Bilt Rewards Adds Spirit Airlines’ Free Spirit as a 1:1 Transfer Partner: Essential Guide for Real-Life Travelers in 2025
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!- Bilt Rewards adds Spirit Airlines’ Free Spirit as a 1:1 transfer partner — a new option for earning virtually free domestic flights.
- This partnership benefits budget-savvy travelers, especially those in cities near Spirit hubs.
- Transferring rewards is instant, but not always the best value for points—know when it makes sense.
- Redemption options start at 2,500 points, making this a win for spontaneous or short-haul trips.
- Match Spirit’s low-cost fares with HopStrip tips on booking smart, saving, and traveling light.
Table of Contents
- Why the Bilt + Spirit Transfer Option Matters for Budget Travelers
- What Is Free Spirit? Understanding Spirit’s Frequent Flyer Program
- Best Bilt Rewards + Spirit Redemptions for 2025
- How to Transfer Bilt Rewards to Free Spirit (Step by Step)
- How to Plan This Trip the Smart Way (With Free Spirit Points)
- HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for This Trip
Why the Bilt + Spirit Transfer Option Matters for Budget Travelers
When Bilt Rewards adds Spirit Airlines’ Free Spirit as a 1:1 transfer partner, the travel rewards world shakes up—for good reason. Most reward programs prioritize luxury airlines or international alliances. But bringing Spirit’s ultra-low-cost domestic reach into the fold unlocks a whole new category of traveler: those who value affordability, flexibility, and convenience over airport lounges or lie-flat beds.
Here’s why this new connection is a game-changer:
- Instant 1:1 Transfers – No devaluation or math gymnastics. One Bilt point = one Free Spirit point, transferred immediately.
- Low Redemption Threshold – Some Free Spirit flights are bookable starting around 2,500–10,000 points (plus taxes and fees). That’s attainable even for infrequent renters.
- Hub Coverage – Spirit has major hubs in cities like Las Vegas (LAS), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), Orlando (MCO), Dallas (DFW), and more. Frequent travelers near these cities win big.
- Ideal for Short-Haul or Spontaneous Trips – Bilt’s rent-paying users can unlock weekend trips without draining a vacation fund.
Cons to keep in mind? Spirit is a no-frills airline. You’ll pay extra for seat selection, carry-on bags, and even water onboard. But when paired with free points, that tradeoff can be smart—if you plan accordingly.
What Is Free Spirit? Understanding Spirit’s Frequent Flyer Program
Free Spirit is Spirit Airlines’ loyalty program, and just like the airline itself—it’s no-frills but sneaky powerful if used correctly. Here’s what to know:
- Points & Redemption
- You earn and redeem points based on dollars spent, not distance flown.
- Free Spirit points expire after 12 months of inactivity, which Bilt transfers can reset.
- Redemptions start at just 2,500 points (one-way) but vary depending on route and demand.
- With Bilt transfers now available, you can top up your account whenever needed.
- Status Tiers
- Free Spirit has elite tiers (Silver, Gold) based on qualifying spending, but for casual flyers using only Bilt points, this won’t matter much.
- Booking Options
- Flights must be booked directly through Spirit.com or their app.
- Taxes and fees are not covered by points and must be paid separately.
Hot Tip: Booking Free Spirit awards doesn’t show a formal award chart—prices change dynamically. If you see a good value, grab it!
Best Bilt Rewards + Spirit Redemptions for 2025
Not all Bilt-to-Spirit redemptions are created equal. To maximize value, focus on these sweet-spot strategies:
- Short Domestic Flights (Under 1,000 miles)
Routes like Orlando to Atlanta or Dallas to Houston can price out at under 5,000 points. These are great low-point “weekender” trips, especially when cash fares are inflated.
- Midweek Getaways
Spirit’s demand is typically lowest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays—timing your redemption here can yield lower point costs.
- Last-Minute Trips
While cash fares skyrocket close to departure, award redemptions sometimes remain stable. If you’re flexible, you might snag a last-minute deal.
- Avoid High Fees Routes
Spirit’s international flights often carry higher fees. Stick with domestic unless you’re okay paying $100+ in taxes.
Compare Flights Easily: Use this flight comparison tool to find Spirit routes that offer good points value compared to cash fares.
How to Transfer Bilt Rewards to Free Spirit (Step by Step)
Transferring your Bilt Rewards to Free Spirit is simple—but you do need an active Bilt and Free Spirit account. Here’s how:
- Log into the Bilt Rewards app.
- Navigate to the “Travel” tab.
- Select “Transfer Travel Partners,” then choose Spirit Airlines.
- Link your Free Spirit account by entering your number.
- Enter the number of points to transfer (minimum 1,000, in multiples of 1,000).
- Confirm—and done. Transfers are instant!
Caution: Transfers are one-way and irreversible. Make sure your dream flight is available before you commit.
Want to see how these steps work in action? Check out the full announcement on The Points Guy.
How to Plan This Trip the Smart Way (With Free Spirit Points)
Here’s how to use Bilt Rewards and Free Spirit points to plan a savvy, cost-effective trip:
- Identify Potential Destinations
Start by finding cities Spirit serves directly from your home airport. Their route map on Spirit’s website is a great place to look.
- Use Flight Search Tools to Compare Value
Use Kiwi.com to compare cash versus points fares—this helps you decide if transferring makes sense.
- Activate and Link Free Spirit to Bilt
Don’t wait until the last minute. Link your accounts beforehand so you’re ready when a deal pops up.
- Travel Light (or Strategize Add-Ons)
Spirit charges for everything—including a carry-on. Learn their fee structure and pack accordingly, or consider bundling with the “Big Front Seat” if you value comfort.
- Anchor Your Stay with Smart Lodging
Inexpensive flights mean you can splurge—or save—on where you sleep. Check out affordable hotels or luxury stays in your chosen destination.
- Check Booking Windows & Dynamic Pricing
Spirit uses dynamic pricing even for award flights. If you see a great deal, snag it quickly.
HopStrip-Style Tips and Tools for This Trip
Make your Free Spirit trip even smoother by embracing these HopStrip travel hacks:
- Build Trips Around Spirit’s Hubs – Maximize value by flying to/from places like Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale, or Chicago.
- Bring Only a Personal Item – Optimize for Spirit’s baggage policy with a sleek personal item like a TravelPro underseat backpack.
- Combine with Local Experiences – Once you’ve got a cheap flight, upgrade your experience with local tours or small-group excursions from GetYourGuide.
- Don’t Over-Transfer – Only move Bilt points when you’ve found a confirmed award rate; otherwise, your points will be locked in Spirit’s system.
- For Smooth Arrivals – Need a reliable ride to your hotel after your Spirit flight? Book an affordable airport transfer in advance.
FAQ: Bilt Rewards Adds Spirit Airlines’ Free Spirit as a 1:1 Transfer Partner
- Is transferring Bilt Rewards to Spirit a good value?
It depends. If you’re booking a short-haul, low-cash fare itinerary where award seats are pricing at or below 6,000–10,000 points, it’s excellent value. But for international or peak-season flights, point redemptions may not be as compelling.
- How long do Bilt to Spirit transfers take?
Transfers are instant, making it convenient for spontaneous bookings or last-minute redemptions.
- Do you need elite status to book with Free Spirit points?
No, anyone can redeem Free Spirit points, regardless of status—though elite members may have access to better rates or waived fees.
- Can I transfer points back from Free Spirit into Bilt?
No. All Bilt -> Spirit transfers are one-way and cannot be reversed.
- Where can I see Spirit routes and prices?
Visit Spirit’s official website and use their fare search tool to explore available destinations and pricing.
Final Thoughts: Should You Transfer Bilt to Spirit?
In short: when used right, it’s a strategic power-up. The news that Bilt Rewards adds Spirit Airlines’ Free Spirit as a 1:1 transfer partner brings deeply practical value to a group of travelers often left out of luxury-focused rewards programs.
For renters stacking points via daily spend and rent payments, this partnership offers a real path to affordable, fast getaways without complicated booking setups. Just remember—don’t transfer blindly. Always compare cash fares, factor in Spirit’s baggage fees, and layer in HopStrip tools to travel smarter.
So go ahead—turn rent into runway time.
