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With a degree in media and journalism, Stella has been in the points and miles game for more than 6 years. She most recently worked as a Corporate Communications Analyst for JetBlue. Find her work in ...
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Do you have elite status with another airline or even a hotel program? You can jump on this limited-time elite status match opportunity to get “Free Spirit” Silver or Gold elite status for just $49 or $99, respectively.
The program will end on Sunday, April 23, at 11:59 p.m. PT, so you’ll want to get in your applications as soon as possible. Once you get approved for the status match, you’ll hold your newly-minted Spirit status for 12 months.
Spirit Airlines is well known for its unbundled fares, meaning you’ll pay for pretty much everything besides your ticket. From seat assignment fees to carry-on bags to checked bags, you can save a great deal by participating in this status match challenge.
Here are the details you should know.
New Spirit Airlines Status Match Challenge
To participate in Spirit’s status match program, you’ll need to hold elite status with one of 32 participating airline or hotel programs (detailed below). Depending on your status level, you can qualify for one of Spirit’s 2 loyalty tiers: Free Spirit Silver or Free Spirit Gold. You’ll need to submit your application by Sunday, April 23, at 11:59 p.m. PT to be considered.
If you match your status to Free Spirit Silver, you’ll pay a $49 fee. The lowest tier of Free Spirit status gets you the following benefits:
Earn points at a rate of 8x for fares and 16x for À La Smarte Options
Free Shortcut Security and Boarding
Free exit row seat assignment
Overweight baggage waiver
Same-day standby
Seat selection at check-in
Dedicated Guest Care line
Ability to create a Points Pool
Redemption fee waiver
If you match your status to Free Spirit Gold, you’ll pay a $99 fee. You’ll get all of Free Spirit Silver benefits, plus:
Earn points at a rate of 10x for fares and 20x for À La Smarte Options
First checked and carry-on bag
Free inflight beverages and snacks
Zone 1 Boarding
Free Flight Flex (ability to modify your reservation)
Pet fee waiver
Group 2/3/4/5 seat selection at purchase
Once approved, you’ll hold Spirit status immediately for 12 months. Just note that you’ll be ineligible to take part in another Spirit status match opportunity for another 2 years.
How to Status Match to Spirit Airlines
First, you’ll need to provide your name, email address, and Free Spirit membership number. Once you advance to the next page, it’ll ask for the elite status that you hold, the loyalty number, and photo proof to verify your status.
Upgraded Points editor Juan Ruiz applied for the Free Spirit Gold status match with his World of Hyatt Globalist status. He received an approval within a few hours.
Spirit is offering a limited-time opportunity to match your existing status and test-drive the Free Spirit elite program. But is it worth it? Even if you fly Spirit a few times per year, you can save significantly on seat assignment and baggage fees, which can quickly stack up to hundreds of dollars.