant accompanies you . The amount charged depends on the destination.

9. Can Unaccompanied Minors Travel on Spirit Airlines?

Unaccompanied minors can travel alone, but only on domestic direct flights (within the U.S., the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico). They cannot travel unaccompanied on international flights , domestic flights where an aircraft change is scheduled, or connecting flights.

During flights, unaccompanied minors are taken care of by the airline staff. They will be offered snacks and beverages for a fee, just like any passenger. Unlike most legacy carriers, Spirit will not help children with gate transfers in connecting cities .

Here are the guidelines guests should follow when booking flights for unaccompanied minors:

• Inform Spirit Airlines staff that you are booking an unaccompanied minor
• Check in at the gate together with the minor at least 1 hour before departure
• Request a gate pass when dropping off the child (available at the reservation counter)
• Guests must accompany the child to the gate and remain within the gate area until the flight takes off (about 15 minutes after boarding)
• Unaccompanied minors will be released to the person indicated on the unaccompanied minor form or to a Spirit Airlines employee

10. Can I Cancel or Change My Flight Reservation?

Yes, but you will be charged a fee if it’s too close to the flight date. Here are the current cancellation and change charges:

Customers who purchase Flight Flex can change their ticket for free up to 24 hours before departure.

Spirit Airlines allows changes or cancellation requests to be made up to 1 hour before departure. If you cancel your reservation 0 to 60 days before departure, any remaining balance is issued as credit. If you cancel via Spirit’s Airlines online portal, you will be issued a $10 voucher (one-way) applicable on future travels, provided the reservation charge is less than the cancellation fee.

To make changes or cancel yourself, sign in to your account and click My Trips . If you prefer not to do it yourself, you can text 48763 or 855-728-3555 on WhatsApp, direct message Spirit on social media, call 855-728-3555, or speak to a Spirit agent at the airport. You can also visit the reservations desk, but may be charged for this service.

You can learn more about canceling in this post: How To Cancel a Spirit Airlines Flight [Points or Cash Ticket] .

Bottom Line: Canceling or changing a ticket can cost you (at least $39 if you do it online). 

11. Can I Change My Name on a Spirit Reservation?

Yes, you’re allowed to change a name that’s misspelled by a few characters. Doing so is free of charge. To change your misspelled name, contact Spirit Airlines’ customer support team.

You can also request a change of your legal name, though you must provide reasons for the change and supporting documents (like a divorce decree, marriage license, or court order). You can request a name change online. Visit spirit.com/help — at the bottom, you should find an option to attach your documents.

If you need to change your contact information, date of birth, passport number, or gender, contact the Spirit’s reservations center or email the customer support team. Remember to have copies of your legal documents.

12. Can I Travel With My Mobility Aid or Wheelchair on Spirit?

Yes, Spirit Airlines accepts mobility aids and wheelchairs for travelers. You can carry these devices onto your flight at no charge . To check your mobility aid or wheelchair, visit the ticket or gate counter.

If you’re traveling with a battery-powered mobility aid or wheelchair, we recommend arriving at the airport 2 hours before departure to ensure it’s handled properly. Officials at the ticket counter will recommend that you carry any detachable items like footrests or seat cushions on board yourself. If this is not an option, they may be stowed in the cargo bin.

To make your check-in process fast and smooth, Spirit requests that guests provide the airport crew with written instructions on handling the wheelchair or mobility aid and recommends bringing your user manual. You can also fill in a mobility aid information form .

13. What Are Spirit’s Baggage Fees?

Spirit Airlines allows travelers to check in with 1 personal item the size of a small box (such as a small backpack, handbag, or purse). These items are included in your base fare, so you will not be charged extra. However, Spirit will charge for extra baggage and some personal items.

If you plan on carrying extra luggage, check in online before departure ! The charge for your extra items will be lower if you add them when booking your flight than if you wait and do it at the airport. Fees for carry-on bags start at $31.

Hot Tip: Prepay your bags when you purchase your trip to reduce expenses incurred at the airport.

Personal items allowed by Spirit’s airport crew at no charge include cameras, assistive devices, umbrellas, coats, wraps, hats, and books. Head and neck pillows are allowed, but they must fit inside your backpack or bag.

There’s a common misconception that true low-cost carriers such as Spirit don’t allow small personal items on board — which is why we’re so thorough in mentioning everything you can and cannot bring with you.

Bottom Line: If you’re carrying on a bag (non-personal item), you could pay north of $50.

14. Where Can I Check the Size and Weight Limits for Bags?

Spirit Airlines allows personal items or backpacks under 18 x 14 x 8 inches, including wheels and handles.

The maximum dimensions for a carry-on bag are 22 x 18 x 10 inches. If your carry-on is too big to be stowed safely in the cargo bin, you must check it (and pay extra).

For checked bags, it’s a maximum of 62 total linear inches (the sum of the height, width, and depth, in inches) and 40 pounds. Bags weighing over 40 pounds are charged more because they require special handling, and extra weight means the plane has to use more fuel during flight. Bags over 100 pounds cannot be accepted.

Certain regions, such as South America, have additional baggage restrictions, so be sure to check the Spirit website before you go to the airport.

Hot Tip: If you’re planning to travel with a checked or carry-on bag, make sure to check it online! Doing so at the airport will cost more.

15. Can I Carry My Personal Dialysis Machine, Insulin Device, or Other Medical Devices on Board?

Yes, Spirit Airlines allows you to carry a portable dialysis machine on board at no extra cost, and it doesn’t count toward your baggage allowance. Your device should not exceed 22 inches by 18 inches by 10 inches.

Although Spirit allows you to carry on these medical devices, it prohibits using the machine during the flight. The planes do not have compatible electrical plugs to charge or power medical devices.

Passengers are welcome to carry insulin on board, but it’s recommended that guests inform airline staff about the insulin before boarding. Insulin is normally stored in special bags aboard the flight for safekeeping.

Like other medical devices, insulin will not incur a fee during check-in. However, if your insulin is in a bag together with other personal items (like socks, electronics, and clothing), you might owe a fee for the other personal items if the weight exceeds the recommended limit.

For more information about traveling with insulin and other medical assistive devices, check the TSA website .

16. Can I Carry My Sports Equipment on Board?

It depends. You can carry some sports equipment on your flight. All checked sports equipment, such as hockey sticks, tennis racquets, and others, are charged just like a standard checked bag and stored in the hold. The sports equipment should be secured inside a bag. Spirit will charge you for a separate bag if they are not packed securely in the bag.

Spirit Airlines only permits non-battery-operated and non-motorized skateboards. Electric or battery-operated skateboards and other sports equipment cannot be checked (batteries can contain hazardous materials that can endanger other travelers and the plane).

Sports items not within the normal carry-on dimensions will be checked in the hold, and you will be charged a checked baggage fee .

17. Can I Fly With a Musical Instrument?

Musical instruments such as ukuleles, violins, guitars, cellos, accordions, saxophones, acoustic guitars, electric guitars, and bass guitars are considered fragile. To prevent damage, pack your musical instruments in a case.

Instruments are charged like any other checked bag, meaning you’ll have to pay the checked bag price and any overweight charges. You must also sign a release form before departure that relieves Spirit of liability for damage or loss of the musical instrument.

18. What Is the Spirit Saver$ Club? How Do I Join, and What Are the Benefits?

Distinct from the Free Spirit program, Spirit has a program called the Spirit Saver$ Club (formerly known as the $9 Fare Club). This club offers benefits, including discounted fares, baggage fees, seats, and time-saving options for a fee of $69.95 for 12 months, $99.90 for 18 months, or $129.90 for 24 months. You could offset the membership fee above in as little as 1 booking, so the savings are potentially significant!

To join the Spirit Saver$ Club, you are required to register online and submit the following details:

• First, middle, and last name
• Date of birth
• Email address
• Contact information

You’ll also have to provide your billing information. Spirit Airlines accepts major credit cards and other popular payment systems, and your membership is renewed each year automatically unless canceled.

Benefits of joining the Spirit Saver$ Club include:

• Exclusive discounted fares for yourself and up to 8 additional guests
• Up to 50% off on checked and carry-on bags for you and up to 8 additional guests
• Your entire party will save on every seat, including the Big Front Seat and exit rows
• Save on elements like Shortcut Security, Shortcut Boarding, and Flight Flex
• Exclusive offers with Spirit partners
• Discounted seats, shortcut security, and shortcut boarding

19. What Is the Free Spirit Frequent Flyer Program?

Free Spirit is a free rewards program created by Spirit Airlines to reward its customers for flying Spirit on an ongoing basis. To join the program, you must fill out a membership form with the following details:

A welcome email with your account information is sent to your inbox if registration is successful. Alternatively, you can become a Free Spirit member when you book your first flight.

Benefits of the Free Spirit Program include:

• Earn points when you fly with Spirit Airlines and partners
• Buy or gift points to family members and friends (Gold and Silver elite members can also pool points)
• Use the points for travel
• Track the points earned
• Book and manage your reservations faster

You can book and manage your flight reservation using Spirit Airlines mobile app on Apple or Android. If you have questions about bookings and managing your reservations within the program, call Spirit Airlines at 801-401-2222.

20. How Can I Save by Booking a Spirit Ticket at the Airport?

Strangely enough, you can save upwards of $19 per ticket if you book at the airport . This is the opposite of most of Spirit’s policies, where speaking to someone at the airport incurs a fee.

Because airlines must pay a federal excise task on base fares, Spirit tries to avoid paying this tax by adding an $18.99 passenger usage fee to tickets booked over the phone or online. This fee is not a tax and is included in most online and phone booking scenarios. In this way, Spirit can increase what is essentially the fare of the ticket so it doesn’t incur the additional tax.

Because the fee is only applied to online or phone bookings, you can avoid this $18.99 charge by booking at the airport. When you arrive at the airport, speak to a customer service representative to get around paying this nuisance fee.

When you get to the counter, let them know your preferred travel dates and routing, and they’ll price out the itinerary for you, less the $18.99 fee. While this does save you money on your ticket cost, you need to weigh the cost of driving to the airport and getting this done, which could be more expensive than just paying the fee at home.

Bottom Line: It may sound counterintuitive, but booking a ticket at the airport can save you money.

There are many nuances to booking Spirit tickets, but with a little know-how, it’s easy to figure things out and save a few bucks. Spirit can save you a ton of money when you travel, and understanding its processes and policies will help you maximize the experience and not overpay.

The information regarding the Free Spirit ® Travel Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer. The information regarding the Free Spirit ® Travel More World Elite Mastercard ® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the spirit airlines baggage fees.

Spirit Airlines allows travelers to check in with 1 personal item the size of a small box (such as a small backpack, handbag, or purse). These items are included in your base fare, so you will not be charged extra fees.

However, Spirit will charge for extra baggage and some personal items. If you plan on carrying extra luggage, check in online before departure ! The charge for your extra items will be lower if you add them when booking your flight than if you wait and do it at the airport. Fees for carry-on bags run north of $25.

Do you have to choose a seat with Spirit?

You do not have to select a seat. If you choose not to, you will be assigned one at random. If you do want to select your seat, you’ll have to do it in advance and pay extra.

What is the Spirit Saver$ Club? What happened to the $9 Fare Club?

Distinct from the Free Spirit program, the Spirit Saver$ Club (formerly known as the $9 Fare Club), launched in 2021. This club offers benefits like discounted fares, baggage fees, seats, and time-saving options for a fee of $69.95 for 12 months, $99.90 for 18 months, or $129.90 for 24 months. The new benefits, compared to the $9 Fare Club, are the discounted seats and time-saving options.

Does Spirit Airlines have a credit card?

Spirit Airlines partners with Bank of America, the issuer of its co-branded credit cards. You will earn Spirit Airlines points directly with the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® and Free Spirit® Travel Mastercard® .

Does Spirit have an awards chart?

Redemptions start at 2,500 points and are dynamically priced. When searching for your flight on spirit.com , select Points  as your payment type to see the total points required.

Was this page helpful?

About James Larounis

James (Jamie) started The Forward Cabin blog to educate readers about points, miles, and loyalty programs. He’s spoken at Princeton University and The New York Times Travel Show and has been quoted in dozens of travel publications.

INSIDERS ONLY: UP PULSE ™

Get the latest travel tips, crucial news, flight & hotel deal alerts...

Plus — expert strategies to maximize your points & miles by joining our (free) newsletter.

We respect your privacy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA. Google's privacy policy and terms of service apply.

UP's Bonus Valuation

This bonus value is an estimated valuation calculated by UP after analyzing redemption options, transfer partners, award availability and how much UP would pay to buy these points.

An official website of the United States government Here's how you know

Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Airline Family Seating Dashboard

A parent who purchases airline tickets for a family should receive a guarantee from the airline that it will seat the parent and child together without fees or a last-minute scramble at the gate or having to ask other passengers to give up their seat to allow the parent and child to sit together. On February 1, 2023, Secretary Buttigieg announced the Department's plan to launch a dashboard that displays which airlines guarantee family seating. Since then, some airlines have stepped up to guarantee adjacent seats for young children traveling with an accompanying adult at no additional cost. While this represents significant progress, USDOT is not stopping here. Secretary Buttigieg recently submitted to Congress a legislative proposal to require that airlines provide fee-free family seating .

Commitment for Fee-Free Family Seating

Please click this link for an alternative text version of the dashboard .

Limited Conditions

* When using an airline that assigns seats, the airline can condition its guarantee on each of the following:

• Child and accompanying adult are on the same reservation;
• Adjacent seats are available at the time of booking in the selected class of service;
• Aircraft is not substituted for smaller aircraft;
• Adult either chooses seats for the entire reservation or skips seats for the entire reservation, and does not make changes to seat assignments once assigned to them; and
• It is physically possible based on seat layout to seat the number of young children traveling next to the accompanying adult(s).

If the conditions are satisfied, airlines that assign seats and guarantee fee-free family seating will provide adjacent seat assignments to the adult traveling with a child age 13 or under no later than on the day before the flight.

* When using an airline with an open seating policy, the airline can condition its guarantee on the following:

• Child and accompanying adult are on same reservation;
• Accompanying adult notifies gate agent of need for adjacent seats prior to start of boarding; and

DOT is not satisfied with airline statements that they will "make efforts" to seat families traveling with children together at no additional cost. The Department urges all airlines to guarantee family seating. DOT will update the dashboard above to provide air travelers clear information about the airlines that commit to providing adjacent seats for a young child and an accompanying parent and those that do not.

The dashboard will serve as a bridge to help families while the Department advances a rulemaking to ensure airlines seat young children adjacent to a parent or other accompanying adult. In addition, the President has called upon Congress to fast track the ban on family seating fees so that DOT can take action to stop those practices more quickly than through a rulemaking.

Tips for Families

The Department provides families practical tips that families may use before, during, and after air travel and links to airline websites with information applicable to family seating .

If you are dissatisfied with an experience related to family seating, you can file a complaint with the airline or DOT. Click here to file a complaint with the DOT.

See below for detailed information about airline customer service commitment plans.

Airlines' Customer Service Plans

• Alaska Airlines
• Allegiant Air
• American Airlines
• Delta Air Lines
• Frontier Airlines
• Hawaiian Airlines
• JetBlue Airways
• Southwest Airlines
• Spirit Airlines
• United Airlines

How to upgrade your seat on Spirit Airlines

Unlike most other discount carriers, Spirit Airlines has a much more comfortable seat at the front of its planes. And Spirit's marketing of this seat may be the most honest in the travel industry. Dubbed the " Big Front Seat ," you get what you'd expect: a big seat in the front of the plane. And it's pretty comfy.

You won't get free drinks or free checked bags with the Big Front Seat. And there aren't any free Spirit upgrades to the Big Front Seat, even for elite members. But, you can buy your way to a nicer seat.

An upgrade to a Big Front Seat isn't as cheap as it used to be, but you may still find the cost reasonable. Even if you're traveling on a small budget and want to buy a Spirit upgrade, you may find an exit-row seat that's in your price range. Here's what you need to know to give yourself the best chance at an affordable upgrade to more legroom when flying Spirit Airlines.

Sign up for our daily newsletter for more TPG news delivered each morning to your inbox.

Buy a Spirit upgrade to the Big Front Seat

There are two ways to get a Spirit upgrade to the Big Front Seat. You can purchase a Big Front Seat assignment outright, either during the booking process or after you complete your booking. You can also use Spirit's bidding system to bid on a Big Front Seat, which I'll discuss in a subsequent section.

Discount carrier Spirit Airlines charges a fee for just about everything, including seat assignments. You'll see a seat map with prices attached to each empty seat during the booking process.

Once you select a seat and pay for it, you're all set. Spirit advertises a price range of $12 to $250 to select a Big Front Seat. In practice, we typically see a range between $50 and $150, with many popular routes charging $100 or more per flight segment for the Big Front Seat.

As a general rule with Spirit, seat assignment fees are nonrefundable. So, make sure you're very likely to take your trip before committing to an upgrade.

The Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® doesn't offer any discounts or benefits regarding Spirit upgrades. But you can still utilize many other credit card travel credits to cover seat selection fees. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve offers a $300 annual travel credit and The Platinum Card® from American Express offers an airline fee credit (although you'd need to enroll and select Spirit as your airline of choice before making your purchase).

The information for the Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Related: Spirit baggage fees and how to avoid paying them

Buy a Spirit upgrade to the exit row

There are several ways to pay for an upgrade to the exit row. The first, similar to the Big Front Seat, is to pay for an exit-row seat during seat selection. Spirit lists the price range for paid seat assignments from $1 to $50 (excluding the Big Front Seat). Typically, you'll pay $25 to $35 to select an exit-row seat.

The other way to upgrade to an exit-row seat is to purchase one of the bundles Spirit offers during the booking process. Generally speaking, you'll be offered two bundles during the booking process. Both the more affordable "Just For You" bundle and the pricier "Bundle It" bundle include the ability to pick any seat on the plane (excluding a Big Front Seat).

For folks who plan to bring a carry-on or checked bag, bundle pricing that includes an exit-row seat can provide good value.

Related: How to change or cancel a Spirit Airlines flight

Bid on an upgrade to a Big Front Seat or exit-row seat

Until recently, the only way you could grab a Big Front Seat or exit-row seat on Spirit was to purchase it. However, Spirit has rolled out a bidding system that may allow you to snag a Spirit upgrade for slightly less cash. TPG's Zach Griff tried bidding on a Big Front Seat and saved 40% on the advertised price.

After you book your flight, Spirit has a webpage where you can bid for an upgrade to the exit row or a Big Front Seat. You won't hear whether your bid was successful until within 48 hours of departure (it may be even closer to departure).

Interestingly, the terms and conditions of the Spirit bidding system also mention something called "Instant Level Up." Instant Level Up is an option where Spirit may offer you the opportunity to purchase an upgraded seat immediately during the bidding process. Spirit's website notes that the Instant Level Up option is only available on select routes.

Related: The 3 biggest things I'll miss most when Spirit is acquired

Get a free Spirit upgrade to exit-row seating with elite status

If you fly Spirit frequently and earn elite status with Spirit Airlines, you'll enjoy a few perks for your efforts. Don't confuse these perks with status on United or American, as you won't find yourself with a free Spirit upgrade to the Big Front Seat. But, with enough Spirit flying, you may be able to snag a free upgrade to the exit row.

The Free Spirit program has two elevated levels you can earn: Gold and Silver. Free Spirit Silver members have a chance at a free upgrade to an exit row, but it'll take a bit of luck. Three hours before departure, Free Spirit Silver members can upgrade for free if an exit-row seat is available. Meanwhile, Free Spirit Gold members get a much more useful benefit: They can select exit-row seats when booking.

Related: What is Spirit Airlines elite status worth?

Bottom line

Spirit has options if you want a more comfortable seat, but many of them will cost you money. The Big Front Seat is the closest you'll get to a Spirit upgrade and you won't get it for free, regardless of whether you carry the Spirit credit card or have elite status in the Free Spirit program.

Now that Spirit has more long-haul flights, the comfort of an exit row seat can be worth the extra cash. I'm intrigued by Spirit's bidding system for upgrades to the exit row and Big Front Seat. Maybe when air travel slows down just a bit, bidding on an upgrade will be a good way for travelers to save a few bucks on the comfort they crave.

How do I select seats on Spirit Airlines?

Seat Selection is the mandatory step to ensure a peaceful journey in the air.  If you are flying with Spirit Airlines and want to complete your journey with your travel companion, it’s best to initiate the Spirit Airlines Seat Selection process. The airline offers multiple seating choices, so you can pick the one that matches your taste and preferences.

Whether you like standard seats or extra legroom, you have plenty of options to complete your journey comfortably. What are you waiting for? Open the seat map, and reserve your favorite seat without any additional effort. Keep browsing the guide and find all the tidbits about the airline’s seat selection policy here.

How to choose seats on Spirit Airlines?

Before any further ado, let’s first outline the step-by-step instructions to select your seats on Spirit flights. Passengers can make a seat selection either during booking or after purchasing the flight ticket. Let’s break down these methods in detail.

When making a booking

• Firstly, you need to visit the official website of Spirit Airlines.
• Enter your requested details in the given search engine and look for available flights.
• Pick the suitable option and move further to the Seat Selection.
• Go through the seat map.
• Now, check out the seat availability and reserve your preferred seats effortlessly.

After confirming a flight reservation

• If you have confirmed your flight reservation, you can reserve your seats through the “My Trips” option.
• Firstly, go to Spirit Airlines.
• Choose “My Trips” on the homepage.
• Either login to your account with your credentials or find your trip with your details.
• After that, retrieve your reservation details, and locate the “Spirit Airlines Seat Selection” option.
• Pick your seat, and pay for it immediately to ensure a comfortable flight.

With these quick steps, you can conveniently choose your seats. Moreover, you can connect with airline executives to book your seats hassle-free.

Spirit Airlines seat selection - Everything you need to know!

While Spirit Airlines allows passengers to choose their seats in advance, its seat selection policy comes with stringent terms and conditions that everyone should be aware of. So, before you jump into the process, it’s best to find everything about the Spirit Airlines Seat Selection Policy here to avoid any last-minute hassles.

• Seat Selection on Spirit Airlines is subject to availability. Passengers must choose their preferred seat to fly with their travel companions.
• If you don’t select seats in advance, you will get a random seat on the flight at check-in.
• If you are with a child 13 years or younger, the flight attendants will try to make you sit together if possible.
• The Spirit Airlines seat selection fee starts from as low as $5. However, the fee will vary based on your location on the flight and your route. 
• One can check out the seat selection fee while booking online, through My Trips, or during the check-in procedure.
• Additionally, you must opt for Big Front Seats if you want a little bit more.
• These seats are deluxe leather seats and are located in the first rows of the flight. With 32% more legroom, these seats are wider than other seats.

What are the Spirit Airlines seating options?

Spirit Airlines offers multiple seating options to cater to varied tastes and preferences. Whether a Big Front Seat or a Standard one, the airline has something for every budget. So, before you initiate the Spirit Airlines select Seats process, it’s better to find detailed information about the seating choices here.

Big Front Seats

Located at the front of the flight, these seats are the best option if you don’t want to compromise your comfort and convenience. Once you choose these seats for your journey, you will land totally refreshed regardless of the distance of your flight. Moreover, you will get a small table as well to keep your essentials.

Premium Seats 

Premium Seats are situated behind the Big Front Seats and have extra legroom. You can easily stretch your legs to complete your journey in comfort. Flyers with Premium Seats get a small table also. Therefore, these are perfect seating options for passengers who want extra comfort but don’t want to pay for Big Front Seats.

Standard Seats

Standard seats offer enough legroom to make your journey comfortable. Moreover, you can easily choose these seats at low fares when booking flight tickets or via My Trips.

Exit Row Seats

The seat selection procedure of Spirit Airlines allows you to sit on the Exit Row Seats as well. However, these seats offer extra legroom but come with additional responsibilities. To sit on these seats, you have to be able to operate the emergency exit if there is an emergency.

Summing it up

Ready to select your seat in advance? If you wish to make sure of an enjoyable flight experience, you must prefer select your seats beforehand and rest assured about when boarding the flight. Moreover, you have different options for sitting, so you can choose a desired seat to enjoy your trip to the fullest. Still here? Don’t wait further and pick your preferred option now to navigate the sky with ease.

Exclusive Deals

+1-(856) 545-5988

• Vacation Rentals
• Restaurants
• Things to do
• Things to Do
• Travel Stories
• Rental Cars
• Add a Place
• Travel Forum
• Travelers' Choice
• Help Center

Spirit airlines - should I pay for seat assignments? - Air Travel Forum

• Tripadvisor Forums    
• Air Travel Forums

Spirit airlines - should I pay for seat assignments?

• United States Forums
• Europe Forums
• Canada Forums
• Asia Forums
• Central America Forums
• Africa Forums
• Caribbean Forums
• Mexico Forums
• South Pacific Forums
• South America Forums
• Middle East Forums
• Honeymoons and Romance
• Business Travel
• Train Travel
• Traveling With Disabilities
• Tripadvisor Support
• Solo Travel
• Bargain Travel
• Timeshares / Vacation Rentals
• Air Travel forum

There are 4 of us travelling on Saturday and we need to sit together.

Do I really need to pay extra to select 4 seats together considering most of the seats are not taken? Won't they sit us together anyway?

'There are 4 of us travelling on Saturday and we need to sit together.' With your word 'need' then I'd say yes, pay for seat assignments.

What is the routing you've booked for this Saturday?

One more think: looks like I can buy seats after a check in.

In which case I think it would make sense to check in early and see what seats has been assigned and if they are not together, buy only those seats that necessary. Since we have child , at least two seats will be together. So the worst case , I will have to buy 2 seats. But if I do it before a check in - I will have to buy 4 seats.

Am I missing something.

At a minimum you should book two seats now for an adult and child but if you want to all sit together just bite the bullet and buy four seats now.

Or is your wife giving you a hard time on this too?

If you want to sit together...pay.

If only 2 people need to sit together...pay.

If you roll the dice and lose, DON'T ask others who may have paid to change their seats so that you can sit together.

Just because you automatically get assigned two seats together for one adult and the child, doesn't mean there will be two more seats nearby that you can buy later. If you want to sit together, buy the seat reservations.

Out of interest how much $ is this debate about

If you need to sit together, then pay for seats to sit together.

What is the reason stopping you from doing this ?

**What is the reason stopping you from doing this ?**

From the original post....

"Do I really need to pay extra**

Looked at my reservation before the check in 24 hour period started and saw the seats have been already assigned. All 4 together.

Thanks everyone.

You got lucky, but what would you have done if you hadn’t. Keep in mind that people will not move for you because you didn’t pay for seats. They did and so they’re seated where they want to be.

• Lufthansa refund - how long does it take? 8:55 pm
• easyjet - can i check in first with both pax bags ? 8:11 pm
• Ryanair or air lingus 7:57 pm
• Istanbul to Budapest- Pegasus or Wizzair 7:43 pm
• Is Cheap Flights Fares Legit? 6:50 pm
• Connecting flights to Singapore 5:28 pm
• LATAM website/app - complete documentation 5:17 pm
• What is the reputation of NORSE Air 4:47 pm
• LAX current waiting times and taxis 4:46 pm
• Traveling from US to Japan through Canada 3:54 pm
• Doha Transit time 3:27 pm
• Volotea compared to Ryanair or Easyjet 2:35 pm
• Business class in Etihad or Turkish or Saudi 2:23 pm
• Refund from Play Airlines 1:57 pm
• ++++ ESTA (USA) and eTA (Canada) requirements for visa-exempt foreign nationals ++++
• ++++ TIPS - PLANNING YOUR FLIGHTS +++++++
• Buy now or later? What's with these screwy ticket prices?
• Around-the-world (RTW) tickets
• All you need to know about OPEN JAW tickets
• Beware of cheap business class tickets (sold by 3rd parties)
• ++++ TIPS - PREPARING TO FLY +++++++++
• TIPS - How to prepare for Long Haul Flights
• TIPS - Being Prepared for Cancellations and Long Delays
• TIPS - How to survive being stuck at an airport
• Flights delays and cancellations resources
• How do I effectively communicate with an airline?
• Airline, Airport, and Travel Abbreviations
• Air Travel Queries: accessibility,wedding dresses,travelling with children.
• Connecting Flights at London Heathrow Airport
• TUI Airways (formerly Thomson) Dreamliner - Movies and Seating Information
• ++++ COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS INFORMATION ++++
• Covid-19 Coronavirus Information for Air Travel

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

Published on: September 12, 2023 Written by Karim Niru / Fact-checked by Evander Mac

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

Spirit Airlines, a popular budget airline, has a distinct seating policy that travelers should be aware of. When you book a flight with Spirit, the system can automatically and randomly assign you a seat during check-in at no extra cost. While this option saves money, it doesn’t guarantee that groups or families will sit together.

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.

Furthermore, there are discussions, like on platforms such as Reddit, regarding how Spirit assigns seats . Many wonder about the charges for both seats and bags. It’s notable that while there are fees associated with seat selection and baggage, these enable Spirit to offer competitive ticket prices. If passengers opt not to pay for seat selection, they’re leaving their seating up to chance.

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

There’s a bit of thrill in unpredictability. By not choosing a seat in advance on Spirit, the airline will assign you a seat at no additional cost . It’s like rolling the dice and seeing what you get. The plus side? You save money. The flip side? You might not sit next to your travel buddy. So, is the gamble worth it to you?

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

The price varies based on the route and your seat’s location . So, ready to spend a little for that peace of mind?

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

Life is unpredictable. Plans change. Similarly, you might want to swap your seat after check-in. Spirit does offer this flexibility, but it might cost you a tad more. Think of it as a last-minute ticket to your favorite show. Rare, but obtainable for a price.

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

Total Cost: $0

Use the above calculator to gauge your overall flight cost with Spirit. Just input the individual prices, and voila, get your estimated total!

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

Want some pro tips? Here you go:

• Booking Strategies: Early birds often get the best deals. Why not apply the same to seat booking ?
• Cost Breakdown: Sometimes, buying bundles can save you a penny or two.

The pie chart showcases a breakdown of costs associated with various booking options. The blue portion represents ticket prices, red for seat selection fees, and yellow for other additional charges.

What Does Spirit Airlines Offer for Seat Assignments?

Spirit Airlines provides passengers with the option to select seats of their choice for a fee. Alternatively, seats can be randomly assigned at check-in at no extra charge.

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?

Yes, on many other airlines, there are often additional costs associated with choosing a seat on a flight. This can have a significant impact on the overall cost of the trip. It’s important for travelers to carefully consider the impact of seat selection when budgeting for their flights.

How Can I Choose My Seat on Spirit Airlines?

When flying with Spirit Airlines, selecting your seat can be done during the booking process or by managing your reservation online. To choose your 19E seat Alaska Airlines , simply log into your account, navigate to your booked flight, and follow the instructions to select your desired seat. Remember, early selection allows you to secure your preferred seating arrangement.

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?

If passengers don’t choose to purchase a seat selection, Spirit Airlines will assign a random seat during the check-in process . This ensures every traveler has a designated spot on the flight.

Are You Required to Buy Seats on Spirit Airlines?

No, you aren’t obligated to purchase a seat selection. However, if you opt-out, you’ll receive a randomly assigned seat at check-in.

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?

Yes, passengers can change their seat assignments even after checking in. However, it might come with a fee, and seat availability might be limited.

Is Spirit Airlines Seat Selection Different from Other Airlines?

Every airline has its own policies. Spirit, being an ultra-low-cost carrier, offers seat selection as an additional service, which is a common approach among budget 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.

Spirit Airlines offers travelers a unique blend of choices for seat assignments. While some might love the thrill of random assignments, others prefer the predictability of paid selections. Armed with this guide, you now have the tools to make an informed decision. So, can you pick seats on Spirit? Absolutely! But whether you leave it to chance or play it safe is all up to you. Happy flying!

• Why is It Called Shotgun Seat? (Explained)
• Can Doona Fit in Overhead Bin? A Detailed Guide for Traveling Parents
• Deciphering Airplane Seating: The Case of Seat H
• The Absence of ‘I’ Seats on Planes Explained
• Do Amtrak Seats Recline? A Deep Analysis

How Families Can Sit Together on Airplanes

By Candyce H. Stapen

Families who need to sit together on a flight often encounter the turbulence of extra fees, unfriendly boarding procedures, and random seat assignments. Airlines have made things so hard for families that to reserve plane seats next to your children, you now need a survival guide.

Sometimes, families have no choice but to make sure they reserve certain seats. The situation becomes more complicated when you’re traveling with toddlers nestled in a child restraint system (FAA-approved car seat). The device must be anchored in a window seat to prevent blocking aisle access, yet it may not be in, in front of, or behind an exit row.

The most important rule to make sure you all sit together: Book flights and reserve seats early. That’s the simplest and cleanest way.

Second, list all family members on the same reservation. If someone booked at a different time, link their reservation to yours. This signals that you want to sit near each other, and sometimes, airlines will use that information to make it happen early.

Third, if you're a family of four or more and you're stumped, look for two seats together, which are easier to find than four together. Seat one adult with one child and the other with the other child. The one-on-one attention makes a great start to any trip, anyway.

Strategies by U.S. airline

Alaska airlines.

Alaska Airlines assigns the majority of its cheapest Saver fare seats at the gate, which is too risky if your crew needs to sit together, so eschew this ticket class for Main cabin fares that allow you to reserve seats for free. This raises the fare by around $20 per ticket, but it solves the problem.

Pre-boarding: Families with a tot under 2 years old may board early. 

American Airlines 

American states that for families traveling with children under the age of 15, the airline’s automated system places everyone together even if they booked Basic Economy, the no-frills fare that normally forces you to get your seat assignment at the airport. That’s thoughtful, so make sure your kids’ ages are included in your reservation. Your seat assignments should appear 48 hours after your booking.

For those flying “regular” economy (Main Cabin), there’s no upcharge to reserve a seat. 

Pre-boarding: Families with a child under 2 years old may ask to board early. 

Delta Air Lines

Delta assigns seats for passengers in Basic Economy at the airport, which is a little late for families. Its other classes of service allow you to reserve seats ahead of time for free. So avoid Basic Economy on Delta if you need to sit together. You can add priority boarding, Wi-Fi, and other amenities by purchasing various add-on packages. 

Pre-boarding: Families with a child aged 5 years or under may ask to board early. 

Frontier Airlines 

Buy seats when purchasing your tickets. At that time, seats cost the least—from $6 per passenger, one-way for standard rows and from $20 for the extra legroom of Stretch. At check-in, prices start at $11 and $25, respectively. Without a purchased seat, Frontier assigns random spots—by then, usually middle seats scattered throughout the cabin. 

Cost: Family of four at booking: from $24 one-way; from $48 roundtrip.   

The Works and Perks bundles include reserved seats. Works adds ticket refundability, the cost of one checked and one carry-on, and allows ticket changes. Perks covers fees for a seat, carry-on and checked bag. The per-passenger prices vary with routes. Do the math to figure out the best options. 

Pre-boarding: Families with a toddler under the age of 3 board after Zone 1 but before Zone 2.

JetBlue Airways

No fee is required to reserve a seat in the Core (main) cabin, which you should do when you book your ticket. The Even More Space seats add up to 7 inches of legroom, which can be handy when with traveling with an infant in a bassinet. Prices vary per route. Blue, the lowest fare, doesn’t include a checked bag, which costs $30, but at least you can reserve seats as part of it. Blue Plus fares allow one free checked bag.

Pre-boarding: Families with a child under 2 years old may board early. 

Southwest Airlines

You cannot reserve a seat on Southwest. Instead, where you sit depends upon your boarding group—A, B, or C—and your number within it. The lower, the better. Southwest assigns these based upon check-in, which begins 24 hours before takeoff. 

With EarlyBird Check-In, available from $15 to $25 one-way, per passenger, Southwest automatically checks you in 36 hours ahead of your flight. 

Cost: Family of four: from $60 one-way; from $120 round-trip. 

But don’t breathe a sigh of relief just yet. Early Bird doesn’t guarantee the coveted A1 to A15 boarding spots often needed for two or more seats together. For those, opt for upgraded boarding for $30, $40, or $50 each way, or purchase a Business Select fare. 

Additional cost: Family of four upgraded boarding: from $120 one-way; from $240 round-trip.

Pre-boarding: An adult traveling with a child aged 6 or younger boards after group A but before group B, which is usually early enough to secure appropriate seating.

Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines assigns free seats at check-in, 24 hours before your flight. Fees to reserve seats before then start at $5 per passenger, one-way.   

Cost: family of four: from $20 one-way, from $40 round-trip. Be sure to print boarding passes at home or download Spirit’s free app with the information. Printing the documents at the airport costs $2 per passenger at the kiosk or $10 at the counter.

Pre-boarding: Families with a child aged 3 years or younger board after Zone 2 and before Zone 3. 

United Airlines

With Basic Economy, you cannot select your seat and only Mileage Plus Premier members and their companions may bring full-size carry-ons onboard. To get seat reservations, your lowest acceptable tier of ticket should be Main Cabin “regular” economy fares. United’s Preferred seats , $15 a pop, bump you up a few rows but you still land in coach with little legroom. If you purchased a Fly-Tot, JetKids, or other bed box, leave it at home. United prohibits them.  

Pre-boarding: Families with a child under 2 years old may board early.

Basically, on nearly every airline you should  forget about Basic Economy a.k.a “economy light.” The no-frills-fare takes the control you need away from you. It means no seat reservation, no overhead luggage, and a fine—oops, I mean surcharge—for checking bags, thus negating all or much of the savings that tempted your family to buy Basic Economy in the first place.

What happens when families are split anyway? Airlines insist they try to seat families together. Ultimately, though, by forcing customers to compete for and buy seats, airlines have shown they certainly don’t try enough. If they did, you wouldn’t need all this advice.

If, after all that, you can’t get the seat assignments you want, you’re forced to rely on the kindness of strangers: first the gate agents, then the crew, and then, fellow passengers who are willing to switch seats. But ever since the airlines turned seat assignments into paid products, many passengers are not willing to throw away the money they spent to be where they are. Don’t blame the passenger who doesn’t want to trade; they’re using a product they paid for. Blame the airline that turned families into beggars.

• All Regions
• Australia & South Pacific
• Caribbean & Atlantic
• Central & South America
• Middle East & Africa
• North America
• Washington, D.C.
• San Francisco
• New York City
• Los Angeles
• Arts & Culture
• Beach & Water Sports
• Local Experiences
• Food & Drink
• Outdoor & Adventure
• National Parks
• Winter Sports
• Travelers with Disabilities
• Family & Kids
• All Slideshows
• Hotel Deals
• Car Rentals
• Flight Alerts
• Credit Cards & Loyalty Points
• Cruise News
• Entry Requirements & Customs
• Car, Bus, Rail News
• Money & Fees
• Health, Insurance, Security
• Packing & Luggage
• -Arthur Frommer Online
• -Passportable
• Road Trip Guides
• Alaska Made Easy
• Great Vacation Ideas in the U.S.A.
• Best of the Caribbean
• Best of Mexico
• Cruise Inspiration
• Best Places to Go 2024