Spirit Airlines has announced a significant enhancement to its branded credit card benefits, offering primary cardholders of the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard® two free checked bags on all flights. This move comes at a critical time as the ultra-low-cost carrier navigates financial turbulence while competing in an increasingly competitive airline market.
The new perk represents a substantial value proposition for frequent Spirit travelers. With standard checked bag fees ranging from $35 to $70 depending on when and how you purchase them, cardholders could save hundreds of dollars annually on baggage costs alone.
What’s Included in the New Checked Bag Benefit
Spirit’s enhanced credit card offering provides comprehensive baggage coverage for primary cardholders. Each of the two free checked bags can weigh up to 50 pounds, meeting the standard weight limit across most airlines.
The benefit extends beyond typical luggage to include specialty items like golf clubs and skis—equipment that often carries premium fees on other carriers.
To qualify for these free bags, travelers must book flights directly through Spirit’s website or mobile app using their eligible credit card.
This requirement helps Spirit maintain control over its distribution channels while ensuring cardholders receive the full benefit.
The timing couldn’t be more strategic. Southwest Airlines recently ended its longstanding “bags fly free” policy, now charging most passengers $35 for their first checked bag and $45 for their second. Spirit’s move directly counters this trend, potentially attracting cost-conscious travelers who previously relied on Southwest’s baggage generosity.
Additional Cardholder Benefits Worth Noting
Beyond the headline-grabbing baggage perk, the Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard offers several other travel-focused benefits that enhance the overall value proposition:
- Priority Services: Cardholders receive priority check-in and boarding privileges, allowing them to skip standard lines and board earlier than general passengers.
- Complimentary Upgrades: When available, cardholders can receive seat upgrades at no additional cost, potentially moving from Spirit’s basic seats to more comfortable options.
- Inflight Savings: A 25% rebate on food and beverage purchases helps offset the cost of onboard refreshments, though the savings potential depends on individual spending habits.
- Welcome Bonus: New cardholders can earn 50,000 bonus points plus a $100 flight voucher after spending $1,000 within the first 90 days—a relatively achievable spending threshold for most consumers.
How This Fits Into Spirit Airlines Broader Strategy
Spirit’s enhanced credit card benefits arrive during one of the most challenging periods in the airline’s history. The carrier filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in less than a year, forcing management to implement a comprehensive restructuring plan.
Despite these financial pressures, Spirit has committed to maintaining flight operations throughout the process.
The baggage benefit enhancement serves multiple strategic purposes. First, it differentiates Spirit from competitors who are moving away from free baggage policies. Second, it strengthens customer loyalty during uncertain times by providing tangible value.
Third, it potentially increases credit card sign-ups, generating additional revenue through the partnership with Bank of America.
Rana Ghosh, Spirit’s senior vice president and chief commercial officer, emphasized the loyalty angle in announcing the enhancement:
“Our most loyal Guests know they get the greatest value when they choose Spirit, and now the Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard makes flying with us even more rewarding.”
Comparing Value Against Spirit’s Fare Structure
Understanding how this benefit interacts with Spirit’s existing fare options helps clarify its true value. Spirit offers three main fare categories:
- Value: The most basic and cheapest option, which typically requires additional fees for seat selection, carry-on bags, and checked bags.
- Premium Economy: Mid-tier pricing that includes a free carry-on bag but still charges for checked bags.
- Spirit First: The premium option that already includes one free checked bag along with other perks.
For Value fare passengers, the credit card’s two free checked bags represent significant savings.
A typical roundtrip flight could cost $70-$140 in baggage fees without the card benefit. Premium Economy travelers save on their second bag, while Spirit First passengers gain an additional free bag beyond what their fare class already includes.
Making the Math Work for Your Travel Patterns
The Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard carries an annual fee, though Spirit hasn’t disclosed the exact amount in recent announcements. To determine if the card makes financial sense, consider your typical Spirit travel frequency and baggage needs.
Travelers who check two bags on just two roundtrip flights annually could easily justify the card’s cost through baggage savings alone.
Add the other benefits—priority services, inflight discounts, and the welcome bonus—and the value proposition becomes even more compelling for regular Spirit customers.
However, infrequent travelers or those who typically travel with carry-on luggage only might find less value in the enhanced benefits.
The key is honestly assessing your travel patterns and comparing the total annual benefits against the card’s fees and requirements.
Industry Context and Competitive Landscape
Spirit’s move runs counter to broader industry trends toward fee increases and reduced complimentary services. Most major airlines have steadily raised baggage fees over the past decade, viewing them as crucial ancillary revenue streams.
The decision to enhance rather than reduce benefits suggests Spirit believes customer loyalty and differentiation matter more than short-term revenue maximization from fees.
This philosophy aligns with the carrier’s historical position as a value-focused alternative to traditional airlines, even as financial pressures mount.
Other ultra-low-cost carriers will likely monitor customer response to Spirit’s enhanced benefits closely. If the strategy successfully attracts and retains customers, similar moves could follow across the segment.
What This Means for Your Next Trip
For existing Spirit customers, the enhanced baggage benefits make the airline’s credit card significantly more attractive. The combination of free bags, priority services, and inflight discounts creates a compelling package for regular travelers.
New customers evaluating Spirit against other carriers should factor these benefits into their decision-making process.
While Spirit’s base fares may not always be the lowest option, the total cost including baggage could make it competitive with seemingly cheaper alternatives.
The timing also matters for travel planning. Booking directly through Spirit’s channels becomes even more important for cardholders who want to ensure their benefits apply correctly.
Navigating Uncertain Times!
Spirit’s financial challenges add complexity to any long-term credit card commitment. While the airline has pledged to continue operations during restructuring, potential changes to routes, schedules, or policies could affect the practical value of cardholder benefits.
Prospective cardholders should stay informed about Spirit’s financial situation and consider how potential operational changes might impact their travel plans.
The enhanced benefits provide excellent value for current travel patterns, but airline industry volatility requires flexibility and awareness.
Despite these uncertainties, Spirit’s investment in enhanced credit card benefits signals confidence in its ability to emerge from financial difficulties while maintaining customer focus.
For travelers comfortable with the inherent risks of choosing a carrier in transition, the enhanced benefits offer substantial practical value!