Explore all the check-in options available to you, whether you prefer using your mobile device or the traditional airport check-in. This website provides comprehensive coverage of Spirit's check-in process, including information on check-in starting and closing times.
Spirit Airlines Check-in Options
You can check in for your Spirit Airlines flight using any one of the following options :
Online check-in on the website
Mobile check-in using the Spirit Airline app
Airport kiosk check-in
Check-in through an agent at the airport counter
Spirit Airlines Check-in Time
For Spirit Airlines domestic flights, you’re recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time. For international Spirit flights, you should try to arrive 3 hours prior to the scheduled departure time. Make sure you have your boarding pass at least 45 minutes prior to the domestic departure and 60 minutes before international or U.S.V.I. departure to prevent potential cancellation of your reservation.
For Spirit Airlines flights within the United States, ensure you've obtained your boarding pass and dropped your bags at least 45 minutes before departure. For international and U.S.V.I. flights, complete this process at least 60 minutes before departure. Online check-in is available from 24 hours to 60 minutes prior to departure.
For Spirit Airlines flights within the U.S., ensure you've obtained your boarding pass and checked in your bags no less than 45 minutes before departure. For international flights, including U.S.V.I. flights, complete this process no less than 60 minutes before departure.
Spirit Airlines airport counter check-in starts 3 hours prior to the scheduled departure and concludes:
45 minutes prior to the departure for domestic U.S. flights.
60 minutes prior to the departure for international and U.S.V.I. flights.
Spirit Airlines Check-in —Online (Web Check-in)
Online check-in for Spirit Airlines is a quick and convenient process that allows you to avoid long lines at the airport. It is free of charge and can be done from 24 hours to 60 minutes before departure.
Spirit Airlines online check-in process
To check in online via the Spirit Airlines website, follow these simple steps:
Visit Spirit.com
Enter your last name and confirmation code (a 6-character alphanumeric
combination found in your confirmation email)
Click on the "Check-in" button
Confirm your check-in
While checking in online, you can also:
View your itinerary
Purchase a seat assignment
Download and print your boarding pass
Buy carry-on or checked baggage at a discounted rate compared to the airport prices
If you check in online and pre-purchase your bags (up to 40 lb/18.1kg), you can utilize the Fast Bag Drop area to quickly drop off your bags and proceed to the security check.
Remember:
For domestic U.S. flights, make sure you have your boarding pass and you’ve checked your bags at least 45 minutes before departure. For international and U.S.V.I. flights, this deadline is extended to 1 hour prior to the departure.
To save on costs:
Print your boarding pass at home to prevent a USD 25 fee for getting a printout at the airport counter. Book your baggage at least 24 hours prior to the departure to benefit from the lower online check-in rates.
Keep in mind:
Buying bags online is more economical than purchasing them at the airport. However, shortcut boarding may not be available at all stations.
For international travel:
You'll need to input your passport details before buying baggage or seats, or printing your boarding pass.
Situations where online Spirit check-in is unavailable:
Traveling with a pet or service animal
Part of a group reservation with 10 or more passengers
Traveling with a lap infant
Booked the unaccompanied minor service
Presenting a Military ID instead of a passport
Traveling to/from specific international destinations
Non-U.S. citizen departing from an international location
Purchased an extra seat or special items
Encountered a glitch preventing online check-in (resulting in waived boarding pass printing charges)
Spirit Airlines Check-in through Mobile App
With the Spirit Airlines mobile app, checking in is a breeze. Just click on the check-in button, log in, fill in the necessary details, and follow the prompts on screen to complete your check-in.
After checking-in, you can conveniently save your boarding pass directly to your device.
The Spirit Airlines app provides a range of features, enabling you to:
Check in for your flight
Book flights
Add baggages and extras
Select or upgrade your seat
View your flight status
Download your mobile boarding pass
View or track your Free Spirit mileage balance
Exceptions where physical airport Spirit check-in is required include:
Bookings involving service animals or pets
Bookings for 10 or more passengers
Traveling with a lap infant
Unaccompanied minor service booked
Flying with a Military ID instead of a passport
Traveling to or from specific international destinations
Non-U.S. citizens departing from international locations
Purchase of an extra seat or special items
Inability to complete online check-in due to technical issues (resulting in fee waiver)
Spirit Airlines Check-in —Kiosk
You can utilize the self-service touchscreen kiosks, available at selected airports, to check in for your flight starting from 3 hours up to 45 minutes before domestic flight departures and up to 60 minutes before international and U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I) flight departures.
At a Spirit Airlines kiosk, you can:
Check in for your flight
Print your boarding pass (for a fee of USD 2/pass)
View your itinerary
Add bags and other extras
Select or upgrade your seat
Self-tag your bags (available at select airports*)
After completing the check-in process and receiving your boarding pass, you can go ahead to the Baggage Drop counter to check in your bags.
Spirit Airlines Check-in at Airport
You have the option to physically check in at Spirit Airlines' airport ticket counter, available from 3 hours to 45 minutes before domestic flight departures and from 3 hours to 60 minutes before international and U.S. Virgin Islands (U.S.V.I) flight departures.
After arriving at the airport check-in desk, it's essential to provide your ticket and travel documents, and proceed to check in your baggage.
Here are some tips for checking in at the airport ticket counter:
Check if your boarding pass is printed properly.
Remember that printing a boarding pass at the airport counter incurs a fee of USD 25 per boarding pass, whereas it costs USD 2 at a self-service kiosk.
Ensure that your baggage is properly tagged and that you have received your baggage receipts.
Ensure to pass through security checks and arrive at the boarding gates up to 15 minutes prior to the departure for domestic flights and till 30 minutes before departure for international flights.
Spirit Airlines Boarding Zones
Spirit Airlines follows the boarding order presented below:
Pre-boarding: Includes travelers with special needs, minors, and those requiring assistance.
Zone 1: Passengers who have purchased a carry-on bag.
Zone 2: Passengers who have purchased shortcut boarding, Free Spirit members with Silver or Gold status, and Free Spirit cardholders. Family Boarding: Families with children up to 3 years of age.
Zone 3: General boarding, typically for passengers seated in the rear half of the aircraft.
Zone 4: General boarding, typically for passengers seated in the front half of the aircraft.
Frequently Asked Questions on Spirit Airlines Check-in Policy
What check-in options does Spirit Airlines offer ?
Spirit Airlines offers online check-in through their website or through Spirit Airlines mobile app, also airport check-in at kiosks or ticket counters is available .If you still face issues for your check-in you can contact us at our toll-free number +1-866-410-8128.
At what time does Spirit Airlines flight check-in begin ?
Online check-in generally starts 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure time.
What is the deadline for checking in with Spirit Airlines?
The deadline for online check-in depends on your departure airport, but it typically closes 1 hour prior to your departure.
How much is the additional fee for airport check-in?
No additional fee is charged for airport check-in with Spirit Airlines.
Is there any need to print my boarding pass after checking in online?
No, you can opt to receive a mobile boarding pass on your smartphone or print your boarding pass at your place.
Which documents are required for online check-in with Spirit Airlines?
Your confirmation code and a valid form of identification, such as a passport or driver's license is required for online check-in.
Can I select my seat during online check-in with Spirit Airlines?
Yes, Spirit Airlines offers you to select your seat during the online check-in process, though additional charges may incur for certain seat selections.
Can I check-in if I miss the online check-in window?
If you miss the online check-in window, you can still check in at the airport, but you may need to pay higher fees or seat availability limitations.
What is Spirit Airlines check-in policy for carry-on baggage?
Spirit Airlines accepts one personal item for free of charge, but you'll need to pay for carry-on luggage that can be added during the online check-in process.
Is online check-in allowed if I'm traveling with pets or special assistance needs?
If you have some special assistance requirements or pet travel, it's advised to check in at the airport where staff can provide required assistance.
What is the time frame for leaving checked baggage at the airport?
Spirit Airlines generally requires checked baggage to be left at least 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
Is it permitted to check in for my return flight at the same time as my outgoing flight?
Yes, if both flights are within the check-in frame , you can check in for both flights at once .
Can I check-in online for international flights with Spirit Airlines?
Yes, online check-in is available for international flights, but you may be required to submit necessary travel documents .
Is online check-in available for group bookings with Spirit Airlines?
Yes, online check-in is available for group bookings with Spirit Airlines, but each passenger will need to check in separately.
Can I make changes to my flight after check-in?
If you need to make changes to your flight after check-in, you can do so online or by reaching out to the Spirit Airlines customer service, though fees may incur . For immediate modification you can connect Spirit Airlines agents at +1-866-410-8128.