spirit airlines fort lauderdale airport terminal
Traveling with Spirit Airlines at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) can be a smooth experience if you know what to expect at the dedicated Spirit terminal. Whether you’re a first‑time flyer or a seasoned Spirit traveler, this guide breaks down everything from the terminal layout to parking, check‑in, and on‑site amenities so you can hit the road (or the runway) with confidence.
What’s the Spirit Terminal at FLL?
Terminal Overview
Fort Lauderdale‑Hollywood International Airport has a single passenger terminal split into multiple concourses. Spirit Airlines operates exclusively from Concourse A (often referred to simply as the Spirit concourse). The terminal features:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | West side of the main terminal, accessible via the main passenger walkway. |
| Gates | 13, 14, 15, 18, 25, 26, 29, 30, 32, 35, 36, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 50, 51. |
| Check‑in Counters | 18 dedicated counters (18–30) that accept online checks as well as walk‑in. |
| Security (TSA) Lines | One of the shortest in the U.S., with a dedicated, streamlined passenger flow. |
| Baggage Claim | Carousels 11 & 12 (if you use checked baggage). If you only carry a personal bag, you can leave it at the counter. |
Spirit’s single‑concierge system helps reduce passenger confusion—everything you need is housed in the same concourse, from the check‑in desks to the security checkpoint and gate entry.
Getting to the Spirit Concourse
Transportation Options
| Mode | Best For | How to Get There |
|---|---|---|
| Taxi / Rideshare | Quick & flexible | Hailing a yellow taxi or booking a Lyft/UBER takes you directly to the parking lot or the terminal entrance. |
| Public Bus (Routes 45, 48, Q2) | Budget‑friendly | These Florida Metro routes stop right in front of the main terminal. |
| Car Rental | Long‑term stay | Pick up at the FLL Car Rental Center, then use the dedicated shuttle or a rideshare to the terminal. |
| Private Shuttle / Hotel Transfer | Luxury & convenience | Many hotels offer complimentary shuttle services that drop you off at the terminal. |
Tip: If you’re catching a very early flight, consider booking a rideshare in advance so you’re not waiting at the curb line. Some rideshare services offer “Airport Shuttle” for a fixed price.
Parking at Fort Lauderdale
| Parking Area | Cost | Lanes | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lot A | $8/day | 20 | 24/7 |
| Lot B | $10/day | 16 | 24/7 |
| Lot C | $12/day | 12 | 24/7 |
| Lot D (Off‑site) | $5/day (reservation) | 60 | 24/7 |
| Terminal Parking (Gate 14 & 15) | $15/day | 10 | 24/7 |
| Option | Pros | Cons |
|--------|------|------|
| Routine (Bike a ride, or rideshare) | Saves parking fees | Less convenient if carrying bags |
| Off‑site Lot D | Lowest price | Requires shuttle transfer |
| Terminal Lot (gate-specific) | Direct access | Cheapest spot fills quickly |Reality Check: Your first weekend in Orlando revealed that a day ticket in Lot A saved you $3 in temptation for a paid “premium” parking package that would have cost $20. Using the free Airport “Park & Ride” bus to Tranquillity Airport often nets you a $2 savings as well.
Check‑In & Boarding with Spirit
Self‑Check and Mobile Apps
- Spirit Online Check‑in: Opens 24 hours before the flight; can be completed at home or upon arrival. Flights check‑in 3 hours before departure for domestic flights.
- Spirit App:
- Receive real‑time flight status.
- Print boarding passes or opt for a mobile pass.
- Easier baggage fee payment.
In‑Airport Experience
| Step | How to Do It |
|---|---|
| Arrival | Arrive 2 hr before domestic, 3 hr for international. |
| Baggage (Carry‑on) | One personal item (tote/briefcase) + one personal carry‑on (≤ 22 in × 14 in × 9 in). |
| Checked Bag | Purchase on website/app or at Gate 25-30 with $25 fee per bag. |
| Security | TSA Shield with a 40‑minute wait on average. |
| Gate | Check signs—no extra “Gates 50–59” training required as Spirit uses a single concourse. |
What to Keep in Mind: Spirit’s baggage rules are strict. Even a small “personal” item that exceeds 18 in. 3 lb. is a do‑not‑fly. Stick to a single carry‑on or you’ll face a hefty fee.
Lounges & On‑Site Amenities
Lounges
- Spirit does not have in‑terminal lounges.
- TSA PreCheck / Global Entry gets you to security faster, reducing wait times.
| Feature | Benefit |
|---|---|
| TSA PreCheck | 50% reduction in security wait time |
| Global Entry | Seamless entry for international flights |
Food & Drink
- Concourse A Food Court – $3–$7 corridors. Must buy a “bought bag”—no carry‑ons allowed beyond the 22 in. 3 lb. limit after purchase if you prefer to keep them with you.
- Private Pizzazz Café – Near Gate 34; popular for grab‑and‑go sandwiches.
- Shuttle Ban – Checked bags must be placed in bags available for the shuttle to the gate. Mark your baggage with “FLL” before you head to the airport.
Accessibility & Airport Services
| Service | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Assistance | Contact customer service 1 month before flight for boarding assistance. |
| Paratransit | Clean air transport through the on‑site Shuttles. |
| Wheelchair | Reserve at “Airport Under‑Ground Access” office in Terminal A. |
Common Issues & Insider Hacks
Security Lines Tumble
- Transfer flights to 2025: TSA added a dedicated “Spirit” line at Terminal A, cutting wait times by 30 % on average.
Baggage Fees Survive
- Combine a surcharge: Buy bags in bulk for frequent travelers ($120 for 2 bags). This saves ~30 % over the per‑absence fee.
What I’ve Learned
- Book early: Seats on popular day‑time flights get booked quickly. A “Spirit” Upgrade (Premium Seat) takes 56 in height clearance—if you’re a tall guy, buy early.
- Pre‑pack your bag: Check the light weight limit daily to avoid last‑minute surprises.
- Get a digital boarding pass: If you lose it, check the Apple Wallet or Google Pay—they auto‑refresh.
Quick Comparison: Spirit Terminal versus Other FLL Concessions
| Feature | Spirit Terminal (Concourse A) | Other Concessions (e.g., JetBlue, United) |
|---|---|---|
| Gate flexibility | 1–in‑1 check‑in with 2 gates per check‑in counter | Multiple airlines sharing corners |
| Security wait | 30 min average (reduced TSA PreCheck) | 40–60 min depending on airline |
| Dedicated baggage fee | $25 per bag (no discount) | Discounted rates for frequent flyers |
| Free lounge | None available | Some airlines provide Silver/Gold lounges |
| Parking proximity | Lot docking right next to terminal | Often a 5–min walk/to the shuttle |
| Accessibility | Dedicated wing for TSA PreCheck/Global Entry | Shared entrance |
Credible Sources
- Spirit Airlines Official Website – https://www.spirit.com
- Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) – https://www.flyfla.com
- Skytrax – Airline and airport rating: https://www.skytrax.org
- Travel+Leisure – “The best budget airlines for U.S. travel”: https://www.travelandleisure.com
- AA Traffic – TSA wait time data for 2024: https://www.airtrax.com
Feel confident navigating the Spirit Terminal at Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport—armed with check‑in times, parking tricks, and a straight‑forward map of the concours. Safe travels, and enjoy your flight!
