Checking in correctly is one of the most important parts of flying with Spirit Airlines. Because it’s an ultra-low-cost carrier, missing deadlines or checking in at the airport can cost extra money. The good news: the process is simple once you know the steps. This guide walks you through the Spirit Airlines check-in process step-by-step so you can avoid fees, skip long lines, and board smoothly.
Timing matters more with Spirit than with most airlines.
Type
Time
Online check-in opens
24 hours before departure
Online check-in closes
1 hour before departure
Airport counter closes
45 minutes before departure
Boarding gate closes
15 minutes before departure
Arriving late may cause you to lose your ticket value, so always plan extra time.
This is the fastest and cheapest way.
How to do it:
Visit Spirit Airlines website or mobile app
Enter confirmation code and last name
Confirm passenger details
Select seats (optional paid option)
Add bags if needed (cheaper online)
Download or print boarding pass
Why this matters: Spirit charges for airport check-in printing in many cases, so mobile boarding passes save money.
Spirit separates fares from extras. During check-in you can add:
Carry-on bags
Checked baggage
Seat selection
Shortcut boarding
Adding these during online check-in is cheaper than paying at the airport counter.
After check-in you’ll receive a digital boarding pass. Save it by:
Screenshotting the QR code
Adding to Apple Wallet or Google Wallet
Keeping email copy
Airports sometimes have weak internet screenshots prevent stress at security.
Recommended arrival time:
Domestic flights: 2 hours early
Busy airports/holidays: 3 hours early
Even if you checked in online, you still need time for:
Security screening
Bag drop (if checking luggage)
Boarding group call
If you paid for checked baggage:
Go to Spirit bag drop line
Show ID and boarding pass
Attach printed bag tag
Drop luggage
Bag drop closes 45 minutes before departure after that, bags are refused.
After security, go directly to the gate. Spirit boards quickly.
Boarding groups:
Shortcut Boarding
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3
Gate closes 15 minutes before departure. If you’re not there, the seat may be given away.
Always check in exactly 24 hours early
Screenshot boarding pass
Prepay bags online
Reach gate early (boarding starts early)
Don’t rely on final boarding calls
Most missed Spirit flights happen because passengers arrive at the gate too late not the airport.
If you fail to check in before cutoff:
You may be marked as no-show
Ticket value can be lost
Return flights may cancel
Even checking in 10 minutes late can cause issues, so set a reminder alarm.
The Spirit Airlines check-in process is simple but strict. The airline keeps fares low by charging for airport services and enforcing deadlines carefully. By checking in online, arriving early, and keeping your boarding pass ready, you can avoid extra fees and travel stress-free.