Free Spirit is offering a new status match challenge for elite members of other airlines
Editor's Note
If you haven't flown Spirit Airlines in a while (or ever), it might be worth giving the carrier a shot. After all, a lot has changed at the airline recently. With no change and cancellation fees, streaming Wi-Fi and Go Comfy fares that include a blocked middle seat, it may be tempting to try Spirit even if you have elite status with another airline.
To encourage frequent travelers to give Spirit a try, the airline is targeting elite members of other airlines for a new Free Spirit status match challenge. This status match challenge is available from this landing page for travelers who meet all the following criteria:
- Have a Free Spirit account (you can create an account now if needed)
- Not received a status match or complimentary Free Spirit status within the past two years
- Currently have elite status with a qualifying airline that you earned through that airline's published requirements (complimentary status or status you earned through a promotion isn't eligible)
You'll need to provide proof of your status with the other airline program via a membership document that shows your first and last name, airline loyalty account number, elite status and points accumulated for status. Here are the statuses Free Spirit will match during this status match challenge:
| Other airline | Statuses that match to Free Spirit Silver | Statuses that match to Free Spirit Gold |
|---|---|---|
Alaska | MVP | MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K |
American | Gold | Platinum, Platinum Pro, Executive Platinum and Concierge Key |
Delta | Silver | Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Delta 360 |
Frontier | Elite Gold | Elite Platinum and Elite Diamond |
JetBlue | Mosaic 1 | Mosaic 2, Mosaic 3 and Mosaic 4 |
Southwest | A-List | A-List Preferred |
United | Premier Silver | Premier Gold, Premier Platinum, Premier 1K and Global Services |
Related: What are hotel and airline status matches, and how do you get one?
If you meet the criteria for this status match challenge, it's worth considering whether Spirit offers better rates or routing for one or more of your upcoming trips. If Spirit does, consider heading to the status match landing page and filling out the status match challenge application.
Once you apply, you'll receive a response within five business days. However, you'll want to be ready to begin the challenge when you submit it, as you'll receive complimentary Free Spirit status for 90 days within 24 hours of approval.
You can enjoy the benefits of Free Spirit status for 90 days through this status match challenge. But you can retain your status through the end of 2025 if you meet the following challenge requirements. These requirements are based on the Free Spirit status you obtain through the status match:
- Free Spirit Silver: Earn 500 status qualifying points on flights operated by Spirit Airlines or spend on the Free Spirit® Travel More World Elite Mastercard®
- Free Spirit Gold: Earn 1,250 status qualifying points on flights operated by Spirit Airlines or spend on the Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard
However, only flights booked between December 9, 2024, and February 28, 2025, and completed within 90 days of your status match approval will count. That means existing reservations will not count — nor will flights booked this weekend.
As a result, you'll want to time this out carefully to ensure any flights you book from Monday fall within your 90-day window.
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.
Typically, Free Spirit Silver requires 2,000 status qualifying points in a calendar year, and Gold requires 5,000 status qualifying points in a calendar year. You'll earn 1 status qualifying point per dollar on eligible Spirit fares and optional service purchases, and you'll earn 1 status qualifying point per $10 when you use your Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard for purchases.
So, if you match to Free Spirit Gold during this status match challenge, you could retain the status through the end of 2025 by spending $1,250 on flights or $12,500 on your Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard during the 90-day trial period. However, most travelers with the Free Spirit Travel More World Elite Mastercard would likely strive to satisfy the challenge via a combination of flights and credit card spending.
Related: Why having the Spirit Airlines credit card isn't a bad idea
The experience of flying Spirit, and the points you'll earn when flying Spirit, also improve when you have Free Spirit status. Free Spirit Silver members earn 8 points per dollar on fares and 16 points per dollar on options like seats and bags. Silver members enjoy Shortcut Security, priority boarding, standard seat selection at booking, exit row seating if available 180 minutes before departure and the ability to create a points pool.
Meanwhile, Free Spirit Gold elite members enjoy 10 points per dollar on fares and 20 points per dollar on options. In addition to the perks available to Silver members, Gold members also get a first checked bag, a carry-on bag, standard seat selection (including exit rows) at booking, priority check-in, streaming Wi-Fi and an onboard snack and beverage.
Related: Budget airline survival guide: Avoid fees and enjoy your flight
Bottom line
So, if you're eligible, should you enroll in this Free Spirit status match challenge? That depends on whether you will use its benefits and whether now is the best time for a status match challenge with Free Spirit. After all, applying for a status match challenge now will likely prevent you from doing so again for at least a few years.
If you want to switch your airline allegiance, this status match challenge may be the perfect opportunity. For example, my father-in-law lives near Birmingham, Alabama, which Spirit started serving in October. So he might want to match his Southwest A-List Preferred status to Free Spirit Gold to give Spirit a try. Then, if he enjoys flying Spirit as a Gold elite member, he might be tempted to earn 1,250 status qualifying points during the 90-day challenge period to secure the status through the end of 2025.
Finally, although Spirit filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection on Nov. 18, the airline is operating as usual as it goes through bankruptcy. Check out our frequently asked questions post about the Spirit Airlines bankruptcy to learn how it might affect your travel and Free Spirit status. But in short, I wouldn't let this bankruptcy filing stop me from utilizing this status match challenge.
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.