7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines

Post Published June 2, 2024

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7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines - Understand Spirit's Seat Selection Process





7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines

Seat selection fees on Spirit can range from $17 for a standard seat to $50 for an exit row, with the cost varying based on the seat type and route.

Passengers have the option to upgrade to the Big Front Seat or the exit row during the selection process, but these seats come with a premium price tag.

To maximize their travel experience, savvy flyers should carefully consider factors like legroom, location, and amenities when selecting their seats, and be mindful of the airline's bidding system for upgraded seating options.

By staying informed and strategizing their seat selection, passengers can transform their Spirit Airlines journey.

Spirit Airlines charges passengers a fee for seat selection, which can range from $17 for a standard seat to $50 for an exit row seat.

This is an unconventional practice in the airline industry, as many other carriers include seat selection in the base fare.

The cost of seat selection on Spirit varies depending on the seat type and route, with big front seats with additional legroom costing anywhere from $12 to $This dynamic pricing model allows the airline to optimize revenue, but can be confusing for passengers.

Interestingly, Spirit passengers can bid on upgraded seats through the airline's bidding system, which can lead to significant savings compared to the standard seat selection fees.

This unique feature introduces an element of unpredictability and competition into the seat selection process.

Elite status members on Spirit Airlines may be able to secure exit row seats for free, a perk that is not widely known among casual travelers.

This highlights the potential benefits of loyal program membership.

Despite the additional fees, Spirit's seat selection process is separate from the standard ticket price, meaning that fares can quickly add up if passengers do not carefully consider their seating arrangements.

This can be a pitfall for cost-conscious travelers.

One surprising fact is that Spirit passengers can bring their own food on board, but the tiny tray tables may make it challenging to work or watch a movie on a laptop during the flight.

This underscores the need for passengers to plan their in-flight activities and amenities accordingly.

What else is in this post?

  1. 7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines - Understand Spirit's Seat Selection Process
  2. 7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines - Timing is Everything for Online Check-In
  3. 7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines - Maximize Your Chances at the Ticket Counter
  4. 7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines - Consider Splurging on Big Front Seats
  5. 7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines - Exit Row Seats - The Sweet Spot
  6. 7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines - Don't Overlook the Seat Dimensions
  7. 7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines - Leverage Your Frequent Flyer Status

7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines - Timing is Everything for Online Check-In





Spirit Airlines, a budget carrier, offers online check-in as a convenient option for passengers.

The check-in window opens 24 hours before departure and closes an hour prior, allowing travelers to select their seats, purchase baggage, and print boarding passes at their convenience.

Checking in at the airport, however, comes with a hefty $10 fee, highlighting the importance of completing the process online to save money.

Spirit's emphasis on filling every seat means early check-in is crucial for securing desirable seat assignments, as the airline's dynamic pricing model can make last-minute selections quite costly.

Savvy passengers should leverage the online check-in window to maximize their travel experience and avoid unnecessary fees on this budget-focused airline.

Spirit Airlines' online check-in system opens a full 24 hours before departure, giving passengers ample time to secure their preferred seats and purchase necessary add-ons like carry-on bags.

Passengers who check-in at the airport ticket counter will incur a hefty $10 fee for a printed boarding pass, incentivizing early online check-in to save money.

Seat assignments can be made for free up to 30 minutes prior to departure, but paid seat assignments are available starting at just $5 if booked earlier during the online check-in process.

Spirit Airlines' focus on maximizing passenger capacity can result in a less comfortable in-flight experience, underscoring the importance of securing a preferred seat assignment during online check-in.

Interestingly, Spirit allows passengers to bid on upgraded seating options through a unique bidding system, potentially unlocking significant savings compared to standard seat selection fees.

Elite status members on Spirit may be able to secure exit row seats for free, a valuable perk that is not widely known among casual travelers.

Despite the additional fees, online check-in on Spirit Airlines remains a convenient and money-saving option, as it allows passengers to avoid the $10 ticket counter service charge.


7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines - Maximize Your Chances at the Ticket Counter





7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines

When booking a Spirit Airlines ticket, it's crucial to select your seat at the time of purchase to ensure you get a desirable assignment.

To further maximize your chances, consider checking in exactly 24 hours before your flight and speaking with the gate agent or ticket counter staff if you're unhappy with your seat.

Be prepared for Spirit's seats to be less spacious than other airlines, with limited legroom and small tray tables.

Surprisingly, Spirit Airlines allows passengers to bring their own food onboard, but the limited tray table size may make it challenging to use a laptop during the flight.

An interesting perk for elite status members on Spirit is the ability to secure exit row seats for free, a benefit that is often overlooked by casual travelers.

Remarkably, Spirit's dynamic pricing model for seat selection fees can lead to significant savings if passengers utilize the airline's bidding system for upgraded seating options.

Surprisingly, Spirit's emphasis on filling every seat means that the last-minute seat selection at the airport can be quite costly, with fees ranging from $17 for a standard seat to $50 for an exit row.

Interestingly, Spirit Airlines charges a $10 fee for checking in at the airport, which is an unconventional practice compared to many other airlines that include seat selection in the base fare.

A little-known fact is that Spirit passengers can select their seats for free up to 30 minutes prior to departure, but paid seat assignments are available starting at just $5 if booked earlier during the online check-in process.

Surprisingly, Spirit's online check-in window opens a full 24 hours before departure, giving passengers ample time to secure their preferred seats and purchase necessary add-ons like carry-on bags.

Remarkably, Spirit's emphasis on maximizing passenger capacity can result in a less comfortable in-flight experience, underscoring the importance of securing a preferred seat assignment during the online check-in process.


7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines - Consider Splurging on Big Front Seats





Spirit Airlines' Big Front Seat is a premium seating option that offers more legroom, comfort, and wider seats compared to the airline's standard seats.

While the prices for these seats can vary significantly, ranging from $25 to $150 each way, some passengers have reported paying as much as $358 for a one-way ticket in a Big Front Seat.

For budget-conscious travelers, the Big Front Seat may be a worthwhile splurge to enhance their in-flight experience on Spirit Airlines.

The Spirit Airlines Big Front Seat offers an impressive 36-inch seat pitch, significantly more legroom than the standard 28-inch pitch.

Passengers have reported paying as much as $358 for a one-way ticket in a Big Front Seat, demonstrating the premium pricing for this upgraded seating option.

The Big Front Seats are arranged in a 2-2 configuration, providing a more spacious and private seating experience compared to the standard 3-3 layout.

Although Spirit is a budget airline, the Big Front Seats can feature larger armrests and additional amenities like in-seat power outlets, making the splurge worthwhile for some travelers.

The price range for upgrading to a Big Front Seat can vary significantly, from as low as $25 to as high as $150 per one-way segment, depending on the route and availability.

Interestingly, Spirit Airlines allows passengers to bid on the Big Front Seats through a unique bidding system, potentially unlocking substantial savings compared to the standard upgrade fees.

Elite status members on Spirit may be able to secure the coveted Big Front Seats for free, a perk that is often underutilized by casual travelers.

Surprisingly, the limited tray table size in the Big Front Seats may make it challenging for passengers to use laptops or enjoy certain in-flight activities, despite the increased legroom and comfort.

One unexpected fact is that Spirit Airlines passengers are allowed to bring their own food on board, though the small tray tables in the Big Front Seats may present some logistical challenges.


7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines - Exit Row Seats - The Sweet Spot





7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines

Exit row seats on Spirit Airlines offer additional legroom and priority boarding, but come with the responsibility of operating the emergency exit.

The cost of these seats can range from $1 to $50, depending on the route and seat location.

While these seats are highly sought after, not all airlines offer the same legroom in their exit row seats.

Exit row seats on Spirit Airlines can provide up to 35 inches of legroom, significantly more than the standard 28 inches.

The cost of exit row seats on Spirit can range from as low as $1 to as high as $50, depending on the route and seat location.

While exit row seats are highly coveted, not all airlines offer the same level of legroom in these seats, with some providing as little as 32 inches.

Passengers can try to secure exit row seats by requesting them directly from the agent at check-in or by bidding for them through Spirit's online platform, SeatBid.

Interestingly, Spirit Airlines often reserves exit row seats for their frequent flyer program members, prioritizing them during the booking process.

To sit in the exit row, passengers must meet certain requirements, such as having sufficient mobility, strength, and dexterity in both arms, hands, and legs.

Exit row seats on Spirit are located in rows 1, 2, 12, and 13, with the latter two rows offering the same 35 inches of legroom.

Surprisingly, Spirit Airlines allows passengers to bring their own food on board, but the small tray tables in the exit row seats may make it challenging to use a laptop during the flight.

Elite status members on Spirit Airlines may be able to secure exit row seats for free, a perk that is often overlooked by casual travelers.

While the additional legroom in exit row seats is appealing, passengers must be willing to take on the responsibility of assisting in an emergency evacuation if necessary.


7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines - Don't Overlook the Seat Dimensions





Spirit Airlines offers a variety of seat options, including standard seats, Big Front Seats, and Exit Row Seats.

Passengers should carefully consider factors like legroom, location, and amenities when selecting their seats, as the seat dimensions and associated fees can vary significantly.

Savvy travelers can maximize their experience on Spirit by strategizing their seat selection and taking advantage of perks like the airline's bidding system for upgraded seating.

The standard seats on Spirit Airlines have a width of 75 inches and a pitch of 28 inches, making them suitable for most passengers.

Spirit's "Big Front Seats" offer up to 32% more legroom than the standard seats, with a pitch of up to 36 inches, providing a more luxurious experience.

Exit row seats on Spirit can offer up to 35 inches of legroom, significantly more than the standard 28 inches, but come with the responsibility of operating the emergency exit.

Elite members of the Spirit Airlines loyalty program may be able to secure exit row or Big Front Seats for free, a perk that is often overlooked by casual travelers.

Spirit's dynamic pricing model for seat selection fees can lead to significant savings if passengers utilize the airline's bidding system for upgraded seating options.

Surprisingly, Spirit Airlines allows passengers to bring their own food on board, but the tiny tray tables may make it challenging to use a laptop during the flight.

The last-minute seat selection at the airport on Spirit can be quite costly, with fees ranging from $17 for a standard seat to $50 for an exit row.

Spirit Airlines charges a $10 fee for checking in at the airport, an unconventional practice compared to many other airlines that include seat selection in the base fare.

Passengers can select their seats for free up to 30 minutes prior to departure on Spirit, but paid seat assignments are available starting at just $5 if booked earlier during the online check-in process.

Spirit's emphasis on maximizing passenger capacity can result in a less comfortable in-flight experience, underscoring the importance of securing a preferred seat assignment during the online check-in process.

The Big Front Seats on Spirit can feature larger armrests and additional amenities like in-seat power outlets, making the splurge worthwhile for some travelers.


7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines - Leverage Your Frequent Flyer Status





7 Insider Tips for Scoring Better Seats on Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines has a frequent flyer program called Free Spirit, which allows members to earn Status Qualifying Points (SQPs) through eligible spending.

Achieving elite status, such as Silver or Gold, can provide benefits like priority boarding, bonus points, and access to better seat assignments.

Travelers should carefully review the program's requirements and use an airline credit card to accelerate their progress towards elite status, potentially unlocking more perks and a more comfortable Spirit Airlines experience.

Spirit Airlines' Free Spirit program allows members to earn Status Qualifying Points (SQPs) when spending money on eligible fares and optional services, with Silver elite status requiring 2,000 SQPs and Gold elite status requiring 5,000 SQPs.

Spirit Silver members receive priority boarding, a free carry-on bag, and 25% bonus points on flights, while Spirit Gold members receive all Silver benefits plus a free checked bag, priority check-in and security lane access, and 50% bonus points on flights.

Using an airline credit card for everyday spending can help earn status points in Spirit's frequent flyer program, which can accelerate the path to elite status.

Contacting a customer representative directly might allow for booking certain reward tickets that cannot be booked online, a little-known strategy for redeeming miles.

Spirit's Big Front Seat product can be purchased with cash or miles, and passengers have reported paying as much as $358 for a one-way ticket in this premium seating option.

Surprisingly, Spirit passengers can bring their own food on board, but the tiny tray tables may make it challenging to use a laptop during the flight.

Elite status members on Spirit Airlines may be able to secure exit row seats for free, a perk that is often overlooked by casual travelers.

Spirit's dynamic pricing model for seat selection fees can lead to significant savings if passengers utilize the airline's bidding system for upgraded seating options.

Checking in at the airport on Spirit comes with a $10 fee, an unconventional practice compared to many other airlines that include seat selection in the base fare.

Spirit allows passengers to select their seats for free up to 30 minutes prior to departure, but paid seat assignments are available starting at just $5 if booked earlier during the online check-in process.

The Big Front Seats on Spirit can feature larger armrests and additional amenities like in-seat power outlets, making the splurge worthwhile for some travelers.

Exit row seats on Spirit Airlines can provide up to 35 inches of legroom, significantly more than the standard 28 inches, but come with the responsibility of operating the emergency exit.

See how everyone can now afford to fly Business Class and book 5 Star Hotels with Mighty Travels Premium! Get started for free.