Is Spirit Airlines worth it?

csuave · February 2015

We are pricing vacations and can save $150 on airfare if we go with Spirit (calculations are assuming we pay for one checked bag). I have never used Spirit before but have heard some horror stories.

Has anyone used them? Is it worth it for $150?

The flights are direct so that helps.

Xstatic3333 · February 2015

I have only heard horror stories. I would probably only risk it if it was a direct flight to an airport that is flown to frequently, i.e. Atlanta, Orlando, Denver, etc. I don't mind the lack of amenities, but I've heard they are awful to work with if there is a delay that causes you to miss a connection.

MrsAshleyH10 · February 2015

My BIL used them to fly to California... he said never again, and he is about the most easy going person I know. I think by the time he paid for his carry-on and a seat with more legroom he said it probably would have cost the same or less to fly on a better carrier.

Based on every little thing they charge for, I wouldn't do it.

hoffse · February 2015

I haven't flown them, but they follow the Euro model for low-cost airlines. Basically, every extra thing adds to your seat cost. They will likely weigh your carry-on in addition to measuring it.

I've read the horror stories too, but I have also noticed that many of the things people complain about would NOT be a big deal if people actually bothered to read the policies. People book them, assume they are like Delta or whatever, and then they're blindsided when they show up with 3 huge bags and their "cheap" ticket turns out to be not so cheap. That's not Spirit's fault IMO - that's just poor research. I remember reading a complaint once from a lady who was all offended when Spirit charged her for her liquor and her mixer separately... FFS you're on a 1-hour flight. Skip the drink and be cheap. Or buy something before you board.

This model has worked remarkably well for Europe, and people seem to be able to follow the rules over there just fine. I've found flights as low as $19 one-way when researching our trips. Usually when people complain about these airlines on tripadvisor the locals are like, "Well did you read the policies? No? That's your own fault then."

I figure that I can stand almost anything for a couple of hours. I would do it to save $150 so long as it was direct and I could afford to be a bit delayed.

hoffse · February 2015

I will add that I also hate pretty much any airplane experience, and so the better carriers for me are not typically worth the price premium. I am much more concerned about direct vs. connecting. I'll pay way more for direct so that it ends sooner.

My H, on the other hand, is one of those people who enjoys flying and gets legitimately excited whenever he gets to go to the Atlanta airport (weird). He notices difference between airlines, and he's picky. I'm trying to get him into the Southwest companion pass and he's all like, "But I like Delta more. Southwest is kind of low end. Hey have you heard about Qatar air? They have suites!" Seriously, I can't believe him sometimes...

For three hours or less I really don't care at all, and I view the flight is this necessary evil to get me from point A to point B. I would much rather spend the extra money on a nicer hotel. But not everybody agrees with me on that. My H certainly doesn't.

bmo88 · February 2015

They nickel and dime you. That's how you either save money, by not paying for the "extras" which are considered standard on other airlines or you end up paying about the same.

DH and I flew Spirit Airlines from Denver to Miami on a night flight (12:00am-3:00am). It was miserable. Possibly because of the timing and the fact that we couldn't recline our seats (they do that so they can fit more seats on the plane, and save money). There is very little leg room and our flight was really cold.

We ended up only paying $330 for two tickets round trip with small bags (smaller than carry on). It worked out for us and we saved a lot, but I don't think I would do it again. Luckily, we also saved a lot on the cruise we were going on, so my overall feeling of the trip was that it was worth it.

CuriousKiddosMama · February 2015

Yes it's worth it so long as you understand their policies. My parents pretty much exclusively fly spirit. So long as you understand that all you get is a personal item, you pay extra for everything else then you will be fine. If you don't read their policies and think you are bringing in a typical carry on size bag you will be pissed when they charge you $100 at the gate. THIS IS NOT A SURPRISE!!! They tell you all this flat out on their website.

I have to agree with hoffse most of the negative reviews are simply from people who don't bother to read

CuriousKiddosMama · February 2015

Oh and I'm booking a flight tonight or tomorrow with them. Houston to Denver non stop- with only a month notice and the ticket will be around $150 round trip. I will pay for my bag each way, but that will still be under $250 round trip. No idea where else I could get that right now.

CuriousKiddosMama · February 2015

Oh, and if you plan on flying more than once with them this year- or have more than one person flying check out their $9 fare club. It costs $60 to join for a year, but you save money on tickets for everybody you are booking for if the tickets are bought at the same time. Just for myself and the bag, I saved $38. I will probably fly with them twice more this year. Once will be with my sister who will also save, and the second time will be 4 of us.

brij2006 · February 2015

I will never fly Spirit again. Your seats aren't assigned, which stinks when traveling with someone. Traveling alone, that isn't a huge deal.

You get charged for every single thing. Carry on that is larger than a purse, checked bag, a cup of water, and we've never not had a delay or cancellation when flying with them.

Spend the extra $150 and get a flight with a reliable airline.

CuriousKiddosMama · February 2015

Brij2006 if you do try them again, check in online as soon as you are able to. That is when you get your seats assigned and so if you check in early you should be together, if you wait u til you get to the airport it costs for you to get your tickets printed plus you will have a bad seat choice.

als1982 · February 2015

How are you flying? I'm a nervous flyer so I need entertainment (and wine!!!!) which is why I love Southwest (as they have been offering free Direct TV on your own device for a long while now, plus we always have free drink tickets). If you're okay without those things and knowing all of the above about extra charges, I'd give it a try.

brij2006 · February 2015

vikingsfan711 said:

Brij2006 if you do try them again, check in online as soon as you are able to. That is when you get your seats assigned and so if you check in early you should be together, if you wait u til you get to the airport it costs for you to get your tickets printed plus you will have a bad seat choice.

The first time we flew with them was flying together as a couple to Vegas. We had no idea about all of their "extras" and were charged for printing our ticket and choosing a seat at the airport.

The 2nd time I flew with them, it was just me. Which honestly made that process easier. I checked in online the night before, chose my seat, and printed my boarding pass at home. If they were the only option for the flight time I was looking for and I was traveling alone, then I would fly with them again. But if it's international or I'm flying with anyone else, then I'll pay the extra $$.

csuave · February 2015

Thanks for the input everyone. Flying isn't an issue for me and when the flight is direct it is really easy anyway so I might consider Spirit.

We are still researching now, when we get ready to move into purchase mode I will keep an eye on Southwest. If they have a sale then it will make the decision easier since they are more convenient and worth a small premium.

Is Spirit Airlines worth it?

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