Spirit believes travelers should only be required to pay for what they use. That's why a ticket only covers gas, and no extras are provided. If you print your pass at home, bring one personal item (16"x14"x12"), and allow the airline to choose your seat upon check-in, then your ticket is the only spending you'll be doing. If you want some of the traditional extras, however, there are still some ways for you to be satisfied. For instance, there is an in-flight menu with snacks and drinks, ranging in price from $1-$15, to quench any cravings that may creep up. Spirit offers Pringles, M&M's, chips and salsa, and other tasty snack options. The beverage menu consists of soft drinks, juices, bottled water, hot drinks and plenty of alcoholic beverages as well. Upgrading to a Big Front Seat, which offers greater space and more legroom than their standard seats, is another way passengers can spend a little extra to ensure optimum comfort. With several ways to earn miles and receive exclusive travel deals, Spirit is eager to reward their loyal consumers. With three membership offers, travelers are sure to find a rewards program best suited for their specific traveling needs. -Free Spirit is Spirit's free-to-join membership program. Members earn frequent flier miles on Spirit flights, and flights with partner airlines, and receive special updates and offers. -$9 Fare Club has an annual enrollment fee of $59.99. This membership offers the lowest fares, exclusive access to discounted fares and vacation packages and up to 50% off checked bags compared to paying at the airport. (It should be noted that this membership automatically renews at the end of the initial contract period for a fee of $69.95 unless cancelled before date of termination.) -Spirit World Mastercard is another great option for frequent Spirit fliers. Cardholders earn double miles on everyday purchases, which means two miles for every dollar spent, and also receive 15,000 bonus miles after the first purchase. Another great feature of this card is that miles do not expire with monthly card use. An additional useful feature Spirit offers is travel insurance, which is offered through Travel Guard. The charge for a Domestic Itinerary is 5% of the total reservation price with a $14 minimum; the charge for an International Itinerary is 5.5% of the total reservation price with a $16 minimum; the charge for a Vacation Package Itinerary is 6.5% of total reservation price with a $25 minimum. Specific quotations, including exact coverage and pricing, can be obtained from the travel guard website.

thumb_down

The Bad

In-flight services
Destinations
On-time percentage

Although it makes sense in order to honor their desire to provide the lowest fees possible for consumers, passengers may still feel dissatisfied with the lack of amenities provided by the airline. No in-flight entertainment, no Wi-Fi availability, crammed seating, snacks and beverages available for purchase only may promote uncomfortable, un-entertaining travel conditions. Even though the 50 destinations Spirit flies to does include some world-class locations-including Las Vegas, San Diego, Montreal, New York, St. Thomas, San Salvador and Mexico City-the fact remains: 50 destinations just isn't very many. It won't be unheard of for potential passengers to give their business to another airline simply because Spirit is unable to fly to their desired destination. Punctuality is one of the most important qualities of a reliable airline. That said, Spirit arrived on time with only 58% success between May 15, 2015 and July 15, 2015. Whether flying for an important business conference or a much-needed family getaway, passengers should be able to trust that their flights will depart on time.

gavel

The Bottom Line

Determine your priorities. Spirit Airlines is a great option if you won't miss the freebies, can pack super light and are most concerned with getting a low-priced fare. However, individuals who are willing to spend a little bit more at another airline are likely to find their money was well spent. It won't be difficult to find a fairly priced carrier offering more amenities, flying to more destinations, and proving on-time reliability.

Was this content helpful?

thumb_up Yes thumb_down No

border_color Write a Review

User Reviews

Star Rating

3.1

star star star star_border star_border

70 Reviews

Review Breakdown

5 grade

19%

4 grade

23%

3 grade

24%

2 grade

11%

1 grade

23%

Sentiment Criteria

Value

star star star star_half star_border

Quality

star star star star_border star_border

Service

star star star star_half star_border

Trustworthiness

star star star star_border star_border

cancel

star star star star star

Ashley Pleasant Grove, UT

We flew Spirit Airlines out of Las Vegas to Minneapolis last December. We paid for one suitcase at time of booking and couldn't believe how much money we saved. We didn't purchase seats together so we saved even more. Spirit has a fun entertaining staff that made I trip seem to "fly" by. For a discount airline with no frills we were completely happy!

7 years ago

star star star star star

Natalia Correa MDTribe Tallahassee, FL

I love flying with Spirit Airlines because they have amazing deals. They also have great customer service. One time I missed my flight and they immediately rescheduled me for the next one free of charge!

6 years ago

star star star star star

Reese Pleasant Grove, UT

Spirit is my go to airline when I need to go to a not normal location and I haven't planned ahead and especially with connections to Las Vegas. They have great prices and great deals and they process is easy to buy a ticket, to check in, and to fly.

7 years ago

star star star star star

Andrea

Exactly as expected. I got a ridiculously cheap ticket and got from point a to point b. I was aware of the cost of bags and limited services, but all went just fine.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Alyssa Hansel Tallahassee, FL

Spirit airlines is super affordable and fast flights! The flight attendants are always super friendly and the pilot will get you there safe!

6 years ago

star star star star star

Michelle W Coraopolis, PA

Being a Latrobe native, I've flown Spirit a number of times. As most Pittsburghers do, I flew to Myrtle. Super convenient and fast flight!

6 years ago

star star star star star

Tracy Womack Cedar City, UT

Spirit Airlines have the best prices in the whole business. They are the best airline to get you from point A to point B.

7 years ago

star star star star star

Kristen Kalamaras Elkhart, TX

Good prices on the flights. Easy access in and out of the airport. Free parking.

8 years ago

star star star star star

AmyConder22 Eagle Mountain, UT

Spirit was an ok flight but we had to pay for every bag even the one carry on that most airline allow.

6 years ago

star star star star star

Linda Morley Fredonia, NY

Low airfare and direct flights to las Vegas nevada, safe planes, that's all

8 years ago

star star star star star

Azrienne Tallahassee, FL

very cheap prices but you extremely little planes. highly recommended if traveling on a budget

6 years ago

star star star star star

Mazi Marcel Womack Cedar City, UT

Spirit Airlines has the best prices in the business. Not the most professional, but entertaining.

7 years ago

star star star star star

C Durham Winston-Salem, NC

Good value on the flights. Comfortable and clean

6 years ago