Spirit miles expire, but yours don't have to

Spirit's official policy on miles is that if you haven't earned any miles in three months, then your miles are forfeit. This is the most aggressive of any frequent flyer program I've ever heard of. This is bad.

Notice also that I bolded the earned part. Spirit specifically uses the word "credited," so this may be more broad than "earning." One trick in other programs that expire miles or points, is to use a minimum of miles for some kind of redemption, like ordering a magazine for 1200 miles. That will not work in the Free Spirit program. The miles must be earned or credited to the account!

There are a few ways to accomplish this.

1) Fly on Spirit at least every three months.

Not everyone will be able to do this, and I would even discourage it, because if you're close to the three month mark, and your flight is delayed, you might be stuck without a chance to use your points! No one wants that.

2) Sign up for the credit card and spend every month.

I'd recommend this option, and certainly Spirit pushes it hard enough! They have it plastered all over the home page! If you try to book an award and see the Mastercard availability, they'll push you to apply. If you're on a flight, they'll push you to apply. If you're breathing within earshot of a Spirit representative, they'll push you to apply!

3) Transfer in points from another program every three months.

Personally, I've found some value in the promotions that Choice Hotels run. It can be worth it just to get Spirit miles. Another I've found is the Vinesse wine program that Spirit sometimes pushes on email subscribers and airfare purchasers, but the offer differs between channels and month-to-month.

So, those are your three options to keep your Spirit miles from expiring. I'd recommend the credit card. There is some conflict in the terms where Spirit's FAQ says your miles won't expire when you spend every month on the card, versus the Free Spirit terms that only specify that you need to be credited every three months. I'd advise going the safer route, and just put a recurring bill on the card, like Netflix. Just remember to pay it off, maybe with automatic monthly payments!

Travel free!
~Free Spirit Travel