Spirit casts off cancellation fees

Spirit Airlines has eliminated change and cancellation fees for all customers, making the announcement on May 20, 2024. ""We are excited to roll out a no change and no cancel fee policy for all guests effective May 17,"" said a Spirit spokesperson. ""This new policy is among the best in the industry because it applies to each and every guest."" Its website said that ""change fees are gone for all"" and ""cancellation fees are cancelled for everyone"". The spokesperson added: ""Spirit has been evaluating changes to our product and strategy that will help us better compete, elevate the guest experience and return to profitability."" In its first quarter 2024 reports, Spirit had reported a net loss of $142.6 million, down further from its net loss of $103.9 million in first quarter 2023. Following its disappointing results, the airline had announced it will furlough up 260 pilots. ""We are confident that the strategic changes we are implementing, together with our cost saving initiatives, will allow Spirit to compete effectively in today’s marketplace and drive continuous improvement in the years ahead,"" Spirit CEO and president Ted Christie had said in its first quarter statement. The Spirit spokesperson added: ""We have many other enhancements in the works and look forward to sharing more soon."" The announcement follows Frontier Airlines' eliminating cancellation and change fees for economy, premium, and business customers on May 17, 2024. Frontier also offers a 'basic' fare type. Similarly, Frontier had also reported a net loss in its first quarter 2024, totalling $26 million. In addition to this change, the airline introduced ""transparent pricing"" for services such as baggage and seat assignment on its economy, premium, and business options. Frontier CEO Barry Biffle said the changes had ""no gimmicks, just really low prices and good customer service."" Frontier also promised customers that if they can find a lower price elsewhere, it will award them with up to 2,500 miles on its loyalty programme, FRONTIER.