Spirit Air experiences?

[Sandi]

The Search function isn't working, so I can't search right now.

I'm wondering about experiences with Spirit Airlines. I am considering flying them from Detroit to Orlando. I'm finding very good fares, but I've never flown with Spirit before. I have heard that they do not assign seats and, traveling with a 7 year old, I'm concerned that could be a problem.

Any insight would be appreciated.

 

[wld]

have flown Spirit out of Detroit X2. Seems like we had assigned seats, in fact I'm sure we did. We were late on takeoff every time from 2-3 hours. The seats are small and cramped. I'd rather not use them, but NWA seems high for when we want to go so we will probably use Spirit too. We like the direct flight since we had a horrible experience changing flights in Cinci on Delta (ended up on a bus).

 

[Sandi]

Thanks. I talked to a Spirit Air rep by phone and was told that they will make the seat assignments at check in. I guess the earlier you check in, the better luck you'll have with seating. She also advised me that they would not split up a parent and child. That gave me some comfort. The prices are so much better than NWA, it's worth giving them a try.

Always good to hear from someone with experience. Here's hoping we don't have a long delay like you did!

 

[Shelly]

I have flown them Chicago to orlando couldn't beat the fair. Planes looked a little like they were falling apart though. I didn't have any problems to speak of, just won't fly them if I don't have to prefer newer fleats.

 

[axelf63]

I realize that this will most likely come across as being bitter...and I am sure that I am not the only one who has ever had a problem ...however an experience I had with Spirit several years ago caused me to make a solemn vow:

As long as I travel...should they be either the lowest fare or the last air carrier available...I will not fly Spirit.

Long story short...several years ago I made attempts to book/fly Spirit for a trip to WDW...shortly after making the booking they attempted to change their prices on me (after giving them my credit card #).

Several weeks of calls, letters, and faxes later provided no resolve in this matter...

I made a trip to their corporate office here in Detroit...I encountered the manager from hell....

This lady...who was supposed to be "professional" and possibly re-assuring in regards to the air carrier you are placing your safety with was the most rude and insulting person I have met.

I am in the public service field (law enforcement) and have been employed for the last 17years...in that time I have dealt with every facet known in regards to the public....and this woman rated right up there in crude.

She threatened to blacklist me from flying Spirit in the future...(not that it would matter)...

We ended up getting our fare refunded (rare to have this happen) and ended up flying another carrier...

To this date, I have never flown Spirit...while their fares are quite good, and the times look just as good....I cannot compromise my promise...I will never fly Spirit.

Again...I know this is only one story....one person...and many years ago....for every one bad story there are bound to be many other good and bad...so take it for what it is worth...just my comment on the thread....

Hope it provides for some amusing reading!

Dan

 

[Debi]

I've flown Spirit many times in the last 4 years, and have never had any troubles. I returned home from a trip in June, and we had a 4 hour delay, partly mechanically related and partly weather related. We were given a free drink either on that flight or on a future flight and a 50% travel voucher towards a future Spirit flight.

Granted, Spirit is no frills (no first class, snacks are pretzels and juice), but, IMHO, for the price, it's well worth it. I've found the staff to be professional and have never had a problem with them.

 

[DeeP]

I use Spirit at least 3-4 times a year to fly from Atlantic City to Orlando and I have always had excellent service and the planes are fine. When you do get a lengthly delay (and this has only happened to me once in coutless Spirit flights) they at least make good for it and will give you a voucher for a discounted future flight. Many airlines do not do this. Also for me the Atlantic City airport is about 15 min from my house and it is sooooooo easy for fly from AC vs Phila. However since Spirit is the only game in town from AC to Orlando we get good rates but not some of the rock bottom prices I hear of some people getting from places farther away than NJ is from WDW.

 

[PeterPam]

I have flown Spirit Airlines to and from Orlando 4 times. I have never experienced a delay. The staff was very nice. BUT..... the last time we flew in May, my DH and I noticed that the planes looked very old and the inside was not very clean. There was a problem with the air conditioning for the first hour of the flight and the cabin was very warm and uncomfortable. We decided to drive down this October instead of flying. Although we will most likely fly down on Spirit again, we are a little leery of the planes.