Spirit Airlines delays: Know your rights
Flying with budget airlines like Spirit Airlines (founded in 1980, headquartered in Miramar, EE. UU.) is a great way to save money, but when disruptions happen, cheap tickets shouldn't mean losing your rights.
Under European Regulation EC 261, the price of your ticket does not matter. If Spirit Airlines delays your flight by more than 3 hours or cancels it at the last minute, you have the exact same right to claim up to €600 compensation as passengers flying first class.
Under European Regulation EC 261, the price of your ticket does not matter. If Spirit Airlines delays your flight by more than 3 hours or cancels it at the last minute, you have the exact same right to claim up to €600 compensation as passengers flying first class.
Today's Spirit Airlines flight tracking
Looking at 4200 daily flights operated by Spirit Airlines:
- 76% of flights departed on schedule.
- 4.8% were cancelled.
- 19.2% landed with delays.
Your EC 261 rights against Spirit Airlines
Budget airlines must strictly adhere to the passenger rights established by law. You can claim from Spirit Airlines if:
schedule
Delay > 3 Hours
If your Spirit Airlines flight arrives at the destination gate over 3 hours late.
cancel
Cancellation
If Spirit Airlines announces a cancellation less than two weeks before departure.
group_off
Overbooking
If Spirit Airlines sold more tickets than seats and denies you boarding.
How much can Spirit Airlines owe you?
Budget airlines like Spirit Airlines mostly operate short-haul flights within Europe, where the standard €250 compensation applies, though longer flights earn more:
- euro_symbol€250: Most Spirit Airlines flights (up to 1,500km).
- euro_symbol€400: For Spirit Airlines flights between 1,500km and 3,500km.
- euro_symbol€600: Only applicable for flights over 3,500km.
Spirit Airlines baggage issues
If your luggage doesn't appear on the carousel, report it to the Spirit Airlines desk immediately and get a PIR form before leaving.
Action plan: Spirit Airlines delays
Don't panic if your Spirit Airlines flight is disrupted. Do this instead:
- 1 Save documents: Keep your Spirit Airlines reference number and boarding pass safe.
- 2 Check the reason: Ask Spirit Airlines staff why the flight is disrupted and note it down.
- 3 Ask for vouchers: Insist that Spirit Airlines provides food and water if you wait more than 2 hours at the terminal.
- 4 Decline travel vouchers: Spirit Airlines might offer air miles or small vouchers. Refuse them if you want cash compensation.
- 5 Keep receipts: Save receipts for taxis or hotels if Spirit Airlines leaves you stranded overnight.
What if Spirit Airlines cancels my flight?
You are legally entitled to either a full refund of your Spirit Airlines ticket or a re-routing to your destination. Furthermore, if you weren't warned 14 days in advance, you can claim extra cash compensation.
Long delays with Spirit Airlines
If you finally arrive at your destination with a delay exceeding 3 hours, Spirit Airlines owes you money. The compensation is a fixed rate set by law.
Overbooked by Spirit Airlines?
Like many carriers, Spirit Airlines may occasionally overbook flights. If you are denied boarding, you are immediately eligible for compensation.
When is Spirit Airlines exempt?
If the delay was caused by severe weather, airport security issues, or Air Traffic Control strikes, Spirit Airlines is exempt from paying compensation. These are 'extraordinary circumstances'.
Strikes by Spirit Airlines staff
If Spirit Airlines's own pilots or cabin crews go on strike, this is within the airline's control. You are entitled to claim compensation.
How long to claim from Spirit Airlines?
You don't have to claim immediately. Most European jurisdictions allow you to claim for Spirit Airlines flights disrupted in the last 3-5 years.
Why use our service for Spirit Airlines claims?
Claiming from budget airlines can involve endless automated emails and loops. We cut through the red tape. If we don't win your claim against Spirit Airlines, you pay us nothing.