Spirit has updated its fare structure: Here’s what to expect in terms of pricing

Ahead of schedule, Spirit Airlines has introduced extensive updates to its booking system. Customers can now choose from four streamlined fare options, including a 'business' fare that grants access to the airline's Big Front Seat.

Visit Spirit's website now to explore the four new ticket categories for upcoming flights: Go, Go Savvy, Go Comfy, and Go Big.

As TPG highlighted last month, this new arrangement closely resembles the ticketing strategies used by major airlines. It features a basic economy option at the lowest price point and offers roomier seating and added perks, such as baggage and seat selection, at the higher end.

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It's important to note that Spirit isn't altering its iconic yellow aircraft significantly: the airline is simply revamping the way it displays and sells its fares and add-ons, which have always been crucial to its business model.

On the first day of the new fare categories, we explored Spirit's booking system. Here’s what we discovered and what to keep in mind before making a reservation.

Four new fare options available

True to its word, Spirit's updated system presents four clear fare options that are visible right from the start of the flight booking process.

The four fare levels are prominently displayed at the top of the airline's booking page for easy visibility.

The available options include:

Go

Consider this the basic economy option—similar to what Spirit has traditionally offered. It’s the most affordable ticket, featuring minimal amenities, meaning you'll incur extra charges for everything from seat selection to checked baggage. This fare does not allow for a full-size carry-on.

Go Savvy

This can be viewed as Spirit's take on a traditional full-fare main cabin ticket. You'll have the opportunity to choose a standard seat for free during booking and can opt for either a checked bag or a full-size carry-on—though not both. Snacks and beverages remain unavailable.

Go Comfy

With this ticket, you can choose one of Spirit's 'Comfy' seats, which offer an empty middle seat for added comfort. Additionally, you'll receive both a checked bag and a full-size carry-on, along with snacks, drinks, and priority boarding.

Go Big

This fare grants you access to Spirit's Big Front Seat, complimentary Wi-Fi, and priority security screening at airports where it's available.

Keep in mind that certain changes for some ticket types, such as snacks, beverages, and priority boarding, will be implemented starting August 27.

What are the costs associated with Spirit's new fares?

As is common with airline pricing, Spirit's new fares are dynamically priced. However, we observed a fairly consistent pattern in price variations across the different ticket types.

While there are many exceptions, we identified the following trends for one-way flights:

• Go Savvy generally costs about $50 more than Go.
• Go Comfy is usually around $50 to $60 more than Go Savvy.
• Go Big often adds approximately $70 to $80 over Go Comfy (which means about $200 more than Go in many instances).

Consider this Labor Day weekend one-way flight from New York City's LaGuardia Airport (LGA) to Orlando International Airport (MCO). The price increases follow a pattern of $50, $60, and $80 for Go Savvy, Go Comfy, and Go Big, respectively.

Here's the pricing for a September one-way flight from Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) to Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport (FLL). The fare increases are structured in steps of $50, $60, and $70 as you move up the fare categories.

Keep in mind that this is merely a guideline; prices and tier increases can vary significantly from one flight to another. You'll frequently find higher fares on routes that involve connections, such as this journey from Chicago to Austin with a layover in Fort Lauderdale.

Purchasing a Go Big ticket with Spirit Airlines

One of the most significant updates Spirit implemented in its ticket-selling strategy was the introduction of a quasi 'business' fare that utilizes its Big Front Seat.

To secure this booking, you’ll need to choose the most expensive option: $313 for a one-way flight in September from Chicago's O'Hare International Airport (ORD) to Cancun International Airport (CUN) in Mexico. This is precisely $200 more than the basic Go fare.

By opting for the Go Big fare, you can select your preferred Big Front Seat at no additional cost.

Next, the baggage page will display what’s included—specifically, both a checked bag and a carry-on (along with a personal item, as is standard for any ticket).

The page also informs you about the additional perks included with this all-inclusive ticket, such as complimentary Wi-Fi and access to a dedicated security lane (though if you’re a TSA PreCheck member, that option is likely still more advantageous).

Comparing Spirit's Go Big to domestic first class

For context, $313 is significantly more than $100 less than a domestic first-class seat on American Airlines or United Airlines for that same day and route, as verified on Google Flights.

In contrast, Spirit's $242 Go Big fare for an October one-way flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Las Vegas' Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) actually exceeds the price of a domestic first-class ticket on Delta Air Lines.

Purchasing a Go Comfy ticket with Spirit Airlines

Imagine you're booking the same flight from Chicago to Cancun but opting for Go Comfy instead.

During seat selection, you'll notice the middle seat is blocked off; this allows you to choose either the window or aisle seat in the limited rows where this option is available.

Similar to the higher-tier fare, you'll still have access to both a checked bag and a full-size carry-on.

Purchasing a Go Savvy ticket on Spirit Airlines

This ticket can be considered Spirit's most conventional offering.

Seat selection is included, allowing you to choose from available standard seats at no extra charge on that page.

On the baggage page, you'll find that you're allowed a full-size carry-on, and you can pay $50 to check a bag.

If you choose to check a bag, keep in mind that the Go Savvy fare lets you have one of these options for free.

To modify this, simply return to the front booking page and select the appropriate option.

You'll see this update when you return to the baggage page: a complimentary checked bag and the choice to add a full-size carry-on for $50.

Purchasing a Go ticket with Spirit Airlines

Booking Spirit's basic fare closely resembles the traditional process of reserving a Spirit flight.

Imagine you're flying from Seattle to Las Vegas in October and prefer a no-frills experience.

As you've likely experienced before with Spirit, selecting your seat comes at an additional cost (starting at $18 here). If you opt not to pay for seat selection, one will be assigned to you randomly at check-in.

On the baggage page, you'll see that checking a bag costs $50, and a full-size carry-on is not allowed.

In conclusion

Spirit Airlines' updated fare structure marks a significant shift from previous offerings. Instead of a basic fare with numerous add-on fees for extras, it now presents four clear bundles right from the start.

For those who still prefer an a la carte style, the Go ticket allows customers to choose their desired inclusions with their purchase.

Notably, Frontier Airlines recently implemented similar updates to its fare options and introduced rows with empty middle seats called UpFront Plus; these have garnered considerable interest from travelers, according to the airline's statement last week. However, Frontier lacks a spacious seating option akin to Spirit's Big Front Seat offering.