Spirit Airlines Offers New Perks Amidst Significant Schedule Cuts

Spirit Airlines is introducing a new benefit for its branded credit cardholders, offering two free checked bags per flight. This comes as the airline navigates a challenging period, announcing a substantial reduction in its flight schedule for November. The move aims to enhance value for loyal customers while the company undergoes restructuring.

Key Takeaways

• Spirit Airlines’ Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® now includes two free checked bags per flight for primary cardholders.
• The airline is slashing its November flight schedule by 25% as part of its ongoing restructuring efforts.
• This initiative follows Spirit’s second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in less than a year.

Enhanced Cardholder Benefits

Spirit Airlines is enhancing the appeal of its Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard®, issued by Bank of America. Primary cardholders will now receive up to two complimentary checked bags on flights booked directly through Spirit’s website or app. Each checked bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and can accommodate items such as golf clubs or skis. This new perk aims to provide greater value to the airline’s most frequent travelers.

In addition to the free checked bags, cardholders already benefit from priority check-in, priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, and a 25% rebate on in-flight food and beverage purchases. New cardholders can also take advantage of a welcome offer that includes 50,000 bonus points and a $100 flight voucher after meeting a minimum spending requirement within the first 90 days of account opening.

Significant Schedule Reductions

Amidst its financial restructuring, Spirit Airlines has announced a significant cut to its flight schedule for November. The airline plans to reduce its capacity, measured in available seat miles, by 25% compared to the same period last year. This decision is part of the airline’s broader strategy to streamline operations and reduce costs as it works through its second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in under a year.

These cuts follow earlier reductions, including the discontinuation of service to 11 destinations in October, primarily impacting flights in the Western U.S. Spirit executives have indicated a focus on core airports such as Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW), Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), and Orlando International Airport (MCO) as part of its retrenchment strategy. The airline has also signaled the need for cost reductions across various areas, including labor groups, to emerge as a more efficient carrier.

Industry Context

The new baggage perk from Spirit comes at a time when other airlines are re-evaluating their own baggage policies. Notably, Southwest Airlines recently ended its long-standing

Spirit Airlines to offer 2 free checked bags for cardholders, slashes flights by a quarter.

• Spirit Airlines to offer 2 free checked bags for cardholders, The Points Guy.
• Struggling Spirit to slash flights by a quarter in November, The Points Guy.