I flew Spirit Philadelphia-Las Vegas-Oakland/SF then back to Philadelphia from Vegas for $ 170 while others charged upward of $ 350. Folks, before writing any reviews please look at the mirror of whom to blame on.
Anyone complaint here and elsewhere should learn Reading Comprehension and Common Sense 101 for real.
Spirit warns you about No Frills, Check in time, Travel disruption and cancellation policies, Packing tips and luggage fees etc. right there at their websites. Anyone who complaint about “suprise” fees should blame themselves on their ignorance.
For $ 170 coast to coast and back please do not expect anything than a seat and small bag to bring on, don’t even dream about personal TV and internet.
Guys, c’mon.
I am very happy with the fares and I can travel more with the saving. I will fly again with it in the future.
Here are some tips to fly with Spirit :
1. Buying ticket
Cheapest ? At the airport counter ! Spirit charges $ 18 each segment for
the “convenience” fee of sitting down using our laptop to book online but waive that fee if we choose to do the hassles to go to the airport to buy in person. PHL-LAS-OAK and LAS to PHL those will be 3 segments x $ 18. I saved $ 54 from standard online fare right there and I don’t even join their $9 club.
2. Luggage
Pack lightly, 16″ laptop backpack, Gym Duffel bags, small carry on bag (I would recommend Ciao Rolling underseater carry on bag) that fit 16x14x12 inches dimension should be OK. For ladies put your purses inside that bag.
It is only 1 piece of “personal” item. Anything else will be charged and pay way in advance if you have any bigger carry on and luggage.
The weight limit is 40lbs. Yes, Spirit is strict about this. Overweight means $$$.
3. Frills (Entertainment, Food and Drinks)
Bring your own devices for entertainment, bring some ear plugs and eye shades or tablets. Bring your own power bank to recharge your smartphones or tablets or extra batteries. Spirit doesn’t have TVs or power outlets.
Bring your own snacks/food and empty bottle that can be refilled at water fountain at the airport. Or bring a water bottle with internal water filter.
Or just buy $ 3 soda. It’s small change compared to my saving.
4. Check in time
Print your boarding pass and check in 24 hours before the flight at home, office, Kinkos, public library or hotel printer or flight check in stations for free
or cheap because Spirit will charge $ 10 to have agents printing boarding pass for you. Spirit has free check in machines at the airport but there is no guarantee they always work.
If Spirit check in website is down, print out the screen message and bring it as a proof for airport agents to print out boarding pass for you for free.
Spirit requires 2 hours minimum check in for Domestic and 3 hours for international. Why ? Because they have minimal staffs and they want everyone checked in way before the plane arrival and get the job done much earlier. The flights sometimes overbooked so those who don’t have boarding pass on hand and check in late will likely be bumped.
Anyone with check luggages better come even earlier than recommended time.
5. Delays and cancellations.
Spirit doesn’t guarantee any connection or connecting flight. Provide ample time between connections. Fly direct. Take travel insurance just in case. Or fly legacy airlines if there is very important events that can’t be missed whatsoever.
Spirit airlines is not for those who are attenting $$$ business deals or once upon a lifetime event such as wedding or cruise.
6. Ticket rules
Non refundable means non refundable. Take travel insurance to cover the unexpected. Spirit will not provide any hotel rooms or alternatives if delays or cancellation happen. So once again fly with it with your own risks as you get what you pay for.
7. Extras ($ 9 club, credit card)
If ones live close to the airports they can get great deals buying at agents at the airports save $ 18 each flight segment. No need to join $9 club. For those flying often with Spirit but not convient to go to the airport $9 club is worth it. This membership is Auto Renew and can only be cancelled before the anniversary date online. Ones must pay attention on this. Credit card offer is not a must. Not interested ? Just decline it. Easy.
Hotels and cars bundles, they are offered at check out as add ons but it’s a choice. I would suggest to skip these bundles and shop around for car rentals and hotels deals. It can be cheaper and be dealth individually directly to the rental car companies or hotels for any service issues.
Those who can’t sit on 28 inches seat pitch can upgrade their seat choices for comfort for extra money. They have exit row seats and Big Front seat that is comparable like first class to other airlines for about $ 30-50 extra.
Folks, remember always read and understand what you are buying, clicking and signing. Never curse anything because of ignorance. It sounds just ridiculous and pathetic.
EDITORS COMMENT: We agree!!! You can’t expect a full service product with a low cost fare – that’s not how it works!
