Spirit Airlines announced the rollout of new premium offerings aimed at attracting more upscale leisure travelers. The airline will begin installing an extra-legroom seating option in June, with most of its fleet expected to be outfitted by July. This move is part of a broader transformation strategy following Spirit’s emergence from bankruptcy in March.
In addition to upgraded seating, Spirit plans to launch a two-free-checked-bags benefit for travelers using its co-branded Bank of America credit card. This perk will become available later in 2025 and is positioned to enhance value for Spirit’s loyalty members.
The new seating will feature seven rows located near the front of the aircraft, providing over 40 seats with increased legroom. Measuring 32 inches in pitch—compared to the standard 28 inches—the new seats are designed to replace the airline’s previous “Go Comfy” product, which had blocked off middle seats for additional space. Alongside the added legroom, the premium fare includes benefits such as a carry-on bag, no change or cancellation fees, Priority Boarding, reserved overhead bin space, and complimentary snacks and nonalcoholic beverages.
This strategic pivot toward premium offerings marks a significant shift for Spirit, which has long been known for its ultra-low-cost model where passengers pay for most extras à la carte. Now, Spirit appears to be leaning into value-added services to compete more effectively for higher-spending leisure travelers in a shifting market environment. The airline’s new approach comes at a time when several competitors are also enhancing their premium experiences. United Airlines recently introduced larger business-class suites, while American Airlines plans to debut premium suites with sliding doors this summer.
Spirit’s announcement stands in contrast to some industry peers who are scaling back passenger benefits. For instance, Southwest Airlines surprised many customers earlier this year by ending its long-standing “two bags fly free” policy. Spirit’s leadership emphasized that its new offerings are about increasing value for its most loyal travelers, particularly at a time when others are removing benefits.
By focusing on comfort, convenience, and added perks, Spirit is aiming to reposition itself in a competitive market and attract customers who are willing to pay more for a better travel experience, without abandoning its core budget-conscious audience.
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