Spirit Airlines: The Ultimate Guide to Flying with the Ultra Low Cost Carrier
If you are looking for a cheap way to travel across the U.S. and beyond, you might have heard of Spirit Airlines. This airline is known for its ultra low fares, but also for its extra fees and minimal services. So, is it worth flying with Spirit Airlines? And how can you make the most of your experience?
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In this article, we will give you a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about Spirit Airlines, from booking a flight to enjoying your trip. We will also share some tips and tricks to help you save money and time when flying with this carrier.
What is Spirit Airlines and how does it work?
Spirit Airlines is an American low-cost carrier that operates flights to more than 60 destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean, Latin America, and South America. It is headquartered in Miramar, Florida, and has bases in several major airports, such as Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Fort Lauderdale, Las Vegas, Orlando, and more.
The history and mission of Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines was founded in 1980 as Charter One, a company that offered charter flights from Detroit to Atlantic City. In 1992, it changed its name to Spirit Airlines and started offering scheduled flights to various destinations. In 2007, it became the first U.S. airline to adopt a low-cost business model, charging low base fares and extra fees for everything else, such as bags, seats, snacks, drinks, etc. This is known as the Bare Fare concept.
The mission of Spirit Airlines is to offer travelers the best value in the sky, by providing them with a safe, reliable, and affordable way to fly. Spirit Airlines claims to be the leader in ultra low cost travel, offering some of the lowest fares in the industry. It also boasts having one of the youngest and most fuel-efficient fleets in the U.S., which helps reduce its environmental impact.
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The benefits and drawbacks of flying with Spirit Airlines
As with any airline, there are pros and cons to flying with Spirit Airlines. Here are some of the main ones:
Pros:
You can save a lot of money on your airfare if you travel light and don't need any extra services.
You can choose from a wide range of destinations across the U.S. and beyond.
You can earn points and rewards by joining the Free Spirit loyalty program or the $9 Fare Club membership.
You can enjoy fast Wi-Fi on board, which is claimed to be the fastest of any U.S. based airline.
Cons:
You have to pay for everything that is not included in your base fare, such as bags, seats, snacks, drinks, etc.
You may have to deal with long lines, delays, cancellations, or poor customer service.
You may have to compromise on comfort and space, as the seats are narrow and have little legroom.
You may have to fly from or to secondary airports that are less convenient or accessible.
The Bare Fare and the $9 Fare Club
The Bare Fare is the basic fare that Spirit Airlines offers to its customers. It includes only the transportation of you and a personal item. Everything else is optional and comes with a fee. For example, you have to pay for your carry-on bag, your checked bag, your seat assignment, your boarding pass printing, your snacks and drinks, etc. The fees vary depending on the route, the time of booking, and the weight and size of your bags. You can find the complete list of fees on the Spirit Airlines website. The $9 Fare Club is a membership program that gives you access to exclusive discounts and deals on Spirit Airlines flights and partner services. For an annual fee of $59.95, you can enjoy lower fares, lower bag fees, lower seat fees, and more. You can also add up to eight friends or family members to your membership for an additional $19.95 each. The $9 Fare Club can help you save money if you fly frequently with Spirit Airlines or if you travel with a group. You can join the club online or by phone. How to book a flight with Spirit Airlines
Booking a flight with Spirit Airlines is easy and convenient. You can do it online, on your mobile device, or by phone. Here are some of the steps and features that you should know about:
The online booking process and the website features
To book a flight online, you need to visit the Spirit Airlines website and enter your travel details, such as your origin, destination, dates, number of passengers, etc. You can also choose to search for flexible dates or round-trip fares. Then, you will see a list of available flights and fares for your selected criteria. You can sort and filter the results by price, time, duration, stops, etc.
Once you select your flight, you will be asked to enter your personal information, such as your name, email address, phone number, etc. You will also have the option to add any extras that you want, such as bags, seats, snacks, drinks, insurance, etc. You can see the total price of your booking at the bottom of the page. You can also use a promo code or a voucher if you have one.
After you review your booking details and agree to the terms and conditions, you can proceed to the payment page. You can pay with a credit card, a debit card, or PayPal. You will receive a confirmation email with your itinerary and booking number.
Some of the features that you can find on the Spirit Airlines website are:
My Trips: This is where you can manage your existing bookings, such as changing or canceling your flight, adding or modifying your extras, checking in online, etc.
Flight Status: This is where you can check the status of any Spirit Airlines flight, such as departure and arrival times, gate information, delays, cancellations, etc.
Travel Info: This is where you can find useful information about traveling with Spirit Airlines, such as baggage policy, seat selection, check-in options, in-flight amenities, etc.
Deals: This is where you can find the latest offers and promotions from Spirit Airlines and its partners.
The mobile app and the check-in options
If you prefer to book or manage your flight on your mobile device, you can download the Spirit Airlines app for free from the App Store or Google Play. The app has similar features as the website, such as booking a flight, checking in online, managing your trips, checking your flight status, etc. You can also access your boarding pass on the app and scan it at the airport. When it comes to checking in for your flight, you have three options: - Online check-in: You can check in online from 24 hours to one hour before your departure time. You can do it on the website or the app. You can print your boarding pass or use the mobile version. Online check-in is free and recommended, as it can save you time and money at the airport. - Airport kiosk check-in: You can check in at the airport using a self-service kiosk. You can print your boarding pass or use the mobile version. Airport kiosk check-in is free, but you may have to wait in line or pay extra fees if you need assistance from an agent. - Airport counter check-in: You can check in at the airport with a Spirit Airlines agent. You can print your boarding pass or use the mobile version. Airport counter check-in is not free, as you will have to pay a fee of $10 per boarding pass. The customer service and the support channels
If you need any help or assistance with your booking or your flight, you can contact Spirit Airlines customer service through various channels: - Phone: You can call the Spirit Airlines reservation center at 855-728-3555. The phone lines are open 24/7, but you may have to pay a fee for some services, such as booking a flight, changing or canceling your reservation, etc. - Email: You can send an email to Spirit Airlines customer relations at CustomerRelations@Spirit.com. You can expect a response within 60 days. - Chat: You can chat with a Spirit Airlines representative online on the website or the app. The chat service is available from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, seven days a week. - Social media: You can reach out to Spirit Airlines on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or YouTube. You can send a direct message or post a comment on their pages. They usually respond within a few hours. - In person: You can visit a Spirit Airlines ticket counter at any of the airports they serve. You can find the locations and hours of operation on the Spirit Airlines website.
How to prepare for your flight with Spirit Airlines
Before you board your flight with Spirit Airlines, there are some things that you should know and do to avoid any surprises or problems. Here are some of them:
The baggage policy and the fees
As mentioned earlier, Spirit Airlines charges extra fees for any bags that you bring with you, except for one personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. The personal item can be a purse, a backpack, a laptop bag, etc., and it cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches in size.
If you need more space or items, you can pay for a carry-on bag or a checked bag. The carry-on bag cannot exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches in size, including handles and wheels. The checked bag cannot exceed 62 linear inches (length + width + height) in size and 40 pounds in weight.
The fees for bags vary depending on when and how you pay for them. The cheapest way to pay for your bags is online when you book your flight or before you check in. The most expensive way to pay for your bags is at the gate before boarding.
Here is a table that shows the average fees for bags on Spirit Airlines:
Bag type
Online (during booking)
Online (before check-in)
Online (during check-in)
Airport ticket counter
Airport gate
Personal item
Free
Free
Free
Free
Free
Carry-on bag
$26-$35
$38-$45
$38-$45
$55
$65
Checked bag (first)
$21-$30
$38-$45
$38-$45
$55
N/A
Checked bag (second)
$31-$40
$48-$55
$48-$55
$65
N/A
Checked bag (third+)$76-$100
$76-$100
$76-$100
$100
N/A
Note that these fees are subject to change and may vary depending on the route, the season, the demand, etc. You can check the exact fees for your flight on the Spirit Airlines website or app.
Some tips to save money on your bags are:
Pack light and only bring what you need.
Measure and weigh your bags before you go to the airport to avoid any surprises or extra charges.
Pay for your bags online as early as possible to get the lowest rates.
Join the $9 Fare Club or the Free Spirit loyalty program to get discounts on your bag fees.
The seat selection and the boarding process
Another thing that you have to pay extra for on Spirit Airlines is your seat selection. If you don't want to pay for a seat, you will be assigned a random seat at check-in for free. However, if you want to choose a specific seat or sit with your travel companions, you will have to pay a fee that varies depending on the type and location of the seat.
Here are the types of seats that you can find on Spirit Airlines planes:
Standard seats: These are the regular seats that have a pitch (the distance between two rows of seats) of 28 inches and a width of 17.75 inches. They are located throughout the plane and have different prices depending on how close they are to the front or the exit rows.
Big Front seats: These are the premium seats that have a pitch of 36 inches and a width of 20 inches. They are located in the first rows of the plane and have extra legroom and recline. They also come with a complimentary drink and snack. They are the most expensive seats on Spirit Airlines flights.
You can select your seat online when you book your flight, before you check in, or at the airport. You can also change your seat at any time before boarding, subject to availability and fees.
When it comes to boarding, Spirit Airlines uses a zone system that assigns passengers to different groups based on their seat location and their boarding pass type. Here is how it works:
Zone 1: This is for passengers who have purchased a carry-on bag or a Big Front seat. They board first and have access to the overhead bins.
Zone 2: This is for passengers who have purchased a seat assignment or who are members of the $9 Fare Club or the Free Spirit loyalty program. They board second and have access to the overhead bins.
Zone 3: This is for passengers who have not purchased any extras and who only have a personal item. They board last and have to fit their personal item under the seat in front of them.
Some tips to make your boarding process smoother are:
Check in online and print or download your boarding pass before you go to the airport.
Arrive at the airport at least two hours before your departure time and go through security as soon as possible.
Follow the instructions of the gate agents and board when your zone is called.
Be courteous and respectful to other passengers and crew members.
The in-flight amenities and the Wi-Fi service
One thing that you should know about Spirit Airlines is that it does not offer any complimentary amenities or services on board, such as snacks, drinks, entertainment, pillows, blankets, etc. You have to pay for everything that you want or need during your flight.
If you want to buy something on board, you can use your credit card or debit card, as Spirit Airlines does not accept cash. You can choose from a variety of snacks and drinks, such as chips, cookies, candy, nuts, soda, water, juice, coffee, tea, beer, wine, liquor, etc. The prices range from $1 to $15 depending on the item.
If you want to stay connected or entertained during your flight, you can use the Wi-Fi service that Spirit Airlines offers on most of its planes. The Wi-Fi service is powered by Thales FlytLIVE and is claimed to be the fastest of any U.S. based airline. You can access the Wi-Fi service by connecting to the "Thales InFlyt Experience" network on your device and following the instructions on the portal. You can choose from different plans and prices depending on your needs and preferences. For example, you can pay $6.50 for one hour of Wi-Fi, $16 for a full flight of Wi-Fi, or $65 for a monthly pass of unlimited Wi-Fi.
Some tips to enjoy your in-flight amenities and Wi-Fi service are:
Bring your own snacks and drinks if you want to save money or have special dietary requirements.
Bring your own entertainment devices and headphones if you want to watch or listen to something on board.
Bring your own charger or power bank if you want to keep your devices running during your flight.
Buy your Wi-Fi plan online before your flight to get a discount and avoid any issues with connectivity.
How to make the most of your flight with Spirit Airlines
Flying with Spirit Airlines can be a great way to travel cheaply and conveniently, as long as you know what to expect and how to prepare. However, there are also some ways that you can enhance your experience and get more value from your flight. Here are some of them:
The loyalty program and the rewards
If you fly frequently with Spirit Airlines or its partners, you can join the Free Spirit loyalty program and earn points and rewards for every flight. The Free Spirit program has three tiers: Free Spirit, Silver, and Gold. The more you fly, the higher your tier and the more benefits you get. Some of the benefits include:
Free Spirit: You can earn points for every dollar you spend on Spirit Airlines flights and extras. You can also earn points for spending on partner services, such as hotels, car rentals, credit cards, etc. You can redeem your points for free flights, seat upgrades, bag discounts, etc.
Silver: You can earn 8 points for every dollar you spend on Spirit Airlines flights and extras. You can also enjoy priority boarding, same-day standby, shortcut security, dedicated phone line, etc.
Gold: You can earn 10 points for every dollar you spend on Spirit Airlines flights and extras. You can also enjoy free seat selection, free carry-on bag, free checked bag, free flight flex, free inflight drink and snack, etc.
You can join the Free Spirit program online or by phone. You can also check your points balance and status on the website or the app.
The travel destinations and the routes
Spirit Airlines offers flights to more than 60 destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean, Latin America, and South America. Some of the most popular destinations include:
New York: The Big Apple is one of the most iconic and diverse cities in the world. You can visit famous landmarks, such as the Statue of Liberty, the Empire State Building, Times Square, Central Park, etc. You can also enjoy world-class museums, theaters, restaurants, shopping, nightlife, etc.
Las Vegas: The Sin City is one of the most fun and exciting places to visit in the U.S. You can gamble at the casinos, watch amazing shows, ride thrilling attractions, party at the clubs, etc. You can also explore nearby attractions, such as the Grand Canyon, Hoover Dam, Red Rock Canyon, etc.
Orlando: The Theme Park Capital of the World is one of the best destinations for families and kids. You can visit famous parks, such as Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, SeaWorld, etc. You can also enjoy other attractions, such as the Kennedy Space Center, the Orlando Eye, the Orlando Science Center, etc.
Los Angeles: The City of Angels is one of the most glamorous and diverse cities in the U.S. You can visit famous attractions, such as Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Venice Beach, etc. You can also enjoy cultural and artistic venues, such as the Getty Center, the Griffith Observatory, the Walt Disney Concert Hall, etc.
Cancun: The Mexican resort city is one of the most popular destinations in the Caribbean. You can enjoy beautiful beaches, turquoise waters, coral reefs, tropical forests, etc. You can also visit historical and cultural sites, such as Chichen Itza, Tulum, Coba, etc.
You can find the complete list of destinations and routes on the Spirit Airlines website or app. You can also use the interactive map to explore the options and prices for your desired travel dates.
The tips and tricks to save money and time
Finally, here are some tips and tricks that can help you save money and time when flying with Spirit Airlines:
Compare prices and dates: Before you book your flight, compare the prices and dates of different options and choose the one that suits your budget and schedule. You can use the flexible dates feature or the round-trip fares feature on the Spirit Airlines website or app to find the best deals.
Use promo codes and vouchers: If you have any promo codes or vouchers from Spirit Airlines or its partners, use them when you book your flight to get discounts or freebies. You can find promo codes and vouchers on the Spirit Airlines website, app, email newsletter, social media pages, etc.
Book in advance: The earlier you book your flight, the cheaper it will be. Spirit Airlines fares tend to increase as the departure date approaches, so try to book at least 21 days in advance to get the lowest rates.
Travel off-peak: The demand and prices for flights vary depending on the season, the day of the week, and the time of the day. Try to avoid traveling during peak periods, such as holidays, weekends, or mornings, and opt for off-peak periods, such as weekdays or evenings.
Bundle your extras: If you need any extras for your flight, such as bags, seats, snacks, drinks, etc., try to bundle them together and pay for them online before you check in. This way, you can save money and time compared to paying for them separately or at the airport.
Conclusion
Spirit Airlines is an ultra low cost carrier that offers cheap flights to more than 60 destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean, Latin America, and South America. It operates on a low-cost business model that charges low base fares and extra fees for everything else. It also has a loyalty program and a membership program that offer discounts and rewards to its customers.
Flying with Spirit Airlines can be a great way to travel cheaply and conveniently if you know what to expect and how to prepare. However, there are also some ways that you can enhance your experience and get more value from your flight. You can join the Free Spirit loyalty program or the $9 Fare Club membership, choose from a wide range of destinations and routes, and use some tips and tricks to save money and time. We hope that this article has given you a useful and comprehensive guide to flying with Spirit Airlines. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. Happy flying! FAQs
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions about Spirit Airlines:
How can I cancel or change my Spirit Airlines flight?
You can cancel or change your Spirit Airlines flight online, by phone, or at the airport. However, you may have to pay a fee depending on the type of fare you booked and the time of cancellation or change. The fee can range from $0 to $120 per passenger per flight. You can find more details on the Spirit Airlines website.
What is the refund policy of Spirit Airlines?
Spirit Airlines does not offer refunds for cancellations or changes, unless you cancel within 24 hours of booking and at least 7 days before departure. In that case, you can get a full refund to your original form of payment. Otherwise, you can only get a credit for future travel that is valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
What is the baggage allowance of Spirit Airlines?
Spirit Airlines allows you to bring one personal item for free and charges extra fees for any carry-on or checked bags. The personal item cannot exceed 18 x 14 x 8 inches in size. The carry-on bag cannot exceed 22 x 18 x 10 inches in size. The checked bag cannot exceed 62 linear inches in size and 40 pounds in weight. The fees vary depending on when and how you pay for your bags.
What are the seat options of Spirit Airlines?
Spirit Airlines offers two types of seats: standard seats and Big Front seats. The standard seats have a pitch of 28 inches and a width of 17.75 inches. The Big Front seats have a pitch of 36 inches and a width of 20 inches. They also have extra legroom and recline. You can pay extra fees to select your seat or get a random seat for free at check-in.
How can I contact Spirit Airlines customer service?
You can contact Spirit Airlines customer service by phone, email, chat, social media, or in person. The phone number is 855-728-3555. The email address is CustomerRelations@Spirit.com. The chat service is available on the website or the app from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. EST, seven days a week. The social media pages are Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. The ticket counter locations and hours are available on the Spirit Airlines website.
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