Moves are continuation of carrier’s transformation

Spirit Airlines announced it is expanding its onboard comfort and boosting the benefits of its Free Spirit loyalty program as the carrier continues to move away from its low-cost traditions and toward a premium onboard experience as it competes with larger airlines.

Among the changes is the introduction of a new seating option with extra legroom; and new loyalty perks, including expanded redemption options, seat upgrades, two free checked bags benefit and more.

Rana Ghosh, chief commercial officer, said the new premium options “offer travelers exceptional value, and we’re creating even more opportunities for guests to experience them with our new extra-legroom seating option.”  Spirit, he said, is also adding more value and perks for loyalty members “at a time when others are taking away benefits, giving our most loyal guests even more reasons to choose Spirit.”

Passengers choosing Go Comfy seats will have an additional four inches of room for a total pitch of 32 inches. The new preferred seating will include seven rows near the front of the aircraft and more than 40 seats. The extra-legroom seating will be installed beginning June 2025 and roll out across the majority of the fleet by July 2025. The remaining installations are expected to be completed in 2026. As part of enhancing Go Comfy, Spirit plans to phase out the blocked middle seat to allow for the introduction of extra-legroom seating.

In addition to the extra space, Go Comfy includes a carry-on bag, no change or cancel fees, priority boarding, reserved overhead bin space, a snack and non-alcoholic beverages.

Spirit is also revamping its Free Spirit loyalty program, including upgraded benefits for Free Spirit status members and Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard cardholders. Changes include:

• Expanded redemption options: Customers can now redeem all four travel options, including premium options like Go Big and Go Comfy using Free Spirit points, excluding taxes and fees.

• Complimentary upgrades: Free Spirit Status members and Free Spirit credit card holders will get complimentary upgrades to a Big Front Seat and Comfy Seat at boarding based on availability and status level, with benefits extending to one traveler on the member’s reservation beginning in June.
• New two free checked bags benefit for Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard cardholders: Beginning later in 2025, Spirit and Bank of America will roll out two free checked bags as a new benefit for Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard Cardholders, with more details to be announced.

Earn on everyday purchases with the new Free Spirit Debit Card: The card, scheduled to launch this fall, will allow anyone to earn Free Spirit points on their everyday spending and redeem those points for travel on Spirit while receiving Group 2 priority boarding and a 25% rebate on inflight purchases.