Special Travel Needs
Travel Policies > Special Travel Needs
Children, Infants and Toddlers
Children Traveling With an Adult
Spirit Airlines does not offer children’s fares. Children (ages 2 –
14) accompanied by an adult, are charged the applicable adult fare for the flight.
Proof of age may be required at the time of travel.
Infant / Lap Children
A lap child is an infant over 7 days old and under 2 years of age, NOT occupying
a seat.
- An infant may be carried free of charge, is considered a lap child, and travels
with a customer paying the applicable adult fare who is at least 15 years of age.
- A medical release for travel is required for any infant under 14 days old.
- One adult passenger cannot transport two (2) lap children – one can be a lap
child, while the other must pay for a seat, and be placed securely in an FAA-approved
Child Restraint System.
- Proof of age such as birth certificate, passport, or other valid proof of age may
be required for lap children/infants. A copy of a birth certificate is required
for domestic travel to provide proof of child’s age. For international
travel, customers use a passport to provide proof of age.
- An infant, age seven days or less or an infant requiring an incubator or other life-support
system cannot be accepted for travel on Spirit Airlines and will be denied boarding.
NOTE: With the exception of the emergency exit rows, adults traveling
with lap children are not restricted from sitting in specific rows on the Airbus
family of aircraft.
Bassinets, infant seats, and strollers may be accepted as checked baggage at no
extra charge, and are not considered part of the customer’s baggage allowance.
Infants Occupying a Seat
If a separate reservation has been made for an infant, the child may travel in a
separate seat, provided they are securely placed in an FAA-approved child restraint
system (car seat) that conforms to the following guidelines:
- Car seats manufactured since 1985 must state, in red lettering,
"This Child Restraint System Conforms to All Applicable Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standards." This label must be intact and attached to the safety
seat. If not, it must be gate checked (no exceptions).
- In addition, the car seat must state "This child restraint system conforms
to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards."(This does
not need to be in red lettering).
- Car seats manufactured before 1985 must state "This child restraint
system conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards."
- Canadian or other foreign-made car seats: Car seats which do not fall under United
States guidelines must bear either a label showing approval of a foreign government
or a label showing that the seat was manufactured under the standards of the United
Nations.
In November 2006, FAA approved a belt-and-buckle harness type restraint system called
C.A.R.E.S (Child Aviation Restraint System) which can be transported for children
(over one year old) weighing 22 to 44 pounds. This restraint wraps around the back
of the seat and is fitted into place by looping through two adjustable vertical
straps. This is the first alternative aviation child safety device to be certified
by the FAA for all phases of flight—taxiing, take off, turbulence, and landing.
Other boosters, vests, or restraint systems are not approved for use during aircraft
taxi, takeoff, or landing.
Child Restraint Systems are not permitted in the Exit Rows or rows immediately in
front of the exit row or immediately after the exit row. A window seat is the preferred
location; however, other locations may be acceptable provided that the seats next
to the child are occupied by attendants responsible for the child.
Children less than 20 pounds seated in an approved child restraint device are to
be placed facing aft in the aircraft seat. Children weighing from 20 to 40 pounds
seated in an approved child restraint device are to face forward in the aircraft
seat.
FAA-approved child restraint systems with removable bases can be used with or without
the base attached. Although it is safer to have the base attached when in use, it
is not mandatory.
Seating
Spirit Airlines recommends that guardians traveling with children under the age
of 15 not be seated in an emergency exit row and away from children or minors. If
an evacuation becomes necessary, all able-bodied individuals seated at the exit
rows must be fully prepared to assist in the evacuation process without distraction.
If the parent/guardian purchased an extra seat and the car seat cannot be accommodated
in the assigned aircraft seat because the car seat is too large, an attempt will
be made to re-seat the car seat and parent/guardian, to a seat in the following
rows, which provide more seat pitch:
- A321 - Rows 1 and 2
- A319 - Rows 1 - 9
Seating is allowed for lap children in all rows except those blocked as exit rows.
No more than one lap child may be seated in the same row on the same side of the
aircraft (due to only one additional oxygen mask on each side). If there is more
than one lap child traveling in the same party they must be seated on opposite sides
of the aircraft in the appropriate rows.
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Unaccompanied Minors
Unaccompanied Minors – Domestic (Including Puerto Rico and St.
Thomas U.S.V.I):
Unaccompanied Minors are children ages 5 through 14 on domestic flights who are
not accompanied by an adult (at least 15 years or older). Proof of age will be required.
MINORS TRAVELING DOMESTICALLY
(Includes Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands) |
| Age of Minor |
Accompanied Minors |
Unaccompanied Minors |
| 4 years and younger |
Accepted on Spirit Airlines. |
Children 4 years old and younger may not travel alone under any circumstances. Another customer at least 15 years of age must accompany them. |
| 5 - 14 years |
Accepted on Spirit Airlines. |
Children 5-14 years old must travel as an Unaccompanied Minor when not traveling with an adult at least 15 years old. Unaccompanied Minors are accepted only on nonstop or direct flights which do not require a change of aircraft or flight number. |
| 15 years and older |
Accepted on Spirit Airlines. |
Customers 15 years old and older are not required to have unaccompanied service, but the Unaccompanied Minor fee will be collected if the service is requested. |
- Spirit Airlines will be unable to transport Unaccompanied Minors on flights anticipated
to terminate short of or bypass the child's destination due to weather or other
operational situations.
- When making reservations, please advise the Reservations Sales Agent that the booking
is for an "Unaccompanied Minor".
- Spirit Airlines asks that you have the Unaccompanied Minor check in at the Departure
Gate at least 60 minutes prior to departure. An Unaccompanied Minor form must be
completed before Spirit Airlines can accept the child for travel. The Unaccompanied
Minor form will be inserted in the Unaccompanied Minor Lanyard. The lanyard must
be worn by the child throughout the entire flight and is needed for Spirit Airlines
employees to identify Unaccompanied Minors.
- The child will be pre-boarded and be identified to the Flight Attendant as an Unaccompanied
Minor. Unaccompanied Minors arriving too late to be pre-boarded will be boarded
last to ensure identification to the Flight Attendant. When the flight arrives at
its final destination, the child will be escorted off the aircraft by a Flight Attendant
and released to the person designated on the Unaccompanied Minor form or another
designated Spirit Employee.
- In some cases, there may be a wait in receiving the child if there is the need for
Spirit personnel to assist in the departure of another aircraft. Spirit Airlines
hopes you will understand the time spent is for the safety of your child.
The Unaccompanied Minor service has a fee for each way per person. Spirit allows
Unaccompanied Minors to fly the last flight of the day (which includes flights departing
the West Coast after midnight).
The child is pre-boarded and identified to the flight attendant as an Unaccompanied
Minor. When possible, they are seated together in rows 38, seats ABC on the A321,
rows 30, seats ABC on the A320, and in rows 26, seats ABC on the A319. Bookings can be created in Big Front Seats
for Unaccompanied Minors.
Gate Passes
All Unaccompanied Minors must check in at the ticket counter (see Guidelines / Conditions
below). The person bringing and picking up the Unaccompanied Minor must obtain a
gate pass at the ticket counter.
Electronic Gate Passes are only provided for an escort of an Unaccompanied Minor
and for people who require assistance. They are not issued to anyone who requests
a gate pass – there must be a valid reason. TSA requirements/security restrictions
may vary based on the airport.
Guidelines / Conditions
Due to the Information and Privacy Act, we are not authorized to release customer
information to anyone other than the purchaser. The purchaser is the only one to
have access to the reservation, and the Record Locator and payment information are
used for verification.
All Unaccompanied Minors must hold a confirmed reservation on Spirit Airlines (Unaccompanied
Minor cannot fly as revenue standby passengers). The Unaccompanied Minor must be
brought to the origin airport by a parent or other responsible adult who must furnish
Spirit Airlines with the name, address, and telephone number of the person(s) bringing
the minor to the airport as well as the name, address, and telephone number of the
person(s) picking up the child at the gate upon arrival.
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Unaccompanied Minor Service Fee |
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$100 per child, each way
- includes a free snack and drink. |
The Customer Service Agent documents the information on an Unaccompanied Minor form,
and places a copy of this information into a pouch. The pouch is then placed around
the child’s neck to identify to the Flight Attendants that the child is traveling
alone as an unaccompanied minor.
In addition, the person dropping off the child must obtain a guest pass at the ticket
counter, escort the child to the gate, and remain in the gate area with the unaccompanied
minor for at least 15 minutes after the flight takes off.
The person picking up the unaccompanied minor must obtain a gate pass at the ticket
counter to proceed to the gate for the arrival of the flight. Spirit Airlines
requires a photo Identification from the person(s) designated to meet the minor
at the destination and will not release the child to anyone else.
Spirit Airlines will not assume any financial or guardianship responsibilities for
an unaccompanied child beyond those applicable to an adult passenger. In addition,
Spirit Airlines will not assume any liability for any out-of-pocket expenses incurred
by the adult transporting the unaccompanied minor from the airport when there is
a delay and/or flight cancellation.
Unaccompanied Minors – International
Spirit Airlines does not accept unaccompanied minors for international travel
(under the age of 15).
- Children 14 years of age and younger MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian
who is at least 15 years of age.
For additional information on international flights, please see the
International ID requirements
section in the Travel Requirements chapter available here.
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Traveling with Special Needs
How may we assist you?
Spirit Airlines is committed to assisting our traveling public who requires special
help. We want your flying experience to be more comfortable and enjoyable. Let us
know how we can better assist you. We will do our best to meet your individual needs.
Although we do not require information concerning the extent of your disability
the more facts you can share with us about your travel needs, the better we are
able to assist you.
Complaint Resolution Officials (CROs)
If you encounter problems when traveling with us, feel free to ask our Spirit Airlines
customer service personnel for a Complaint Resolution Official (CRO). Our CROs have
been specially trained and are aware of applicable Federal Aviation Administration
(FAA) and Department of Transportation (DOT) disability regulations. They will be
glad to respond to your concerns. Our CROs are available at all airport locations
and are easily identified by their name bars that have CRO on them.
Our CROs are available during operating hours at all airport locations.
Air Carrier Access Act
A copy of Part 382 may be obtained from the Department of Transportation by the following means:
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For calls made from within the United States, by telephone via the Toll-Free Hotline for Air Travelers with Disabilities at 1-800-778-4838 (voice) or 1-800-455-9880 (TTY)
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2.
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By telephone to the Aviation Consumer Protection Division at 202-366-2220 (voice) or 202-366-0511 (TTY)
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By mail to the Air Consumer Protection Division, C-75, U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Ave., SE., West Building, Room W96-432, Washington, DC 20590, and
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4.
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On the Aviation Consumer Protection Division's Web site http://airconsumer.ost.dot.gov
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Download (70KB) and print the most recent version of the Air Carrier Access Act which exists as a Portable Document Format (PDF) file. You will need the FREE Adobe Acrobat Reader to view and print the guide. While viewing the Quick Reference Guide in Acrobat Reader, please be sure to choose Save from the File menu.qt
Aircraft Accessibility
Seating Accommodations
We will do our best to offer specific request in seating for customers with disabilities.
Although we offer assigned seating, it is on a first come first serve basis, and
we suggest you check in at least one hour prior to departure to better serve your
request. Some seats may be restricted in order to comply with FAA safety regulations.
Wheelchair Stowage
Airbus A321, Airbus A320 & Airbus A319: These aircraft are equipped for
onboard wheelchair stowage in accordance with the Department of Transportation,
14 CFR 328.41 regulations.
You can check your wheelchair at the ticket counter or the gate. We appreciate your
checking powered equipment that may require disassembly at the ticket counter so
we can arrange for proper handling. You may use Spirit's wheelchair equipment after
checking your personal wheelchair. Since you know your wheelchairs best, please
provide instructions on assembly and disassembly of the wheelchair, if necessary,
to accommodate on the aircraft. If the wheelchair is electric, please identify specific
battery type, so employees may establish correct federal "dangerous goods"
handling procedures. Detachable items such as seat cushions and footrests can be
carried onboard or checked with the wheelchair in the cargo compartment.
Batteries
Identify your wheelchair batteries as either spillable or non-spillable so that
our employees may establish correct federal "dangerous goods" handling
procedures. Wet-cell batteries are considered spillable, so we need to make special
preparations to transport them by air. We have to disconnect the battery and protect
the terminals against electrical shorting. We have to remove the battery if we cannot
fit your wheelchair equipment upright through the aircraft cargo compartment door.
The battery will be shipped in Spirit's battery box to meet all federal "dangerous
goods" handling requirements. We cannot transport damaged or leaking batteries
by air.
Dry cell and gel-cell batteries are considered non-spillable and fewer requirements
are required for handling. We can leave powered wheelchair batteries attached when
the equipment fits upright through the aircraft cargo compartment door. Spirit personnel
will disconnect the battery post connectors and wrap each post connector with tape
to prevent electrical shorts during shipping.
Onboard Wheelchair
All of our aircraft have an onboard wheelchair. These wheelchairs are especially
designed to fit the aisle of our aircraft and may be used by our customers to move
to and from the lavatory. While our flight attendants are trained in the operation
of this wheelchair and will assist you with its use, they are not required to lift
or carry you.
Service Animals
We welcome service animals trained to assist customers with mobility, visual and
hearing disabilities, in the aircraft cabin. A service animal must occupy the floor
space where the passenger sits and cannot obstruct an aisle or areas that must remain
clear in the case of an emergency evacuation.
Spirit Airlines does accept service animals for travel in the cabin
on international flights. Depending on the international destination, specific documentation
regarding the service animal may be required. Please contact Spirit Customer Service
at 800-772-7117 and one of our agents will be happy to check destination regulations
for you.
In-flight Assistance
Our flight attendants are qualified to ensure your in-flight safety and comfort.
They can assist you in using the onboard wheelchair and stowing and retrieving carry-on-items
and opening packages. Flight attendants are not permitted to assist with feeding
or personal hygiene and lavatory functions. Flight attendants cannot lift or carry
any passengers, and they cannot provide medical services such as giving injections.
If your medical conditions require others to provide this type of care, you should
travel with a ticketed companion who can see to these needs during the flight.
Safety Briefing Assistance
Please let us know if you are deaf or hard of hearing, so we can provide you with
information or an individual safety briefing if you wish.
Arrival
At your destination airport, we can provide deplaning assistance and make available
your personal wheelchair at the gate or at the baggage claim, whichever you prefer.
If you choose to have your wheelchair delivered at Baggage Claim, we will provide
wheelchair service to the claim area. To expedite the deplaning process, customers
who request wheelchair service will be assisted off the aircraft after all other
customers have deplaned.
For additional information, you may download the Department of Transportation regulations
on Non Discrimination on the Basis of Disability in Air Travel (14 CFR part 382)
in Portable Document Format (PDF). To view, save, or print the guide, you will need
the free Adobe Acrobat Reader available for download below.
Listed below is some brief information on services that we provide. We hope the
following information will be helpful as you plan your trip.
Please call Spirit Airlines Reservations at 800-772-7117 to request special assistance
if there is a need that is not addressed by the options available online.
Personal Care Attendant
An attendant will be required for the following:
- Any customer who, because of a mental disability, is unable to understand or respond
appropriately to safety instructions from Spirit Airlines personnel.
- Any customer with mobility impairment so severe the person would be unable to assist
in his or her evacuation of the aircraft in the event of an emergency.
- Any customer with both severe hearing and severe vision impairments that the customer
would not be able to establish communication with Spirit Airlines personnel so a
safety briefing can be given.
- Customers who advise Spirit Airlines they fit into one of the above categories will
be required to provide their own personal care attendant. The attendant must pay
the fare applicable at time of making a reservation.
Voluntary Provision of Emergency Services Program
The Voluntary Provisions of Emergency Service Program (VPESP) is a program that
allows qualified law enforcement officers (LEO), firefighters, and medical personnel
to identify themselves as available to provide voluntary services in the event of
an in-flight emergency. If you are qualified and interested in participating in
this program, please contact the Customer Service Agent at your departure gate.
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Airport Accessibility
Ticket and Gate Counter Accessibility
Spirit Airlines works closely with the airports we serve to ensure that all facilities
are accessible to everyone. If facilities are not accessible please let us know.
Flight and Gate Information
All flight information is visually displayed for all customers. Ticket and Gate
agents provide verbal flight information including arrival announcements, boarding
announcements, and any flight irregularity information.
Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD)
TDDs are available at most airports and are appropriately marked. Our customer service
agents will be happy to assist you in locating TDDs.
Security Screening
Airport security screening is required for all customers. A hand search can be performed
for people with disabilities and private screenings are available upon request.
Pre-Boarding Assistance
Spirit Airlines personnel is available to assist customers with disabilities in
boarding deplaning and connecting with their flights. We will provide assistance
in getting customers to and from gates. However we are not equipped to provide full
monitoring while waiting at the gate. Customers needing assistance in boarding are
invited to board first, but it is your choice. We will provide transfer service
on and off the aircraft using boarding or aisle chairs that are designed for aircraft
aisles. If you are making a connection, we will provide assistance between flights
using our wheelchair service. If requested and needed, we will make available your
own wheelchair from the aircraft cargo compartment for your use during your layover.
However, please keep in mind that there is limited time between flights and when
factoring any required assembly and disassembly, this option often becomes impractical.
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Making a Reservation
When making a reservation online or through Spirit Airlines Reservations, please
make the need for your assistance known. This way your request will be part of your
flight record.
Spirit Airlines offers a special TTY/TDD reservations service in conjunction with
AT&T Relay Service. To make flight reservations using this service, call 800-955-8771.
The phone links your telecommunications device with one at AT&T. The AT&T
representative relays the information back and forth between Spirit Airlines Reservations
and you.
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Packing for Your Trip
Each customer is permitted to carry up to one (1) item on board the aircraft. We
recommend you include any medications or other essential items in your carry-on
luggage.
Our airplanes do not have refrigerators onboard, so please plan accordingly.
If you use needles/syringes to inject medication, you must have appropriate medical
documentation with you that verifies your medical condition and need for the medical
procedure in case security officers at the airports have questions.
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Personal-Assist Devices
Customers may take wheelchairs, walkers, canes, crutches, or assist devices, in addition to their regular baggage allowance. Devices can be stowed in an overhead bin, underneath the seat or in the forward cargo bin. We can stow a device if it meets the size and weight restrictions for approved storage space on the aircraft.
Spirit Airlines currently operates three (3) aircraft types – Airbus 321, Airbus 320 and Airbus 319 aircraft.
Airbus A321, Airbus 320 & Airbus A319: These aircraft are equipped for onboard wheelchair stowage in accordance with the Department of Transportation, 14 CFR 328.41 regulations.
Portable Oxygen Concentrators
Portable oxygen concentrators are battery-powered devices that provide the user with a pulse flow of concentrated oxygen, but do not store oxygen. There are seven units listed below that the FAA has approved for aircraft travel.
Effective May 13, 2009, new regulations permit the transport and use of POCs onboard the aircraft, below are the approved Portable Oxygen Concentrators (POCs):
- AirSep FreeStyle
- AirSep Lifestyle (must have a sticker that it is RTCA/DO compliant)
- Delphi Evo Central Air
- Inogen One
- Invacare XPO2
- Respironics Inc. EverGo
- SeQual Eclipse
Please note: If your POC is not listed above, it will not be accepted for use onboard. Other brands and models of respiratory assistive devices may be carried, but not used in the cabin with the batteries removed, if they meet Spirit’s carry-on size and weight requirements, or they may be transported as checked baggage.
POCs Acceptance Policy:
- Customer should call Spirit Airlines Reservations at 800-772-7117, at least 48 hours before scheduled departure, to have it documented that the customer will be traveling with a POC.
- Customer must print and complete the Medical Verification Statement & Customer Acknowledgement form (PDF file). The customer’s physician will need to complete and sign part of this form also. The form must be dated within the last year.
- Respiratory devices are considered assistive devices and are permitted in addition to the free baggage allowance.
- Respiratory devices may be carried onboard for use in the cabin or transported as checked luggage.
- Customers should carry enough fully-charged batteries to power any device throughout the entire journey, including all ground time (between connections), the duration of the flight, and for any unexpected delays.
- All batteries must be transported in carry-on baggage, and must be packed in a manner that protects them from physical damage and short-circuits. Batteries must be NON-SPILLABLE. Spirit will not accept spillable batteries for respiratory devices.
- Aircraft electrical plugs are not available for use with any electronic device.
- Customer will not be seat-assigned to an exit row seat or a bulkhead seat, and will be assigned to a window seat.
It is requested, but not mandatory, that customers traveling with a POC or other respiratory assistive device check-in early to allow time to review any paperwork and to make sure the device is approved for onboard use. Early check-in is one hour before departure of a domestic flight, and two hours for an international flight.
Other Respiratory Assistive Devices
Effective May 13, 2009, new regulations permit the transport and use of other respiratory assistive devices including ventilators, respirators, nebulizers and Continuous Positive Airways Pressure (CPAPs) if they meet FAA requirements.
To determine FAA compliant devices, follow the guidelines below:
A. A label or a sticker must display approved by the FAA, or
B. A label states that the device is RTCA/DO-160D Subpart 21 M Compliant.
Please note: If your respiratory assistive device does not display either of these statements, it will not be accepted for use onboard. Other brands and models of respiratory assistive devices may be carried, but not used, in the cabin with the batteries removed, if they meet Spirit’s carry-on size and weight requirements, or they may be transported as checked baggage.
VENTILATORS/RESPIRATORS/NEBULIZERS/CPAPs ACCEPTANCE POLICY:
- It is recommended that the customer should call Spirit Airlines Reservations at 800-772-7117, at least 48 hours before scheduled departure, to have it documented that the customer will be traveling with a respiratory assistive device.
- A Medical Verification Statement & Customer Acknowledgement form (PDF Document) from the Spirit Airlines website, may be requested if the medical condition of the individual is such that there is reasonable doubt that the customer may complete the flight safely. Customer’s physician will need to complete and sign part of this form also. The form must be dated within the last year.
- Respiratory devices are considered assistive devices and are permitted in addition to the free baggage allowance.
- Respiratory devices may be carried onboard for use in the cabin or transported as checked luggage.
- Customers should carry enough fully-charged batteries to power any device throughout the entire journey, including all ground time (between connections), the duration of the flight, and for any unexpected delays.
- All batteries must be transported in carry-on baggage, and must be packed in a manner that protects them from physical damage and short-circuits. Batteries must be NON-SPILLABLE. Spirit will not accept spillable batteries for respiratory devices.
- Aircraft electrical plugs are not available for use with any electronic device.
- Customer will not be assigned to an exit row seat or a bulkhead seat, and will be assigned to a window seat.
It is requested, but not mandatory, that customers traveling with a POC or other respiratory assistive device check-in early to allow time to review any paperwork and to make sure the device is approved for onboard use. Early check-in is one hour before departure of a domestic flight, and two hours for an international flight.
NOTE: Spirit Airlines will not accept any personal oxygen systems containing liquid oxygen. Supplemental (medical) oxygen may not be transported on Spirit Airlines. Spirit Airlines does not provide supplemental (medical) oxygen onboard.
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Traveling with Pets
Spirit Airlines accepts small pets (domestic dogs, cats and small household birds
ONLY) for transportation in the passenger cabin for a service fee. Pet fees must
be paid at the time the reservation is made in order to reserve the needed transportation
space in our inventory. These fees are not refundable. The number of pets allowed
in the cabin is subject to space availability.
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Pet Fee |
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$100 USD per container, each way |
We maintain the right to refuse acceptance of any animal that is exhibiting aggressive
behavior.
Check-In
Passengers traveling with pets can check-in at the ticket counter. At this time,
curbside or self-service check-in is not allowed. Please allow extra time beyond
normal check-in guidelines.
Carry-On Pets
A maximum of 4 pet containers is permitted in the cabin on all domestic flights
including San Juan, Puerto Rico and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
EXCEPTION: Spirit Airlines will not transport any birds to/from Puerto Rico
and St. Thomas, U.S.V.I.
Note the following guidelines:
- Spirit Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling with customer
in the aircraft cabin.
- Exotic pets such as snakes, spiders, rodents, etc. will not be accepted.
- A maximum of 2 pets per container is permitted, but only one container per customer
is allowed.
- Animals must be able to stand upright and move about comfortably in the container.
- The pet should be at least eight (8) weeks old and fully weaned.
- The animal must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless, and requires no attention during
transit.
- In the event the animal becomes offensive or causes a disturbance during transit;
the pet will be removed at the first enroute stop.
- The pet cannot be ill, violent, or in physical distress.
- Advance notice is recommended but not required.
Pets in Cargo Compartment
Spirit Airlines does not transport pets in Cargo at any time.
International Travel
Spirit Airlines does not accept pets for travel in the cabin or in the cargo compartment
on international flights, except in the case of service animals.
Depending on the international destination, specific documentation regarding the
service animal may be required. Please contact Spirit Customer Service at 800-772-7117
and one of our agents will be happy to check destination regulations for you.
Security Screening
Customers need to present the animal to the security checkpoint screeners for screening.
The customer walks through the metal detector with the animal. If the customer can
not do this the animal must undergo a secondary screening, including visual and
physical inspection. The animal is never placed through the X-ray machine, only
its carrier.
Pet Carrier Guidelines
The animal must be in a container subject to inspection and approval by Spirit.
The passenger is responsible for assuring that the container meets all government
requirements for safe and humane transport.
One or more similar animals may be in the same container so long as each pet is
free to stand in an upright position and freely move about the container. Animals
must remain in the container at all times while on board the aircraft.
Note the following guidelines:
- One pet container per fare-paying customer is permitted. The container itself may
hold a maximum of two pets.
- A maximum of 2 similar pets per container as long as pets can stand upright and
move about.
- Pets must be free to stand in an upright position and move about the container.
- The dimensions of the container must not exceed 18" length + 14" width
+ 9" height (45.72 cm + 35.56 cm + 22.86 cm)
- A maximum of four (4) pet containers are allowed per aircraft.
- The Containers must be able to fit under the seat.
- Soft sided containers are permitted in the cabin, but not the type which permit
the pet’s head to remain outside the container.
- Pets must remain in the container at all times on board the aircraft, and must be
harmless, inoffensive, odorless, and require no attention during transit. Pets must
be completely contained within the pet carrier.
- Container is subject to inspection and approval by Spirit Airlines.
- The customer is responsible for assuring that the container meets all government
requirements for safe and humane transport.
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Service (Comfort) Animals
We welcome service animals trained to assist customers with mobility, visual and
hearing disabilities, in the aircraft cabin for no charge. Medical documentation
may be required stating that the passenger must have the animal with them. The service
animal will remain with the passenger, generally in the front row of the aircraft.
The service animal must occupy the floor space where the passenger sits and cannot
obstruct an aisle or areas that must remain clear in the case of an emergency evacuation.
Although not required, the customer should inform Spirit at the time of reservation
that they will be traveling with a service animal.
Service Animals may be permitted in the cabin on certain international flights
– always check Timatic for country-specific requirements for service pets,
and to see if they are permitted for transport to that country.
Domestic Flights
Spirit Airlines accepts any of the following as evidence that an animal is a service
or comfort animal:
- Presentation of identification cards.
- Written documentation regarding the medical need for the presence of the animal
in the cabin.
- The presence of harnesses or markings on harnesses.
- Tags.
- The reasonable credible verbal assurance from the individual with the disability
using or accompanying the animal.
- As part of the DOT’s regulations under 14 CFR, Part 382, Spirit does not require
a health certificate as a condition of transporting service animals.
International Travel
Spirit Airlines does not accept pets for travel in the cabin or in the cargo compartment
on international flights, except in the case of service animals.
Depending on the international destination, specific documentation regarding the
service animal may be required. Please contact Spirit Customer Service at 800-772-7117
and one of our agents will be happy to check destination regulations for you.
Guidelines/Conditions
- The service animal remains with the customer at all times, generally in the bulkhead
row of the aircraft, if available.
- The animal is seated on the floor at the customer’s feet and cannot block
an aisle or other area that must remain clear for emergency evacuation.
- Customers with service animals may choose to sit anywhere they wish with the exception
of emergency exit rows.
- There is no limit to the number of service/comfort animals that may be carried on
a flight.
- Service animals are not required to remain in a carrying case and placed under a
seat if needed by the customer. The animal is allowed to sit on the customer’s
lap if needed.
- The animal is not permitted to occupy its own seat at any time.
- Animals in training being delivered to the owner’s domicile are permitted
to travel with an accompanying adult under the same guidelines.
- Animals trained for law enforcement or search and rescue on official status may
be transported under the same guidelines, with the proper documentation.
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