A Detailed Review of Spirit Airlines

Founded in 1980, Spirit Airlines has become one of the largest low-cost carriers in the U.S., with over 150 aircraft serving more than 75 destinations across North America, Latin America, and the Caribbean. Known for its ultra-low-cost fares, Spirit offers a no-frills travel experience where passengers pay for only what they use. Here is a detailed review of Spirit Airlines to help you decide if it suits you.

When to Use Spirit Airlines

Routes and Destinations
Spirit Airlines operates primarily in North America, focusing on U.S. domestic routes and international flights to popular destinations in the Caribbean, Latin America, and Central America. While it doesn’t serve Europe or Asia, Spirit offers extensive connections across the U.S. and a solid presence in tropical and vacation-friendly locations.

Best For
Spirit is ideal for travellers who prioritise low fares and are comfortable with an essential flying experience over a luxury experience. It’s especially great for short-haul flights and leisure travellers heading to destinations in the U.S. or nearby international spots. Spirit is a solid choice if you don’t mind paying for extras (like baggage or seat selection) and are just looking to get from point A to point B cheaply.

When NOT to Use Spirit Airlines

Spirit Airlines is best avoided if you plan a long-haul flight or prefer a more comfortable, premium experience. Spirit offers a basic service, and this simple approach often lacks many amenities found on full-service carriers, including spacious legroom, in-flight entertainment, and complimentary food and beverages. If you’re flying long distances or are sensitive to comfort, the tight seating and extra fees for carry-on bags or seat selection can make for an uncomfortable journey.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Spirit offers some of the cheapest base fares in the industry, especially for short-haul and domestic flights.
• Serves over 75 U.S., Latin America, and Caribbean destinations.
• You only pay for what you use, allowing you to customise your experience with optional extras like seat selection and baggage.
• The Free Spirit program allows you to earn miles for future discounts and rewards, making it a good choice for budget travellers who fly often.
• The airline’s website and mobile app are user-friendly, streamlining the booking and check-in experience.

Cons:

• While the base fare is low, Spirit charges extra for almost every service, from carry-on luggage to choosing a seat, which can quickly add up.
• Seats are more cramped than full-service carriers, with minimal legroom and no reclining options.
• There is no complimentary Wi-Fi or entertainment, so you should bring your entertainment for long flights.
• Expect very few free snacks, drinks, or comfort
• Spirit doesn’t provide premium services or higher-tier seating.

Booking Experience

Website and App Usability

Thanks to its simple and user-friendly website and mobile app, booking with Spirit Airlines is straightforward. You can search for flights, select seats, and add extras like baggage. The interface is designed to guide you through the booking process without any hassle, although some might sometimes find the upselling of add-ons overwhelming. Seat selection is available, but remember that most options come at an additional cost.

Payment and Ticketing

Spirit Airlines accepts payments from credit cards and debit cards, making it easy to book your flight. However, the low base fares can be misleading as additional fees are where the costs can soon add up. Charges for things like carry-on luggage, checked bags, seat selection, and even printing a boarding pass at the airport can quickly add to the final price of your ticket. Be sure to check the breakdown of fees before finalising your purchase to avoid surprises.

Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy

With Spirit Airlines, you can take one free personal item with you, but any additional cabin bags and hold luggage come at a cost. You will also find that you may be charged for oversized luggage at the airport, so make sure to follow their dimensions. Their policy encourages passengers to pack light to avoid extra fees and offers bundled options for those who prefer convenience. Make sure to check what the airline offers to active duty members, as Spirit Airlines will often give benefits to those in the military.

• Personal item: Free, with size limits of 18” x 14” x 8”.
• Carry-on bag: Fees range from $26 to $65, depending on when and where the bag is paid. The maximum size is 22” x 18” x 10” (56 cm x 46 cm x 25 cm), and the bag can weigh up to 40 pounds (18.1 kg).
• Checked bags: Fees range from $39 to $99 for the first checked bag, with higher fees for additional items. Maximum size: 62 linear inches (158 cm) (length + width + height combined), weighing up to 50 pounds (22.6 kg) per bag.
• Overweight/oversized bags: Additional charges apply for bags exceeding weight or size limits.

In-Flight Experience

Food

In most cases, you will need to purchase food on Spirit Airlines, as it is a budget airline which typically doesn’t offer free food and snacks during a flight. You will find a selection of in-flight food and drinks; however, it may be limited, and the selection may not be wide. It is recommended that you purchase some snacks or food at the airport to take with you on the flight if you need a decent meal.

Entertainment

Spirit Airlines doesn’t offer any inflight entertainment. There are no screens in the seats, so you are advised to bring your own entertainment. A good idea is to download offline music and movies to your phone, laptop or iPad before boarding so you can keep yourself entertained. Consider picking up a magazine or book at the airport to help pass the flight time.

Does Spirit Airlines have Wi-Fi on board?

Wi-Fi is available on most Spirit Airlines flights but is not free. Passengers can purchase Wi-Fi access through the airline’s onboard portal, though it can be very expensive. It is not advised to rely on Wi-Fi for heavy-duty tasks such as watching movies. At best, Wi-Fi can be used for simple online tasks such as reading emails and web pages. It is best to pre-download any offline entertainment.

Spirit Airlines Customer Service

Customer Service

While some travellers report smooth and friendly interactions with airport staff, the airline’s customer service team can sometimes respond slowly, especially over the phone or email. Wait times can be long, and issues may take a while to resolve, particularly during busy travel. Staff at the airport may not always be as helpful as you’d like, and if you’re dealing with a problem like a cancelled flight or missed connection, you might find yourself navigating a maze of fees and limited assistance. If you’re looking for exceptional service, Spirit’s budget model means you may not get the same level of personal attention as you would with a full-service airline.

Reliability

Spirit Airlines has a reputation for delays; while it’s not unusual for any airline to experience setbacks, Spirit’s performance can be less consistent. You’ll typically receive a voucher or credit for future travel, but Spirit often falls short regarding monetary compensation or rebooking options. It is always best to have travel insurance when using budget airlines, as it is not guaranteed that Spirit Airlines will provide refunds or financial assistance.

Alternative Airlines

Comparisons
Within the U.S., multiple airlines can be compared with Spirit Airlines, some of which offer a better service for a similar price. It is often worth shopping around for flights to see what works best for you. An example may be that you want cabin luggage, and for just a little bit more, you can fly with an airline that will provide a better overall experience. Sometimes, the extra really is worth it.

What They Offer

• Southwest Airlines: An example that provides free checked bags and complimentary drinks, with a more generous approach to customer service and flexibility in ticket changes.
• JetBlue:  Another solid choice, offering more spacious seating, in-flight entertainment, and a more relaxed experience while reasonably priced for domestic and short-haul flights.
• American Airlines or Delta: These airlines are better suited for those seeking a more full-service experience, with better customer support, priority boarding, and more extensive international routes.

Final Thoughts

Spirit Airlines can be a good option for budget-conscious travellers who prioritise affordable fares over comforts. If you are taking a short-haul flight, Spirit offers good value for money. Their basic approach allows customers to fly from A to B without all the extras, which sometimes is exactly what you need. However, if you are travelling with more luggage than just a personal item, or you want the flexibility to change flights, then Spirit Airlines might not be the right choice for you. Make sure to shop around before you buy, and always have travel insurance.

Have you flown with Spirit Airlines? We’d love to hear about your experience! Comment below and share your thoughts on the airline’s service, comfort, and overall value. If you’re ready to book your next budget-friendly flight, check out the latest deals and plan your trip today!