Spirit Airlines offered a voucher. Should you take the refund instead?

When you can insist on cash

• Spirit Airlines cancelled the flight, or changed it by 3 hours or more for a domestic flight, or 6 hours or more for an international flight (or another significant change).
• You didn't fly, and you haven't accepted the credit, voucher or another flight.
• The refund goes to your original payment method, within 7 business days if you paid by credit card, or within 20 calendar days for other payment methods.

When a voucher might make sense

If no refund is due (for example a short delay, or you cancelled a non-refundable ticket yourself), a credit may be the only thing on offer. Check its expiry date and conditions in writing.

Separately, the DOT dashboard lists whether Spirit Airlines offers a credit or voucher for a controllable 3+ hour delay: not listed. That kind of credit is a goodwill promise, not a substitute for a refund you're owed.

How to say no

• Reply to Spirit Airlines in writing: say you don't accept the credit and request a refund to your original payment method under 14 CFR 260.6.
• Don't click links that convert your booking to a credit.
• Keep screenshots of the offer and your reply.
• Spirit isn't on the current DOT dashboard summary, so check its customer service plan. Federal refund rules still apply.

Questions

Can Spirit Airlines make me take a voucher?

Not if a refund is due under the DOT rule. You can decline the credit and ask for your money back.

I already accepted the voucher. Can I still get a refund?

Usually not, because accepting the credit is treated as accepting an alternative. It's still worth asking the airline in writing, especially if you weren't told about the refund option.

Do vouchers expire?

Often, yes. Check the expiry date and conditions before accepting one.