Anyone any info on Spirit Air

[JandD Mom]

So USAir is closing MetoJet, and Airtran is starting to tighten up. Anyone hear anything about Spirit? I can fly them out of Atlantic City, which, as a bit of trivia, also happens to be where the Sky Marshall training program is located.

Just wondering if they are going to tighten up, or close up. Thanks!

 

[DisneyPro]

We were supposed to go from LGA (New York La Guardia) to Melbourne to visit some friends then drive up to Disney but they are no longer going there. We will go to Orlando instead and have to change our plans a little

 

[ducklite]

Personally I wouldn't hold my breath for any of the little carriers to stay afloat. The majors will be cutting fares in order to increase cash flow immediately, although they won't stay low for long, and will likely go WAY up soon enough.

So the majors will cut fares, the mini's will fold, the majors will have less competition, this is not a good time to try to get an upstart financed. Once the competition ahs dropped and business returns, the carriers will raise fares in order to try to get some black ink on the books.

Who knows, some of the smaller regional carriers and upstarts might survive, but I see the 1980's all over again. Remember Eastern? Allegheny? Legend? Braniff? AirCal? Republic? Piedmont?

Anne

 

[timkin]

Actually we here that Spirit is adding flights to their schedule. At least flying out of Detroit.. The only problem with spirit is that the planes are older and the flight is no frills. Sometime long waits in line for your boarding pass.

 

[patti2]

I hope Spirit does stay in business. We have been flying Spirit out of Atlantic City since thay started. My flight for next month is still on even though they have cut the number of flights for the next month. I enjoy the convenience and ease of the AC airport and would hate to have to go out of Philadelphia. These flights out of AC are very popular to all the Florida destinations and hope they continue that way.

 

[Debi]

I have flown Spirit out of Atlantic City many times over the last 2 years, and don't have any complaints about them. I've only experienced one delay (1.5 hours) because the emergency exit had broken. One delay in 10+ flights is a pretty good record. Although many complain about Spirit's lack of customer service, I've never experienced it; they've always been accomadating when schedule changes have come up (for example, the flight I was scheduled to return on next month was cancelled, and they offered me a choice of two other flights to return home on), and other issues that have come up (price changes, etc.). If Spirit is convienent and affordable for you, definately give them a try!

 

[JandD Mom]

Has anyone flown out of Atlantic City recently? How is the security there?

 

[shelbyjosh]

I cannot foresee any bankruptcy problems with Spirit. We are sititng on 4 tix for March and I haev no doubt that they will still be around. They did layoff 600-800 people. But just about every carrier did the same (only more). Whenever we have checked in at DTW we have always waited in line. Now I guess we can expect to wait longer. That's fine with me if it means better security. If I am not mistaken, I believe Spirit has several jets on order. I think I read this in their in-flight magazine back in March. Who knows? This may get pushed back considering recent events.

 

[lifer]

spirit's website suggests arriving 3 hours prior to departure time...this adds six hours to a 2 plus hour flight twice...add travel time to airport itself...we fly spirit exclusively for wdw, but this october trip we will rent minivan at ac airport for $400 and drive (unlimited miles w/ hertz via orbitz)...spirit is no-frills, no nonsense, herd you on the plane, you're up, get a soda & you're on the ground...but beware, the tix are non-refundable, you can alter names & dates for a fee, but it is definitely not a flexible carrier...we've only experienced one delayed flight in like 8 years of flying with them, and the early morning flights have less delays; they are adding more flights out of ac in november...i hear usair flights are cheap out of phila, but we hate dealing with philly airport hassles & parking...tough call, i don't envy you

 

[patti2]

JandD Mom,

No I have not flown Spirit out of AC recently, but will be flying next month. A recent newspaper article did include a picture of State troopers at the airport and talked of tightened security.

 

[JandD Mom]

I was really worried. I saw and article quoting an interview with the acting governor, who indicated the only airport in NJ that would be affected and therefore, the only airport getting national guardsman was Newark. I read that and said "Hello, Donny, did you forget about AC international?" I think he did.

 

[ducklite]

Originally posted by JandD Mom
I was really worried. I saw and article quoting an interview with the acting governor, who indicated the only airport in NJ that would be affected and therefore, the only airport getting national guardsman was Newark. I read that and said "Hello, Donny, did you forget about AC international?" I think he did.

"Acting Governor" says it all.

Anne