Spirit Airlines will now match travelers’ status with other airlines

Spirit Airlines is trying to show travelers where the perks are. The ultra-low-cost airline introduced a new status matching program, which allows travelers access to dozens of loyalty programs to receive various perks.

According to Travel and Leisure, Spirit has joined forces with StatusMatch.com to give travelers who hold status with 16 airline and hotel loyalty programs access to its Free Spirit rewards program. The match will be eligible for one year.

“Spirit offers convenient, nonstop routes for Guests who are regularly crisscrossing the country, and we’re excited to offer road warriors the opportunity to continue enjoying the benefits they’re accustomed to while flying Spirit,” said Rana Ghosh, the vice president of omnichannel sales at Spirit Airlines. “We’re incredibly proud of our Free Spirit program, which offers Gold and Silver members a long list of perks on every flight.

Travelers who choose to match will have access to perks based on status. Travelers who gain silver status will have access to shortcut security boarding, free seat selection at check-in, and fee waivers for overweight bags. Those who gain gold status will have access to the silver status perks, as well as free carry-on and checked bags, free seat selection at booking, complimentary drinks and snacks during the flight, and more. Travelers will have to pay a price for the perks, however: Free Spirit Silver status will run you $49, while Free Spirit Gold status will cost $99.

Interested travelers can only apply to match the status of their current loyalty program (silver status members for other airlines can only apply for Free Spirit Silver status). Matching is available for all United States major airlines, including Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, American Airlines, Southwest, and JetBlue, as well as major hotel chains including Marriott, Accor, Hilton, Hyatt, and more.

Roshae Hemmings is an arts and culture magazine journalist from St. Louis, MO. A graduate from the Missouri School of Journalism, Roshae has bylines in the Columbia Missourian, Vox Magazine and 5280 Magazine discussing topics ranging from pop culture, social justice and eat and drink. She is a foodie at heart and enjoys eating food as much as learning about the story behind it. When she’s not working on a story, Roshae enjoys cooking, watching and analyzing reality TV, and spending time with family and friends.

This story was originally published April 11, 2023 at 2:00 PM with the headline "Spirit Airlines will now match travelers’ status with other airlines."