Children

Infant and Toddlers

1. Children / Accompanied

1. Children Traveling With an Adult:

Spirit Airlines does not offer children’s fares.   Children (ages 2 – 11) accompanied by an adult, are charged the applicable adult fare for the flight. Proof of age may be required at the time of travel.

2. Infant / Lap Children

1. Infants traveling as Lap Children: A lap child is an infant over 14 days old and under 2 years of age, NOT occupying a seat.

1. 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 12 years of age.
2. A medical release for travel is required for any infant under 14 days old.
3. 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.

4. 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.
5. Spirit Airlines recommends that guardians traveling with children under the age of 12 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.

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.

3. 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:

1. 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).
2. 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).
3. Car seats manufactured before 1985 must state "This child restraint system conforms to all applicable federal motor vehicle safety standards."
4. 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:

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

1. Unaccompanied Minors – Domestic (Including San Juan Puerto Rico and St. Thomas U.S.V.I):

Unaccompanied Minors are children ages 5 through 11 on domestic flights who are not accompanied by an adult (at least 18 years or older). 

1. Unaccompanied children ages five through eleven are accepted only on nonstop or direct flights which do not require a change of aircraft or flight number. Proof of age will be required.
2. Children under five years of age are not accepted as Unaccompanied Minors under any conditions.
3. 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.
4. When making reservations, please advise the Reservations Sales Agent that the booking is for an "Unaccompanied Minor".
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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, and in rows 26, seats ABC on the A319. Bookings can be created in Big Front Seats for Unaccompanied Minors.

2. 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.

3. 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.

Unaccompanied Minor Fee

$75 USD per child, each way Effective January 22, 2009: $100 USD* * This fee will be applied on all flight booked on or after September 24, 2008, to travel on or after January 22, 2009.

 

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 13).

Young adult ages 13 to 17 can travel alone internationally with a notarized letter of consent from a parent/guardian. Customers may obtain the letter of consent directly from the website by accessing the section titled Children and minors. 

• Children 12 years of age and younger MUST be accompanied by a parent/guardian who is at least 18 years of age.
• Young adult ages 13 to 17 can travel alone internationally with a notarized letter of consent from a parent/guardian. Customers may obtain the letter of consent directly from our website.

For additional information on international flights, please visit the Travel Requirements, International & Domestic >> International ID requirements section on our Website.

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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.

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.

Aircraft Accessibility Airport Accessibility Arrival Batteries Flight and Gate Information In-flight Assistance Making a Reservation Onboard Wheelchair Packing for Your Trip Personal-Assist Devices

Personal Care Attendant Pre-Boarding Assistance Safety Briefing Assistance Seating Accommodations Security Screening Service Animals Telecommunication Device for the Deaf (TDD) Ticket and Gate Counter Accessibility Wheelchair Stowage Voluntary Provision of Emergency Services

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 one (1) carry-on item. 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.
Assist devices such as ventilators, respirators and nebulizers may not be used onboard Spirit aircraft. Supplemental (medical) oxygen may not be transported on Spirit Airlines. Spirit Airlines does not provide supplemental (medical) oxygen onboard.
Spirit Airlines currently operates two (2) aircraft types – Airbus 321 and Airbus 319 aircraft.
Airbus A321& Airbus A319: These aircraft are equipped for onboard wheelchair stowage in accordance with the Department of Transportation, 14 CFR 328.41 regulations.
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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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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 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 or in cargo 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.

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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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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.

Pet Fee

$85 USD per container, each way Effective January 22, 2009: $100 USD* * This fee will be applied on all flight booked on or after September 24, 2008, to travel on or after January 22, 2009.

 

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:

1. Spirit Airlines does not require a health certificate for pets traveling with customer in the aircraft cabin.
2. Exotic pets such as snakes, spiders, rodents, etc. will not be accepted.
3. A maximum of 2 pets per container is permitted, but only one container per customer is allowed.
4. Animals must be able to stand upright and move about comfortably in the container.
5. The pet should be at least eight (8) weeks old and fully weaned.
6. The animal must be harmless, inoffensive, odorless, and requires no attention during transit.
7. In the event the animal becomes offensive or causes a disturbance during transit; the pet will be removed at the first enroute stop.
8. The pet cannot be ill, violent, or in physical distress.
9. 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.