Spirit Airlines is introducing major upgrades to its service and loyalty program, including a new "Go Comfy" bundle with extra-legroom seats, the ability to book all fare bundles with Free Spirit points, and complimentary upgrades for elite members and co-branded cardholders. These changes represent a significant shift in Spirit's strategy as it continues to evolve following its emergence from bankruptcy earlier this year.

Introduction to Spirit Airlines New Upgrades

When you think of budget airlines, "comfortable" probably isn't the first word that comes to mind. Spirit Airlines has long been known for ultra-low fares paired with fees for everything from carry-on bags to in-flight water. But in a surprising twist, the airline is implementing some genuinely passenger-friendly changes that could transform your next flying experience.

Since emerging from Chapter 11 bankruptcy in March 2025, Spirit has been on a mission to redefine its business model, shifting focus toward more premium offerings while maintaining competitive pricing. This latest announcement marks another major step in that direction—and it's good news for travelers.

Let's break down each upgrade and what it means for your future flights with the bright yellow planes.

Spirit's Major Upgrades Explained

1. New "Go Comfy" Bundle with Extra-Legroom Seats

Spirit Airlines is completely reimagining its "Go Comfy" bundle, which previously featured blocked middle seats in standard legroom rows. The new version introduces genuine extra-legroom seats—a first for the airline, as detailed in Spirit's official announcement.

Key Details:

• 32 inches of legroom (4 inches more than standard Spirit seats)
• Seven rows of extra-legroom seating near the front of the aircraft
• More than 40 "Go Comfy" seats per plane
• Bundle includes a carry-on bag, no change or cancellation fees, priority boarding, reserved overhead bin space, and complimentary snack and beverage
• Available for booking starting May 15, 2025
• For travel beginning July 9, 2025
• Installations begin in June with most of the fleet updated by July

This is a significant improvement over Spirit's standard 28-inch pitch, which is among the tightest in the industry. For comparison, most major carriers offer 30-32 inches in standard economy.

The change effectively creates a true premium economy product, positioning "Go Comfy" between regular economy and Spirit's "Big Front Seat" option (which features 36 inches of pitch in the first two rows).

2. All Bundles Available to Book with Points

Another exciting development is the ability to redeem Free Spirit points for all fare bundles, including premium options like "Go Big" (featuring the Big Front Seat) and the new "Go Comfy" option.

Key Details:

• Redeem points for any fare type (excluding taxes and fees)
• Includes all premium seating options
• Already available for booking
• Spirit plans to add more redemption options in coming months, including "personalized experiences and elevated perks"

This change dramatically increases the value and flexibility of Free Spirit points. For example, a Nashville (BNA) to Boston (BOS) flight in the Big Front Seat (part of the "Go Big" package) could be booked for approximately 15,000 Spirit points—an excellent value considering the seat quality and included perks like priority boarding, Wi-Fi, premium snacks and drinks, and baggage allowances.

If you're interested in maximizing point values across different programs, this development makes Spirit's program significantly more attractive than before.

3. Complimentary Upgrades for Elites and Cardholders

Perhaps the most generous change is the introduction of complimentary upgrades for elite members and co-branded credit cardholders.

Key Details:

• Free Spirit elite members and Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard holders will be eligible for free upgrades to Big Front Seats and Comfy Seats
• Upgrades will be available at boarding (based on availability)
• Priority determined by status level
• Benefit extends to one companion on the same reservation
• Begins in June 2025

This is a perk typically associated with legacy carriers, not ultra-low-cost airlines. While the upgrades are only available at boarding (rather than in advance), this still represents significant added value for loyal Spirit customers.

4. Additional Credit Card Benefits Coming

Spirit and Bank of America are enhancing the co-branded credit card offerings:

Key Details:

• Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard holders will receive two free checked bags starting later in 2025
• A new Free Spirit Debit Card will launch in fall 2025, allowing customers to earn points on everyday purchases
• Debit card will include Group 2 priority boarding and 25% rebate on in-flight purchases

The free checked bags benefit is particularly valuable, considering Spirit typically charges $35-65 per checked bag (depending on when you add it and your route).

How These Changes Compare to Competitors

Spirit's upgrades place it in an interesting middle ground between ultra-low-cost carriers and traditional airlines:

Compared to Ultra-Low-Cost Carriers:

• More generous loyalty program benefits than Frontier or Allegiant
• Better premium seating options
• More bundled inclusions

Compared to Traditional Airlines:

• Still lower base fares
• More à la carte structure for basic economy
• Less extensive route network and frequencies
• More limited partner ecosystems

These changes position Spirit as a "value carrier" rather than strictly "ultra-low-cost," similar to what Southwest offers but with a different execution.

How to Maximize Value from Spirit's New Offerings

For Occasional Spirit Flyers:

1. Consider the Go Comfy option for longer flights: The extra 4 inches of legroom can make a significant difference on flights over 2 hours, and the included carry-on bag and flexible change policy add substantial value. For additional peace of mind on budget carriers, consider travel insurance to protect against unexpected delays or cancellations.
2. Look for point redemption sweet spots: With the ability to redeem points for premium bundles, you might find excellent values, especially during sales or on less-traveled routes. Use Skyscanner to track prices and identify the best times to book with points versus cash. Also consider using private browsing when searching for flights to potentially find better deals.
3. Compare the all-in cost: Remember to factor in the value of included benefits when comparing Spirit's bundles to basic economy fares on legacy carriers. You can use Expedia to compare prices across multiple airlines and see the total cost including fees.

For Frequent Spirit Travelers:

1. Pursue Free Spirit status: With the new upgrade benefit, achieving Silver or Gold status could result in numerous complimentary premium seat assignments throughout the year.
2. Consider the Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard: Between the upcoming free checked bags benefit, complimentary upgrades, and existing perks like points earning and redemption rebates, the $79 annual fee (waived first year) could be easily justified with just a few flights. For broader travel rewards strategies, check out our guide to the Chase Quadfecta for maximizing Chase Ultimate Rewards.
3. Book premium bundles with points on high-value routes: Focus your point redemptions on routes where Spirit offers the Big Front Seat or Go Comfy option, especially on longer flights where the comfort difference is most noticeable.

What This Means for Spirit's Future

These upgrades come at a pivotal time for Spirit Airlines. After exiting bankruptcy in March 2025, the carrier has been implementing a strategy that focuses more on premium options and less on being the absolute lowest-cost provider.

Industry analysts have had mixed reactions to this approach, as reported by Reuters. Some question whether Spirit can successfully compete in the more premium space dominated by larger carriers, while others see it as a necessary evolution to improve profitability.

What's clear is that Spirit is making a deliberate effort to change its reputation from "bare bones" to "high value." The airline was recently named Best Airline Overall for 2025 by WalletHub, earning top honors for both safety and affordability, which suggests the strategy may be working.

Conclusion

Spirit Airlines' latest upgrades represent good news for travelers. The new extra-legroom seating option, expanded points redemption opportunities, and elite/cardholder upgrade benefits create genuine value that was previously missing from the Spirit experience.

While the airline still operates on a largely à la carte model for its basic fares, these premium options provide meaningful choices for those willing to pay a bit more for comfort and convenience—or those with status or the right credit card.

As Spirit continues to evolve its model, it's creating a more nuanced position in the market: not quite a traditional carrier, but increasingly more than just the ultra-low-cost option. For savvy travelers who understand how to navigate the various bundles and loyalty benefits, these changes could make Spirit a surprisingly attractive choice.

FAQ

Q: When will the extra-legroom seats be available on all planes?
A: Installation begins in June 2025, with most of the fleet updated by July 2025. The remaining aircraft will be completed in 2026.

Q: How do the free elite upgrades work?
A: Starting in June 2025, Free Spirit elite members and co-branded cardholders will be eligible for complimentary upgrades to Big Front Seats and Go Comfy seats at boarding, based on availability and status level. The benefit extends to one companion on the same reservation.

Q: Is the Go Comfy bundle worth the additional cost?
A: The value depends on your priorities and the length of your flight. For longer flights, the extra 4 inches of legroom plus the included carry-on bag, no change fees, priority boarding, and complimentary snack and beverage could easily justify the premium, especially when compared to adding these benefits individually.

Q: How do Spirit's extra-legroom seats compare to other airlines?
A: At 32 inches of pitch, Spirit's Go Comfy seats offer legroom comparable to standard economy on many major carriers and slightly less than their extra-legroom products (which typically offer 34-36 inches). Spirit's Big Front Seat, at 36 inches, remains one of the best domestic premium economy products for the price.

Q: Can I still book the blocked middle seat version of Go Comfy?
A: Spirit is phasing out the blocked middle seat version of Go Comfy to allow for the introduction of the extra-legroom seating. This transition will happen as aircraft are reconfigured starting in June 2025.

Q: Will the Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard annual fee increase with the new benefits?
A: Spirit has not announced any changes to the card's $79 annual fee (which is waived for the first year) despite the addition of the two free checked bags benefit coming later in 2025.