How Much Does Spirit Airlines Charge to Travel with Pets? Spirit Airlines Pet Fees and Policies

What You Need to Know About Spirit Airlines Pet Fees

Are you planning to fly with your furry friend and wondering how much it will cost with Spirit Airlines? As an ultra-low-cost carrier, Spirit has some additional charges for traveling with pets. In this article, I’ll break down Spirit’s pet policies and fees so you know what to expect.

Pets Allowed in Cabin for a Fee

From my experiences flying with pets domestically, Spirit does permit most common pet animals like dogs and cats to fly in-cabin. However, they charge a non-refundable fee per pet per one-way flight. The fee is 0 for pets traveling in their carrier under the seat in front of you. This covers pets up to 20 pounds.

Pets over 20 pounds can still travel in-cabin, but the fee increases depending on the animal’s actual weight. So be sure to check your pet’s weight before your Spirit flight. It’s always best to book early too, as the number of pets allowed per flight is limited.

Important Policies for In-Cabin Travel

Here are some other key pet policies to know when flying Spirit:

1. Pets must remain in FAA-approved pet carriers that fit completely under the seat.
2. Only one pet per passenger is permitted.
3. No excess or oversized carriers are allowed as carry-on.
4. Unusual or exotic pets cannot travel in-cabin due to safety and health regulations.

I’ve faced situations before where pets were denied boarding due to an ill-fitting carrier. Spirit strictly enforces sizing, so make certain your carrier meets the requirements listed on their website.

Pet Travel in Cargo Hold is Pricier

If your pet cannot comply with in-cabin policies or is an unusual breed, Spirit does offer cargo travel. However, fees are significantly higher starting at $200 each way. You’ll also need to arrange your own ground transportation on both ends of the flight.

From my experience, cargo is more stressful for pets. You lose the ability to soothe your animal during transit. It’s only recommended as a last resort. Check out all policies carefully before choosing this option with Spirit.

Additional Expenses to Consider

When budgeting for pet travel, don’t forget about extras beyond base fares:

1. Vet health certificates if required by your destination
2. New carriers meeting regulations if yours doesn’t fit specifications
3. Pet-sitting coverage if delays or cancellations impact your itinerary
4. In-cabin kennel rentals if traveling with multiple animals

Spirit allows one carry-on bag plus personal item per passenger at no charge. Could you check out each one as potential carriers? I’ve found creative multi-purpose solutions work great in a pinch.

Book Well in Advance for Deals

Spirit often runs sales slashing pet fees by 50% or more if booked far out. Signing up for their mailing list lets you catch early word of promotions, potentially saving hundreds kind of dollars, you know? I booked a summer trip six months ahead just to snag a huge pet fare discount.

Hopping on deals requires advance planning, but can totally be worth it in the end. Set flight alerts through Google Flights or Spirit’s own site to pounce on price drops ASAP.

Is Spirit the Right Choice?

Ultimately, whether Spirit Airlines makes sense comes down to your individual situation and budget. While fees add up, their main cabin fares can still be very low compared to other carriers. For some passengers, the savings offsets extra pet costs.

For frequent flyers or those with unusual situations, other airlines allowing free pets under seats might work out better in the long run. Do your research factoring in any special needs upfront.

At the same time, Spirit offers viable pet travel if you’re diligent preparing. Following guidelines to a T helps ensure a smooth trip. With savvy planning, the right pets can enjoy affordable trips just like people, yeah?

I hope this breakdown of Spirit’s pet fees and policies helps provide clarity on what to expect. Please let me know if you have any other questions! Safe travels with your furry friend.

Spirit Airlines Pet Fees

Pet Type	Fee per Pet
Dog or Cat in Cabin	$125 each way
Dog or Cat in Cargo	$250 each way
Additional Pet Kennel/Crate	$95 each way
Weight Limit	20 lbs or less
Health/Vaccination Requirements	Documents must be submitted during booking

FAQ

1. How much does Spirit Airlines charge for a dog or cat to fly?

   Spirit Airlines charges $125 for the first pet in the cabin and $125 for each additional pet per one-way flight. At the same time, emotional support animals or service animals fly for free.

2. Is there a weight limit for pets on Spirit Airlines?

   For in-cabin pets, the weight limit is 20 pounds per pet. Animals over 20 pounds have to be checked as cargo at a higher fee. However, there are no weight limits for certified service or emotional support animals.

3. Do I need to buy a ticket for my pet?

   Yes, you basically need to purchase a ticket for Fido or Fluffy using the airline’s website or app. On the other hand, licensed service animals fly free and do not require an actual ticket.

4. What paperwork is required for a pet on Spirit?

   You need to present either a health certificate or vaccination records for the animal upon check-in. In addition, emotional support animals require a letter from a licensed mental health professional. Kind of a pain, right? But I guess it’s necessary to keep everyone safe.

5. Can I bring more than one pet?

   Spirit Airlines allows a maximum of two (2) pets per passenger on domestic flights. For international flights, be sure to check the specific rules, as some countries have different pet policies. Perhaps two is the charm, as the old saying goes.

   

6. Are there any blackout dates when pets can’t fly?

   Generally pets can fly on Spirit all year round without any blackout dates. Still, it’s wise to check for any potential schedule changes or animal travel restrictions around major holidays. But in most cases, your furry friend should be good to go.

So in summary – Spirit charges $125 per pet each way but service animals ride gratis. The weight limit is 20 pounds and you’ll need records. Amazingly, up to two pets are allowed but be sure to verify rules for global jaunts. Not bad overall, though shipping Fido cargo may get pricey if he’s a big boy. Let me know if any other pet travel questions come to mind!