Spirit Airlines — Complete Airline Guide 2026
Dania Beach, Florida · Founded 1992 · None (ultra-low-cost)
Spirit Airlines is a major U.S. ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) known for its bare-bones pricing model where the base fare covers only the seat, and everything else — carry-on bags, seat selection, drinks, and snacks — is an optional add-on. This unbundled approach often makes Spirit the cheapest option for budget travelers willing to pay only for what they need. Spirit operates primarily from its Florida bases and serves leisure destinations across the U.S., Caribbean, and Latin America.
Spirit Hub Airports
Spirit Airlines operates from 4 hub airports and 4 focus cities across the United States:
Spirit Terminal Locations at U.S. Airports
Find which terminal Spirit Airlines uses at airports across the U.S. Click the airport code to see the full airport guide with maps, dining, and more.
| Code | Airport | Terminal | Gates |
|---|---|---|---|
| ATL | Atlanta | Concourse D | D1–D42 |
| BOS | Boston | Terminal B | B1–B38 |
| BWI | Baltimore/Washington | Concourse D | D1–D20 |
| CLT | Charlotte | Concourse E | E1–E39 |
| DCA | Washington National | Terminal A | Gates 1–9 |
| DEN | Denver | Concourse C | C28–C53 |
| DFW | Dallas/Fort Worth | Terminal E | E1–E38 |
| DTW | Detroit | North Terminal | Gates 1–28 |
| EWR | Newark | Terminal B | B1–B20 |
| FLL | Fort Lauderdale | Terminal 3 | Gates F1–F10, G1–G12 |
| IAD | Washington Dulles | Concourse C/D | C1–C22, D1–D28 |
| IAH | Houston Intercontinental | Terminal E | E1–E24 |
| LAS | Las Vegas | Terminal 1 (Gates A, B, C, D) | A1–A19, B1–B26, C1–C24, D1–D46 |
| LAX | Los Angeles | Terminal 5 | Gates 50–59 |
| MCO | Orlando | South Terminal (Gates 70–129) | Gates 70–129 |
| MSP | Minneapolis | Terminal 2 — Humphrey | G1–G12 |
| ORD | Chicago O'Hare | Terminal 5 (International) | M1–M22 |
| PDX | Portland | Concourse C | C1–C12 |
| PHL | Philadelphia | Terminal E | E1–E12 |
| PHX | Phoenix | Terminal 4 — North | N1–N28 |
| SAN | San Diego | Terminal 1 (New) | Gates 1–30 |
| SEA | Seattle | Concourses C & D | C1–C20, D1–D12 |
| SLC | Salt Lake City | Concourse B | B1–B28 |
| TPA | Tampa | Airside E | E60–E75 |
Spirit Baggage Policy & Fees
Here's what Spirit Airlines charges for baggage. Fees may vary by route, fare class, and elite status. Always confirm on Spirit Airlines's website ↗.
Baggage Policy
Spirit Check-In Tips
Check-in opens 24 hours before departure at spirit.com or the Spirit app. IMPORTANT: Carry-on bag fees are cheapest when purchased at booking. Buying at the gate is significantly more expensive. Airport counters close 45 minutes before departure.
Free Spirit — Spirit's Frequent Flyer Program
Free Spirit members earn points on flights and the Free Spirit credit card (through various bank partnerships). Points can be redeemed for award flights. No traditional elite status tiers, but the credit card offers benefits like free checked bag and priority boarding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are Spirit Airlines tickets so cheap?
Spirit uses an unbundled pricing model — the ticket price covers only the seat and a small personal item. Carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selection, drinks, snacks, and other extras are all optional add-ons. This lets budget travelers pay only for what they need while keeping base fares very low.
Does Spirit charge for carry-on bags?
Yes — a full-size carry-on bag costs $35–$65 if purchased online at booking (cheapest), or significantly more at the airport or gate. A small personal item (18×14×8 in, like a backpack) is included free.
Is Spirit Airlines safe?
Yes. Spirit Airlines is a certified U.S. carrier regulated by the FAA and undergoes the same safety oversight, inspections, and maintenance requirements as all U.S. airlines. Spirit operates a young fleet of Airbus aircraft.
Does Spirit fly international?
Yes, Spirit serves destinations in the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America including Cancun, Montego Bay, Bogota, Cartagena, San Juan, and others.