What is Spirit Airlines Free Spirit and How Do Spirit Points Work? Answer is – Spirit Airlines Free Spirit is a loyalty program where members earn points for flying with Spirit and through other activities. These points can then be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other perks. Unlike some other programs, Spirit points are based on the fare you pay, not the miles you fly. You earn more points for spending more money, and even more if you have elite status. The points do not expire as long as you have qualifying activity every 12 months. The value of a Spirit point can vary depending on how you redeem it, but generally speaking, 1 point is worth about 1 cent. However, you can get more value by redeeming for flights during off-peak times or by using points to upgrade to a better seat.
Summary
- Spirit Airlines Free Spirit program: A rewards program for frequent flyers, allowing members to earn points for flights and other activities.
- How to earn points: Earn points by flying with Spirit, using a Spirit Airlines credit card, or through partner activities.
- How to redeem points: Redeem points for flights, upgrades, and other travel-related perks.
- Elite status benefits: Achieve elite status to earn more points, enjoy priority boarding, and other benefits.
- Spirit Saver$ Club: A membership program offering discounts on flights and other benefits.
What is Spirit Airlines Free Spirit
What is Free Spirit by Spirit Airlines?
Free Spirit is Spirit Airlines’ frequent flyer program, designed to reward loyal customers with points that can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other travel benefits.
Unlike traditional programs that focus on miles flown, Free Spirit is revenue-based, meaning you earn points based on how much you spend, not just how far you travel.
This unique approach can be especially advantageous for budget-minded travelers who frequently fly with Spirit.
Why Should You Join Free Spirit?
There are numerous compelling reasons to become a Free Spirit member:
Earn Points on Every Dollar: You earn points for every dollar you spend on Spirit flights, including base fares and optional add-ons like bags, seats, and priority boarding.
Redeem Points for Free Flights: Accumulate enough points, and you can book award flights to any destination Spirit flies to. The redemption process is simple, and there are no blackout dates, meaning you have greater flexibility in choosing your travel dates.
Enjoy Exclusive Perks: Free Spirit members enjoy a range of benefits, such as priority check-in, dedicated customer service lines, and the ability to pool points with friends and family.
Elite Status Benefits: Frequent flyers can achieve elite status levels, unlocking even more perks like free checked bags, seat selection, and priority boarding.
Points Don’t Expire: As long as you have qualifying account activity every 12 months, your points will never expire.
Brian Kelly Expert Opinion
According to travel expert Brian Kelly, The Points Guy, “Spirit Airlines’ Free Spirit program is a great option for budget travelers who want to maximize their savings and earn rewards for their flights. The revenue-based earning structure means that even those who don’t fly long distances can accumulate points quickly.”
Earning Spirit Points
1. How to Earn Points by Flying with Spirit
The most straightforward way to rack up Free Spirit points is by simply flying with Spirit Airlines. Every dollar you spend on Spirit flights, including base fares and “À La Smarte” options like bags, seats, and priority boarding, earns you points.
The earning rate varies depending on your Free Spirit status:
- Members: Earn 6 points per dollar on fares and 12 points per dollar on À La Smarte options.
- Silver: Earn 8 points per dollar on fares and 16 points per dollar on À La Smarte options.
- Gold: Earn 10 points per dollar on fares and 20 points per dollar on À La Smarte options.
Keep in mind that taxes and fees do not earn points. However, the points you earn from flying can quickly add up, especially if you take advantage of Spirit’s frequent sales and promotions.
2. Earning Points with Spirit Airlines Credit Cards
For avid Spirit flyers or those who want to accelerate their point earnings, the Spirit Airlines credit cards are a great option. There are two cards to choose from:
- Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard®: This card offers a welcome bonus, points for every dollar spent on Spirit purchases, and bonus points for dining and grocery purchases.
- Free Spirit® Travel Mastercard®: This card offers a welcome bonus and points for every dollar spent on Spirit purchases.
By using your Spirit Airlines credit card for everyday spending, you can earn points towards free flights without even stepping on a plane.
Jason Steele Expert Opinion
According to credit card expert Jason Steele, NerdWallet, “The Spirit Airlines credit cards can be a valuable tool for frequent Spirit flyers who want to maximize their rewards. The welcome bonus alone can be enough for a free flight, and the ongoing earning rates are competitive with other airline credit cards.”
3. Other Ways to Earn Points (Partners, Promotions)
Beyond flying and using a credit card, there are several other ways to earn Free Spirit points:
- Spirit Saver$ Club: This annual membership program offers discounts on flights, bags, and seat selection, as well as bonus points on bookings.
- Partner Activities: Spirit partners with various hotels, car rental companies, and retailers. You can earn points by booking through Spirit’s partners or making purchases with participating retailers.
- Promotions: Spirit frequently runs promotions that offer bonus points for booking flights, signing up for emails, or participating in social media contests.
By taking advantage of these opportunities, you can boost your point balance and get closer to your next award flight.
Redeeming Spirit Points
1. Redeeming Points for Flights: A Step-by-Step Guide
Redeeming your hard-earned Free Spirit points for flights is a straightforward process that can be done entirely online. Follow these simple steps:
- Log in to Your Free Spirit Account: Visit the Spirit Airlines website and log in to your Free Spirit account.
- Search for Flights: Enter your desired travel dates and destinations in the search bar.
- Toggle to Points Redemption: Select the “Points” option to view fares in points instead of dollars.
- Select Your Flight: Choose your preferred flight from the available options.
- Review and Confirm: Review your itinerary and confirm your booking.
2. Other Redemption Options (Upgrades, Baggage Fees, etc.)
While flights are the most popular redemption option, Free Spirit points can also be used for other travel-related expenses:
- Seat Upgrades: Use your points to upgrade to a Big Front Seat™ or exit row seat for added comfort and legroom.
- Baggage Fees: Offset the cost of checked or carry-on bags by redeeming points.
- Shortcut Security: Expedite your way through security with Shortcut Security, available for purchase with points.
- Flight Flex: Add flexibility to your booking with Flight Flex, allowing for changes or cancellations for a fee that can be paid with points.
These redemption options provide additional value and flexibility for Free Spirit members.
3. Maximizing the Value of Your Points
To get the most out of your Free Spirit points, consider these strategies:
- Book in Advance: Booking your flight at least 28 days before departure will help you avoid redemption fees.
- Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations: If your schedule is flexible, you may be able to find lower point redemption rates on different dates or to alternative destinations.
- Use the Points + Cash Option: If you don’t have enough points for a full award flight, you can use a combination of points and cash to book your ticket.
- Redeem for Off-Peak Travel: Points typically go further on off-peak travel dates, such as mid-week flights or those during the off-season.
Summer Hull Expert Opinion
Travel blogger Summer Hull, Mommy Points, advises, “Don’t hoard your points! Use them for the flights and upgrades you want. Free Spirit points can significantly enhance your travel experience with Spirit Airlines.”
Spirit Airlines Elite Status
1. Elite Status Tiers and Qualifications
Spirit Airlines offers two elite status tiers: Silver and Gold. Both tiers offer valuable perks to frequent flyers, enhancing their travel experience and making their journeys more rewarding.
| Elite Status Tier | Status Qualifying Points (SQPs) Required | Qualification Period |
|---|---|---|
| Free Spirit Silver | 2,000 SQPs | Calendar Year |
| Free Spirit Gold | 5,000 SQPs | Calendar Year |
You earn SQPs by spending money on Spirit Airlines flights and ancillary fees. Each dollar spent earns you one SQP. You can also earn SQPs through spending on the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® at a rate of one SQP for every $10 spent.
Richard Kerr Expert Opinion
Travel rewards expert, Richard Kerr, The Points Guy, highlights the accessibility of Spirit Airlines’ elite status: “Unlike some other airlines where reaching elite status requires extensive travel, Spirit’s program is achievable for those who fly even a few times a year, especially when combined with credit card spending.”
2. Benefits of Each Elite Status Level
| Benefit | Free Spirit Silver | Free Spirit Gold |
|---|---|---|
| Point-Earning Bonus | 8 points/$1 on airfare; 16 points/$1 on extras | 10 points/$1 on airfare; 20 points/$1 on extras |
| Redemption Fees | Waived | Waived |
| Seat Selection | Free at check-in | Free at booking (including Exit Rows) |
| Baggage Fees | First checked bag free | First checked bag free |
| Flight Flex | – | Free |
| Priority Boarding & Security | ✓ | ✓ |
| Dedicated Phone Line | ✓ | ✓ |
| Points Pooling | ✓ | ✓ |
| Same-Day Standby | Within 180 minutes of departure | Within 180 minutes of departure |
3. How to Track Your Progress Towards Elite Status
You can easily track your progress towards elite status by logging into your Free Spirit account on the Spirit Airlines website. Your dashboard will display your current SQP balance, as well as your progress towards the next tier.
Spirit Saver$ Club
1. What is the Spirit Saver$ Club?
The Spirit Saver$ Club is Spirit Airlines’ paid membership program designed to provide members with exclusive discounts and benefits, making flying with Spirit even more affordable and convenient. Think of it as your backstage pass to unlocking a world of travel savings and perks.
2. Benefits of Membership
Discounted Fares: Members enjoy access to exclusive fares not available to the general public, saving money on every flight. The exact discount amount can vary depending on the fare and route, but members can expect to see significant savings, especially when booking in advance.
Reduced Baggage Fees: One of the most significant benefits of the Saver$ Club is the reduced baggage fees. Members save up to 50% on checked and carry-on bag fees, which can add up to substantial savings over multiple trips.
Discounted Seat Selection: Members can choose their preferred seats at a discounted rate, allowing them to secure their ideal spot on the plane for less.
Exclusive Deals and Promotions: Saver$ Club members receive exclusive access to special promotions and deals, further enhancing their savings potential.
Flexibility and Perks: The membership also offers added flexibility, such as the ability to make changes to your itinerary for a reduced fee. Additionally, members may receive surprise perks and benefits throughout the year.
Gary Leff Expert Opinion
Travel expert Gary Leff, View from the Wing, highlights the potential value of the Saver$ Club, stating, “For frequent Spirit flyers or those who often travel with checked bags, the Spirit Saver$ Club can easily pay for itself in savings.”
3. Is the Spirit Saver$ Club Worth It?
The value of the Spirit Saver$ Club depends on your individual travel habits and preferences. If you fly with Spirit Airlines multiple times per year, especially if you check bags or prefer to select your seat, the membership can be a worthwhile investment.
The discounted fares, reduced baggage fees, and other perks can quickly add up to savings that exceed the annual membership cost.
However, if you only fly with Spirit occasionally or typically travel light without checked bags, the Saver$ Club may not offer enough value to justify the cost. It’s essential to consider your individual needs and travel patterns before deciding whether the membership is right for you.
Tips and Tricks for Free Spirit Members
1. Maximizing Point Earnings
Fly More, Earn More: The most obvious way to maximize your Free Spirit points is to fly with Spirit Airlines more often. Each flight contributes to your points balance, bringing you closer to your next award ticket or upgrade.
Use the Right Credit Card: If you fly Spirit frequently or plan to, consider getting one of the Spirit Airlines credit cards. These cards offer welcome bonuses, ongoing points for Spirit purchases, and even bonus points for everyday spending categories like dining and groceries.
Book Directly with Spirit: When booking your flights, be sure to do it directly through Spirit Airlines’ website or app. This ensures you earn the maximum points possible and avoids any potential issues with third-party bookings.
Take Advantage of Promotions: Spirit Airlines frequently runs promotions that offer bonus points for booking flights, signing up for emails, or participating in social media contests. Keep an eye on their website and social media channels for these opportunities.
Join the Spirit Saver$ Club: If you’re a frequent flyer, consider joining the Spirit Saver$ Club. Members enjoy discounted fares, reduced baggage fees, and bonus points on bookings, which can significantly boost your point earning potential.
Tiffany Funk Expert Opinion
Travel rewards expert Tiffany Funk, One Mile at a Time, emphasizes the importance of maximizing point earnings, stating, “Earning points is the foundation of any successful frequent flyer program. By strategically choosing flights, credit cards, and utilizing promotions, you can accelerate your points accumulation and unlock more travel opportunities.”
2. Finding the Best Redemption Values:
Be Flexible: Flexibility is key to finding the best redemption values. If your travel dates and destinations are flexible, you’re more likely to find award flights with lower point requirements.
Book in Advance: Generally, booking award flights further in advance will result in better availability and potentially lower point redemption rates.
Use the Low Fare Calendar: Spirit’s Low Fare Calendar is a handy tool that allows you to see the lowest fares (in points or dollars) for a given month. This can help you identify the most cost-effective travel dates.
Look for Off-Peak Travel: Points typically go further on off-peak travel dates, such as mid-week flights or those during the shoulder seasons.
Consider Points + Cash: If you don’t have enough points for a full award flight, you can use a combination of points and cash to book your ticket, maximizing the value of your existing points.
3. Avoiding Common Mistakes
Letting Points Expire: As long as you have qualifying account activity every 12 months, your points won’t expire. Make sure to fly with Spirit, use your Spirit credit card, or engage in other qualifying activities to keep your points active.
Ignoring Promotions: Don’t miss out on bonus point opportunities. Stay informed about Spirit’s promotions and take advantage of them whenever possible.
Booking Through Third-Party Websites: Always book directly through Spirit’s website or app to ensure you earn the maximum points and avoid any potential issues.
Not Checking Point Balances: Keep track of your points balance regularly to ensure you’re aware of your available points and can plan your redemptions accordingly.
FAQs
Do Spirit points expire?
The good news is that your Spirit points won’t expire as long as you have qualifying account activity at least once every 12 months. Qualifying activity includes flying with Spirit, earning points with a Spirit Airlines credit card, or earning points through a Free Spirit partner.
How much are Spirit points worth?
The value of a Spirit point can vary depending on several factors, such as the fare class, the date of travel, and the destination. However, on average, a Spirit point is worth roughly 1 cent when redeemed for flights. It’s worth noting that you can often get more value for your points by redeeming them for off-peak flights or by combining them with cash for a Points + Cash booking.
Can I transfer Spirit points to another person?
Spirit Airlines allows members to pool points with friends and family through their Points Pooling program. This is a great way to combine points for a shared trip or help someone else reach their travel goals. However, you cannot directly transfer points to another individual’s account.
What happens to my points if I cancel a flight?
If you cancel a flight booked with points, the points will be redeposited into your Free Spirit account, minus any applicable cancellation fees. If you cancel a Points + Cash booking, the cash portion will be refunded according to the fare rules, and the points portion will be redeposited into your account.
Can I earn Status Qualifying Points (SQPs) with the Free Spirit Travel Mastercard®?
Yes, you can earn SQPs with the Free Spirit Travel Mastercard® at a rate of 1 SQP per $10 spent on eligible purchases.
How do I redeem points for a flight?
You can redeem points for flights by logging into your Free Spirit account and selecting the “Points” option when searching for flights.
What are the benefits of Free Spirit elite status?
Free Spirit elite status offers benefits such as bonus points on earnings, free bags, free seat selection, and priority boarding.
How can I contact Spirit Airlines about my Free Spirit account?
You can contact Spirit Airlines customer service through their website or by calling their dedicated Free Spirit phone line.
Are there any blackout dates for award flights?
No, there are no blackout dates for award flights with Free Spirit. You can use your points to book flights on any available date.
The Bottom Line
The Free Spirit program offers a unique and valuable way for Spirit Airlines flyers to earn rewards and enjoy exclusive benefits.
By understanding how the program works and following the tips and strategies outlined in this guide, you can maximize your point earnings and unlock a world of travel possibilities.
