When it comes to ultra-low-cost travel, Spirit Airlines ranks high for budget-minded travelers throughout the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. But, like any airline, plans change. If your trip doesn’t go the way you expected, understanding the Spirit Airlines cancellation policy can save you cash, hassle and headaches.

In this guide, we’re breaking down all the things you need to know about Spirit’s cancellation policies, refund policies and how to change your booking with ease.

1. Spirit Airlines’ 24-Hour Cancellation Policy

Spirit Airlines states that they operate according to U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines, which means:

• You can cancel any flight within 24 hours of booking and get a full refund, provided your flight is due to leave at least 7 days (168 hours) later.

• This policy applies to all fare types, including refundable and non-refundable.

To cancel in this timeframe, just log in to your booking through the Spirit Airlines website or app and request a cancellation.

2. Cancelling After 24 Hours

Beyond the first 24 hours, Spirit may apply a cancellation fee, depending on how far before your trip you canceled.

Here’s an approximate fee breakdown (which is always in flux):

These fees are charged per passenger, per segment.

Spirit does not offer cash refunds (just a Reservation Credit for future travel).

3. How to Cancel a Spirit Airlines Flight

Here are a couple of methods you can use to cancel your Spirit booking:

• Mobile App:  Use the Spirit Airlines app to retrieve your booking.

• By Phone: Contact Spirit’s customer service, which can include extra service charges.

• At the Airport: You may also cancel your booking at a Spirit ticket counter, but it’s not as convenient.

Upon cancellation, you will receive an email confirmation and, if applicable, a reservation credit.

4. Spirit Airlines Flight Credits

Spirit usually process the Future Travel Credit when you cancel a flight after the 24-hour free cancellation window. Here’s what to know:

• Your credit goes to your Spirit account and will expire 12 months after the date it was issued.

• It may be used to purchase new flights, including base fare and some fees.

• Credits are non-transferable, and may only be used by the name on the original booking.

5. Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Fares

Spirit Airlines sells mostly nonrefundable tickets, thus keeping prices low. If you bought a special Flight Flex option (it’s available for purchase when you book), however, you may have some leeway to change your flight without paying a change fee at least once.

Even with Flight Flex, you’re not very likely to receive a full refund unless the cancellation is covered under the 24-hour policy, or if there’s a special circumstance (such as a serious illness or a death in the family, which typically requires documentation).

6. Cancelled Flights by Spirit Airlines

If Spirit cancels your flight for any reason — weather, technical issues, staffing shortages and so on — you are entitled to:

• A full refund, or

• A rebooking on the next available Spirit flight, or

• A Future Travel Credit, if you prefer to fly later

This process can be managed either online, or speaking to a customer service agent at the airport. Be aware that Spirit does not have interline agreements with other carriers, meaning that it can’t rebook you on another airline.

7. Travel Insurance and Cancellation

Check your policy if you bought travel insurance through Spirit or an outside provider. Most plans cover cancellations caused by emergencies, illness or unforeseen disruptions. This might enable you to recover costs that Spirit itself doesn’t reimburse.

8. Tips to Minimize Cancellation Costs

• Book early and re-evaluate your plans within a day to take advantage of the free cancellation window.

• And if your schedule is in flux, consider adding Flight Flex.

• Cancel as soon as possible — if it’s more than 60 days out, avoid fees.

• Use credits judiciously and monitor expiration dates to ensure you aren’t losing value.

9. Spirit Airlines Customer Service

If you need assistance with your cancellation, reach out to Spirit’s support:

• Online Chat: Through their website

• Social Media: Facebook and WhatsApp support options also available