Why I Love Flying Spirit Airlines
I love flying Spirit Airlines! Plenty of airlines get a bad wrap from time to time, including this one. And lately, many airlines have had issues with canceled flights due to staffing issues, weather interference, and other industry challenges.
No airline is completely immune to these challenges or bad press, but I have had great luck with Spirit Airlines. Yes, Spirit is a no-frills airline, but hear me out before you discount this budget-friendly way to fly.
I’ve flown Spirit 3 times in the last few years with no issues. For me, the benefits of flying with Spirit have far outweighed the downsides, but each traveler needs to pick the airline and flight amenities that suit their personal travel style.
Given that Frontier Airlines recently merged with Spirit, you will likely have similar experiences with both companies…which means even more options for low-cost travel!
Here are the three main reasons I love flying with Spirit Airlines:
Save Money
If money is no object and flying first class is the norm for you, then Spirit likely won’t be your airline of choice. But if you are like me and prefer NOT to pay an exorbitant amount of your travel budget on airfare, then I recommend you give Spirit a try.
If your schedule, or even your destination, is somewhat flexible you can find ridiculously low rates with Spirit. I’ve seen round-trip flights to Orlando for just over $40!! It currently takes twice that amount just to fill my gas tank!
I flew to Orlando last summer to visit a friend and was able to find a roundtrip flight that coincided with my vacation time for around $80. Not bad!
I will caution you that the initial ticket price can go up and really cut into the cost savings if you aren’t careful. If flying cheap is your top priority, don’t be swayed to purchase the extras. And everything is extra with Spirit.
Don’t fall for these add-ons or your flying experience will no longer be classified as inexpensive. You will pay extra if you opt to select your seat, secure one of their big seats (Spirit’s version of first class), get priority boarding, and bring a carry-on or checked bag.
Yes, you heard me right. Suitcases cost extra with Spirit. But keep reading, because I’ve got some thoughts about packing light in just a bit!
Don’t expect to get a “complimentary” beverage or bag of peanuts either. You will be given the option to purchase overpriced in-flight snacks (and also wi-fi), but I prefer to buy a few snacks and beverages at the airport to take on the plane. Airport food is still overpriced, but at least you have access to more options.
Non-Stop Flights
I typically fly out of the Indianapolis airport and Spirit offers flights to tons of great destinations.
I’ve used Spirit to fly from Indy to Las Vegas twice and Indy to Orlando once. And all of those flights were non-stop!
When searching for flights I couldn’t even find another airline that offered a non-stop flight out of Indianapolis. Given that Spirit also offered the lowest fares, it was an easy choice.
Not only did I save money, but I also saved time. That means more time and more money for traveling…score!!
Given that it is now recommended that you arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before a domestic flight, flying within the United States can be an all-day adventure, especially if you have a layover. Personally, I’d rather spend my time on the beach or playing the slots than waiting in a crowded airport. Anytime you have a layover there is also the increased likelihood that something could go wrong or a delayed flight causes you to miss your connection.
Spirit recently announced that it now offers non-stop flights to Las Vegas from 41 different destinations. So if Sin City is on your travel wish list, be sure to check out Spirit Airlines!
Spirit flies to many popular destinations in the United States, Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean, so you are bound to find a flight and destination that works for you. And if it’s a non-stop flight, then that is icing on the cake!
Pack Light
Let’s get back to that no free luggage issue, as I know that won’t work for everyone.
For me, I’ve learned to pack light when I need to, and I actually enjoy it! There is a bit of a thrill for me to really assess what I truly need on my trip and to travel like a minimalist.
I also love the ability to be carefree and not weighed down with excessive luggage as I wander through the airport and on public transportation. It can be very liberating to travel light!
With Spirit, you can take one personal item on the plane with you for free and it must fit under the seat in front of you. I travel with a backpack and put my small purse inside it. You may be surprised how much I can fit in a backpack!
When I traveled solo to Orlando for just four days the backpack was sufficient to carry a few bathing suits, a couple of summer outfits, and some small toiletries.
On my trips to Vegas, in addition to my backpack, I did add on one checked bag. This added nearly $50 to both the outbound and inbound flights, but I shared the luggage space with my travel companion and made sure our joint suitcase was under the 40-pound weight limit.
I had everything I needed for my trip and still came out with a much cheaper flight than if I had gone with another airline!
Have you flown Spirit Airlines? I’d love to hear about your experience! If you have never given this airline a chance and want to stretch your travel budget further, I encourage you to look into Spirit and give them a try.
Wherever the road takes you, make it a joyous journey,
Traveling Tanya
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