How to Use a Spirit Airlines Flight Credit

Nerdy takeaways

Spirit Reservation Credits are typically issued if you cancel a Spirit Airlines flight.
Credits are nontransferable, so you can’t use them to book a flight for someone else.
Typically, these credits expire within one year of issuance.

If you have canceled a Spirit Airlines flight, or you've been bumped from one, there’s a good chance you now hold what are called a Spirit Reservation Credit. This is effectively a Spirit Airlines voucher.

These credits can pay for future airfare, as well as other expenses you might incur when flying the airline. Here’s how to use them — and how to get these credits in the first place.

» Learn more: What to know about Spirit Airlines

How to redeem a Spirit Airlines voucher

Spirit Airlines Reservation Credits can be used to cover Spirit airfare and also other fees like bag fees, seat selection fees, as well as taxes.

🤓Nerdy Tip

You cannot redeem Spirit Airlines Reservation Credits when booking through Spirit’s app. New bookings must be made through Spirit.com.

To book a new flight with those credits, have your Reservation Credit number handy. It’s typically a six-digit alphanumeric code sent to the email address Spirit has on file for you.

From there, select the new flight you want to book through the normal flight search page and process.

When you get to the payment page, select “Redeem a voucher or credit.” Then, navigate to the box that says “Reservation Credit,” where you’ll input your six-digit confirmation number.

If your new purchase exceeds the cost of your voucher’s value, you’ll have to use another payment method to cover the difference.

» Learn more: Is the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® worth it?

What to know about Spirit Reservation Credits

Unlike credits from other airlines like Southwest Airlines, which issues travel funds that never expire, the Spirit version of such credits are pretty frustrating.

Spirit flight credits have expiration dates one year out from issuance.

Spirit credits are also nontransferable, so you can’t use them to book a flight for someone else. Contrast that with airlines like Southwest, where credits are transferable for most fare classes.

» Learn more: The best airline credit cards right now

How to get Spirit Airlines flight credits

Spirit used to be known for its heft cancellation fees. Spirit, however, has joined the many airlines across the industry that have done away with these charges. You can now cancel your flight up to an hour prior to your scheduled departure without incurring any fees.

» Learn more: What you need to know about Spirit Airlines fees

Is getting a Spirit credit worth it?

Without cancellation fees, getting a Spirit Reservation Credit is a better deal than it used to be. Just make sure you cancel your flight in time and note the expiration date of your credit so you don't lose it.