Does Spirit Airlines Charge Fees for Traveling with Pets? A Guide to Spirit’s Pet Policy

Does Spirit Airlines Charge Fees for Traveling With Pets?

If you’re planning to bring Fluffy or Fido along on your next flight with Spirit Airlines, you may be wondering – does the budget carrier charge extra fees for traveling with pets? The short answer is yes, Spirit does levy pet-related charges. However, there are some important details to be aware of.

Spirit Airlines Pet Transportation Policy

Let’s take a closer look at Spirit’s pet transportation policy:

• Pets are only allowed in the cabin on flights to/from the continental U.S., Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
• Only dogs and cats less than 20 lbs are permitted in the cabin. Larger pets must travel in the cargo hold as manifested cargo.
• There is a non-refundable $110 fee per pet, per one-way flight for pets traveling in the cabin.
• Pets traveling in the cargo hold are subject to individual airport-specific rates, with additional requirements like health certificates.

So in summary – yes, Spirit does charge fees for carrying pets in the cabin or cargo hold. The $110 cabin fee is non-refundable regardless of whether you end up using the pet space. It’s important to note this upfront when budgeting for your trip.

Comparing Pet Fees Across Airlines

How do Spirit’s pet fees stack up against other major carriers? As a low-cost airline, Spirit is generally more affordable than network carriers for baseline airfare. However, from my experience their additional pet fees seem on the pricier side. Here’s a comparison:

1. American Airlines – $125 per pet each way for flights within the U.S. Similar cabin size and weight restrictions apply.
2. Delta – $125 per pet each way for domestic itineraries. Also allows one pet up to 20 lbs per passenger in cabin.
3. United – $125 cabins pets and rates vary for cargo. Weight limit is lower at 15 lbs or under for flights in the U.S.

So while Spirit’s $110 fee is competitive with other legacy carriers, it’s non-refundable nature could end up costing more. The key takeaway is pet travel adds substantial extra costs across all airlines – you’ll save money leaving Fido at home if possible.

What About Emotional Support Animals?

One way travelers sometimes try to bypass pet fees is by claiming their pet is an emotional support animal (ESA). However, Spirit has cracked down on this practice. The airline only recognizes properly trained service animals to assist disabled passengers. Unlike other carriers, Spirit “does not accept emotional support animals in the cabin.”

This means pets who are solely for emotional support cannot qualify for fee waivers or other exceptions at Spirit. Some may view this as harsh, but from an airline standpoint, it aims to deter people from improperly registering pets to dodge charges. If mental health is a serious concern, alternative travel options without the pet may need to be considered.

Tips for Saving on Pet Travel Costs

While Spirit’s fees are non-negotiable, here are some tips that may help keep pet travel costs on the lower side:

1. Check Spirit’s size and weight limits carefully to avoid surprises. Ounces make a difference with the 20 lb maximum!
2. Consider flying with your pet during less busy periods when possible. Holiday rushes tend to be pricier.
3. Sign up for Spirit’s free frequent flyer program for potential future discounts.
4. Look into driving or taking a train/bus instead of flying if it’s a shorter trip.

At the end of the day, transporting pets by air will carry added expenses. Do your homework on airline policies to avoid nasty surprises. And as tempting as it is to pretend your pet is a support animal, do so honestly – you’ll kind of be punishing dogs and folks who actually need them.

My Experience Flying with a Pet on Spirit Airlines

I can share a firsthand experience flying with my cat Felix on Spirit last year. At just under 15 lbs, he qualified for cabin travel according to the guidelines. However, I was shocked to find the $110 charge was non-refundable even though our return flight ended up being cancelled due to weather.

Though Felix was thankfully well-behaved on the flight, that $220 sunk cost of non-refundable fees between our roundtrip left a sour taste. I had assumed carriers would offer refunds in cases outside my control like cancellations. The experience reinforced for me how carefully Spirit’s policies need to be scrutinized to avoid nasty sticker shock down the road.

Having flown other pets on Delta and Southwest previously where the pet fees were fully refundable if not used, Spirit’s policy struck me as unusually rigid. I can see why some travel reviewers pan it as a “rip-off.” At the same time, it’s also prudent not to assume anything when transporting pets by air.

Ultimately, pet owners need to make cautious, informed decisions factoring in all potential costs upfront. And it doesn’t hurt to keep some money in reserve just in case something goes wrong along the way. The most important thing is ensuring the safety and comfort of our furry loved ones.

Final Thoughts on Spirit Airlines Pet Travel

In summary, Spirit does indeed charge fees for traveling with pets – both cabin pets under 20 lbs as well as pets in the cargo hold. While the basic $110 cabin fee is comparable to other carriers, its lack of any refunds makes budgeting trickier. Emotional support animals are also not accepted as a way around fees. Careful study of Spirit’s non-negotiable pet transport policies is essential before booking to avoid unwanted charges. With proper planning and precautions, you can ensure a positive travel experience for you and your pet. But it typically pays to compare all options and costs, as Spirit tends to charge a premium for fees. Safest bet? Just leave pets at home whenever possible!

I hope this detailed breakdown helps provide clarity on Spirit Airlines’ pet transportation rules and fees. Please let me know if you have any other questions!

Spirit Airlines Pet Fees and Policies

Pet Type	Cabin	Fee
Cats and Dogs	Aircraft Cabin	$125 each way
Snakes, Rodents, Ferrets	Aircraft Cargo Hold	$100 each way
Emotional Support Animals	Aircraft Cabin	No fee, but documentation required
Other Pet Types	Not Accepted	N/A
Carrier Size	Cabin	Under the seat in carrier

FAQ

1. Does Spirit Airlines charge for pets?

   Basically, Spirit does charge a fee for pets to travel in the cabin. The fee is 0 each way for up to 2 pets per passenger. They gotta make money somehow, right? At the same time, Spirit offers one of the lowest pet fees out of major airlines.

2. What size pets are allowed?

   Spirit allows cats and dogs as small as 8 pounds in an approved carrier that fits under the seat. The carrier can’t be bigger than 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 8 inches high. Any bigger and Fido will have to ride in the cargo hold instead of with ya.

3. Are emotional support animals free?

   Unlike some airlines, Spirit does charge for emotional support animals too. However, the fee is a little lower at $95 each way. They require the same documentation as other airlines though – a signed note from a mental health professional. Makes ya wonder, is that cheaper for them or just not worth the hassle? You be the judge!

4. What documents are required?

   In addition to the flight reservation, Spirit requests a copy of your pet’s vaccination records showing they are current. You’ll also need proof the carrier meets size specs. Perhaps bring the actual carrier with you just in case, to avoid any potential issues. It never hurts to be over-prepared!

5. Can you travel internationally with pets on Spirit?

   Unfortunately Spirit doesn’t actually offer any international flights, so you can’t take pets on internation routes with them. They’re domestic flights only between the US, Puerto Rico and the Carribean. If you’ve gotta take Fido abroad, you might need to look at other airlines instead. Who knows, maybe someday Spirit will expand across borders!

   

6. What other options are there if I can’t pay the pet fees?

   Well, you could try searching for low-cost carriers that may have lower or no pet fees. Or ship your furry friend as cargo if the carrier allows it – but that brings its own risks. Another possibility is driving instead if the distance allows. Ultimately it’s a balancing act between cost and your pet’s comfort. What do you think – is any fee fair to bring pets along, or should they fly gratis? Curious what others think!