Spirit Airlines to introduce new seats, other ‘comfy' benefits for travelers
Spirit Airlines is going from budget to bougie.
The cut-price carrier announced Tuesday that it will offer new premium perks for travelers, including an extra-legroom option and a policy allowing two free checked bags for cardholders.
The announcement comes after the budget airline filed for bankruptcy protection in March after undergoing a financial restructuring plan.
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'Spirit's new premium options offer travelers exceptional value, and we're creating even more opportunities for Guests to experience them with our new extra-legroom seating option,' Rana Ghosh, Senior Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer at Spirit Airlines, said in a statement.
'We're also adding more value and perks for our loyalty members at a time when others are taking away benefits, giving our most loyal Guests even more reasons to choose Spirit.'
Extra legroom
4 Spirit Airlines new extra-legroom option will be available in most plans by July.
Spirit Airlines
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Spirit said that the new seating will be installed starting in June and roll out across the majority of the airline's planes by July.
The extra-legroom seating will feature seven rows toward the front of the plane, totaling more than 40 seats, which will have 32 inches of space rather than the regular 28. The remaining seat installations are expected to be completed in 2026.
Spirit's 'Go Comfy' offer, which blocked off a middle seat in an endeavor to offer more space to travelers, will be phased out and replaced with the extra-legroom booking option.
Extra-legroom seats will be available for booking beginning May 15, 2025, and flyers will be able to travel in these seats starting July 9, 2025.
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Also included in this premium option is a carry-on bag, no change or cancel fees, priority boarding, reserved overhead bin space, a snack and a non-alcoholic beverage.
Two free checked bags
4 Spirit will now allow cardholders to have two free checked bags.
REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
The two-free-checked-bags policy will roll out later this year and will be offered in collaboration with Bank of America, only for Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard Cardholders.
Spirit said that more details on this new perk are to be announced at a later date.
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Meanwhile, Southwest Airlines received harsh backlash from loyal travelers after nixing their 'two bags fly free' policy.
Free upgrades
4 Free Spirit status members will have the option to upgrade at boarding.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit will also start offering free upgrades in June to Free Spirit status members and cobranded credit card holders.
These guests can snag complimentary upgrades to a Big Front Seat and Comfy Seat at boarding, based on availability and status level.
The airline will prioritize Free Spirit Gold members, Free Spirit Silver members, and Free Spirit credit card holders. Benefits of the upgrade will be extended to one traveler on the reservation beginning in June.
Upgrades will only be available at boarding for now, but Ghosh told The Points Guy that the airline is 'in active discussion around what upgrades should look like as we go forward.'
More Free Spirit Loyalty Program changes
4 Spirit Airlines will offer new premium options for travelers.
Spirit Airlines
Spirit will now offer points redemptions for all four travel options, including premium options such as Go Big and Go Comfy.
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The airline said it 'plans to add even more exciting redemptions' in the coming months, such as personalized experiences and elevated perks.
Spirit is also launching a points-earning debit card this fall. The new Free Spirit Debit Card will allow travelers to earn points on everyday spending and redeem them for travel.
The card will allow passengers to receive Group 2 Priority Boarding, plus a 25% rebate on in-flight purchases.
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