When it comes to air travel, there’s one name that often sparks strong reactions—Spirit Airlines. Known for its ultra-low-cost model and best pricing, Spirit Airlines has long been synonymous with barebones flying. Many travelers were drawn in by the airline’s rock-bottom fares, only to be hit with fees for everything from carry-on bags to water. Over time, this model became less appealing as flyers wised up to the fine print.
After filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2024—citing pandemic-related losses, mounting competition, and a failed JetBlue merger – Spirit Airlines underwent significant debt restructuring. Emerging from the crisis in March 2025, the airline unveiled a bold new vision: to appeal to a more upscale demographic. This transformation includes a series of major cabin overhauls designed to reposition Spirit in the premium travel market.
Spirit Airlines Premium Economy Offers More Comfort
Beginning July 9, travelers flying with Spirit will notice a major change when they booking the airline’s new premium economy option. Passengers seated in this section will enjoy an additional four inches of legroom—something that’s been nearly unheard of on Spirit flights. These roomier seats are located at the front of the plane, with a total of 42 premium seats are now available per flight, compared to just 12 in the past.
This marks the latest evolution in Spirit Airlines’ premium economy experience. It builds on earlier announcements of other upgraded offerings such as Go Comfy, a bundled package including priority boarding, a carry-on and checked bag, a blocked middle seat, plus complimentary snacks & beverages. Go Comfy bookings begin on August 16th, with flights available starting August 27th.
But that’s not all—Spirit is also introducing another new option, Go Big, on August 16. Go Big offers the same perks as Go Comfy, but goes a step further by providing a plusher seat and eliminating the middle seat altogether. These new seating tiers signal a clear shift toward a more luxurious in-flight experience.
A Strategic Move Toward Upscale Travel
While it may seem surprising that a budget airline like Spirit is pivoting to premium travel, the move mirrors broader industry trends. Many carriers are realizing that travelers are increasingly willing to pay the extra money for comfort and convenience.
Frontier Airlines recently introduced UpFront Plus, a first-class option that proved wildly successful—selling 70% of seats within six months of launch. JetBlue also enhanced its offerings with EvenMore, a premium cabin experience featuring reserved overhead bin space, alcoholic drinks, and gourmet snacks.
Even Southwest Airlines, long known for open seating and free bags, joined the wave. On May 1, the airline began offering extra legroom seats and hinted at ending its longstanding open seating policy.
With all these developments, Spirit Airlines premium economy is not just a rebranding—it’s a calculated move to meet changing traveler expectations. As the airline reinvents itself, the coming months will reveal whether this strategy resonates with customers or clashes with its long-standing reputation for no-frills flying.