AirTran vs. Spirit

[irish dancer]

DD15 is going to a cheer competition at Universal in March. We are looking at two different itineraries. One is Airtran the other with Spirit, both out of Chicago and into Orlando non-stop. Anyone have a recommendation? Is one better than the other?

 

[Missy29]

DD15 is going to a cheer competition at Universal in March. We are looking at two different itineraries. One is Airtran the other with Spirit, both out of Chicago and into Orlando non-stop. Anyone have a recommendation? Is one better than the other?

Spirit charges for carry ons so I would definitley go with Air Tran.

 

[ccgirl]

DD15 is going to a cheer competition at Universal in March. We are looking at two different itineraries. One is Airtran the other with Spirit, both out of Chicago and into Orlando non-stop. Anyone have a recommendation? Is one better than the other?

Have flown AirTran and loved them. The seats are a little crowded but that was the only downside. Keep in mind that AirTran is now owned by Southwest. If your AirTran flight is cancelled they can try to put you on a SW flight. If Spirit is cancelled, you are SOL as they have no agreement with any other airline. As PP mentioned, Spirit charges for carry ons, drinks, snacks, etc. Check out their fee list on their website. After adding in all fees, I have never been able to get Spirit cheaper than other airlines.

Good luck with your decision.

 

[airplanegod]

For your sake, I would without a doubt take Airtran. Airtran offers free non-alcoholic drinks, good legroom, and free XM radio. Spirit charges for everything including carry-on bags, drinks, seat assignment, and printing out a ticket. Airtran is the winner here.

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

Can only comment about AirTran, have not used the other but we usually fly nonstop Airtran to WDW. I don't recall having my times changed, flight delayed, baggage lost or any problems, have always had good luck with Airtran. Prior to 9/11, had a poor experience with Delta sticking us on standby although we had booked many months in advance. Airtran was the one that got us home on both legs of our trip & we have used them since.

You can pay for your seats in advance for a little extra, after our issues with Delta the piece of mind it's worth the few dollars to us. Airtran also charges for checked bags but not carry ons. Have fun on your trip

 

[irish dancer]

Thanks everyone. I ended up booking the AirTran itinerary. There were just too many bad reviews and complaints all over the internet not to mention all the extra fees they charge. DD15 is going down with two other girls on her cheer team without an adult so I decided it was too much of a gamble and their fares were not really better than AirTran.

 

[Keegansmommy]

We've flown Spirit many times. This is the first trip we've taken that Spirit has NOT been substantially cheaper (yes, even adding ALL of their "extra" goofy fees) than any other airline. I would check your exact dates and add up all the fees before you assume it makes it more expensive.

 

[irish dancer]

We've flown Spirit many times. This is the first trip we've taken that Spirit has NOT been substantially cheaper (yes, even adding ALL of their "extra" goofy fees) than any other airline. I would check your exact dates and add up all the fees before you assume it makes it more expensive.

It's not just a price issue, I did price it out with all the fees. My DD is 15 and will be flying with a 14yr and 17yr old, no adults. There is only 1 non-stop flight and if anything were to happen with schedule change/cancellation there could be big problems. They are going for a cheer competition so they HAVE to be there at a specific day and can't be flexible with changing to another day. There were just too many bad reviews out there for me to be comfortable. If it were a family trip or an adult would be with them I'd consider it but not this way.