Spirit Airlines to offer 2 free checked bags as a perk for cardholders
Low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines will offer two free checked bags as a perk for cardholders of its branded Mastercard, making the credit card even more appealing.
Spirit confirmed to TPG that the perk will be offered to primary cardholders of the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard®, which is issued by Bank of America. Travelers will now receive up to two free checked bags on flights booked directly on Spirit's website or the Spirit app with their eligible card.
Spirit said each bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and can include special items like golf clubs or skis.
"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," Rana Ghosh, the senior vice president and chief commercial officer at Spirit Airlines, said in a statement shared with TPG. "With two free checked bags, primary cardholders can enjoy more of what they love, including excellent value, great perks and an elevated travel experience."
In addition to the checked bags, cardholders receive access to priority check-in and priority boarding, complimentary upgrades, and a 25% rebate on inflight food and drink purchases. New cardholders who sign up for the Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard can also receive 50,000 bonus points and a $100 flight voucher after spending at least $1,000 on purchases within the first 90 days from opening their account.
The new checked bag perk comes on the heels of Spirit's second bankruptcy filing in less than a year and as the airline faces tough questions about its future. The airline said it will now undergo a "comprehensive" restructuring and vowed to continue flying while it does, but it was nonetheless forced to slash its schedule for November.
The perk also comes months after Southwest Airlines ended its long-standing "bags fly free" policy of offering every passenger two free checked bags. Now, Southwest charges most passengers $35 for their first checked bag and $45 for their second checked bag.
For its part, Spirit offers three fare options, which come with different perks: Spirit First, premium economy, and value. Value is the lowest-priced ticket and comes with extra costs for things like seat selection and baggage. Premium economy comes with a free carry-on bag, while Spirit First includes a free checked bag.
Some of the information for the Free Spirit Travel More Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
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