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Low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines, an American airline headquartered in Florida, operates flights to over 75 destinations in the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America.
The 2 main draws of Spirit are the low cost of its flights and the unique routes the airline flies throughout North, Central, and South America.
One thing many people don’t appreciate about the airline is the additional fees you’ll need to pay — fees that many Spirit flyers, unfortunately, learn that other airlines don’t typically charge for (at least not separate from higher ticket prices).
In this article, we’ll detail how you can earn Spirit Airlines Free Spirit points, and most importantly, the best ways to redeem Free Spirit points for maximum value.
Similar to low-cost airlines Southwest and JetBlue, Spirit Airlines is not in an airline alliance — so you’ll only be able to redeem Free Spirit points for flights on the airline itself. Whereas you could use Korean Air miles to fly on a Delta Air Lines flight to Europe, a similar scenario is simply not the case with Spirit.
Another aspect of Spirit to be aware of is that the airline doesn’t partner with the transferable point programs like the American Express transfer partners, Capital One transfer partner, Chase transfer partners, Citi transfer partners, or Marriott Bonvoy transfer partners. This means that points earned in any of the programs mentioned above can’t be transferred directly to Spirit to book an award flight.
For example, you can transfer Chase Ultimate Rewards points to British Airways to fly on an American Airlines flight. Spirit doesn’t have any of these types of partnerships, so you’ll need to consider another low-cost carrier like JetBlue or Southwest instead if you need to book with transferable points.
The most efficient way to earn Spirit Airlines points outside of flying on a Spirit flight is to put your spending on one of the airline’s co-branded credit cards: the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® or the Free Spirit® Travel Mastercard®.
While we’d rather earn transferable points from our credit card spending, earning Free Spirit points from one of the Spirit Airlines credit cards is great for travelers who fly the airline on a regular basis.
Bottom Line: Outside of flying on Spirit Airlines, putting your spending on the Spirit Airlines credit card will be one of the most efficient ways to earn Spirit Airlines points that can then be used to book an award flight.
It’s important to note that Spirit Airlines made a few changes to its Free Spirit program in 2021. It no longer uses a distance-based award chart and has instead replaced it with dynamic award pricing. Free Spirit credit cardholders also no longer have unique or specific access to book flights on off-peak dates.
Redemptions now start at 2,500 points and the points required for an award can fluctuate — from 2,500 points one day to over 20,000 points just a few days later.
If you book an award flight more than 28 days prior to departure, there is no redemption fee. For those looking to travel with less than 28 days’ notice, the redemption fee is $50 per guest. Free Spirit Silver and Gold elite members and primary cardholders of the Free Spirit World Elite card do not pay redemption fees.
Hot Tip: With these extra fees, the value of your points can decrease significantly, so keep that in mind before booking an award flight.
Before jumping into how best to use your Free Spirit points, we recommend checking out our Spirit Airlines Free Spirit Loyalty Program Review and Best Ways to Earn Free Spirit Points posts.
With the groundwork of the program laid out in those posts, you’ll be more familiar with the program, how it works, and where to find the most value.
Our focus for this article is on redemptions of more than 2 cents in value, but your mileage may vary depending on how the award was dynamically priced when you booked your flight.
To achieve the best value at the lowest cost, you need to be flexible in terms of travel dates. Many of these flights have horrendous connections and travel times, but that’s what you should expect from the program.
With that said, here are the best ways to use Free Spirit points, all starting from 2,500 Free Spirit points.
If you’re looking to experience nice weather in January or February, why not check out the Southwest?
Starting at 2,500 Free Spirit points, you can book a one-way flight between Atlanta (ATL) and Phoenix (PHX).
The taxes and fees are only $5.60, but keep in mind that the connections on this route aren’t great.
Let’s head to the Caribbean for a low-mileage redemption from the East Coast.
Starting at 2,500 Free Spirit points, you can book a one-way flight between Atlanta (ATL) and San Juan (SJU) to enjoy the beach.
Unfortunately, there are no nonstop options for this route — but the upside is low taxes and fees at just $5.60.
Hot Tip: Priority Pass members, like cardholders of The Platinum Card® from American Express, should check out the full list of airport lounges at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International [ATL] to see which 2 lounges they have access to.
When traveling to Puerto Rico, there’s another redemption from the middle of the U.S. to consider.
Starting at 2,500 Free Spirit points, you can book a one-way flight between Dallas (DFW) and San Juan (SJU).
There are a handful of 1-stop flights that you should book, so keep that in mind before shelling out $5.60 in taxes and fees.
The connections and travel times aren’t great on this route, but the upside is that you’re not using that many points.
Use as little as 2,500 Free Spirit points to book a one-way flight between Denver (DEN) and Atlanta (ATL).
Just like the first redemption, the taxes and fees are great at only $5.60.
Seattle makes for an exciting city break, with plenty of opportunities for outdoor pursuits and a great food and art scene.
Starting at 2,500 Free Spirit points, you can book a one-way flight between Denver (DEN) and Seattle (SEA).
This redemption continues with our theme of low taxes and fees at just $5.60.
Hot Tip: Make sure to check out the American Express Centurion Lounges in Seattle and Denver if you have the Amex Platinum card.
Chicago is a great place to visit in the summer, so why not get there with minimal mileage outlay and a nonstop flight?
Book a one-way flight between Los Angeles (LAX) and Chicago (ORD) with as little as 2,500 Free Spirit points.
As you’re enjoying deep dish pizza in the Windy City, you should smile knowing that you paid only $5.60 in taxes and fees.
Hot Tip: Are you looking for the best ways to fly from Los Angeles (LAX) to Chicago (ORD)? Our guide offers several alternative frequent flyer programs and airlines to use!
Another 3-hour nonstop flight to check out is from the West Coast to the middle of the country.
Get from Los Angeles (LAX) to Dallas (DFW) (or vice versa) with as few as 2,500 Free Spirit points.
In addition to having a couple of nonstop flight options, what makes this a nice redemption is that the taxes and fees are still only $5.60.
Hot Tip: Depending on which airport you depart from, cardholders of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and Amex Platinum card have access to Centurion Lounges and Priority Pass lounges in Dallas and Los Angeles.
From Walt Disney World to Disneyland, Spirit makes it easy for amusement park fans to jump from coast-to-coast.
Book a one-way flight between Los Angeles (LAX) and Orlando (MCO) using as little as 2,500 Free Spirit points.
As we’ve seen with other flights in the U.S., $5.60 is what you’ll pay in taxes and fees.
This West Coast redemption doesn’t have any nonstop options for such a short distance, but hey, you don’t need that many points!
Just as few as 2,500 Free Spirit points will get you a one-way flight between Los Angeles (LAX) and Seattle (SEA).
Mirroring the previous redemptions, you’re still only looking at $5.60 in taxes and fees here.
Switching from the West Coast to the East Coast here with this redemption, where you’ll pick up a 2.5-hour nonstop flight along the coast.
You can book a one-way flight between Newark (EWR) and Atlanta (ATL) with as little as 2,500 Free Spirit points.
And again, $5.60 in taxes and fees is all you’ll need to pay for this flight.
Whether you’re escaping the hustle and bustle of the city for fresh mountain air, or maybe the other way around, Spirit can take you where you want to go.
Starting at 2,500 Free Spirit points, you can book a one-way flight between Newark (EWR) and Denver (DEN).
While you’re spending an arm and a leg on lift passes for skiing, you’ll pick up some savings with only $5.60 in taxes and fees for this flight.
Hot Tip: Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) has 3 lounges that you can access if you have one of the credit cards with Priority Pass access.
Heading from the northeast to Disney on a 3-hour nonstop flight is a redemption many will appreciate.
Travel between Newark (EWR) and Orlando (MCO) starting at 2,500 Free Spirit points.
While Disney may not be cheap, the taxes and fees on this route are at only $5.60.
This flight from Florida to the Caribbean is just under 3 hours and brings you to the oldest city in the U.S. and its territories.
With as few as 2,500 Free Spirit points, you can book a one-way flight between Orlando (MCO) and San Juan (SJU).
What’s also great about this redemption is that the taxes and fees are low at $5.60.
Hot Tip: The San Juan airport has 2 Priority Pass lounges that are great to use if you have a credit card like the Chase Sapphire Reserve® Card that comes with priority lounge access.
2 destinations we’ve previously-mentioned have a nonstop flight you should look into: with as few as 2,500 Free Spirit points, you can book a one-way flight between Phoenix (PHX) and Chicago (ORD).
If possible, try to book this nonstop flight before paying the requisite $5.60 in taxes and fees.
Spirit Airlines and its Free Spirit program can actually provide value if you know where to look.
What’s hopefully evident is that there are pockets of redemptions that offer more than 2 cents per point in value and get you from point A to point B cheaply.
The downside with Spirit is that you don’t have access to premium cabins, the flight connections can be bad, and there’s no opportunity to leverage a partner airline network.
As with all low-cost airlines, it’s important to factor in the cost of the flight to make sure you’re at least receiving some value for those hard-earned airline points!
The information regarding the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
The information regarding the Free Spirit® Travel Mastercard® was independently collected by Upgraded Points and not provided nor reviewed by the issuer.
For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
For rates and fees of The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, click here.
The points that you earn in the Spirit Airlines Free Spirit program are called Free Spirit points.
You can earn reward flights faster by Points Pooling with up to 8 friends and family members.
Points Pooling accounts are managed by “Pool Pilots” — a Free Spirit member with Silver or Gold status or a Free Spirit credit cardholder.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Spirit is waiving change and cancellation fees for all guests who book travel by Sunday, March 31, 2021. If you cancel your flight, you will receive a full purchase price credit instantly towards future travel.
Beyond this date, you can modify or cancel your award ticket for a $110 fee per guest in addition to any additional points required for your new itinerary.
Refunds are allowed for reservations made 7 days (168 hours) or more prior to your departure, provided that you make the refund request within 24 hours of your initial reservation.
The best way to earn Free Spirit points is to fly Spirit, spend on its credit cards, or use its travel partners.
Award flights begin at 2,500 points one-way.
Spirit Airlines is not in an airline alliance nor does it partner with any airlines, however, the airline does have non-airline travel partners.
Yes, but as long as you earn any points within the previous 12 months, your points won’t expire.
If you don’t meet that requirement though, any points older than 12 months will expire.
In addition to flying, another way to keep points from expiring is to make at least 1 transaction per month on your Free Spirit World Elite card or Free Spirit card.
The last 2 ways to keep your points are using one of the Spirit Airline partners or buying points to restart the clock on your points balance.
Spirit partners with Bank of America for its 2 co-branded credit cards: the Free Spirit World Elite card and the Free Spirit card.
Free Spirit points should post within 7 days of the day of your travel.
If the points do not post in that time frame, you can request a mileage credit within 30 days of your flight.
Spirit flies to more than 65 destinations including the U.S., Caribbean, Central America, and South America.
You can contact Spirit online or at 801-401-2222.
The Spirit frequent flyer program is called Free Spirit, and the airline points that you earn are called Free Spirit points.
Your Free Spirit number is the frequent flyer account number assigned to you for signing up for the reward program. You should have an email containing your number, or you can call customer service to find it as well.
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Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Michael took his first international trip in 2013 with friends to the Bahamas. Although he didn’t travel much in his younger years, on that trip, he caught the travel bug and has been hooked ever since.
Michael first caught wind of the points and miles game in 2014 while at a bar in Washington, DC where the conversation amongst friends was quickly derailed because of an alert on a friend’s phone about a mistake fare. That’s where the love affair with points and miles began.
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