IS SPIRIT AIRLINES SAFE FOR BUDGET TRAVELERS?

Where Does Spirit Fly To?

Spirit Airlines offers a range of flight options, primarily focusing on domestic routes within the United States, and popular vacation spots in the Caribbean and Latin America.

Whether you’re planning a quick getaway or a longer trip, Spirit covers various destinations across the country and throughout tropical destinations. 

Some of our favorite trips began with a Spirit flight, providing affordable and convenient travel options for diverse travel experiences in places like:

• Nicaragua
• Colombia
• Guatemala
• Puerto Rico
• Orlando
• Atlanta
• Washington, D.C.
• St. Maarten
• El Salvador
• Mexico
• Ecuador

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Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy

Planning an affordable getaway with Spirit Airlines? Before you pack your bags, it’s essential to understand their updated baggage policy, especially with the new fare tiers that can include baggage.

Spirit’s baggage fees vary depending on what you pack and when you pay for your luggage.

Booking your bags early will save you money, as fees are higher at the airport—a common practice with most airlines.

Here’s what you need to know:

• New Fare Tiers: Some of Spirit’s fare tiers now include baggage. If you book one of these higher tiers, such as Go Big or Go Comfy, your carry-on and checked bags may already be covered, saving you from additional fees.
• Carry-On & Checked Bags: For those on basic tiers, both carry-on and checked bags come with fees that increase the closer you get to your flight date. If you know you’ll need extra luggage, add it during booking to save money. Good news—Spirit recently increased their checked bag weight allowance to 50 pounds!
• Personal Item: Spirit still allows one free personal item, such as a small backpack or purse, that fits under the seat in front of you.

Understanding these options upfront helps you tailor your travel experience to your needs.

Whether you’re packing light with just a personal item or need to bring more, knowing the policy lets you avoid surprises and budget for any additional costs.

By familiarizing yourself with Spirit’s baggage rules ahead of time, you’ll streamline the check-in process, avoid last-minute fees, and have a smoother experience when you fly.

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Why Is Spirit Airlines So Cheap?

If Spirit Airlines is safe, you might be wondering how they manage to offer such low fares. The answer lies in their ultra-low-cost business model.

The model that Spirit was most known for (and often most criticized for) stripped down the base fare and allowed travelers to customize their experience by adding services they truly needed.

However, Spirit Airlines recently revamped its fare structure, and the key is understanding its fare options that meet the varying needs of travelers: Go Big, Go Comfy, Go Savvy, and Go.

These tiers offer different combinations of services that were once considered add-ons, giving you more control over your costs and experience:

• Go Big offers the most value, including a Big Front Seat®, snacks, drinks (alcoholic included), one carry-on, one checked bag, priority boarding, and access to fast in-flight Wi-Fi. The Big Front Seat is wider, more cushioned, and offers extra legroom—plus, no middle seat!
• Go Comfy is perfect for extra comfort, featuring a blocked middle seat, one carry-on, one checked bag, priority boarding, and complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Go Savvy allows for a standard seat selection and includes either one carry-on or one checked bag.
• Go is the most affordable option, where you can add services like checked baggage, seat selection, Wi-Fi, and food as needed.

This new model allows travelers to select the experience that suits them best, whether they want a premium flight or the most basic, budget-friendly option.

But how does Spirit keep their prices so low compared to traditional airlines, even with these options?

The secret lies in simplicity. Spirit operates a smaller fleet than legacy carriers like Delta or American, and they keep costs down by offering a no-frills base fare.

They also fly similar routes, but at a fraction of the cost—sometimes three times cheaper.

Their low overhead allows them to pass those savings on to their customers, but this streamlined approach also comes with trade-offs.

For example, because Spirit has fewer planes and resources, they are more vulnerable to delays and cancellations when disruptions occur, like weather or maintenance issues.

In 2023, Spirit Airlines had a 4.2% cancellation rate, which exceeded the industry average of 2.5%.

They also recorded an average delay time of 75 minutes, compared to the industry average of 52 minutes.

These statistics reflect some of the operational challenges of running a low-cost airline, especially when external factors come into play.

So, while Spirit’s performance in terms of punctuality may not be the best, it’s important to understand that this is part of the trade-off for cheaper fares.

If saving money is your top priority, Spirit’s ultra-low-cost model can be a great option. But if on-time performance and fewer delays are more important to you, you might want to weigh your options carefully.

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Is Spirit Airlines Worth It?

Spirit Airlines can help you save money on your vacation, but whether it’s worth it depends on your personal travel style and priorities.

Safety, of course, should always be the top priority—and we’ve established that Spirit Airlines is safe. After that, it’s all about weighing the other factors like baggage, in-flight experience, and how much comfort you’re looking for.

Spirit’s updated fare structure now offers more flexibility and choices to fit different types of travelers, whether you want more legroom, extra amenities, or just a no-frills option to get from A to B.

Here’s how you can make the most of your Spirit Airlines experience:

1. Choose the Right Fare Tier: Spirit has revamped its pricing model to include options like “Go Big,” “Go Comfy,” and “Go Savvy.” If you want a more comfortable experience with extras like snacks, more legroom, or even priority boarding, these higher-tier options are worth considering. For those who want the lowest possible price, the “Go” tier lets you add only what you need, like a checked bag or WiFi, keeping costs flexible.
2. Pack Light: To keep costs low, travel with just a personal item that fits under the seat. This way, you avoid paying extra for a carry-on or checked luggage. For this, I recommend the Small Baboon to the Moon Go Bag, which has been my go-to for packing light. Spirit’s baggage fees can add up quickly, so this is one of the best ways to save.
3. Legroom Considerations: Spirit’s general seat pitch is 28 inches, compared to the 30 inches you’ll find on many standard economy seats. As someone who’s 5’9” and traveling with a 6’1” husband, I can say the legroom isn’t great—but it’s not terrible either. For shorter flights, we’ve managed just fine. However, if you’re looking for more comfort, consider upgrading to the Go Big tier which includes a Big Front Seat, which gives you an extra six inches of legroom and an overall more spacious seat. It could be worth the splurge for longer flights.
4. Bring Your Own Amenities: Spirit’s lower-cost fares mean you won’t get in-flight entertainment, snacks, or drinks included (unless you’ve opted for one of the upgraded fare tiers). Plan ahead by downloading movies or shows to your phone before the flight and packing your own snacks. A collapsible water bottle is great for staying hydrated without having to buy water on the plane. Just remember to fill it up after you pass through TSA before boarding your flight.
5. Maximize Your Savings: Booking directly through Spirit’s website, purchasing your bags in advance, and checking in online can help you avoid extra fees. Also, be mindful of the airport check-in process—waiting until you’re at the counter to handle bags or boarding passes will cost you significantly more.

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Ultimately, Spirit Airlines is designed for travelers who are willing to trade certain luxuries for lower fares.

If you’re prepared with the right expectations, the airline’s new fare options give you more flexibility than before.

Whether you’re opting for a budget-friendly “Go” fare or booking the Big Front Seat for added comfort, the key to enjoying Spirit Airlines is planning ahead and customizing your experience based on what matters most to you.

If legroom or extra amenities are essential, spending a little more on an upgraded tier can be worth it.

However, if your main goal is getting to your destination on the cheapest possible ticket, Spirit offers that too. You just need to be prepared for the no-frills approach.

In the end, Spirit can be worth it—especially for shorter trips or when you prioritize saving money over comfort. It all comes down to matching their fare options with your travel needs.

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Final Thoughts: Is Spirit Airlines Safe?

When it comes to safety, Spirit Airlines measures up just like any other major carrier.

They follow rigorous safety protocols, employ highly trained pilots and crew, and maintain their aircraft to industry standards. So while their low-cost, no-frills approach may not be for everyone, you can feel confident that safety is not something they cut corners on.

The idea that budget airlines compromise safety is a common misconception. While Spirit may have a reputation for its minimalist service and extra fees, it’s important to understand that safety regulations are universal across all airlines.

So, the next time you hear complaints about Spirit Airlines, remember that the real issue is often about comfort or service—not safety. Whether or not Spirit aligns with your travel style, you can trust that you’ll arrive safely at your destination.

If you’re looking to save even more on your travels, check out our Top 9 Ways to Find Cheap Flights—a free guide to unlocking affordable airfare, no matter which airline you choose. Download it below and start planning your next adventure!

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FAQs

Is Spirit a good airline?

• Spirit Airlines is a budget airline that offers affordable air travel with fewer amenities than other airlines. Despite this, Spirit Airlines has a strong safety record, high safety ratings, and effective safety practices in place.

Where does Spirit Airlines rank?

• In terms of safety, Spirit Airlines has high safety ratings from reputable organizations such as the FAA and IATA. However, in terms of overall customer satisfaction, Spirit Airlines may rank lower than other airlines due to their budget model and fewer amenities.

What plane does Spirit use?

• Spirit Airlines use an all-Airbus fleet. These aircraft are equipped with necessary safety equipment, such as life vests, oxygen masks, and onboard emergency medical kits per FAA requirements.

Are Spirit Airlines pilots and crew members properly trained?

• Yes, Spirit Airlines pilots undergo extensive training programs that meet or exceed FAA standards, and their crew members receive ongoing training to ensure that they have the necessary skills and knowledge to handle any safety-related issues.

Are Spirit Airlines aircrafts equipped with necessary safety equipment?

• Yes, Spirit Airlines aircrafts have life vests, oxygen masks, and onboard emergency medical kits, among other safety measures in place, that comply with FAA requirements.

How can I find out about Spirit Airlines’ safety ratings?

• Spirit Airlines has received high ratings from reputable safety organizations like the FAA and the IATA.

What happens if there is an emergency on board a Spirit Airlines flight?

• In the rare event of an emergency, Spirit Airlines flight crews are equipped to handle incidents that can arise and are trained to ensure the safety of all passengers on board.

What should I do if I have concerns about flying with Spirit Airlines?

• If you have any concerns or questions about flying with Spirit Airlines, you can reach out to their customer service team for more information and assistance.

Why is Spirit Airlines so bad?

• Spirit Airlines’ budget model, which offers lower prices but fewer amenities than other airlines, has faced criticism. Passengers may be charged for carry-on bags, seat assignments, and in-flight snacks and drinks, leading to a perception of low value for the price.

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