Seat Assignment Fee Charged by Spirit Airlines
In a move that has become the norm for budget airlines, Spirit Airlines charges for seat selection, making it the costliest major U.S. airline in terms of seat fees, according to NerdWallet's survey. However, the airline offers various options for passengers to secure their preferred seats at an additional cost.
When booking a flight with Spirit Airlines, you have three options for seat selection: pay for individual seat selection, purchase a package that includes seat selection, or accept a randomly assigned seat. For those who don't pay for seat selection, the airline will assign a seat randomly.
Travelers can refer to the Spirit Airlines a319 Seating Chart to choose the best seat for a comfortable journey at a low budget. It is essential to note that seating could be separate from fellow travelers, even if purchased together. Spirit Airlines cannot guarantee that passengers traveling together will be seated together.
Spirit Airlines offers seat selection with pricing that varies widely depending on the seat location, route, and booking option. Standard fare (base fare) does not include seat selection, and passengers must pay extra to choose their seat in advance. The cost for a regular seat can range from $1 to $50 or more, with some premium options like Big Front Seat or extra legroom costing even higher, sometimes up to $200–$300 depending on the route and demand.
Recently, Spirit has updated its fare bundles to three options: Spirit First, Premium Economy, and Value. Spirit First includes the Big Front Seat (extra legroom, priority boarding, and snacks/drinks), Premium Economy offers extra legroom (not as plush as Big Front Seat), and Value is the most basic, à la carte option—seat selection is extra. With these bundled fares, seat selection may or may not be included depending on the tier. Spirit First typically includes preferred or Big Front Seats, while Premium Economy may include extra legroom, and Value requires extra payment for seat selection.
Elite members of Spirit Airlines can select seats for free. Free Spirit Silver users can choose their seat at the time of booking and may be eligible for an exit row ticket, while Free Spirit Gold users have the right to free seat selection, including exit rows and preferred seats. Spirit Saver$ Club members get discounted fees for seat selection, but it is not free. The annual membership is $69.95 (12 months), $99.90 (18 months), or $129.90 (24 months).
In summary, Spirit Airlines offers seat selection for an additional cost, with pricing varying widely depending on the seat location, route, and booking option. Elite members (Gold) get free seat selection at booking, including exit rows and preferred seats, while Silver members get free seat selection at check-in. Spirit Saver$ Club provides discounts but not free seat selection. It is essential to plan ahead and consider the options to secure the best seat for your journey.
- For those with a focus on finance, it's important to budget for seat selection when booking a flight with Spirit Airlines as costs can range from $1 to over $300, depending on the seat location, route, and booking option.
- Those prioritizing technology and a comfortable lifestyle during travel may find benefit in reviewing the Spirit Airlines a319 Seating Chart to select their preferred seat at an additional cost, as seating could be separate from fellow travelers, even if purchased together.
