Is Spirit Airlines a Good Airline? (My Honest Thoughts)

As a travel blogger and aviation enthusiast, I’m always looking for the best airline experience and I’m always curious to know if Spirit Airlines is a good airline.

I’m going to review the airline to determine if it’s a good or bad airline.

Spirit Airlines Review -Pros and Cons
Adam Moreira (AEMoreira042281), CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Overview of Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines is an American ultra-low-cost carrier based in Miramar, Florida.

It is the seventh-largest commercial airline in the United States and serves more than 100 destinations in the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Spirit Airlines operates a fleet of Airbus A319, Airbus A320, Airbus A321, and Airbus A321neo aircraft. The airline also has a few Embraer E190s in its fleet.

Pros of Flying Spirit Airlines

Low-Cost Fares

One of the biggest advantages of flying with Spirit Airlines is the low-cost fares.

I personally experienced this benefit when I flew with them on a trip to Florida. The fare was much cheaper than the other airlines I was considering.

I was able to save around $150 on my round-trip ticket. The fares are also very competitive when compared to other airlines, so you can be sure you are getting the best deal.

Flexible Baggage Policy

Spirit Airlines offers a very flexible baggage policy, which is great for travelers who need to bring more than the standard allowance of two bags.

You can bring up to five bags with you on the plane, depending on the size and weight of the bags.

This is great for travelers who need to bring a lot of items on their trip. You can also pay a fee to bring additional bags, which is much cheaper than the fees charged by other airlines.

Generous Rewards Program

Spirit Airlines has a generous rewards program that allows you to earn points for every dollar you spend.

These points can be used to purchase flights, upgrades, and other perks.

I have personally experienced the benefits of this rewards program, as I have been able to use my points to upgrade my seat on my last flight.

This was a great way to make my flight more comfortable and enjoyable.

In-Flight Amenities

Spirit Airlines offers a variety of in-flight amenities to make your flight more enjoyable. These include complimentary snacks and drinks, free Wi-Fi, and a selection of movies and TV shows.

I have personally experienced the benefits of these amenities, as I was able to enjoy a movie and some snacks during my flight.

This made my flight much more enjoyable and comfortable.

Excellent Customer Service

I have had the pleasure of experiencing the excellent customer service provided by Spirit Airlines.

The staff was friendly and helpful, and they went out of their way to make sure my experience was as pleasant as possible.

They were always willing to answer my questions and provide assistance when needed. This made my trip much more enjoyable and stress-free.

Spirit Airline Review - Pros and cons
Mertbiol, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons

Cons of Flying Spirit Airlines

Hidden Fees

Spirit Airlines is known for charging additional fees for services that are typically included in the ticket price with other airlines, such as baggage, seat selection, and even printing boarding passes at the airport.

Delayed Flights

Spirit Airlines reportedly has a higher rate of delayed and cancelled flights compared to other airlines.

FAQs

What is the cost of tickets on Spirit Airlines?

The cost of tickets on Spirit Airlines varies depending on the route and date of travel.

Generally, the cost of tickets is determined by the demand for the route and the availability of seats.

Prices can also be affected by the time of year, holidays, and other factors.

To get the most up-to-date prices for a particular route, customers should visit the Spirit Airlines website and use the search engine to find the best prices for their desired travel dates.

What are the fees for checked baggage on Spirit Airlines?

Spirit Airlines charges a fee for checked baggage.

The fee for the first checked bag is $30, the fee for the second checked bag is $40, and the fee for the third checked bag is $150.

Customers should be aware that the fees are subject to change and that additional fees may apply depending on the size and weight of the bag.

Does Spirit Airlines have a loyalty program?

Yes, Spirit Airlines has a loyalty program called Free Spirit.

The Free Spirit program allows members to earn points for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and more.

Points can be redeemed for discounts on flights, upgrades, and other rewards.

Members can also take advantage of exclusive offers and discounts on flights, hotels, and car rentals.

What is the baggage allowance on Spirit Airlines?

Spirit Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag on board the plane.

The personal item must be smaller than 16″ x 14″ x 12″ and must fit under the seat in front of the passenger.

The carry-on bag must be smaller than 22″ x 18″ x 10″ and must fit in the overhead bin.

Passengers may also bring a checked bag, but additional fees will apply.

Does Spirit Airlines offer any promotions or discounts for booking flights?

Yes, Spirit Airlines offers promotions and discounts for booking flights.

Spirit Airlines often runs promotions for discounted flights, such as discounted fares for certain destinations or special fares for certain dates.

Additionally, Spirit Airlines offers discounts for booking flights through its loyalty program, Spirit Miles, which allows members to earn points for each flight they take and redeem them for discounts on future flights.

What is Spirit Airlines’ policy for changing or canceling flights?

Spirit Airlines’ policy for changing or canceling flights is outlined on its website.

Generally, passengers can make changes or cancel their flights up to 24 hours before the scheduled departure time without penalty.

If changes or cancellations are made after 24 hours, passengers may be subject to a fee.

Additionally, Spirit Airlines may waive the fee in certain circumstances, such as when a flight is canceled due to weather or mechanical issues.

How comfortable are the seats on Spirit Airlines’ planes?

Spirit Airlines’ seats are designed to be comfortable for passengers.

The seats are made with ergonomic materials that are designed to provide support and comfort for long flights.

Additionally, the seats are adjustable and have adjustable headrests for added comfort.

Does Spirit Airlines have in-flight entertainment options?

Yes, Spirit Airlines offers in-flight entertainment options for passengers.

Passengers can access a variety of movies, TV shows, and music through the airline’s in-flight entertainment system.

Additionally, passengers can access the internet and stay connected with Wi-Fi service on select flights.

Does Spirit Airlines serve meals on its flights?

No, Spirit Airlines does not serve meals on its flights.

All snacks and beverages are available for purchase on board.

Passengers can purchase items such as sandwiches, salads, snacks, and drinks.

The airline also offers a variety of snacks and drinks for purchase in its Spirit Shops.

Does Spirit Airlines offer WiFi on its flights?

Yes, Spirit Airlines offers WiFi on its flights.

Passengers can purchase a WiFi package before their flight and access the internet during their flight.

The airline offers a variety of packages, including unlimited access and limited access packages.

Does Spirit Airlines allow advance seat assignments?

Yes, Spirit Airlines allows passengers to select their seats in advance.

Passengers can select their seats online prior to their flight or at the airport.

The airline also offers a variety of seating options, including extra legroom seats and preferred seating.

Does Spirit Airlines allow pets on its flights?

Yes, Spirit Airlines allows pets on its flights. Passengers can bring their pets on board in approved carriers.

The airline also offers a variety of pet-friendly services, including pet-friendly seating and pet-friendly amenities.

How friendly and helpful is the airline’s staff?

Spirit Airlines staff are known for being friendly and helpful.

Many customers have reported that the staff is always willing to help with any issue or question.

They have been praised for their helpfulness and professionalism when dealing with customers.

The airline also has a 24/7 customer service line that is available for any questions or concerns.

Does the airline offer any special services for travelers with disabilities?

Yes, Spirit Airlines offers special services for travelers with disabilities.

The airline offers wheelchair assistance, priority boarding, and special seating for those with disabilities.

The airline also offers a variety of other services such as pre-boarding assistance, special meal requests, and assistance with baggage.

How easy is it to book a flight with this airline?

Booking a flight with Spirit Airlines is easy and convenient.

Customers can book flights online, over the phone, or in person at a ticket counter.

The airline also offers a variety of payment options, including credit cards, debit cards, and PayPal.

Customers can also use the Spirit Airlines app to book flights and manage their travel plans.

What is the airline’s on-time performance record?

Spirit Airlines has an excellent on-time performance record.

According to the Department of Transportation, the airline had an on-time performance rate of 89.3% in 2019.

This is higher than the average on-time performance rate of 82.4% for all US airlines.

The airline also has a low rate of flight cancellations and delays, making it a reliable option for travelers.

Does Spirit Airlines have a good safety record?

Yes, Spirit Airlines has a good safety record.

According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Spirit Airlines has one of the best safety records in the industry, with fewer than one reportable incident per million flights.

The airline also has an excellent record of on-time arrivals, with an average of 88% of flights arriving on time.

What is the airline’s policy for lost or damaged luggage?

Spirit Airlines’ policy for lost or damaged luggage is outlined in their Contract of Carriage.

According to the Contract of Carriage, passengers are responsible for filing a claim with the airline within seven days of the incident.

The airline will then investigate the claim and reimburse passengers for any reasonable expenses incurred as a result of the lost or damaged luggage.

How extensive is the airline’s route network?

Spirit Airlines has an extensive route network, with flights to more than 60 destinations in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.

The airline also offers seasonal flights to Europe and Canada.

In addition, Spirit Airlines has codeshare agreements with several other airlines, allowing passengers to connect to even more destinations.

Does the airline have any partnerships with other airlines or hotel chains?

Yes, Spirit Airlines has partnerships with several other airlines and hotel chains.

The airline has codeshare agreements with several other airlines, allowing passengers to connect to more destinations.

Spirit Airlines also has a partnership with the Wyndham Hotel Group, offering passengers discounts on hotel stays at more than 8,000 hotels.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience flying with Spirit Airlines was a positive one.

Alternative airlines to consider are Allegiant Air or Frontier Airlines as they both fly similar routes.

Here’s a video review of this airline.

The flights I took were comfortable and the staff was friendly and helpful.

The airline’s on-time performance was good, with most of my flights arriving on time or within a few minutes of the scheduled arrival time.

The airline’s cancellation rate was also low, with only a small percentage of flights being canceled.

The prices for Spirit Airlines flights were also competitive, making it a great option for budget-conscious travelers.

I would definitely recommend flying with Spirit Airlines to anyone looking for an affordable and reliable airline.