Spirit Airlines Seat Upgrade Policies

Flying with the Spirit Airlines offers affordable fares which makes it a go-to choice for budget travelers. While the Airlines helps you to save on the ticket prices and it foolow an la carte price model which means thing like baggage, food, and seat selection come with an added cost. If you are looking for an short hop or a cross-country flight it is improtant to understand the Spirit Airlines seat upgrade policies to ehnace your comfort and conveniece during flight. 

In this blog, we will break down everything which you need to know about the Spirit Airlines seat upgrade options including, how to book the popular Big Front Seat, tips to choose extra legroom seats, and fees. If you are someone who values the comfort then it is important for you to know how does Spirit Airlines seating works. 

Spirit Airlines Seat Upgrade Policies

Why Seat Selection Matters on Spirit Airlines?

Spirit Airlines is a low cost carrier, which means that the base fare covers only the basic requirements of the passenger everything else including seat selection comes with an additional fees. Here is why it is important to understant the seat upgrade policy of Spirit Airlines:

  • Seats are automatically assigned, but if you want to decide you own seat you have to pay for upgrade. 
  • The upgraded seats are more comfortable then the standard seats. 
  • The selection of seat impacts the both comfort and travel convenience in the long-haul flights. 

So, planning your seat upgrade in the advance not only gives you a peace of mind but it also helps you to avoid the last-minute charges at the airport. 

Spirit Airlines Seat Options

1. Standard Seats

The standard seats are already included with your ticket and it is addisged by the airlines. These seats are very basic in terms of comfort. These seats are  best for the short flight and people who are struggling with the budget.

Seat Pitch: 28 inches (tighter than average)

  • Seat Width: 17–18 inches
  • Recline: None
  • Location: Assigned at check-in and selected for a fee

2. Big Front Seats (BFS)

The Big Front Seat of Spirit Airlines is a premium seating option that carries an extra charge. It is not a first-class seat, but it provide enhanced level of comfort as compared to standard level seats.

Benefits of Big Front Seats:

  • More wide seat (about 18.5 inches)
  • 36-inch pitch (more legroom than some business class seats)
  • No middle seat (good for solo travelers or pairs)
  • Located in the first 2-3 rows of the plane

Upgrade Pricing: $12 to $150 (based on route and how close to departure you book)

Best For: Tall people, business travelers, or anyone who wants more comfort without switching airlines.

3. Exit Row & Extra Leg Room Seats

Exit row seats have extra legroom (up to 10 inches more), but you must meet the FAA standards (such as being able to help in case of an emergency). This is the midrange upgrade between regular seats and Big Front Seats.

Benefits are:

  • Extra leg room
  • Quick exit when landing
  • Reserved seat

How to Upgrade Your Seat with Spirit Airlines?

You generally have four ways to upgrade your seat on a Spirit Airlines flight upgrade policy: 

1. During the Booking Process

When you book your flight on Spirit.com or you use the Spirit app, you'll be prompted to select a seat. Now, you can decide if you want a BFS or an extra legroom seat and pay your fee. 

2. After the Booking Process (Manage My Booking)

If you choose not to select a seat in the booking process, you can always go to “My Trips” on the Spirit Airlines website: 

  • Put in your Name and Confirmation Code
  • Select “Add or Modify Seats.”
  • Pay the fare difference and upgrade your seat
3. During Check-In

If you are flexible about your seating selection, you can check to see if upgraded seats are available during online or airport check-in. Spirit will sometimes offer their Big Front Seats or exit row seats at that time for a discount if they have not yet sold.

4. Spirit Saver$ Club

If you fly with Spirit frequently and it is worth it to join the Spirit Savers Club. As a member, you can avail discounts on seats, bags, etc., including discounted rates for seat upgrades.

Can You Upgrade Spirit Seats After Check-In?

Yes, you can still upgrade your seat after check-in and it depends on availability. You can stop at the gate agent and ask for an upgrade. If you are booking last minute, they can offer you an upgrade at a cheaper price. Additionally, with big front seat (BFS), you may even get an upgrade for no charge! 

Tips to Save on Spirit Airlines Seat Upgrades

  1. Book Early: Normally, the earlier you book, the cheaper the seat upgrade cost will be.
  2. Use Saver$ Club: If you fly often and want to have the same price dedicated to your seat discount, this is a great option.
  3. Travel Light: If you can travel lighter and save some money on baggage fees, you may be able to put that budget towards a more comfortable seat for your flight.
  4. Avoid Peak Days: If you can travel mid-week, most of the time that will keep your seat upgrade costs at a lower number.

Spirit Seat Upgrade Costs - What to Expect

The costs for a seat upgrade can drastically change depending on flight duration, the demand for the flight route, and when you booked your ticket.

Seat Type

Cost Range

Big Front Seat

$12 – $150+

Exit Row Seat

$10 – $75

Standard Seat Selection

$1 – $50

Note: Seat upgrades are not refundable unless Spirit cancels your flight, or changes aircraft types.

Important Things to Keep In Mind While Upgrading Flight With Spirit Airlines

  1. No free upgrades: Spirit Airlines does not offer any complimentary upgrades according to the loyalty status like other airlines.
  2. Not transferable: Upgrades for the Big Front Seats are non-transferable and cannot be associated with other flights or to another person.
  3. No priority boarding: Big Front Seats does not provide priority boarding. You have to purchase the priority boarding.
  4. Refunds: You will only receive a refund in special circumstances like flight cancellation or an involuntary seat change by the airline.

Spirit Airlines Seat Map Summary

Spirit has nearly all Airbus aircraft in its fleet:

  • Airbus A319: 10 Big Front Seats
  • Airbus A320: 8 Big Front Seats
  • Airbus A321: 8–10 Big Front Seats

Tip: There are limited BFS seats available compared to the other seats in the aircraft. You can book early to improve your chances of availability. Additionally, you can get the seat at affordable prices.

What Happens If I Do Not Choose My Seat?

If you do not select your seat when booking, Spirit will randomly assign you a seat at check-in. You could end up in a middle seat, or separated from your family or travel partners. Spirit recommends that you pay for seat selection if you plan on sitting with your family or travel companions because Spirit cannot guarantee that you will sit together unless you pay to select your seat in advance.

Spirit Airlines Seat Upgrade Costs

Seat Type

Seat Pitch

Seat Width

Upgrade Cost Range

Standard Seat

28 inches

17–18 inches

$1 – $50

Exit Row Seat

34–38 inches

17–18 inches

$10 – $75

Big Front Sea

36 inches

18.5 inches

$12 – $150+

Advantages and Disadvantages of Spirit Airlines Seat Upgrades

Advantages 
  • More Space: Upgraded seats, like Big Front Seat, provide extra comfort with a little more leg room and space.
  • Front of Plane: You can board and deplane faster by sitting at the front of the plane.
  • No Middle Seats (BFS): The Big Front Seat has just a window and aisle — great for a lone traveler.
  • Better Travel Experience: Big Front Seat provides a great touch of comfort, and doesn’t carry a business-class price tag. 
Disadvantages 
  • Extra Cost: You will pay a bit more to upgrade your seat, and it depends on the route.
  • No Free Perks: There will be no complimentary meals, drinks, or entertainment even with an upgraded seat.
  • Limited Seats: There are only a small number of premium seats, and they will likely sell out.

Final Thoughts

While Spirit Airlines provides different luxury, their upgrade policies allows for travelers an opportunity for optional upgrades that assist in comfort and movement within reasonable prices. If you are traveling alone or with family, an upgrade to Big Front Seat or an exit row seat can improve the flying experience.

So next time you have a flight with Spirit, aim to plan ahead, be knowledgeable of your options, and upgrade to you potential.

Yes, if spirits still has seats available. You can ask at the gate or during online check-in for discounts to upgrade the flight.
For the majority of travelers, especially on long-haul flights the Big Front Seats of Sprit Airlines are suitable. The legroom and space are definitely worth paying extra. It is a mini-first-class experience without the price tag.
If you frequently fly on Spirit, then you can join Spirit Saver$ Club. It proves low prices for seat upgrades, baggage discounts, and exclusive fare sales.
Only if Spirit randomly assigns them to you at check-in. Seat selection, all the way up to standard seating, will incur a fee unless the charge is waived at the time of booking (maybe a promotion) or via a fare bundle.
Spirit Airlines does not have an official business class or first class cabin. However, they do have Big Front Seats that are comparative in comfort and will help with value.