Avoid spirit airlines save now heres why To minimize frustration and save money, steer clear of Spirit Airlines. They charge a lot of extra for carry-on luggage, choosing a seat, and even printing boarding cards on top of their low base costs. These additional expenses mount up quickly, frequently raising the total cost above that of competing airlines. Spirit is also infamous for its claustrophobic seats, protracted delays, and subpar customer service. Selecting airlines that offer more open pricing and superior customer service will help you stay away from unforeseen costs and guarantee a more dependable, comfortable travel experience. Choose an airline that is more reliable to save money immediately.
The Illusion of Low Fares
Spirit Airlines markets itself as an ultra-low-cost carrier, and its base fares are indeed some of the lowest in the industry. This pricing strategy is designed to attract budget-conscious travelers. However, these low base fares come with a catch: a plethora of additional fees that can significantly inflate the total cost of your trip.
Hidden Fees:
Baggage Fees: Unlike many airlines that offer a free carry-on and checked bag, Spirit charges for both. The fees for carry-on bags range from $35 to $65, depending on when you pay. Checked baggage fees can be even higher, especially for bags weighing over 40 pounds.
Seat Selection: Want to choose your seat? Be prepared to pay extra. Spirit charges anywhere from $1 to $50 for seat assignments, depending on the location and size of the seat.
Boarding Pass Printing: If you don’t print your boarding pass at home, Spirit will charge you $10 to print it at the airport kiosk.
In-Flight Services: Basic amenities like snacks, drinks, and even water come at a cost. Expect to pay for anything beyond the seat you’re sitting in.
Lack of Comfort and Convenience
Cramped Seating: Spirit Airlines is notorious for its cramped seating arrangements. With a seat pitch (the distance between rows) of only 28 inches, Spirit offers some of the tightest seating in the industry. This can lead to an uncomfortable flying experience, especially on longer flights.
Limited Recline: To maximize the number of passengers per flight, Spirit’s seats have limited recline. This can add to the discomfort, particularly on flights that are longer than a couple of hours.
No In-Flight Entertainment: Spirit doesn’t offer in-flight entertainment options, such as movies or Wi-Fi. While this helps keep costs down, it can be a significant drawback for passengers looking to stay entertained during their flight.
Frequent Delays and Poor Reliability
Spirit Airlines has a reputation for frequent delays and cancellations. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, Spirit consistently ranks below average in terms of on-time performance. Delays and cancellations can lead to missed connections, extended travel times, and additional expenses for meals and accommodations.
Customer Service Issues: Spirit’s low-cost business model extends to its customer service, which is often reported as lacking. Long hold times, unhelpful responses, and a general lack of empathy for passenger issues are common complaints. This can be particularly frustrating if you encounter problems during your trip.
Nickel-and-Diming Passengers
Spirit’s business model is based on unbundling services that many other airlines include in the ticket price. This nickel-and-diming approach can feel particularly aggravating when you realize that services you might take for granted on other airlines come with an added cost.
Examples of Additional Charges:
Change Fees: Spirit charges hefty fees for changing your flight. Fees can be as high as $90 if changes are made online and $100 if made at the airport.
Club Membership: Spirit offers a $9 Fare Club, which provides discounts on fares and baggage fees. However, the membership itself costs $59.95 annually, which may not be worthwhile unless you fly Spirit frequently.
Lack of Transparency
The low initial fare can be misleading if you’re not fully aware of all the additional charges. Spirit’s website does not always make these extra costs clear upfront, leading to sticker shock when you complete your booking. This lack of transparency can make it difficult to compare prices accurately with other airlines.
Alternatives to Spirit Airlines
While Spirit Airlines might seem like a tempting option for budget travelers, considering alternatives can provide a better overall travel experience without breaking the bank.
Other Low-Cost Carriers:
Southwest Airlines: Known for its customer-friendly policies, Southwest offers two free checked bags and does not charge for seat selection. Their fares are competitive, and their customer service is highly rated.
JetBlue Airways: JetBlue provides more legroom than most other airlines in its class and offers free in-flight entertainment and snacks. Their pricing is straightforward, with fewer hidden fees.
Allegiant Air: While also a low-cost carrier, Allegiant often has lower fees for baggage and seat selection compared to Spirit.
Traditional Airlines: Sometimes, traditional carriers like Delta, American Airlines, and United offer competitive fares, especially when you factor in the cost of baggage and other services. These airlines typically provide a more comfortable flying experience and better reliability.
How to Save on Air Travel Without Spirit
Booking Strategies:
Flexible Dates: Being flexible with your travel dates can help you find the best deals. Use fare comparison tools to identify the cheapest days to fly.
Early Booking: Booking in advance can often secure lower fares. However, be cautious of change fees if your plans are not firm.
Fare Alerts: Sign up for fare alerts from travel websites to stay informed about price drops and special deals.
Travel Light: Minimize baggage to avoid extra fees. Many airlines allow a free personal item that can fit under the seat. Packing efficiently can save you money on baggage fees.
Loyalty Programs: Join loyalty programs and consider credit cards that offer travel rewards. These can provide benefits like free checked bags, priority boarding, and points that can be redeemed for future travel.
Package Deals: Look for package deals that include flights, hotels, and car rentals. These can sometimes offer substantial savings compared to booking each component separately.
Conclusion
While Spirit Airlines’ low base fares might seem appealing at first glance, the multitude of additional fees and potential inconveniences can make it a less cost-effective option than it appears. By considering the total cost of your trip and exploring alternatives, you can often find better deals and enjoy a more comfortable and reliable travel experience. Avoiding Spirit Airlines can save you money and provide peace of mind, ensuring that your journey is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.