Is Spirit Airlines Good? A Comprehensive Analysis

since its inception. With its ultra-low-cost business model, it appeals to budget-conscious travelers looking to save money on airfare. However, the airline’s approach to additional fees, minimal services, and a no-frills flying experience has led some to question its value. In this article, we’ll delve into various aspects of Spirit Airlines to determine whether it’s good for different types of travelers.

History and Business Model of Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines was founded in 1983 as a charter company named Charter One. It wasn’t until 1992 that it started offering scheduled flights and rebranded as Spirit Airlines. By 2007, Spirit had transitioned to the ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) model, positioning itself as the go-to airline for budget-conscious flyers.

The ULCC business model is built around offering the lowest possible base fares by stripping down many traditional airline services. Spirit allows passengers to pay for only what they need—be it baggage, seat selection, or onboard amenities—rather than incorporating those services into the ticket price. This á la carte pricing is central to Spirit’s strategy and has helped the airline grow rapidly in an industry where margins are often tight.

Price Comparison: Are the Fares Really That Low?

One of the main selling points of Spirit Airlines is its low fares. At first glance, a flight with Spirit can cost significantly less than flights with traditional carriers like Delta, American Airlines, or United. These base fares attract many customers, especially those flying short distances or on last-minute trips.

However, a key aspect of Spirit’s pricing is that the initial fare is often just the starting point. Additional fees for services that are usually included with other airlines can quickly add up. For example:

• Carry-on bags: While most airlines include a carry-on in their fare, Spirit charges for carry-ons in addition to checked bags.
• Seat selection: Want to sit with your family or friends? You’ll have to pay extra to choose your seat. Otherwise, you may be assigned a seat randomly.
• Snacks and drinks: Unlike most airlines that offer complimentary snacks and beverages, Spirit charges for all food and drink items, including water.
• Check-in at the airport: If you don’t check in online, you’ll be charged a fee for checking in at the airport counter.

If you’re a traveler who doesn’t need these extras, Spirit can provide significant savings. However, for those who expect a more inclusive experience, the final cost of a Spirit ticket can rival or even surpass those of traditional airlines once all the fees are factored in.

The Spirit Experience: What’s it Like to Fly Spirit Airlines?

Seating and Comfort

One of the most common criticisms of Spirit Airlines is the lack of comfort in its seating arrangements. Spirit’s planes are configured to maximize the number of passengers, which means seats are tightly spaced. Spirit’s seats generally have a pitch (the distance between rows) of 28 inches, which is among the smallest in the industry. For comparison, other airlines may offer 30-32 inches of seat pitch.

Additionally, Spirit’s seats don’t recline, a feature some passengers find uncomfortable, especially on longer flights. Instead of traditional tray tables, some Spirit seats are equipped with smaller, almost pocket-sized trays, which can be inconvenient if you’re trying to use a laptop or eat.

However, Spirit does offer an upgrade option called the “Big Front Seat.” These seats are located at the front of the plane, have more legroom, and are wider, similar to domestic first-class seats on other airlines. While this upgrade comes with an additional fee, it can still be a more affordable alternative to flying first class on other carriers.

Customer Service

Customer service is another area where Spirit has received mixed reviews. Spirit’s ULCC model is focused on minimizing costs, and this often includes fewer customer service representatives both at the airport and on board. The airline has been criticized for poor communication in the event of delays or cancellations, and passengers have reported difficulties in resolving issues with refunds or flight changes.

Spirit is a no-frills airline, which means that passengers cannot expect the same level of personal service found on full-service carriers. However, it’s worth noting that many budget airlines across the world operate similarly, and Spirit is no exception. For passengers who are self-sufficient and don’t need much assistance, this might not be a significant drawback.

On-time Performance and Reliability

A major consideration for travelers is the reliability of an airline. Spirit Airlines has made strides in improving its on-time performance over the years, and according to data from the U.S. Department of Transportation, it has been competitive with other major airlines in this regard. However, delays and cancellations are still reported, and like most budget airlines, Spirit may not always have the resources to easily accommodate passengers in the event of a disruption.

It’s also worth considering that, as a ULCC, Spirit’s flights may be more limited in terms of frequency and routes. If a flight is canceled, passengers may have fewer rebooking options compared to those flying with a traditional carrier that offers multiple daily flights on the same route.

Who Benefits Most from Flying Spirit Airlines?

Spirit Airlines can be an excellent choice for certain types of travelers. Understanding who benefits most from the Spirit Airlines experience can help determine whether it’s the right airline for you.

Budget Travelers

For the most budget-conscious travelers, especially those who are flexible and don’t mind the lack of frills, Spirit can offer significant savings. If you travel with only a personal item, don’t care about seat selection, and can bring your own snacks, you can avoid most of Spirit’s extra fees. For short flights where comfort is less of a concern, Spirit’s low base fares are hard to beat.

Solo Travelers and Backpackers

Solo travelers, particularly those without much luggage, can take advantage of Spirit’s low fares without worrying about paying for extras like seat selection. If you’re a traveler who is only bringing a small backpack (which counts as a free personal item), Spirit’s fee structure can work in your favor.

Last-Minute Flyers

For travelers who need to book flights at the last minute, Spirit can often offer cheaper fares than traditional carriers, even with the added fees. This is particularly true for shorter domestic flights where price sensitivity is high. Just make sure to consider whether the limited flight frequencies fit your schedule.

Who Might Want to Avoid Spirit Airlines?

While Spirit Airlines can be a great fit for certain travelers, it’s not ideal for everyone. Some groups may want to consider alternatives if they value comfort, convenience, or predictability.

Families and Groups

Families and groups traveling together might find Spirit’s extra fees for seat selection prohibitive, especially if they want to sit together. While you can pay for guaranteed adjacent seating, this can significantly increase the overall cost of your trip. Additionally, families traveling with children may find the lack of amenities like in-flight entertainment or complimentary drinks challenging.

Business Travelers

Business travelers, particularly those on tight schedules or those who need to work during flights, might find Spirit’s limited legroom, non-reclining seats, and small tray tables unsuitable. The lack of onboard Wi-Fi and other conveniences offered by traditional airlines can also be a drawback for business flyers.

Long-Haul Travelers

For longer flights, Spirit’s lack of comfort can become a significant issue. The minimal legroom and non-reclining seats can make long-haul travel exhausting. For those traveling long distances, the small price difference between Spirit and a traditional carrier may not be worth the discomfort.

Spirit Airlines: Rewards Program and Frequent Flyer Benefits

Spirit Airlines offers a frequent flyer program called the Free Spirit Program. In recent years, Spirit has improved this program, making it more competitive with those offered by traditional carriers. Free Spirit members can earn points on flights, as well as on purchases made with Spirit’s co-branded credit card.

One major improvement in the Free Spirit Program is that points no longer expire after just three months of inactivity, a common complaint with the previous system. Now, points remain valid for 12 months after earning them, making it easier for infrequent travelers to accumulate rewards. Additionally, Spirit offers status levels that come with perks like free seat selection, free checked bags, and dedicated customer service.

While the Free Spirit Program may not be as robust as those of larger airlines, it can still provide value for those who fly Spirit frequently. However, for casual flyers, the benefits may not be as compelling, especially if they travel on a variety of airlines.

Conclusion: Is Spirit Airlines Good?

Whether Spirit Airlines is “good” depends largely on what you’re looking for in a travel experience. For travelers prioritizing cost above all else, Spirit’s ultra-low-cost business model delivers on its promise of low base fares. Solo travelers, backpackers, and budget-conscious flyers who can forego the extras may find Spirit to be an excellent choice.