Airline Reviews

Is Spirit Airlines Really That Bad? Here's The Answer!

Are you looking for a flight and came across a Spirit Airlines flight for half the price or more of the other airline carriers and asking yourself Is Spirit Airlines Really That Bad? Well, let's break it down for you.

Spirit Airlines often receives a barrage of negative reviews online and viral videos of physical and verbal fights both between passengers and passengers and Spirt Airlines flight attendants/gate agents.

So, is Spirit Airlines really that bad? Well, let's dive a little deeper to uncover the truth behind the carriers reputation and whether I would fly with the carrier.

We're going many people's inflight experience, the pros and cons so you can decide if Spirit Airlines is worth the money you save.

Is Flying Spirit Airlines Really That Bad?

Let's Find Out!

How Much Does Spirit Airlines Charge?

As a budget carrier, Spirit Airlines can many times be 50-70% cheaper than premium carriers like United & Delta. Their business model is one in which they strip away every little thing other carriers give you for free and by doing so this is how they are able to sell their fares at the price point they do.

Spirit Airlines Cost Comparison - Is Spirit Airlines Worth It? — As you can see, it's 50%-65% cheaper than premium carriers

In the above photo you can see that a Spirit Airlines flight from Chicago to St. Thomas is $279, American Airlines is $476, Delta is $543 and United is $600 for the exact same flight. This massive cost difference is the allure of Spirit Airlines.

How Can Spirit Airlines Charge So Much Less?

Spirit Airlines is notorious for charging for every little extra, including snacks and beverages. With no complimentary refreshments provided, passengers must be prepared to pay for any onboard indulgences.

Spirit does not have any complimentary in-flight entertainment, but on certain flights you will have the option to purchase internet when it works, and many times it doesn't work even after purchasing it.

However, if it works you can then stream your normal apps that you use on your phone as you would any other times, but they do not have new movies like other carriers.

Spirit Airlines Does Not Offer Business or First Class

Spirit Airlines simplifies fare classes with just two options: regular economy and "Big Front Seats," . That's literally their name 😆. The big front seats offer, you guessed it... more space, however they lack the luxury of first or business class amenities so we image that is why Spirit calls them "Big Front Seats" to save the anger of those passengers who upgraded to the "Big Front Seats" for as little as $12.

However, be warned that even these seats can be notably just as firm and my opinion only worth it if you are really tall, or really wide as they are no more soft than their cheaper counter parts.

What Can The Passengers Be Like?

Without intending offend, it's important to acknowledge that Spirit Airlines' affordability often attracts a younger crowd and those with varying socioeconomic statuses.

I will tread lightly here, but I feel it's important to cover it. I will use a few analogies to make my point.

If you are renting a motel 6 for $40 per night or the Hilton at $100+ per night, not only are the amenities going to be night and day, but your surroundings and environment is going to be drastically different as well.
If you live in a neighborhood that has an average rental price of $600-$800 vs another neighborhood 10 miles with the average rent costing $2000+, which neighborhood is going to have a higher crime rate or have more noise complaints.

I feel in today's climate you have to talk on eggshells but at Jetsetter Alerts we promise to always give it to you strait so that you can have the not just the most affordable vacations but also limit the negative unwanted surprises. Without saying anymore, I feel that will give you an understanding as to why there are so many viral videos of Spirit Airlines passengers engaging in physical and verbal altercations.

Is it physically safe to fly on Spirit Airlines?

Can you throw hands?

Huge Brawl On Spirit Airlines Flight

Really there is no other airline with endless viral videos on Social Media and YouTube of passengers acting out, but if you are one of those people who love to people watch....There is no other in-flight experience like it, and that's a promise.

Will I personally fly with Spirit Airlines? Yes—under certain conditions.

I’m a taller guy (6'3" and 205 lbs), so I’m not really worried about comfort or safety. Regardless of which airline I'm on—premium or budget—I always pack my own snacks and entertainment to avoid the 300-500% markup on in-flight purchases. I bring an empty water bottle to fill up at the fountain and stash a bag of chips, plus a sandwich or salad, in my carry-on.

For Spirit Airlines to make sense, two criteria have to be met:

It must save me at least $100 compared to a premium carrier.
The flight is two hours or less, with no connections.

If both of those boxes are checked, I’ll go with Spirit. That said, I do take a few extra steps—like bringing all my essentials—to keep my sanity on board.

How's Spirit Airlines In-Flight Experience?

Well, that's all going to depend on how many passengers are high on drugs!

Crack Cocaine Is Bad Kids

Many of us have kids, and we've all experienced those moments when they act out—especially at a young age. But let's be honest: it's tough to be stuck on a plane with someone else's screaming child while the parents struggle to soothe them.

For me, I’d be mortified if my child was crying nonstop, and I’d try to fix the issue quickly. Some parents, though, seem to shrug it off, as if everyone else just has to deal with it. Then there’s the situation of a dirty diaper that’s left unattended—despite there being a bathroom on the plane.

It’s not a pleasant experience for anyone, and it can feel pretty endless when you’re thousands of feet in the air. Just thought I’d share what many of us are probably thinking!

Not a Spirit Flight, but you get the idea

My Solution? Always bring noise-canceling headphones—preferably the ones that fully cover your ears, because earbuds won’t save you if a few kids are screaming nearby. Seriously, do not forget your headphones!

Also, pack your own entertainment so you can tune out kids whose parents assume everyone else should just deal with it. Since budget carriers tend to attract families looking to save, you’ll find more kids on these flights. A quick Google search for “Spirit Airlines and kids” shows folks on Reddit asking if the airline will seat them together, and the responses are often along the lines of:

If you’re not willing to spend $10 to make sure your kids sit beside you, don’t ask other passengers to give up their seats once you board.

Ask yourself:

If they won’t spend $10 to ensure seating together, do you think they’re really concerned about any noise those kids might make?

So, is flying Spirit Airlines really that bad? It can be—if you’re not prepared. But if you have noise-canceling headphones, your own snacks, and the flight is under 2 hours (with no connections), you can save a lot of money.

However, if:

Money isn’t an issue for you
You have anxiety or PTSD
You have limited patience

…you may want to pay more and go with a premium carrier. Either way, don’t forget to charge those noise-canceling headphones!

On a lighter note, Spirit’s pilots usually do their best to get you to your destination on time.

And...If they lose your 6 year old, they will offer to pay for the gas when you drive to the airport the child ends up at and issue an apology for the inconvenience.

So, what do you think? Is Spirit Airlines really that bad, and would you fly with them?

Other Post

How Much Does Spirit Airlines Charge?

How Can Spirit Airlines Charge So Much Less?

Spirit Airlines Does Not Offer Business or First Class

What Can The Passengers Be Like?

Is it physically safe to fly on Spirit Airlines?

How's Spirit Airlines In-Flight Experience?

Airline Mistake Fares