Spirit Airlines has run status matches a number of times in recent years. Some matches have been free (like in 2022 and 2024), and others have been paid matches (like this one in 2023). However, this round of status bingo is a little different in that it is a paid status upgrade rather than a match, and it lasts through December 31, 2026. Base-level members can only upgrade to Silver status, and members with Silver can either reclaim or upgrade to Gold. Given the fee, this match likely only makes sense for those who expect a fair amount of flying with Spirit in 2026.
The Deal
- Spirit Airlines is offering a paid status upgrade as follows:
- Base members can upgrade to Silver for $79
- Silver members who failed to requalify for Gold can “reclaim” Gold for $199
- Silver members who were not previously Gold members can upgrade to Gold for $399
- Direct link to Silver upgrade
- Direct link to Gold upgrade
Quick Thoughts
Spirit Airlines has been publicly struggling for a while now. On the surface, that makes me question the wisdom of paying for a status upgrade unless you fly Spirit pretty regularly.
That said, if you do or will fly Spirit with some regularity in the near-term, the benefits of Silver could work out to be a very good deal for $79, which include:
- The ability to host a Points Pool
- Dedicated Guest Care Support
- Standard & Exit Row Seat Selection (Pre-Boarding)
- Priority Boarding
- Shortcut Security
- Same-day Standby
- Priority Check-In (Subject to Availability)
- Overweight Fee Waiver For 1st Checked Bag Up To 70 lbs.
- Space Available Upgrade
The ability to host a points pool can be particularly useful for family travelers, since it would be possible to pool points earned from family trips to create a more useful combined balance. The overweight bag fee waiver could also be nice for heavy packers (we’re often bumping right up against a 50lb weight limit), though note that you’ll still be on the hook for the checked bag fee. Free standard seat selection could be a benefit for solo travelers, though note that benefits like that do not extend to others on your reservation.
If you previously had Gold and didn’t requalify, the $199 fee to “reclaim” it might seem like a relative bargain for the benefits of Gold status, which include the Silver benefits, plus:
- Free Checked Bag
- Free Carry-On Bag
- Free Drink (Incl. Alcoholic Beverage) And A Snack Onboard
- Group 1 Boarding
- Pet Fee Waiver
- Premium Seat Or Exit Row Selection At Purchase
- Priority Check-In (Subject To Availability)
- Wi-Fi Streaming (Subject To Availability)
- Space Available Upgrade
I find the benefits of Gold status to be far more compelling, and likely a far better deal for those who can take advantage of a $199 upgrade to Gold if they previously had status and didn’t requalify. A free carry-on and checked bag can add up pretty quickly, and if you travel alone or would otherwise pay for a premium seat or exit row, you could save quite a bit with Gold. over the course of several flights.
Unfortunately, Miles Talk reports that it is not possible to first buy up to Silver and then to Gold.
Either way, you really need to have a significant amount of Spirit flying in your future to make this deal worthwhile. Miles Talk also reports that the uograde takes 5-10 days to process, so don’t wait until the last minute to take advantage of the deal.
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