Budget airlines rose to prominence over the last decade, appealing to travellers who wanted cheap fares at the expense of some perks and luxuries. While trying to save some money, many passengers ignored what the discounts were actually costing them. Among the budget airlines, there's one that stands out but not for positive reasons, and that is Spirit Airlines.
Spirit Airlines was marketed as an affordable travel option with zero frills. The company quickly garnered a reputation for delays, hidden fees, and a legion of frustrated passengers. Americans who want transparency and reliability from their airline should consider never flying with Spirit Airlines.
Let's look at some of the reasons why Spirit Airlines should be avoided by any passenger looking for a reliable airline that values experience.
Cheap Flights Shouldn't Be a Headache
Spirit developed its brand around the cost of its flights. A flight to Washington or Los Angeles would appear to be hundreds of dollars cheaper than their competitors, like Delta, at first glance. However, the cost of a ticket increased dramatically once you got to the booking page. Spirit's à la carte pricing model charges passengers for every service you could think of. There was a separate fee for carry-on bags, seat selection, or even checking in at the counter.
Spirit's model relies on attracting passengers who value price over comfort. It didn't take long for even he most price-conscious passengers to grow frustrated with Spirit's approach and fine print. Passengers were rarely satisfied with the experience, and complaints about hidden charges were common.
With Spirit, what might look like a bargain often turned into a costly ordeal when everything was said and done.
Poor Customer Experience
Outside of its pricing, Spirit has a well-earned reputation for lackluster customer service. The seats are often cramped, the customer service is dismissive, and flight attendants can be stretched thin. There are also lots of flight delays and cancellations that left travellers stranded with little support.
Spirit's low-cost business model left little room for them to invest and focus on customer service. They didn't have the means to care for their customers during disruptions the way a larger airline could. Furthermore, Spirit doesn't often have the backup crews or replacement aircraft to keep things moving. This reflected the lack of a proper onboard experience with seats that didn't recline, minimal legroom, and charges for water or soft drinks.
The True Price of Flying for Low Cost
Spirit Airlines reminds us that sometimes it's not worth it to save even a lot of money. The industry is a balancing act between affordability, safety, and customer service, areas where Spirit consistently underserves. Hidden fees can double or even triple the cost of a flight, while delays and cancellations only offer inconvenience.
Travellers have countless options between the legacy airlines and the budget airlines. There's no question that these airlines have their issues, but they are far less exploitative, and most don't offer more for less only to charge a lot more.
Spirit Airlines needs to commit itself to the needs of its budget passengers, and not just its bottom line. Flying is stressful enough without feeling anxious about hidden charges or having to deal with a delayed flight. Low cost always comes with some compromise, but it shouldn't require total sacrifice just to save some money when taking a quick flight from Chicago to New York City.
