Anyone fly Spirit Airlines?

[mtnrider]

Flying is no fun anymore no matter who you use. They are (almost) All charging for things that used to be included etc. Only a few of the top tier airlines are not doing this. If you want a bargain price don't expect much in the way of service. It's just a seat from point A to B and that's it. Everything else is extra. Hell, even buying a $400 ticket doesn't get you much. Probably still going to pay to check a bag.

I have flown well over a million miles and used to somewhat enjoy it. Not anymore.

[two shoes]

I will not likely fly them again. For an "over nighter" with a backpack, maybe... I find their business practices deceptive. My corporate travel agency (online) has them and it is by far the cheapest fare, but once you add everything up they are more expensive. We have a policy to take the cheapest flight, unless for "business needs"... That will be my option from now on.

[colorider]

Read the fine print and take a small carry on. That's how you have to travel these days if you want to fly on a budget. Spirit is bottom of the barrel as they don't even have reclining seats. Price is right if you can carry on and it's a short flight. Bring your own snacks and drink (that you purchased for inflated prices at the airport.).

[brutal]

Read the fine print and take a small carry on. That's how you have to travel these days if you want to fly on a budget. Spirit is bottom of the barrel as they don't even have reclining seats. Price is right if you can carry on and it's a short flight. Bring your own snacks and drink (that you purchased for inflated prices at the airport.).

Within reason, you can travel with packaged food items though security. Yes, you will have to buy a $2 bottle of water or coke.

http://www.tsa.gov/traveler-informat...-food-or-gifts

I fly with jerky, Atkins bars, etc in my bag nearly always.

[brutal]

I will not likely fly them again. For an "over nighter" with a backpack, maybe... I find their business practices deceptive. My corporate travel agency (online) has them and it is by far the cheapest fare, but once you add everything up they are more expensive. We have a policy to take the cheapest flight, unless for "business needs"... That will be my option from now on.

While UA is our official carrier (I'm sure the big wigs are Global Service), our corporate travel policy requires "lowest logical fare." Flying a budget carrier with add-ons is illogical.

[clodhopper]

Time will tell if this ULCC concept is really viable as a long term business plan, but in the short term, it seems to be wildly successful from a financial standpoint. 2014 was Frontier's most profitable year in its 20+ year history. Personally, I hate the concept, but it's hard to argue with the objective financial performance numbers.

Just experienced all this same shit flying with the whole family on Norwegian Airlines. Pay to check bags, pay to reserve a seat, pay for anything on the plane. Wouldn't fly with a carrier like this ever again given a choice....

I think the profit bump from the ULCC conversion will be short lived as it is mostly reliant on uneducated travelers buying something they don't understand. Over time, travel culture will change and the profit bump will seem less significant. What it will do in the long term is potentially crater a brand by being commonly associated with deceptive business practices.

[XC700116]

They are taking your miles away or expiring? Or what are the perks you are talking about?

Been a summit member for quite some time, came with free baggage, free upgraded seating and advanced seat assignments. Free n/a drinks on the plane. Now all that is gone, and just get the miles, and no more bonus miles

[sniper7]

Been a summit member for quite some time, came with free baggage, free upgraded seating and advanced seat assignments. Free n/a drinks on the plane. Now all that is gone, and just get the miles, and no more bonus miles

Ouch, quite the slap in the face to a top tier frequent flyer.

[glenncal1]

GF and I flew to Ft. Lauderdale last November, stupidly booked with Spirit who wasn't that much cheaper than the other airlines at first pass. $10 to reserve seats (add $20 to rt fare), about $40 to check a bag (add $80 to rt fare), leave golf clubs home because it would be $160 to check two sets rt. About as comfortable as sitting on a bus bench. Going again in May, taking SW, about $60 more initially, but that includes two checked bag and seats. Get to take golf clubs this time. Flying sux.

[Aloha_Shooter]

This is more or less the same model followed by Ryanair and other very low cost carriers. It succeeds because so many people only look at the ticket price. The major airlines in the US have experimented with prices and found that the US consumer may talk about being willing to pay more for a better experience but at the end of the day, they buy tickets solely based on the ticket price. We only have ourselves to blame for this trend.