Affordable Comfort: Upgrade Your Spirit Airlines Seat the Smart Way

Flying on Spirit need not mean sacrificing your comfort. With a Spirit Airlines seat upgrade, travelers can stretch out in the sought-after Big Front Seat, have more legroom, or grab one of the last-minute business-like spaces at slender prices. Let's look at how upgrades work and what they include, to decide if they're worth the cost.

What is the Spirit Airlines Big Front Seat?

Spirit's Big Front Seat is essentially premium seating for the airline. Located right at the very front, these wider seats give up to 11 inches of extra legroom as compared to regular Deluxe Leather seats. Memory foam seat cushions and ergonomically designed headrests aimed at comfortable support without adding bulk to the seat were used in their design. These seats do not recline any further than Spirit's other seats, but they are still roomier and have a more relaxing feel.

These seats are part of Spirit’s Go Big travel option, but you can also book them individually during or after booking, or even bid for them via Seat Bid.

How to Upgrade to a Big Front Seat?

You’ve got three main ways to upgrade:

1. Buy upfront – At booking or later, select and pay for a Big Front Seat. Prices typically range from $12 to $250, but most fall between $50–$150, depending on route.

2. Bid via Seat Bid – After booking, you can submit a bid on Spirit’s platform. You’ll only pay if you win. Many report success with $10–$20 bids.

3. At the gate – Occasionally, agents offer last-minute upgrades at a lower rate, sometimes as low as $35–$80.

Last-Minute Business Class Feel

Though Spirit doesn’t have traditional business class, the Go Big and Big Front Seat options offer the next best thing. Travellers who’ve flown “first class” on Spirit describe these seats as “as nice as any domestic first class seat”, with no middle seat and plenty of elbow room. One reviewer even called themselves a “Spirit Airlines loyalist” after trying Go Big—an experience they said felt like business class for a fraction of the cost.

Is the Upgrade Worth It?

It depends on your priorities. If you’re flying short-haul and mind tight seats, it might not be worth the extra cost. But on longer flights or if you're tall, upgrading can pay off. As one Points Guy review noted, even with $68 per seat, the experience compared favorably with legacy airlines, especially considering basic Spirit fares start much lower.

Plus, Free Spirit loyalty members and co-branded credit cardholders may receive complimentary upgrades at boarding—ideal for last-minute space seekers.

How Much Does a Spirit Seat Upgrade Cost?

• Big Front Seat: $50–$150 on most routes (range $12–$250) 

• Exit Row: Usually $25–$35; seats offer more legroom but less width 

• Bundles (“Go Big”): Include seat + carry-on + priority services; fares vary

Final Word

For a budget-conscious traveler seeking extra space, Spirit Airlines seat upgrades offer impressive value. The Big Front Seat provides a quasi-business-class experience without the typical price. Whether you buy, bid, or upgrade at the gate, knowing your options, Spirit seat upgrade, Spirit Airlines Upgrade, last-minute business class flights, lets you tailor your flight comfort. If getting there in style (and without the crowds) matters, go big and enjoy your journey.