Having an airline change your flight plans can be a frustrating experience.
If you booked a flight with Spirit Airlines and then had them change your itinerary, you likely have questions about your rights as a customer.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Spirit Airlines is allowed to change flight schedules, even for confirmed bookings.
As long as they notify you of a ‘significant’ schedule change at least 7 days before departure, the airline is not obligated to compensate you beyond allowing you to cancel for a full refund.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide an in-depth look at Spirit’s policies around changed and canceled flights.
We’ll outline what constitutes a ‘significant’ change, whether you’re entitled to compensation, how to request a refund and strategies for rebooking alternate flights.
When Can Spirit Airlines Change My Flight?
Spirit Airlines, like any other airline, has the right to make changes to their flights based on various circumstances.
Understanding when they can change your flight will help you navigate any unexpected changes in your travel plans.
According to their Contract of Carriage
According to Spirit Airlines’ Contract of Carriage, they have the authority to change your flight for a variety of reasons.
These reasons include, but are not limited to, safety concerns, aircraft maintenance, weather conditions, air traffic control restrictions, and other operational factors.
It’s important to note that these changes are usually made to ensure the safety and well-being of passengers and crew.
However, it’s worth mentioning that Spirit Airlines strives to minimize flight changes whenever possible and only does so when absolutely necessary.
What Counts As a ‘Significant’ Change?
When it comes to flight changes, it’s crucial to understand what qualifies as a “significant” change.
Spirit Airlines considers a change to be significant if it meets certain criteria, such as:
- A change of more than 60 minutes to the departure or arrival time of your flight
- A change in the departure or arrival airport
- A change in the routing or connection
If any of these changes occur, Spirit Airlines will typically notify you via email or phone.
It’s important to keep your contact information up to date with the airline to ensure you receive timely notifications about any changes to your flight.
In the event of a significant change, Spirit Airlines typically offers affected passengers the option to either accept the change, request a refund, or make alternative travel arrangements.
Be sure to review the options provided by the airline and choose the one that best suits your needs.
If you have any concerns or questions about flight changes, it’s always a good idea to reach out to Spirit Airlines directly.
They have a dedicated customer service team that can provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding your specific situation.
Am I Entitled To Compensation for a Changed Flight?
When Spirit Airlines changes your flight, you may be wondering if you are entitled to compensation.
While each situation is unique, there are certain circumstances where you may be eligible for compensation.
Spirit’s Compensation Policy
Spirit Airlines has a compensation policy in place for flight changes. According to their policy, if your flight is changed by more than 60 minutes, you may be eligible for compensation.
The amount of compensation can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the flight change.
It’s important to note that this policy applies to situations where the flight change is within Spirit Airlines’ control.
If the flight change is due to factors outside of the airline’s control, such as weather conditions or air traffic control issues, compensation may not be provided.
Steps To Request Compensation
If you believe you are entitled to compensation for a changed Spirit Airlines flight, there are steps you can take to request it:
- Contact Spirit Airlines: Reach out to Spirit Airlines’ customer service to inform them about the flight change and inquire about compensation. You can do this by calling their customer service number or reaching out to them through their website or social media channels.
- Provide Necessary Documentation: Be prepared to provide any necessary documentation, such as your flight details, booking confirmation, and any additional information that supports your claim for compensation.
- Submit a Formal Request: If the initial customer service contact does not resolve the issue, you may need to submit a formal request for compensation. This can usually be done through Spirit Airlines’ website or by sending a letter to their customer service department.
- Follow Up: After submitting your request, it’s important to follow up with Spirit Airlines to ensure that your case is being reviewed and processed. This may involve reaching out to their customer service department again or checking the status of your request online.
Remember, each case is unique, and the outcome of your compensation request may vary. I
t’s always best to familiarize yourself with Spirit Airlines’ compensation policy and follow the necessary steps to request compensation in a timely and professional manner.
How To Get a Refund For a Changed Flight
Refund Eligibility
If your flight with Spirit Airlines has been changed, you may be entitled to a refund.
However, it is important to understand the refund eligibility criteria set by the airline. Spirit Airlines typically offers refunds in the following situations:
- If the airline cancels your flight
- If there is a significant schedule change
- If you are denied boarding due to overbooking
It’s important to keep in mind that minor schedule changes, such as a slight delay, may not qualify for a refund. However, if the changes significantly impact your travel plans, you should definitely explore your refund options.
How To Request a Refund
If you meet the refund eligibility criteria, you can request a refund from Spirit Airlines. Here are the steps to follow:
- Contact Spirit Airlines: Reach out to the airline’s customer service department as soon as possible. You can call their customer service hotline or send them an email. Make sure to provide them with the details of your changed flight and explain why you believe you are eligible for a refund.
- Be prepared with documentation: It’s always a good idea to have all the necessary documentation to support your refund request. This may include your original booking confirmation, any emails or notifications you received regarding the flight change, and any other relevant information.
- Follow up if necessary: If you don’t receive a satisfactory response from Spirit Airlines initially, don’t give up. Follow up with them to ensure your refund request is being processed. Be persistent but polite in your communications.
It’s important to note that the refund process may take some time, so be patient.
If you are not successful in obtaining a refund directly from the airline, you may want to consider seeking assistance from a consumer rights organization or filing a complaint with the appropriate regulatory bodies.
Rebooking on Alternate Spirit Flights
Searching for Available Flights
If Spirit Airlines changes your flight, one of the options you have is to rebook on an alternate Spirit flight. To do this, you will need to search for available flights that align with your travel plans.
You can easily do this by visiting the Spirit Airlines website or by contacting their customer service.
The website allows you to enter your original flight details and search for alternative options.
It will provide you with a list of available flights along with the corresponding prices and timings.
Additionally, the customer service representatives can assist you in finding suitable alternatives based on your preferences and availability.
Change Fees and Fare Differences
When rebooking on an alternate Spirit flight, it’s important to be aware of change fees and fare differences.
Spirit Airlines has a policy regarding change fees, and these fees can vary depending on the fare type and how far in advance you make the changes.
It’s always a good idea to check the airline’s website or contact customer service to inquire about the specific fees applicable to your situation.
Additionally, there may be fare differences between your original flight and the alternate flights you are considering.
Fare differences can occur due to various factors such as booking class availability, time of booking, and demand. It’s important to consider these fare differences while making your decision and factor them into your overall travel budget.
Booking With a Different Airline
When Spirit Airlines changes your flight, you may find yourself in a situation where you need to book with a different airline.
This can be a stressful experience, but there are a few options you can consider to ensure a smooth transition.
Using a Credit From Spirit
If Spirit Airlines changes your flight, they may offer you a credit that can be used towards a future booking.
This can be a convenient option, especially if you frequently travel and can easily use the credit within the specified timeframe.
To use the credit, simply follow the instructions provided by Spirit Airlines and make sure to book your new flight before the expiration date of the credit.
Keep in mind that there may be some restrictions and limitations, so it’s always a good idea to read the terms and conditions carefully.
Filing a Claim with Your Travel Insurance
If you have travel insurance, it’s a good idea to check if the changes made by Spirit Airlines are covered under your policy.
Some travel insurance plans offer coverage for flight changes and cancellations, which can help mitigate any additional costs you may incur when booking with a different airline.
If your travel insurance covers flight changes, you will need to file a claim with your insurance provider.
Make sure to gather all the necessary documentation, such as proof of the flight change and any receipts or invoices related to the new booking.
This will help expedite the claims process and increase your chances of receiving reimbursement.
It’s important to note that not all travel insurance policies cover flight changes, so it’s essential to review your policy documents or contact your insurance provider for clarification.
In case you don’t have travel insurance, it might be worth considering purchasing it for future trips.
Travel insurance can provide peace of mind and financial protection in case of unexpected events, such as flight changes, cancellations, or medical emergencies during your travels.
Conclusion
Having a flight changed or canceled by Spirit Airlines can certainly disrupt your travel plans. While the airline does reserve the right to modify schedules, you also have options like refunds and rebooking if the change doesn’t work for you.
Understanding Spirit’s policies around significant flight changes, compensation eligibility, and refunds can help you better advocate for yourself as a customer.
With a proactive approach, you can increase your chances of reaching an alternate travel arrangement that meets your needs.
