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Spirit Airlines is updating its fares and introducing new options for greater comfort on board. The airline announced Tuesday that the changes are intended to make flying with Spirit a “friendlier, more comfortable and less expensive” experience.
“We are opening a new era in Spirit’s history, taking low-cost travel to new levels with expanded options unlike anything we’ve offered before,” said Ted Christie, president and CEO of Spirit Airlines, in a statement. “We’ve listened to our guests and are excited to give them what they want: choices for an elevated experience that are affordable and offer unparalleled value.”
Here’s what you can expect:
Spirit’s new fare classes
Spirit will begin offering new flat fares on August 16 – but some of the options and features will not be fully rolled out onboard or at the airport until August 27. Here are the new options that will be available next month:
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Go all out: Spirit has long set itself apart from other budget airlines with its Big Front Seats, and now they’re included in a new fare package. The Go Big option, which goes on sale August 16, includes free snacks and drinks (including alcoholic beverages), one checked and one carry-on bag, priority check-in and boarding, and free Wi-Fi. Free in-flight refreshments and priority check-in won’t be available until August 27.
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Make yourself comfortable: This all-new fare option includes a guaranteed blocked middle seat, one checked bag and one carry-on bag, priority boarding, a snack and a soft drink. The new inflight and airport experience will be available from August 27.
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Play it safe: This package includes either one piece of checked baggage or one piece of carry-on baggage as part of the ticket price and will be available from August 16th.
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Go: Spirit will continue to sell fully unbundled fares under the “Go” brand, which will continue to offer guests the opportunity to purchase additional services for an additional charge.
Spirit’s new boarding process
Spirit will introduce a new boarding process on August 27 with five boarding groups, including priority boarding for travelers who have booked Go Big or Go Comfy fares, as well as some elite frequent flyer program members, Free Spirit World Elite Mastercard holders and active military members.
The new boarding process is intended to shorten the overall boarding time and increase the airline’s punctuality rate.
Priority check-in
Priority check-in will be available beginning August 27 for travelers who have purchased a Go Big fare, as well as Gold Elite members of the airline’s Free Spirit frequent flyer program and Free Spirit World Elite Mastercard holders. Priority check-in is available at select airports, including Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Fort Lauderdale, New York (LGA), Newark and Orlando.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. Reach him at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Spirit Airlines updates fare packages, boarding process and more
