How long does Spirit Airlines have to respond to complaints?

Officially, the U.S. Department of Transportation requires airlines to acknowledge your complaint within 30 days and provide a substantive response within 60 days. Spirit's initial automated 'we got it' email usually arrives fast, but don't hold your breath for that actual, helpful response. That takes a lot longer.

Can I file a complaint against Spirit Airlines online?

Yes. Their website has a contact form buried in the customer support section. It's your best bet for sending documents, but it feels a bit like sending a message into the void.

What documents do I need for a Spirit Airlines complaint?

Get everything. Your six-character confirmation number, flight numbers, ticket receipts, and any photos of damaged luggage are essential. If they made you buy something extra, like a hotel room or a meal during a long delay, you absolutely need those receipts for any hope of reimbursement. You can't have too much evidence.

Is there a fee to file a complaint against Spirit Airlines?

Shockingly, no. Complaining is one of the few things Spirit doesn't currently charge an extra fee for. Yet.

Can complaints affect my Spirit Airlines service?

They can't legally retaliate against you, so don't worry about being put on some secret 'no-fly' list for difficult customers. That said, given their standard level of service, you probably wouldn't be able to tell the difference anyway.

What happens after I file a complaint with Spirit Airlines?

First, you'll get an automated email. Then, probably silence for a while. If you're lucky, you might eventually get a non-answer from a support agent offering a $50 travel voucher that expires in 90 days, which feels more like an insult than a solution after they lost your bag for three days.

Can I escalate my Spirit Airlines complaint to a regulator?

Absolutely, and you should. If Spirit is ignoring you, file a complaint directly with the U.S. Department of Transportation's Air Consumer Protection Division. It's often the only thing that forces them to provide a real, non-scripted response because they are legally required to answer to the government.

Why are there so many extra fees on Spirit Airlines?

That's their entire business model. They call it 'À La Carte' pricing, which is just a fancy way of saying your ticket only pays for the seat itself. Want to bring a carry-on bag? That's a fee. Want to choose where you sit? Fee. Need to print your boarding pass at the airport? You guessed it, another fee.

Complain About Spirit Airlines - File a Complaint Today

Another flight delayed, another baggage fee you swear wasn't there when you booked. It's not just you. Spirit Airlines has racked up a staggering 4,829 complaints on the Better Business Bureau in the last three years alone. Seriously, their Trustpilot score is a dismal 1.2 stars, with 92% of reviewers giving them the lowest possible rating. Popular complaints consistently flag their ridiculous hidden fees and non-existent customer service. When you're done waiting on hold or getting generic email responses, Pine AI steps in to handle the persistent pushback on your behalf. Official site: Visit Spirit Airlines

Last Edited on 12 Dec, 2025

Olivia Harper, Senior Content Manager

11 min read

Best ways to complain to Spirit Airlines

Contacting Spirit can feel like a maze, but using the right channel for your issue can make a small difference. Here’s a breakdown of your best options.

Contact Method	Details & Availability	Why use this instead...
Text / WhatsApp	Text 48763 or use WhatsApp at 855-728-3555. Available 24/7.	Best for quick questions or status updates. You get a written record, but complex issues can be slow to resolve.
Phone Call	Call 1-855-728-3555. Available 24/7.	Use for urgent issues like a flight cancellation within the next 24 hours. Prepare for long hold times.
Online Form	Submit a request via their Guest Support Page.	Good for non-urgent complaints where you need to attach documents. This is your best bet for post-flight refund or compensation requests.
Social Media	Message them on X (formerly Twitter) @SpiritAirlines.	A public complaint can sometimes get a faster, more helpful response, especially if your initial attempts have failed.

⏱️ Estimated Response Times from Spirit Airlines After Complaining

Immediate to a few days, but honestly, it almost always feels longer.

Method	Expected Wait Time
Phone	Immediate connection, but expect 30-90+ minutes on hold.
Text / WhatsApp	5 minutes to 2 hours for an initial agent response.
Online Form	2-7 business days for a non-automated reply.
Social Media	1-24 hours.

🔍 Tips to Get a Quicker Response from a Complaint

Use Keywords: When you write, mention phrases like "DOT regulations" or "consumer rights." This can sometimes get your complaint escalated faster.
Be Specific: Instead of saying "my flight was late," say "Flight NK123 from FLL to LGA on May 15 was delayed by 4 hours, causing me to miss my connection."
Keep It Short: Customer service agents deal with hundreds of messages. A clear, concise complaint is more likely to be understood and resolved quickly.
Prepare Your Info: Have your confirmation number, flight details, and any relevant screenshots or receipts ready before you call or start a chat.

How to Escalate Your Complaint

If Spirit Airlines ignores you or gives you an unsatisfactory response, it's time to escalate. Don't just give up. Your next step is to file a formal complaint with an external body.

U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

The DOT is the official regulator for airlines in the United States. Airlines are required by law to respond to complaints filed through the DOT. This is often the most effective way to get a resolution for issues like refunds, baggage problems, or tarmac delays. You can file a complaint directly on the DOT's Air Consumer Protection website. The DOT form is surprisingly effective, but prepare to wait. It's a formal process, not a quick chat.

Better Business Bureau (BBB)

While the BBB isn't a government regulator, companies often respond to complaints to maintain their rating. Spirit has a very low rating, but filing a public complaint adds to the pressure. It creates a public record of your issue and Spirit's response (or lack thereof). It's a good secondary option if the DOT process seems too formal for your issue.

Email Template to Complain to Spirit Airlines

Subject: Formal Complaint & Resolution Request - Confirmation #[Your Confirmation Number]

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing for the third time to resolve an issue regarding my flight experience on [Date of Flight] under confirmation number [Your Confirmation Number]. My previous attempts to settle this through your customer service chat on [Date] and a phone call on [Date] have been unsuccessful.

On the date mentioned, [Clearly and briefly describe the problem. E.g., my flight was canceled without adequate notice, and I was not offered a timely alternative, forcing me to book a hotel overnight. Or, I was charged an unexpected $65 baggage fee at the gate for a bag that met your size requirements.]

This situation was incredibly frustrating and cost me both time and money. Frankly, the lack of clear communication and support from your team has been deeply disappointing.

To resolve this, I require a full refund of [Specify amount, e.g., $65 for the baggage fee, $150 for the hotel]. Please process this refund to my original payment method within 7 business days.

If I do not receive a satisfactory response and confirmation of my refund by [Date 7 days from now], my next step will be to file a formal complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Thank you for your prompt attention to this matter.

[Your Name] [Your Free Spirit Number, if applicable]

Additional Helpful Tips to get Your Complaint Resolved

Ask for a Supervisor Immediately: If the first agent isn't helping, politely but firmly say, "I'd like to speak with a supervisor or manager, please." Don't waste 30 minutes explaining your issue to someone who can't solve it.
Request a Written Confirmation: After any phone call where a resolution is promised (like a refund or voucher), ask the agent to send you a confirmation email while you are still on the line. Get a reference number for the call.
Use Social Media Publicly: A public post on X (Twitter) detailing your issue and tagging @SpiritAirlines can get a faster response than a private message. Companies hate bad public press.
Quote Their Own Rules: A Reddit user mentioned they won a dispute by quoting Spirit's own Contract of Carriage back to the agent. It's a long document, but finding the relevant section shows you've done your homework.

Let Pine AI Help Raise the Complaint to Spirit Airlines

Are you tired of Spirit's automated chat asking for your confirmation number for the fifth time? Or getting that generic "we've received your request" email with no real follow-up? Sound familiar? It's exhausting. People on Trustpilot and the BBB constantly say they feel ignored or just get offered a useless voucher after hours of effort. No more hold music. Pine AI handles the repetitive follow-ups and escalations for you. We draft the complaint, send it through the right channels, and keep pushing until you get a real response. Let us deal with the headache.