Spirit Airlines...what can you tell me?

[chip1]

We are coming to DW in Dec. Please tell me what you can about Spirit Airlines. We will be flying Dec. 7 from Chicago to Orlando. I have a friend who has flown it; she says it is fine, however, the planes are a little old. I care more about safety, on time, etc. Thanks in advance for your comments.

 

[DiznEeyore]

We've flown Spirit out of Detroit to Orlando several times, and will do it again this October. Except for our first trip (when Spirit was using Northwest's gates and NW played the "gate shuffle"), every trip has been on time, smooth, with great flight crews. I *despise* flying, but have never felt uncomfortable on Spirit; didn't even get a sense that the planes were "old". HTH!

 

[Tay N Evie's Mom]

I flew Spirit Air out of O'Hare to Orlando last Sept (before Sept 11). Had no problems with them and would use them again. Their planes seat 2 on one side 3 on the other-so ask for a seat where there are 3-that way if the plane isn't full you can spread out. No meal-just snacks like Southwest. One thing I thought was unusual-the door to the cockpit was open until after we took off-I'm sure that will never happen again in my lifetime!

 

[Debi]

Ditto what others here have said. I've flown Spirit many times out of Atlantic City, and have only experienced one delay. Because it was such a long delay (4 hours), all passengers on that plane were issued vouchers for 50% off a future flight with Spirit and a free (alcholic) drink while on board. Spirit's crew is great, and 99% of the time (in my experience), the flights have been on time and have had no problems.

Have a great trip!

 

[chip1]

Thanks for your positive comments. It's nice hearing what others say for peace of mind. Debi, lucky you--you are going to be on your way soon. YOU have a great trip!!

 

[ChiTownZee]

I've flown spirit a few times, I've experience a few delays, but no more than other airlines, in fact probably less that a few of them. I do NOT like that the planes are older, but I have a thing about that. I'm fine if the plane is newer, but if it LOOKS old, I imagine horrible things about what the engines look like and don't relax as much DD and I flew with them on one of the first flights out of Chicago after 9/11 and they were very pleasent and effecient (as much as they could be given all the new guidelines) But we'll be in American at the end of the month because they are my fav. and are 'now with more room' LOL

 

[DeeP]

I fly with Spirit Airlines about every 3 months from Atlantic City to Orlando and they have always been great! My last flight was last month and we had a airplane that looked brand new.

 

[mbkteach]

We use Spirit out of Atlantic City at least once a year. As a matter of fact, we just returned on a Spirit flight on Friday. Our trip was smooth in all aspects. Only once did we have a problem. There was a problem with a plane and they needed to bring in another one from Detroit. Ths meant a delay of 16 hours - yes - 16 hours! However, they gave each of us free round-trip tickets, plus $100.00 vouchers on future flights. Every couple of hours, they gave us food vouchers to be used at the airport. It was a bad situation. But, at least they made up for it...and they did NOT allow us to get on an unsafe plane. We have flown with them many times since then and have never had a problem. They have a new gate at the Orlando airport which is also an improvement from when they shared gates.

 

[snwwht]

Don't know if you're aware of this but Spirit out of Chicago operates out of the International terminal (!!) so give yourself a little extra time for security etc.. Found this out the hard way and almost missed a flight!

 

[chip1]

Thanks for the heads up. However, what exactly does that mean to us? Is security a bigger deal, as I suspect it is? Thanks.