Is spirit airlines as bad as the internet says?

[Traveling on cc points]

For the last 10 years or so we have flown nothing but southwest. I know that some people don’t love the cattle call boarding process but I have A List which usually gets us a great boarding number. I love that we get 2 free checked bags, love that if the price goes down, we get a refund on the points we paid. Love that if there was an emergency and we have to cancel last minute. I can go on and on why I love SW.

We booked our direct SW flights for the end of January from BDL to MCO but SW changed our direct evening flight home to and early flight with a 3 hour layover. There are no other direct flights that would work for us and the idea of sitting in a connecting airport instead of enjoying our last morning at BLT in very unappealing.

I found a direct flight on spirit that leaves mco at 5:25 pm For $18.09 per person!!
Granted, that price includes absolutely nothing other than the flight. I can add 2 checked bags up to 50lbs and get our coveted exit row seats for $161 total for 2 of us. If we decide to try spirit, we would keep our direct flight to Mco on SW and fly home on spirit.

Everything I have read about spirit has been awful, has anyone had any good experiences?

 

[KristaZ]

We're pretty loyal Southwest fliers (haven't paid for a flight with anything but points in a long time and we have a companion pass), but we actually flew Spirit home from MCO to BDL in September precisely because Southwest changed our evening flight to an early afternoon flight and Spirit offered the latest direct flight. It was definitely not as bad as I was expecting. It was more crowded than I would have liked (a full flight, no middle seats blocked off). But other than that, it was fine for a relatively short flight (I think our total flight time was around 2 and a half hours). Seats don't recline, so I suppose that could be an issue, but didn't bother us. It's definitely bare bones, but for the price and flight schedule, it was worth it to us.

 

[jeff_h]

We've flow Spirit 3x and never had an issue, prices are good since it's a pay-as-you-go experience so be prepared for that. Although I haven't had issues I've seen the main criticism from other being the lack of "depth" as compared to other airlines. So as an example, if a maintenance issue occurs on your flight on another airline there's a better chance of a spare airplane available to tail-swap into the route -- but not so much on Spirit, as if the plane breaks it's either delayed for a long time or the flight is just canx and getting rescheduled on another flight in the same day may not be possible.

 

[_19disnA]

Would never fly on Spirit. Where we used to live they were constantly in the news when people got stranded somewhere due to a plane mechanical issue and it took several DAYS to get a return flight. Typically, the issue is when they have infrequent service to various cities, there are no other available planes if a mechanical issues arises. In addition, if there is only 1 flight every 2-3 days between certain destinations, you can see the problem a cancellation causes. They also have all kinds of hidden fees and make it as obscure as possible to determine what a flight will cost until you actually purchase a ticket.

Have used Southwest many times and never had any issues. Some people seem to think they are comparable, but I find SW VERY organized and efficiently run.

 

[Traveling on cc points]

We're pretty loyal Southwest fliers (haven't paid for a flight with anything but points in a long time and we have a companion pass), but we actually flew Spirit home from MCO to BDL in September precisely because Southwest changed our evening flight to an early afternoon flight and Spirit offered the latest direct flight. It was definitely not as bad as I was expecting. It was more crowded than I would have liked (a full flight, no middle seats blocked off). But other than that, it was fine for a relatively short flight (I think our total flight time was around 2 and a half hours). Seats don't recline, so I suppose that could be an issue, but didn't bother us. It's definitely bare bones, but for the price and flight schedule, it was worth it to us.

Thank you so much for replying. I never imagined that someone else else from the same airport would have done the exact same thing as we are contemplating doing. SW isn’t keeping the middle seat opened anymore either. Thanks again for sharing your semi positive experience.

 

[Traveling on cc points]

Would never fly on Spirit. Where we used to live they were constantly in the news when people got stranded somewhere due to a plane mechanical issue and it took several DAYS to get a return flight. Typically, the issue is when they have infrequent service to various cities, there are no other available planes if a mechanical issues arises. In addition, if there is only 1 flight every 2-3 days between certain destinations, you can see the problem a cancellation causes. They also have all kinds of hidden fees and make it as obscure as possible to determine what a flight will cost until you actually purchase a ticket.

Have used Southwest many times and never had any issues. Some people seem to think they are comparable, but I find SQ VERY organized and efficiently run.

I should have mentioned it in my original post but there is 1 more direct flight after the one we might take (around 7:30) so that is making me feel a little more secure that we would get home at some point. I highly doubt there would be enough room on the 7:30 flight for everybody from both flights if the 5:30 gets canceled for some reason. Thank you for your thoughts.

 

[NJ Goofy]

Most of the time we use SW or AA out of PHL because they usually have the most flights to FL. But on out last 2 trips we flew Spirit, once out of PHL and once out of Atlantic City. The cost was less than half of what SW or AA wanted. We had no issues and both flights were pleasant. You do need to realize that they don't work with other airlines and if your flight gets canceled it will be a problem. The only issue we've ever had flying to WDW was by AA, our flight was canceled and we had to wait 7 hours for another plane, so it can happen with any airline.

 

[Lewisc]

For the last 10 years or so we have flown nothing but southwest. I know that some people don’t love the cattle call boarding process but I have A List which usually gets us a great boarding number. I love that we get 2 free checked bags, love that if the price goes down, we get a refund on the points we paid. Love that if there was an emergency and we have to cancel last minute. I can go on and on why I love SW.


I found a direct flight on spirit that leaves mco at 5:25 pm For $18.09 per person!!
Granted, that price includes absolutely nothing other than the flight. I can add 2 checked bags up to 50lbs and get our coveted exit row seats for $161 total for 2 of us. If we decide to try spirit, we would keep our direct flight to Mco on SW and fly home on spirit.

Everything I have read about spirit has been awful, has anyone had any good experiences?

Spirit charges an extra $30 for an overweight bag weighing between 41 and 50 lbs. Love the way Spirit uses 40 lbs instead of using industry standard 50 lbs. Empty suitcases can weight 15 to 20 lbs empty.Extra revenue from unsuspecting pax.
If your flight is canceled, weather or mechanical, your option may be a refund or waiting days for an available flight.

 

[Traveling on cc points]

Spirit charges an extra $30 for an overweight bag weighing between 41 and 50 lbs. Love the way Spirit uses 40 lbs instead of using industry standard 50 lbs. Empty suitcases can weight 15 to 20 lbs empty.Extra revenue from unsuspecting pax.
If your flight is canceled, weather or mechanical, your option may be a refund or waiting days for an available flight.

I saw that they only go up to 40lbs and thought the same thing as you. When I did my mock booking, I did the option to get 10 “extra” pounds in each suitcase.
I get that they are a bare bones airline but if you are going to charge for luggage at least have the weight max be at Industry standards.
If we decide to book with them, I will be sure to pay with my CSR which covers most charges I would incur from A long delay or canceled flight. Thank you!!

 

[Lewisc]

I saw that they only go up to 40lbs and thought the same thing as you. When I did my mock booking, I did the option to get 10 “extra” pounds in each suitcase.
I get that they are a bare bones airline but if you are going to charge for luggage at least have the weight max be at Industry standards.
If we decide to book with them, I will be sure to pay with my CSR which covers most charges I would incur from A long delay or canceled flight. Thank you!!

Trip delay benefit is limited covered expenses up to a maximum of $500 per ticket. Might be enough to cover most of your expenses but it won't pay the cost of booking alternate flights with another carrier.

 

[Starport Seven-Five]

Flown it 3 times. First 2 flights were smooth and no issues. 3rd was the typical nightmare you hear about (maintenance issue, customer service was useless, 6 hours worth of delays). I've been delayed on pretty much every airline at some point and Spirit handled it the worst.

So... I guess my advice is cross your fingers and hope it goes smooth? Because if it goes south, they're basically the Comcast of airlines.

 

[spiders]

I've never flown Spirit but this did remind me of something funny. I work in aviation so I see a lot of aviation stuff. I remember when United was in the news for forcibly removing the doctor. Someone sent me a meme with that doctor and it said, "Photographic evidence of people being forcibly put on a Spirit flight."

 

[sam_gordon]

I've never flown Spirit, but my take is as long as there are no problems, it would be fine. Spirit's reputation however comes from when there ARE problems, mechanical, weather, whatever. They simply aren't as prepared to deal with problems as other airlines and I believe it was their CEO who once said "we don't do customer service".

That being said, I have had delays from mainstream airlines cause travel issues (usually resulting in missing a connection). BUT, because the mainstream airlines have more flights, it was easier to "make right". Since you said you're on a direct flight, that shouldn't be a problem.

 

[Traveling on cc points]

I just wanted to give an update on our decision.
We have decided to take the risk and book with spirit. It was to good of a price to pass up.
we are debating on if we should book a back up flight for the next morning with SW just Incase worse case scenario happens and our flight gets cancelled for whatever reason.

on one hand, there is no downside as I would book it with points and I would get 100% of them back as long as I cancelled it 10 minutes before it takes off but on the other hand I would feel a little guilty “reserving” 2 seats on the plane that I know full well that I am most likely not going to use.
If everyone did this, SW would have no choice but to take this great perk away.

 

[amcnj]

Spirit is a low cost airline, and touts its add on fees as a way to allow someone who doesn’t need or want all those services a chance at a really low cost flight. Spirit flies many millions of passengers each year, and had a bad reputation, garnering the most complaints for any airline for several years. But, the vast majority of flights are fine (disregarding things seating space and their add on fee structure), and they had been successfully making an effort to lower complaints.

I guess they are an example of “when they are good they are OK, but when they are bad, they are horrid”. Personally I have had delays in departures, but know someone who was going on a team trip, and due to overbooking, some of the team was not able to board and had to scramble to find another way to the destination.

 

[EACarlson]

I just wanted to give an update on our decision.
We have decided to take the risk and book with spirit. It was to good of a price to pass up.
we are debating on if we should book a back up flight for the next morning with SW just Incase worse case scenario happens and our flight gets cancelled for whatever reason.

on one hand, there is no downside as I would book it with points and I would get 100% of them back as long as I cancelled it 10 minutes before it takes off but on the other hand I would feel a little guilty “reserving” 2 seats on the plane that I know full well that I am most likely not going to use.
If everyone did this, SW would have no choice but to take this great perk away.

I think that is a great idea. I may steal this if my wife and I ever get the ability to go to Vegas.

 

[keishashadow]

. I can add 2 checked bags up to 50lbs and get our coveted exit row seats for $161 total for 2 of us. If we decide to try spirit, we would keep our direct flight to Mco on SW and fly home on spirit.

check out the $9 fare club to see if it would lower your luggage costs

With spirit, the addons go up in price, lowest as to luggage etc is when you book the fight all the way up to wildly inflated prices at the check in counter.

We fly them often, mostly into markets where SWA doesn’t service. We’ve been fortunate to enjoy new, clean planes and very pleasant FAs.

Have used them & Allegiant (IMO another step down the ladder from Spirit) into FL but have always had a backup SWA res in hand that I’d cancel after boarding the plane.

Last flight on Spirit, in early September, was cancelled while we were waiting for plane to arrive in the terminal. Inconvenienced due to ‘National security’ due to political advance team arriving to set up a rally on the tarmac. Ugh.

Only one flight per day from that airport into MCO. Overheard the desk staff discussing they were going to call the flight. Was able to have them switch our flight for both legs. only a few seats were left. To their credit, no additional cost incurred. we then drove to larger airport 60 or so miles away & made it on time, but it’s never fun to have to scramble to try & save a cancelled flight.

 

[MickeyMouse3!]

I hope I don't jinx us, but we've flown Spirit many times over the years from southeast Michigan to MCO and never had any issues. They are a bare bones airline that nickel and dime customers for everything. By the time a customer adds up all of these "extras", they could have flown another airline for about the same cost. They are definitely not our "go to" airline, but they usually have nonstop flight times that are very friendly to our plans. Overall, we would fly with them again.

 

[HappilyEverAfter80]

We have flown with Spirit several times, and actually never had a delay or any other issue. If your expectations are in check it’s fine.
I would not recommend them for long haul flights, but for short 2-3 hr ones no problem.
If you choose to fly with them, be sure to buy a bag in advance online (if needed). Make sure the bag is not overweight, their max weight is only 40 lbs for checked luggage.
They do allow a personal item at no charge which is actually pretty decent size, we usually take a backpack.
Bring some snacks and drinks as well as an iPad or something else with entertainment.
Know their rules, can’t make changes, can’t reschedule etc. I think where a lot of people have issues with them is they don’t research the fare rules or pre pay baggage, or they don’t realize the seat doesn’t recline and they booked a 6 hr flight... or they don’t even get any water on board. Then the complaints start.
I’m sure they have delays and other problems, luckily we haven’t experienced any so far.
It’s not the first airline we choose, but for a short 2 hr flight if we are saving $600 over Delta or SW, we go for it.
It’s all about those expectations and being prepared.

 

[Traveling on cc points]

We have flown with Spirit several times, and actually never had a delay or any other issue. If your expectations are in check it’s fine.
I would not recommend them for long haul flights, but for short 2-3 hr ones no problem.
If you choose to fly with them, be sure to buy a bag in advance online (if needed). Make sure the bag is not overweight, their max weight is only 40 lbs for checked luggage.
They do allow a personal item at no charge which is actually pretty decent size, we usually take a backpack.
Bring some snacks and drinks as well as an iPad or something else with entertainment.
Know their rules, can’t make changes, can’t reschedule etc. I think where a lot of people have issues with them is they don’t research the fare rules or pre pay baggage, or they don’t realize the seat doesn’t recline and they booked a 6 hr flight... or they don’t even get any water on board. Then the complaints start.
I’m sure they have delays and other problems, luckily we haven’t experienced any so far.
It’s not the first airline we choose, but for a short 2 hr flight if we are saving $600 over Delta or SW, we go for it.
It’s all about those expectations and being prepared.

You make some really good points about why I have seen so many complaints about them.
So many people don’t read the fine print.

I am one of those over researchers so did read all the fine print. The base price at the time we booked was $18 each so I chose to do the boost it option which gives us each a 50lb checked bag and seat selection. (40 lbs each wasn’t going to do it for a seven night trip) we were able to book an exit row and out flight time in 2 hours and 45 minutes.

I am really hoping that we have a good experience, if we can get the base price of $18 (or anything even close to it) from our area, that would be great for long weekend getaways with just backpack or 1 checked bag between the 2 of us.

Thanks for all you advise and helpful suggestions.