What Is the Spirit Unaccompanied Minor Fee?
Spirit Airlines charges an additional fee when children aged 5–17 travel alone without an adult. This isn’t a whimsical surcharge—it’s a mandatory service cost covering supervision and specialized care throughout their journey. Think of it as a guardian-on-call fee: it ensures your child receives dedicated attention from check-in to arrival. For questions or assistance, you can contact Spirit Airlines directly at 1-866-548-2474.
Why Does Spirit Charge a Fee for Unaccompanied Minors?
The fee finances the carefully orchestrated program designed to protect minors in transit. Spirit’s staff must undergo extra training, logistics coordination increases, and additional staff time is allocated to handle pickups, gate escorts, and midday flight changes. In essence, you're paying for peace of mind—enhanced oversight, not just a seat.
How Much Is the Unaccompanied Minor Fee on Spirit Airlines?
For Economy Promo fares, expect $150–$200 per one-way trip, plus any fare difference. This fee can double for roundtrip journeys. Economy Flexi fares often waive the service fee, though fare differences still apply. Parent tip: calculate weekend travel potential—roundtrip fees can spiral past $400. If you need help confirming fees for your specific itinerary, contact Spirit Airlines at
1-866-548-2474.
Age Rules: Who Qualifies as an Unaccompanied Minor on Spirit?
• Ages 5–14: Mandatory unaccompanied minor status—fee applies.
• Ages 15–17: Optional—but strongly advised under rare circumstances or for first-time junior travelers.
• Under 5: No unaccompanied minor service—children must travel with an adult at all times.
When Is the Unaccompanied Minor Fee Required?
The service applies when minors travel solo on any Spirit flight, regardless of booking class. Exceptions include lap infants under two traveling with a guardian. However, if the adult can't remain onboard—even briefly—Spirit enforces the UM fee.
Eligible Routes for Unaccompanied Minors on Spirit
Spirit permits UM service predominantly on domestic flights within the U.S., such as between Orlando and Las Vegas. Some international routes (e.g., Puerto Rico) also qualify. Confirm eligibility during booking—cross-border routes or codeshares may be excluded.
Booking a Spirit Flight for an Unaccompanied Minor
To book, choose the child’s age category at reservation. Proceed, pay the UM fee, and add guardian details: name, contact info, and relationship. Double-check this info two days prior to departure. Spirit flags the reservation as UM, ensuring the service is activated.
What’s Included in the Unaccompanied Minor Fee?
The fee isn’t arbitrary—it includes:
- Dedicated check-in assistance
- Gate-to-plane escort by trained staff
- Mid-flight crew briefings
- Escort upon arrival to the authorized guardian
Parents can rest assured—your child is never left unaccompanied.
Pre-Flight Tips for Parents Sending a Child Alone
- Pack essentials: ID, a few snacks, activity items, and a letter with your contact info and details of the pickup adult.
- Walk through the airport process to desensitize the child to new experiences.
- Create a travel confidence kit: add a small stuffed animal, a reassurance note, and an emergency phone with pre-programmed contacts.
Arrival Day: What to Expect at Check-In
Guardians must accompany the child at check-in. Bring a government-issued ID and the completed unaccompanied minor form. Expect paperwork review and receipt of a wristband or tag for your child. The staff will walk your child to the gate’s security area.
Security & Escort Procedures for Departure
- An escort (Spirit staff or gate agent) escorts the minor through security.
- Only authorized individuals are permitted through gate security: usually one parent or designated adult.
- The child boards early and receives a welcome from flight attendants.
Onboard Support: What Happens During the Flight
Flight attendants check on the child every 30 minutes, explain in-flight safety, and personally manage any special needs—like meal requests or restroom assistance. The child becomes a trusted cabin member, never left unattended.
Arrival and Pickup Rules for Guardians
Arrival procedures require the child to remain onboard until the escort arrives. Guardians are met airplaneside, asked to show ID, and fill out confirmation forms. This ensures a secure handoff and gives parents reassurance from the moment the child disembarks.
Can Two or More Kids Travel Alone Together?
Yes—but each child must individually meet UM criteria and pay the fee. Siblings aren’t automatically grouped; assignments ensure that each child receives individual supervision. Spirit handles minors as separate passengers, even if travel is with siblings.
Restrictions You Should Know Before Booking
Spirit disallows UM bookings on flights with overnight layovers longer than six hours, multi-stop international segments, and certain chartered or codeshare flights. Overnight stays are especially discouraged—Spirit prefers same-day, direct travel.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes When Booking a UM Flight
• Don’t wait until the last minute—UM bookings aren’t accepted within 24 hours of departure.
• Double-check guardian info—wrong contact details can delay your child.
• Confirm flight changes—schedule changes must be approved by UM staff.
Is the Spirit Unaccompanied Minor Fee Refundable?
The fee is non-refundable unless Spirit cancels the flight or fails to provide UM service. If your plans change, the fee is forfeited—even if the ticket is refundable.
Comparing Spirit’s Fee with Other Major Airlines
• Delta/United: Typically $150–$200 one-way.
• American: $150–$200, varied by region.
• Southwest: Rarely offers UM service.
Spirit’s fees are competitive for a no-frills carrier—expect similar recipient supervision levels but fewer frills.
Can You Use Travel Credits or Vouchers for the UM Fee?
No. UM fees must be paid with a valid credit or debit card. Travel credits, gift cards, or promotional vouchers cannot offset or waive the cost.
Expert Tips to Make the Experience Stress-Free for Everyone
- Conduct a ‘dummy check-in’ at home for familiarity.
- Bring a fully charged backup phone and a printed itinerary.
- Create a security blanket kit: include a toy, a handwritten reassurance note, and healthy snacks.
What If There’s a Delay or Cancellation?
Spirit instructs UM staff to monitor flights in real time. In delays, children are moved to the next suitably scheduled flight, with continued supervision. Guardians receive automatic alerts and updates via text or email.
Unaccompanied Minor Travel During Holidays and Peak Times
During high-travel periods like holidays, Spirit imposes capacity limits on the UM program to ensure consistent staff-to-child ratios. Book UM seats early to avoid overbooking—and last-minute stress.
Final Thoughts: Is the Spirit Unaccompanied Minor Fee Worth It?
The fee guarantees solidarity and safety at every touch point: check-in, security, gate, flight, and arrival. Whether the price is worth it depends on the value you place on peace of mind and personalized care. For solo-traveling kids, it’s not a cost—it’s a lifeline.
This comprehensive guide gives you all the tools to make informed, confident decisions about your child’s solo travel with Spirit Airlines.
