Spirit Airlines Policy for Plus-size Travelers

Since we originally launched our Airline Policies for Plus-size travelers in 2018, the travel industry has changed a lot. 

We have learned a lot more about Spirit’s policy for plus-size individuals which make traveling much friendlier and easier.

Policy for Overweight Passengers

Like many other airlines, Spirit Airlines requires plus-size passengers to purchase a second seat if you care going to encroach on their neighbors or cannot put the armrest down between two seats. 

Spirit does not offer a refund on second-seat tickets, unlike Southwest. Despite their low-budget branding, this can make an impact on many travelers who need or want a second seat for comfort. 

Can you get a complimentary second seat?

While there is no information available about this, like many airlines you can ask at the counter if the flight is full. If the flight is not full, ask to be moved to a location within the aircraft next an empty seat. This tactic is no guarantee that you will get an empty second seat.

Alternatives Options

Spirit Airlines offers the option of their Big Front Seat™.

The Big Front Seat™ are in the front of Spirit aircrafts and offer an additional 6 inches of legroom along with a seat width of 18.5 inches and a pitch of 36 inches.

To purchase these seats, just choose them during your seating selection or after you board, but do know that there is an upcharge for these seats. The additional cost is anywhere from $12 – $250. 

Booking a Second Seat

When booking your second seat, you will just put the name of the individual requiring the second seat twice. You do not have to make any additional notes.

However to avoid confusion you can call Spirit customer service to have it marked on the reservation afterward. 

Seat Sizes

How long is the seatbelt on a Spirit plane?

Despite four years passing since our last review of plus size policies for airlines, Spirit airlines unfortunately still do not have information about the length of their seat belts.

Can I use a seat belt extender?

You can request a seat belt extender unless you are seated in a seat with an inflatable seat belt.

An inflatable seat belt usually has an airbag or flotation device incorporated into it. The seats to avoid if you need a seat belt extender are the following:

Rows with inflatable seat belts

To ensure you avoid these rows Spirit suggests you upgrade to the seat selection option upon booking, but we have found you can usually ask a flight attendant and they will help you find a seat that is accommodating.

How do you know which aircraft you are booking on?

Start by searching for your date, departure, and destination. Before you select your flight you can look at each option for time, layovers, etc. In these options, you will see “Flight Details”

In the flight details, you will see what aircraft you are likely to be on located in the upper right corner of the details.

If you combine this with the seat map you can definitely determine if a seat upgrade is warranted. 

Is Spirit Airlines Worth it for the Cost?

Budget-friendly airlines can be extremely attractive to many travelers, us included. 

However, with low-cost airlines come a lot of hidden or added fees. Spirit airlines is no different. For instance, there are four different costs for baggage depending on when you need or want to pay.

Baggage Fees (without Spirit Saver$ Club) 

Additional Fees

Seat Assignment:

Choosing your own seat comes with an additional fee for Spirit. Starting at $1 extra and going up to $50 for the standard economy seating, you can choose where you want to sit instead of having a randomly assigned seat on the aircraft.

For those who want to purchase the Big Front Seat™ you can see an upcharge starting at $12 when you select this option in advance or starting at $25 once onboard. The average price range is $12 – $175 for these seats depending on when you purchase the upgrade.

Booking Fee:

Beyond the taxes and fees adding an additional $35 to your reservation might not be in your budget. But if you book over the phone, you will be charged an additional $35 per booking. 

To help save money, definitely book online. 

Boarding Pass:

Word of warning… check-in online and print your boarding pass at home or have it emailed to you. 

If you want a paper copy of your boarding pass, Spirit Airlines charges for a printed copy; $2 per pass at the check-in kiosk in front of the check-in counter or $10 per pass at the counter. 

Priority Board:

Want to ensure you have enough time to get on your flight without feeling rushed? Spirit offers priority boarding for an additional cost of $6

Refreshments

Unlike Delta, United, or American Airlines, Spirit charges for refreshments on board.

Soft drinks, juices, or water = $3.50

Tea = $2.50

Coffee or Hot Chocolate = $3.50

Alcoholic Beverages = $9 – $12.50 per beverage

Snacks = $3.50 – $8.50 each

Check out the current snack menu to learn more about offerings and combo packages.

Saver$ Club

When you are booking a flight you might be enticed by the Saver$ Club price offer. However, is it really worth the additional cost?

Priced in 12 months, 18 months, and 24 months savings options the Saver$ Club offers members numerous discounts.

Starting at $69.95 (as of 2022) for 12 months of benefits, members will have access to the following discounts:

• Flights
• Bags
• Seats
• Flight Flex
• Security Shortcut
• Boarding Shortcut