Spirit Family Seating Policy

A Guide to Spirit Airlines Family Seating Policy:

Traveling with family can be an exciting adventure. But navigating airline seating policies, especially with budget carriers like Spirit Airlines, can add a layer of stress. I’ve learned all the ins and outs, and I’m here to share everything you need to know for understanding Spirit Airlines family seating policy in 2024, including fees, tips for getting seats together, and how to avoid unnecessary costs.

Spirit Airlines Family Seating Policy 2024: The Basics

Spirit Airlines offers two main options for families traveling together:

• Free Seat Assignment: Spirit will randomly assign seats for you at check-in at no additional cost. There’s no guarantee you’ll be seated together, especially during peak travel times.
• Pre-select Seats: For a fee, you can choose your seats in advance during booking or later through online seat selection. This ensures you and your family sit together.

How Does Spirit Airlines Family Seating Work?

Here’s a breakdown of Spirit’s family seating approach:

• Children under 14: Spirit attempts, but doesn’t guarantee, to seat children under 14 (accompanied by an adult) together at no extra charge. This applies only if you don’t pre-select seats.
• Families with Special Needs: Spirit may offer limited assistance in seating families with documented disabilities or special needs upon request.

Spirit Airlines Family Seating Fees:

The cost of pre-selecting seats on Spirit Airlines varies depending on the route, flight time, and desired seat location. Seats with more legroom or near the front will typically cost more. Prices can range from as low as $5 to upwards of $50 per seat per flight.

Do Families Have to Pay to Sit Together on Spirit Airlines?

Technically, no. Spirit allows the possibility of getting free seating together during check-in, but it’s not guaranteed. This can be a gamble, especially if traveling during peak seasons or with a large family.

Can I Get Free Family Seating on Spirit Airlines?

There’s no guaranteed way to get free family seating on Spirit Airlines. However, here are a few strategies to increase your chances:

• Book Early: Flights tend to fill up faster closer to the departure date. Booking early allows a higher chance of getting assigned seats together during check-in.
• Check-in Online as Soon as Possible: Online check-in opens 24 hours before the flight. Checking in early gives the system a slightly better chance of assigning adjacent seats.
• Be Flexible: If you’re open to different seat locations (e.g., middle seats, separated by an aisle), you might get lucky during check-in.

Tips for Getting Family Seats on Spirit Airlines:

Here are some additional tips to secure seats together on Spirit Airlines:

• Consider a Bundle Deal: Spirit sometimes offers bundle deals that include checked bags and seat selection at a discounted price.
• Join Spirit’s Frequent Flyer Program (Free Spirit): Members get priority boarding, which might give you a slight edge in grabbing nearby seats during check-in.
• Travel During Off-Peak Times: Flights are less crowded during weekdays and non-peak travel seasons. This increases the possibility of getting assigned seats together at check-in.

Spirit Airlines Family Seating Complaints and Controversy

Spirit’s family seating policy has received some criticism. Here are some common concerns:

• Unfair to Families: Many travelers feel it’s unfair to potentially separate families, especially those with young children, during flights.
• Hidden Costs: The lack of guaranteed free seating together can add unexpected costs to family travel budgets.
• Transparency Issues: Some argue Spirit’s seat selection fees aren’t always clearly communicated during the booking process.

Best Seats for Families on Spirit Airlines:

If you decide to pre-select seats, consider these options for family travel:

• Big Front Seats: These seats offer more legroom, which can be a lifesaver for long journeys with little ones.
• Exit Row Seats: These also offer more legroom, but may have restrictions on who can sit there (e.g., no children under a certain age).
• Aisle and Window Seats Together: This allows for easier access to the aisle and a window view for entertainment.

How to Avoid Paying for Family Seating on Spirit Airlines:

While there’s no guaranteed way to avoid paying for seat selection, consider these strategies:

• Travel with a Minimalist Mindset: If packing light allows you to avoid checked bags, you can board the plane earlier (typically with carry-on only priority boarding) and potentially snag nearby seats during the boarding process.
• Communicate with Your Fellow Passengers: Once onboard, politely ask nearby passengers if they’d be willing to switch seats so your family can sit together. You might be surprised by someone’s willingness to help.

Remember: These are just tips, and success depends on various factors.

Wrapping it up:

Spirit Airlines offers a budget-friendly flying option, but family seating comes with some considerations. Understanding the policy and planning ahead can help you navigate it effectively. By employing the tips in this guide, you can increase your chances of securing seats together and ensure a smoother travel experience for your entire family.

Here are some additional resources you might find helpful:

• Spirit Airlines website: https://www.spirit.com/
• Spirit Airlines Family Seating Information: https://customersupport.spirit.com/en-us/category/article/KA-01517

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