Back in 2016, nearly 218 million air traffic passengers traveled to or from the United States, thanks to carriers all across the globe. When it comes to finding cheap flights both domestic and international, there are several options available to you. Spirit Airlines has become well-known for its affordable rates and no-frills approach and is best suited for people who want to get from point A to point B while staying on-budget.

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But if you’re not used to flying with no frills, you may be surprised to learn what’s not included and what you need to take into account before you book (and before you board). We’re answering some of the most frequently asked questions about Spirit Airlines reservations, flights, and best practices.

What’s the Deal with Baggage Fees?

When you book your trip, one small personal item is included in your base ticket price. A laptop bag, purse, or small backpack counts as a personal item. Anything larger than that qualifies as a carry-on or a checked bag, both of which you’ll have to pay for. The price of your bag does depend on the trip you’re taking. But, you’ll probably pay less if you pay for your bags when you book your tickets.

Can I Choose My Seat?

Young woman in plane taking selfie while sitting in airplane seat.

Yes, you are able to obtain a seat assignment in advance. However, this will be an extra fee on top of the base ticket price. The price of choosing your seat in advance can vary anywhere from $1 to $175, depending on the flight, the seat size, the location, and when you decide to upgrade. However, if you don’t really care about sitting with someone else or where you’re located on the plane, you can simply be assigned a seat at check-in for free.

What are the Latest Spirit Airlines Deals?

The airline offers a number of ways to book cheap flights. They offer customer options like their stripped-down Bare Fare™, which forgoes the expensive extras and amenities that bulk up ticket prices. If you want a little extra from your travel experience, you can opt instead for Spirit’s Frill Control™, an a la carte option that allows you to pick only the extras you actually want, including carry-on, checked bags, and/or seat assignments.

And, as always, you can check CheapOair for deals on Spirit Airlines reservations. We offer a number of affordable ticket options for travelers.

Does Spirit Offer In-flight Entertainment or Food and Drinks?

Side view of passenger using tablet in an airplane.

Spirit does not offer complimentary food or beverage items on-board, although you can purchase them with a debit or credit card if you choose. You won’t find any seat-back TV screens or free WiFi here either, which is part of the reason why fares can be kept low. But no worries, just don’t forget to bring along your own book, tablet, portable music player, or other activities to keep you entertained during your flight.

Can I Check-in for My Flight Online?

Yes, in most cases. Exemptions are:

  • Unaccompanied minors, groups of 10 or more
  • Those who are using a Military ID in lieu of a passport
  • Non-U.S. citizens departing from international hubs
  • Those who purchased an extra seat
  • Those who are traveling with a lap infant
  • Those traveling with service animals or pets

Please note that if you are unable to check in online due to an error and are forced to check in at the airport, Spirit will waive any pertinent fees.

We hope this helped you in deciding if Spirit Airlines is the best option to get you to and from your destination.

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