Jane Dotson
Spirit Airlines offers insurance for $12 per domestic flight, which seems like a good deal. However, it is important to note that you will not be covered if the airline ceases operations. In addition, Spirit has a reputation for unexpected delays and cancellations, with 11% of their flights facing delays and a history of rebooking passengers several days later. The airline also charges additional fees for baggage, with some passengers reporting high charges for overweight luggage. Spirit's insurance policy offers a $500 reimbursement for lost baggage or travel documents, but this may not be sufficient for passengers with expensive luggage or those facing multiple delays. Therefore, it is essential to carefully consider the benefits and limitations of Spirit's baggage insurance before deciding if it is worth purchasing.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Price | $12 per domestic flight |
| Coverage | $300 for cancellation or interruption, $500 for travel delays, $500 reimbursement for loss of baggage or travel documents, $100 pay-out for baggage delay |
| Luggage allowance | Maximum of 62 linear inches (length plus width plus height) including handles and wheels, and less than 100 pounds (overweight/oversize baggage fees apply) |
| Change or cancellation fees | No change or cancellation fees on Go Savvy, Go Comfy and Go Big fares. For Go tickets purchased after February 5, 2025, fees range from $59 to $99 depending on how far in advance the change or cancellation is made |
| Delays and cancellations | Spirit Airlines has a reputation for frequent delays and cancellations, with limited ability to recover from disruptions |
| Customer service | Poor customer service with long hold times and unhelpful responses |
| Value for money | May be worth it for short trips where luggage is not a concern, but for longer trips with more luggage, other airlines may offer better value |
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What You'll Learn
Spirit Airlines' baggage insurance cost and coverage
Spirit Airlines is a low-cost carrier, which means that the price of your flight ticket will include only the seat itself. You will need to pay for everything else you add, such as bags, printing your boarding pass at the airport, selecting your seat, meals on the flight, and early boarding. The fees fluctuate based on when you purchase these add-ons, so a bag purchased at booking will be cheaper than if you purchase it at the gate.
Spirit Airlines sells insurance for $12 per domestic flight. However, you won't be covered if Spirit Airlines ceases operations. This is a significant drawback compared to policies offered by major travel insurance companies.
Spirit Airlines passengers are charged for both carry-on and checked bags. One personal item (such as a purse or small backpack) that fits entirely within the smaller sizer box is included with your ticket. The maximum size for a personal item is 18 by 14 by 8 inches, including handles and wheels. Anything larger, such as a standard carry-on bag or checked bag, will need to be paid for.
If purchased online during the flight booking process, the fee for a larger item is typically $37. If purchased during online check-in, the fee increases to $45. It then increases to $55 at the airport and $65 at the gate.
Spirit Airlines' insurance policy offers a flat $300 for cancellation or interruption, $500 for travel delays (up to $100 per day), a $500 reimbursement for loss of baggage or travel documents, and a $100 payout for baggage delay.
When considering whether to purchase travel insurance from an airline, it is important to compare the coverage and costs with those offered by independent travel insurance companies. For example, AIG's "My Travel Guard" policy covers the entire quoted trip cost in case of cancellation or interruption, $1,000 for return air in case of stranding, $500 for unreasonable delays (up to $100 per day), $10,000 for medical expenses in case of accident or sickness, $100,000 for emergency evacuation, $500 compensation for loss of baggage, and $100 for baggage delay.
Additionally, it is worth checking whether your credit card includes travel insurance coverage and whether your health insurance covers you outside of your home country.
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Spirit Airlines' reliability
Spirit Airlines is a U.S.-based, budget airline that offers low airfares. However, it charges additional fees for various services and amenities, such as printing boarding passes, selecting seats, carry-on baggage, and in-flight beverages. While some customers appreciate the low fares and good customer service, others have criticised the airline for its poor reliability, lack of transparency regarding fees, and limited customer support.
In terms of reliability, Spirit Airlines has a mixed reputation. On the one hand, it operates an all-Airbus fleet, which is considered one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient in the U.S. This suggests that the airline prioritises the use of modern and well-maintained aircraft. Additionally, Spirit Airlines offers flights to over 90 destinations across the United States, Caribbean, Central America, and South America, serving all major cities within the continental U.S. This extensive route network demonstrates a certain level of operational capability and reliability in serving multiple regions.
However, Spirit Airlines has also faced criticism for its reliability, particularly in terms of on-time performance and its ability to manage disruptions. According to some sources, Spirit Airlines has a higher rate of delayed flights compared to other carriers. It is claimed that 11% of their flights were delayed, causing inconvenience to passengers. Additionally, it is mentioned that Spirit Airlines may struggle to recover from glitches or disruptions due to limited operational capabilities, including a lack of planes, crew, hubs, and expertise. This suggests that while they offer a wide range of destinations, their ability to consistently deliver reliable and timely service may be impacted by these operational constraints.
The reliability of Spirit Airlines' insurance policy has also been questioned. Some customers have shared experiences where they faced challenges in claiming refunds or compensation for delayed or cancelled flights, even when covered by the insurance policy. In some cases, customers were offered only ticket refunds instead of the compensation outlined in the policy. This indicates that there may be complexities or limitations in the insurance policy's coverage and claims process, potentially affecting its reliability in providing financial protection to travellers.
Overall, while Spirit Airlines offers an extensive route network and low airfares, its reliability is a concern for some travellers. Delayed flights, operational constraints, and challenges with insurance claims have contributed to a perception of unpredictability. Therefore, when considering Spirit Airlines, it is essential to be aware of their fee structure, potential for additional costs, and mixed reputation for reliability to make an informed decision.
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Spirit Airlines' customer service
Spirit Airlines is a low-cost carrier, which means that the price of your ticket will include only the seat itself. You will need to pay for everything you add, such as bags, printing your boarding pass at the airport, selecting your seat, meals on the flight, early boarding, and more. The fees fluctuate based on when you purchase these add-ons, so a bag purchased at booking will be cheaper than if you purchase it at the gate.
Spirit Airlines sells insurance for $12 per domestic flight. However, you are not covered if Spirit Airlines ceases operations. This is in contrast to a policy bought directly from a major travel insurance company. AIG Travel Guard's “Essential” plan costs about $24, depending on various factors, for a typical domestic trip by air, but as with Spirit’s insurance, there’s no coverage for default. For full default coverage with fewer loopholes, you need to buy AIG Travel Guard's more expensive standard plan and then add an upgrade that includes coverage not only for situations in which the airline might suddenly disappear but also acts of terrorism and pre-existing medical conditions.
Spirit Airlines has been criticized for its poor customer service, with some passengers reporting issues with delayed and cancelled flights, lost luggage, and unexpected fees. One passenger reported that their luggage was lost and that they had to drive to Utah without their belongings. They were able to take advantage of Spirit's reimbursement policy for lost luggage, but the experience caused their plans to be cancelled. Another passenger reported that they had to pay $195 to change their flight within 30 minutes of making their flight arrangements. They also reported that Spirit Airlines only allows for a maximum baggage weight of 40 pounds, whereas other airlines typically allow for up to 50 pounds. Additionally, Spirit Airlines charges for water and does not provide free snacks, unlike some other airlines.
Despite these criticisms, some passengers have shared positive experiences with Spirit Airlines. One passenger reported that they had flown with Spirit Airlines several times and had never experienced a delayed or cancelled flight. They also mentioned that for short flights of around 2-3 hours where they could backpack, Spirit Airlines was a great option. Another passenger shared that they had successfully used Spirit Airlines for direct flights without any issues.
In terms of insurance, it is worth noting that some credit cards may provide adequate travel insurance coverage. Additionally, it is important to carefully read the fine print and understand the terms and conditions of any insurance policy before purchasing.
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Spirit Airlines' baggage fees
Spirit Airlines has a reputation for charging extra fees for everything in exchange for a cheaper upfront fare. The airline has moved away from this pricing model by selling bundled fares, but baggage fees remain.
The airline's baggage fees include charges for both checked and carry-on luggage, which often surprises travellers used to free carry-on bags. The fees vary depending on the fare class, frequent flier status, and specific route flown.
Spirit Airlines allows one personal item per passenger for free. Carry-on luggage costs between $26 and $55, depending on how and when the fee is paid. The cheapest "Go" bundle does not permit carry-on luggage, even for an extra fee.
Checking a bag with Spirit typically costs $50 each way, but this can vary depending on the fare bundle purchased. The "Go Savvy" bundle, for example, allows passengers to check a bag or bring a carry-on for free. The cost increases for checking additional bags, with the third, fourth, or fifth bag costing $76-$100 each.
Spirit Airlines has specific weight and size restrictions for checked baggage. The standard weight allowance is 40 lbs, but this has recently increased to 50 lbs. Bags weighing 51-99 lbs are considered overweight and incur an additional fee of $75. Bags weighing 100 lbs or more are prohibited. The maximum dimensions for a checked bag are 62 linear inches, including handles, straps, and wheels. Bags exceeding these dimensions are considered oversized and are subject to additional fees of $100 for bags measuring 63-80 inches and $150 for bags over 80 inches.
Spirit Airlines offers a military baggage allowance, providing active-duty military personnel with two free standard-size checked bags, a free carry-on, and a free personal item. The airline also has provisions for passengers travelling with infants, allowing a diaper bag to be carried free of charge, in addition to the normal carry-on allowance.
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Alternative baggage insurance options
Another option is to ship luggage ahead to the destination with a company like My Baggage. This option allows travellers to skip the baggage carousel and travel light. My Baggage offers full online tracking with each order and operates in over 200 countries.
In addition to these options, passengers can also consider purchasing travel insurance from a major travel insurance company, such as AIG Travel Guard, which offers more comprehensive coverage than the airline's insurance. For example, AIG's "My Travel Guard" policy covers the entire quoted trip cost in case of cancellation or interruption, provides $1,000 in case of stranding for return air, and includes $500 for baggage loss, compared to Spirit's $500 reimbursement.
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Frequently asked questions
Spirit Airlines sells insurance for $12 per domestic flight. However, you won't be covered if the airline goes out of business. Spirit Airlines has also been known to charge high fees for changing or cancelling flights, and for baggage. Therefore, it is recommended to purchase insurance from a major travel insurance company, which offers more comprehensive coverage.
Spirit Airlines offers a $500 reimbursement for loss of baggage or travel documents and a $100 payout for baggage delay.
Yes, you may already have adequate coverage through your credit card or health insurance provider. It is worth checking these before purchasing additional insurance.
If your baggage is lost or delayed and you don't have insurance, you may have to purchase essential items out of pocket, which can be inconvenient and costly.
Yes, it is important to read the fine print of any insurance policy before purchasing. In the case of Spirit Airlines, some customers have reported issues with receiving payouts from the insurance company, and difficulties contacting customer support.
