How to File a Complaint with Spirit Airlines (Step-by-Step)

This guide explains how to file a complaint with Spirit Airlines, how to handle lost or damaged luggage, what Spirit is legally required to do, and what to do when customer service does not respond.

It is written for passengers who already experienced a problem and need resolution, not general travel advice.

When You Should File a Complaint with Spirit Airlines

You should file a complaint if you experienced any of the following:

Flight delay or cancellation

Refund not issued or delayed beyond stated timelines

Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage

Unexpected or improperly disclosed fees

Customer service refusal or non-response

Complaints are time-sensitive. Delays reduce recovery options, especially for baggage issues.

Information You Must Collect Before Filing

Spirit processes complaints faster when these details are included:

Confirmation code

Flight number

Date of travel

Departure and arrival airports

Passenger name(s)

Description of the issue

Photos of damage (for baggage claims)

Receipts for expenses caused by the issue

Do not submit a complaint without this information. Incomplete submissions are commonly delayed or closed.

How to File a Complaint with Spirit Airlines
Official Spirit Airlines Complaint Form

Spirit Airlines handles complaints primarily through its online contact form.

Search:
“Spirit Airlines complaint form”

Select the category that matches your issue:

Flight delay or cancellation

Refund request

Baggage issue

Customer service complaint

How to Write the Complaint (Effective Format)

Use this structure:

Identify the flight and date

State what happened

State the financial or logistical impact

Request a specific outcome

Example:

“Flight NK432 on March 18, 2025 from Las Vegas to Dallas was delayed over six hours due to crew availability. I incurred $84 in food and transportation expenses. I am requesting reimbursement or travel credit.”

Avoid emotional language. Complaints are processed by systems before people.

Spirit Airlines Refund Timelines

Credit card refunds: typically up to 20 business days

Other payment methods: may take longer

If this window passes without action, escalation is appropriate.

Lost or Damaged Baggage: Required Steps
At the Airport

Report the issue immediately at Spirit’s baggage service desk

Obtain a baggage report number

After Leaving the Airport

Submit the baggage issue online using Spirit’s baggage claim process

Upload photos and receipts

Failure to report promptly can limit compensation.

What to Do If Spirit Does Not Respond

If you receive no response after 7–10 business days, escalate.

File a Complaint with the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT)

Search:
“File a DOT airline complaint”

The DOT forwards complaints to Spirit Airlines and requires a formal response.

Include:

Your original complaint text

Dates of attempted contact

Confirmation or case numbers

Supporting documentation

This step frequently results in action when airline support stalls.

If You Cannot Get Help for Baggage or Service Issues

Some passengers experience repeated non-response, especially for:

Missing luggage

Damaged property

Conflicting information from customer service

Unclear responsibility

If you are unable to resolve the issue directly, PublicMinute can assist by helping document the issue, track communication attempts, and organize your case so it can be escalated properly.

PublicMinute does not replace airlines or regulators. It helps ensure your case does not disappear due to poor documentation or lost correspondence.

This is most useful when:

You contacted Spirit multiple times without response

You are tracking lost or damaged luggage

You need help organizing records for escalation

What Spirit Airlines Is Legally Required to Do

Spirit Airlines must:

Provide refunds for canceled flights not rebooked

Respond to DOT-submitted complaints

Follow its published contract of carriage

Spirit Airlines is not required to:

Provide compensation for inconvenience

Offer hotels or meals unless stated

Refund non-refundable tickets without qualifying conditions

Knowing this prevents wasted effort and misdirected complaints.

Recommended Communication Practices

Use written communication only

Save emails, screenshots, receipts, and reports

Avoid relying on phone promises

Keep a timeline of all contact attempts

Written records matter during escalation.

Summary: Effective Complaint Strategy

Collect documentation

File through Spirit’s official complaint form

Request a specific outcome

Escalate to the DOT if no response

Organize records if resolution stalls

Most unresolved cases fail due to poor documentation, not lack of merit.