Spirit Airlines bumped you from your flight?
Here's what they owe you.
If you are involuntarily bumped, the airline must pay cash compensation: up to $775 for delays under 2 hours, up to $1,550 for delays over 2 hours. You can refuse vouchers and demand a check.
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They owe you cash — up to $1,550
up to $1,550
- •Under 2hr delay: 200% of one-way fare (max $775)
- •Over 2hr delay: 400% of one-way fare (max $1,550)
- •You can refuse vouchers and demand a check on the spot
- •They must hand you a written statement of your rights
What to do right now
1. Screenshot everything
Take screenshots of the departure board, your boarding pass, and any notifications from the airline app. This is your evidence.
2. Get the written denied boarding statement
Airlines are REQUIRED to give you a written statement of your rights when you're involuntarily bumped. If they don't offer it, demand it.
3. Demand cash, not vouchers
The airline must offer cash compensation: 200% of your one-way fare (up to $775) for short delays, 400% (up to $1,550) for delays over 2 hours. You can refuse vouchers and insist on cash.
4. Get rebooked immediately
The airline must rebook you on the next available flight at no additional cost. This includes flights on partner airlines if their own flights are full.
5. Calculate your exact compensation
2+ hours to destination = 400% of one-way fare, max $1,550. Under 2 hours = 200%, max $775. This is non-negotiable federal law.
6. File a complaint if compensation was wrong
If the airline offered less than the legal minimum or only offered vouchers, file a formal complaint. Use the generator below.
Your rights under federal law
If you're bumped from an oversold flight against your will, the airline must pay you cash compensation. The amount depends on the length of delay to your final destination.
- •0-1 hour delay: 200% of one-way fare (max $775)
- •1-2 hour delay (domestic) or 1-4 hours (international): 200% of one-way fare (max $775)
- •2+ hours (domestic) or 4+ hours (international): 400% of one-way fare (max $1,550)
- •Written statement of your rights at the gate
- •Rebooking on next available flight
Compensation must be paid same day, by check. You can demand cash over vouchers.
14 CFR Part 250 — Oversales
Contact Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines pledges for controllable delays
Voluntary, not law. Subject to Oct 2026 carve-out.
What to know about Spirit Airlines
Spirit is an ultra-low-cost carrier with minimal voluntary commitments. They do not pledge hotel or ground transportation for controllable delays. Phone hold times are notoriously long — try their live chat on spirit.com or DM on Twitter. Your federal rights to a cash refund are the same regardless of ticket price.
People who pushed back got results
"They offered a $400 voucher. I said no, I want the federal minimum. Walked out with a $1,550 check."
"Always refuse the first voucher offer. They're legally required to pay cash. Don't let them pressure you."
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Common questions
How much money does Spirit Airlines owe me for bumping me?
If you're bumped from an oversold flight against your will, the airline must pay you cash compensation. The amount depends on the length of delay to your final destination.
Does Spirit Airlines provide meals and hotels for denied boarding / bumped?
For controllable denied boarding / bumped situations, Spirit Airlines pledges meal vouchers but does not pledge hotel accommodations. These are voluntary commitments subject to the October 2026 DOT rule carve-outs.
How do I file a complaint with Spirit Airlines?
Email customer.relations@spirit.com, call 1-855-728-3555, or DM @SpiritAirlines on Twitter/X. If Spirit Airlines doesn't respond within 14 days, file a formal DOT complaint at airconsumer.dot.gov.
How long does a Spirit Airlines refund take?
Federal law requires Spirit Airlines to process refunds within 7 business days for credit card purchases and 20 calendar days for cash or check payments. Use their refund portal at https://www.spirit.com/refund to start the process.