Spirit Airlines? Reviews?

[Neesy228]

Thinking of flying on Spirit Airlines. I know nothing about them, so can you tell me what I need to know? I'm sure there is a catch as to why they're so cheap!

Thanks in advance!

 

[rachel09985]

I think they are so cheap because you are charged for your carry-on luggage. You can have a personal item but a suitcase you have to pay for. And you need to pay for it early. If you don't pay for it at the gate you will have to pay $100 at the gate when they see you with it!

I flew them once and will never again fly them unless I am saving $75-$100 round trip! They treat you bad and its not worth it.

 

[Blessedwithboys]

We have a super tiny airport in our area and the only carrier that flies there is Spirit. we flew them last September with no problems and saved hundreds even with our luggage. All we did was pack and weigh our suit cases the day before purchase and print the tickets I paid 150.00 dollars for luggage round trip. But my flights were I think (it was last year so I could be wrong) 100.00 round trip, and parking is free at the airport which was a huge plus. We found the customer service at our tiny airport to be wonderful!!! At mco it was good also. The plane was dirty on both flights. But it was on time and got us there!! We are supposed to fly them again this September but our little airport may be closing

 

[Blessedwithboys]

Thinking of flying on Spirit Airlines. I know nothing about them, so can you tell me what I need to know? I'm sure there is a catch as to why they're so cheap!

Thanks in advance!

Where are you located?? Near Latrobe PA?? That is where we flew out of

 

[Neesy228]

Where are you located?? Near Latrobe PA?? That is where we flew out of

Couple hours from Latrobe! Yikes, Latrobe may be closing?! Maybe I shouldn't book then...that worries me.

 

[Blessedwithboys]

Couple hours from Latrobe! Yikes, Latrobe may be closing?! Maybe I shouldn't book then...that worries me.

Due to funding. If you visit Arnold Palmer website it will have a red bulletin saying Spirit is committed to continuing flights. But the papers have had some mixed comments on it. I had a chance to book flights for 45.00 each way..... and I passed at the last second because I was nervous. My husband wants to drive 16 hours with a 2 and 5 year old...... OH BOY!

 

[tchrchgo]

Due to funding. If you visit Arnold Palmer website it will have a red bulletin saying Spirit is committed to continuing flights. But the papers have had some mixed comments on it. I had a chance to book flights for 45.00 each way..... and I passed at the last second because I was nervous. My husband wants to drive 16 hours with a 2 and 5 year old...... OH BOY!

I just drove 19 hours to tampa with twin 10 yr olds and it was excruciating! Ever since then any amount of driving is difficult- I just want to get OUT of the car!

I'd rethink the drive ;(

I've flown spirit every December to Orlando with my kids. I always pay to select seats so we can be assured of sitting together. No problems on the flights

 

[njmom47]

Thinking of flying on Spirit Airlines. I know nothing about them, so can you tell me what I need to know? I'm sure there is a catch as to why they're so cheap!

Thanks in advance!

This is probably one of the most controversial topics on the DIS.
I personally am a fan of Spirit. We fly out of AC so maybe the airport experience helps because it's just a great airport to begin with.
We have not had any issues and will continue to fly them. However, we usually fly to dmom's house in Ft Myers, so we can send stuff down in the car (she's a snowbird) or ship it to her house. Our last trip, we each had a carryon (a squishy type bag so it would fit under the seat in front) - no charge. We did pay for a checked bag on the way back (sports equipment that had been driven down, and we stuffed other items in there as well). Book your luggage online (not at the gate) for the cheapest price, at least 24 hours before your flight. Flight was on time, attendants were pleasant, plane was clean. Yes, I paid $4 (total) for a bottle of water and muffin, but that's what you'd pay at Wawa anyway. What else can you ask for?

 

[bianca]

Another Spirit fan, here. Never have had a problem. I think the problem arises when people book Spirit and then compare them to a first-class ticket on a legacy airline. Not the same. What you get ..... Non-stop flight to MCO at a great price. If you need a snack or adult bevvie, then pay for it. Honestly though, with a non-stop flight if you can't survive for 2-3 hours without sustenance, then you have bigger issues. As for luggage, we have learned to pack light. We do however, have an owners locker and DVC washer/dryer for our ease of travel. Just last week I bought tickets for 9 of us RT from Detroit to MCO for only $1700 ...... Again, 9 of us! Little known fact is that if you purchase your tickets at the airport you save $34 per round trip ticket, as they charge $17 per booking via Internet.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Think again????

I won't fly them no matter what the cost. In an industry not known for outstanding service this by far the bottom feeder!

Everyone likes them until something goes wrong and then you get "the shrug" I spend some time on other travel boards and it's not at all uncommon for Spirit to tell you that they had to cancel flight X due to mechanical or weather and the next flight YOU can take is next week! They don't do customer service and their CEO is proud of this fact!

Be very sure you understand the fees. There's a fee for carryon, fees for seat assignments and the checked luggage limit is 40 lbs (not 50 like on most carriers) It's cheaper to pay in advance then at the airport or gate.

 

[jseiden420]

We are another huge spirit family too! Last time on the flight they offered their " spirit MasterCard". With the first purchase you got 15000 miles plus and extra 2500 for filling out application on the plane. IT WASN'T A SCAM! It does have an annual fee but we canceled before the fee took place and got free flights back to Disney with the miles for all 4 of us! We also got discounts on beverages on the flight ( started the vacation a little early). Never had a problem with them that wasn't resolved quickly.

 

[brittsmum1998]

We fly spirit alot and never had a problem. My parents (both handicapped) had what they referred to as "the best flights ever" flying spirit. They were so accomodating and upgraded them to the front seats for no$$ on both ends of flights.

 

[my2sunshines]

We've flown Spirit twice (once being last week) out of Atlantic City to Orlando. I picked it for the cheapest, after tallying all the fees (we picked 4 seats and checked 2 bags). You are able to carry on a standard backpack size bag, so I was able to pack snacks, bathing suits, tickets, and not have to worry about baggage claim (we used the magical express, which i also recommend). The plane is bear bones, and the seats are pretty close, but all in all for the price it is worth it for us for a 2 hour flight. The one downside though is that the checked bags have to be under 40 lbs (i believe most airlines are 50 lb or above) and they will charge you for being over. If you're not a bells and whistle girl, and can su*k it up for 2 hours, Spirits a great choice in my opinion.

 

[sarahk0204]

Think again????

I spend some time on other travel boards and it's not at all uncommon for Spirit to tell you that they had to cancel flight X due to mechanical or weather and the next flight YOU can take is next week!

This just happened to a friend of mine last month. Their flight from FL to IL got cancelled & rescheduled for 5 days later. I saw her end of vacation-goodbye Florida post on Sunday on FB. On Monday she was posting at the beach pictures. I thought, "Well, I wonder what is up?" Her DH decided he couldn't wait until Friday, so they rented a van and drove 20 hours straight to get home.

We drive to WDW, but we take 2 days with a hotel stop. I have been trying to get DH to try flying, but a story like this takes Spirit off the list of possibilities!

 

[tchrchgo]

We fly spirit alot and never had a problem. My parents (both handicapped) had what they referred to as "the best flights ever" flying spirit. They were so accomodating and upgraded them to the front seats for no$$ on both ends of flights.

I wouldn't call them the best flight ever, but when the big name airlines are $350 round trip and spirit is $120, and I could fly the three of us round trip on spirit for the price of one person on another airline, then yes, it's worth the risk for me

 

[sallysue66]

We flew Spirit for the first time last month and had a great experience. I read their fees and policies carefully so I knew what & how to book and pack. The 3 of us flew for under $600 bags included. I did pay for assigned seats on the

 

[sallysue66]

We flew Spirit to Ft Lauderdale from Myrtle Beach last month. Direct flight, on time, good flight attendants, under $600 for 3 of us including 2 checked bags and assigned seats on the way down. I read their fee & bag policies so I knew the deal. I didn't pay for seats on the return but we were together anyway. We also didn't have paid carryons but did each have a tote or small duffell. As long as your personal item is no bigger than 16x14x12 your good. We were happy.

 

[LiamandMaeve]

We've done Spirit several times due to cost but will no longer fly them because simply, Spirit is horrendous. We live 30 mins from AC, NJ, but will drive 1 hour to use the Philadelphia airport to avoid Spirit.

There is no leg room. If one needed to get into crash position, they would be unable! Your head would hit the back of the headrest in front of you! My husband was extremely uncomfortable and was unable to keep his legs in front of him.
They pack the plane with so many seats, it's like a flying clown car!! How many people can we fit on this plane??


The worst experience we had was leaving MCO. We were called to the gate because the seats we booked online were no longer available as the plane type had changed that evening. Due to this, my 6 year old daughter and I wound up in an exit row. Obviously, there are rules about children in exit rows. After standing for 1 hour waiting for the problem to be resolved ( they were supposed to ask someone to switch with us- they never did), they told us to board and that it was taken care of- guess where they had us sit? The same exit row!!! Grrr!! Also, friends of ours were also on the same flight. They were called to the gate because with the change of plane type, their seats no longer existed! The plane was significantly smaller and half of their family gave up their seats in order for my friends to be able to fly home!

Everything about Spirit is a la carte. You will pay to reserve seats, for luggage, for printing your boarding pass at the terminal, etc. Also, the size limitations on luggage are much smaller than other airlines- instead of 50 lbs., they only allow 40lbs.

If you decide to fly Spirit, factor in all their fees and be prepared for changes at the last minute for your flights. Good luck with your decision.

 

[Neesy228]

Thanks everyone. I didn't realize that this had been discussed previously (probably because they've never been on my radar) but I think we be decided to err on the side of caution and fly a more reputable carrier. Thanks again!

 

[leelee9878]

Another Spirit fan, here. Never have had a problem. I think the problem arises when people book Spirit and then compare them to a first-class ticket on a legacy airline. Not the same. What you get ..... Non-stop flight to MCO at a great price. If you need a snack or adult bevvie, then pay for it. Honestly though, with a non-stop flight if you can't survive for 2-3 hours without sustenance, then you have bigger issues. As for luggage, we have learned to pack light. We do however, have an owners locker and DVC washer/dryer for our ease of travel. Just last week I bought tickets for 9 of us RT from Detroit to MCO for only $1700 ...... Again, 9 of us! Little known fact is that if you purchase your tickets at the airport you save $34 per round trip ticket, as they charge $17 per booking via Internet.

Wow, I did not know that you can save money by booking in person! I usually fly out of AC which is about an hour for me but I frequent AC so I can easily go purchase tickets. Thanks for the tip. Had I done this my tickets for Memorial Day and Labor Day weeks would have been less than $100 roundtrip!