Ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) · None

Spirit Airlines (NK)

Spirit Airlines is the other main ultra-low-cost carrier in the United States and is structurally very similar to Frontier in fleet, business model, and ancillary-revenue strategy. The airline operates an all-Airbus A320-family fleet of around 200 aircraft from focus cities in Florida, the Northeast, the Midwest, and the South, with particular strength in Caribbean and Latin American leisure routes. Spirit went through a turbulent period in the mid-2020s, including a blocked merger with JetBlue, a Chapter 11 restructuring filed in late 2024, and a reorganisation that left it independent and re-listed in 2025. The airline continues to fly its full network and remains the largest US ULCC by available seat miles. Spirit unbundles aggressively: every fare is a 'Bare Fare', and seats, bags, snacks, and printed boarding passes are all sold separately.

Founded   1980 HQ   Dania Beach, Florida ICAO   NKS

Hubs

IATA Airport Role
FLLFort LauderdaleLargest base; Caribbean and Latin America gateway
MCOOrlandoFlorida focus city
ATLAtlantaSoutheast focus city
DTWDetroitMidwest focus city
ORDChicago O'HareMidwest focus city
DFWDallas/Fort WorthTexas focus city
LASLas VegasWestern focus city
EWRNewark LibertyNew York-area focus city
IAHHouston Bush IntercontinentalTexas focus city
Fleet
Approximately 200 aircraft (2026)
Main types: Airbus A319-100 · Airbus A320-200 · Airbus A320neo · Airbus A321-200 · Airbus A321neo
All-Airbus narrowbody fleet. Spirit was the launch operator for the high-density A321neo configuration in the Americas. A319s are gradually being retired in favour of newer A320neo and A321neo deliveries.
Frequent flyer
Free Spirit
Tiers: Free Spirit Member · Silver · Gold · Saver$ Club (paid subscription, separate from the loyalty tiers)
Earning: Points are earned per US dollar spent on Spirit flights and ancillaries. Status Qualifying Points are earned on flight spend and Free Spirit credit-card spend.
Co-brand cards: Free Spirit Travel Mastercard and Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard, both issued by Bank of Missouri / The Bancorp.
Customer service
Phone: 1-855-728-3555 (24/7); WhatsApp and live chat are the airline's preferred channels.
Twitter/X: @SpiritAirlines
US Department of Transportation complaints: transportation.gov/airconsumer

Baggage policy

Carry-onPersonal item that fits under the seat is free. The overhead carry-on costs $35 to $65 depending on route and how late in the booking flow it is added. Like Frontier, the carry-on is often the most expensive bag option, so passengers who only need a small bag should fit everything into the personal item.
First checked bag (domestic)$30 to $60, varying by route, fare type, and timing; cheapest at the time of booking, most expensive at the gate.
Second checked bag (domestic)Roughly $5 to $15 more than the first bag at the same booking stage.
Weight / size limitsFree allowance is 40 lb / 18 kg per bag (lower than the legacy 50 lb standard); overweight fees apply above that. 62 linear inches total dimensions.
First international checkedNo; bag fees apply on international flights too, but bundles such as the 'Saver$ Club' fares include reduced bag pricing.

Verify current fees on the carrier's site before booking — US airlines update bag pricing several times per year.

Regional partners & subsidiaries

Spirit Airlines (mainline only)
Spirit does not operate or contract a regional carrier; every flight is operated by Spirit on an Airbus A320-family aircraft.

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