Let's start with the most traveler-friendly option.

If you booked your flight directly through Spirit Airlines — via their website, mobile app, or customer service — and you cancel within 24 hours of booking, you are eligible for a full refund, provided your flight is scheduled to depart at least seven days later (168 hours).

This policy complies with the U.S. Department of Transportation's regulations and applies to all ticket types. Your refund will go back to your original form of payment and typically processes within 7–10 business days.

So, if you booked a flight and immediately realized you made a mistake or your plans changed, this 24-hour window is your best opportunity to cancel without financial penalty.

Canceling After 24 Hours — What Happens?

After the 24-hour window closes, Spirit's refund policy becomes much more limited.

Unlike traditional carriers, Spirit's base fares are non-refundable, and once you're outside the 24-hour grace period, you typically won't receive a refund to your original payment method — unless you qualify for a few specific exceptions (we'll get to those shortly).

Instead, you'll receive a Reservation Credit, minus any applicable cancellation fees. This credit can be used for a future Spirit flight but comes with its own restrictions.

Important Points About Reservation Credits:

  • Credits are valid for 12 months from the date they're issued.

  • They can only be used by the original passenger named on the reservation.

  • You can apply the credit toward both airfare and certain additional services (like seat selection or bags).

  • Credits are not the same as cash refunds and cannot be transferred or redeemed for cash.

Spirit's Cancellation Fees

If you're canceling your trip after the 24-hour window, you may have to pay a cancellation fee — unless you purchased a flexible fare or a travel protection add-on.

As of the latest policy:

  • Cancelling online usually costs less than doing so over the phone.

  • Fees typically range from $69 to $119, depending on how close you are to the departure date.

The exact fee is subtracted from the total amount you've paid, and the remaining balance is returned as a Reservation Credit.

The “Cancel for Any Reason” Option

Want more flexibility? Spirit gives you the option to purchase a "Cancel for Any Reason" add-on — but only during your initial booking (not afterward) and only for flight-only reservations made directly through Spirit.com.

What Does It Offer?

  • A 100% refund to your original form of payment if you cancel.

  • You must cancel at least 24 hours before departure.

  • Applies to all passengers in the reservation.

  • The add-on fee is non-refundable, even if you don't end up using it.

While it adds to your total cost upfront, it can be worth it if your travel plans are uncertain. It's a smart move for travelers who want the peace of mind that they can cancel without losing everything.

If Spirit Cancels the Flight

This is one of the few cases where Spirit Airlines must issue a full refund, regardless of how you booked or which fare type you purchased.

If Spirit cancels your flight for any reason, you're entitled to:

  • A full refund to your original payment method, or

  • A travel credit, or

  • A free rebooking on a future Spirit flight within seven days of your original schedule.

You can choose the option that works best for you. This is one of the most traveler-protective parts of Spirit's policy — and it applies even if you booked a non-refundable fare.

Medical Emergencies or Death

Spirit does not automatically provide refunds for medical emergencies, but it's worth contacting their customer support if you or a close family member has experienced a serious health issue. Documentation may be required.

In the event of a death of a passenger or close relative, Spirit may issue a refund or waive fees on a case-by-case basis. Again, documentation (like a death certificate) will likely be required.

How to Cancel Your Spirit Airlines Flight

Canceling is simple and can be done online:

  1. Go to spirit.com.

  2. Click on “My Trips.”

  3. Enter your confirmation code and last name.

  4. Select the flight you want to cancel.

  5. Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the cancellation.

You'll see whether you're eligible for a refund or credit and how much, if any, is being deducted.

Refund Processing Time

If you're eligible for a refund, it will be processed within:

  • 7 business days for credit/debit card purchases,

  • 20 business days if paid by cash or check (rare for online bookings).

Processing times may vary depending on your bank.

Final Thoughts

While Spirit Airlines doesn't offer the most flexible refund policy, it's not impossible to get your money back — especially if you act quickly or plan ahead. Here's a quick summary:

  • Yes, you can get a full refund if you cancel within 24 hours and the flight is 7+ days away.

  • Yes, you can get a full refund if you purchase the “Cancel for Any Reason” option and cancel at least 24 hours before departure.

  • Yes, you can get a full refund if Spirit cancels your flight.

  • No, you can't get a full refund after 24 hours unless you have special circumstances.