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The Kitchen Table

Has anyone flown Spirit Airlines?

17 years ago

My family is planning a cruise, embarking from Ft. Lauderdale on December 26th. I attempted to find air reservations from Chicago for 6 of them, and found what I thought was a great flight, non-stop, on Spirit. Since I hadn't ever heard of them I googled them and they seemed reputable enough, so I booked the flights. They were as expensive, if not more so, than the major carriers especially when you factor in the $38 increase in each ticket price for one bag.

Well, yesterday I read an article about Ryan air and hidden fees so decided to do more research, and I googled problems with Spirit Air. Now I'm freaking out. Seems there are a multitude of "issues" not the least of which is randomly cancelling flights.

So has anyone flown them and what is your experience?

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Comments (4)

azzalea
17 years ago
We flew Spirit a few years back to go to my nephew's wedding in Florida. (Atlantic City to Fort Myers). They were wonderful. Much cheaper than any of the airlines flying out of Philadelphia--the airport we normally use. And since they fly out of the much smaller AC airport, we didn't have to get there so early. Easy, quick check in. If I recall correctly, going down the plane left on time, but unfortunately landed about 2 hours late. Not Spirit's fault. Pres. Bush was landing right about the time we were scheduled to, and all traffic was made to circle until the airport was totally cleared. But we did get to see Airforce One at pretty close range as we taxied to the terminal. Coming home, we left just a little late--boy, I'm guessing here--maybe 15-20 minutes? But the pilot few so fast, we actually landed BEFORE our scheduled arrival. I've never been on such a quick flight to/from Florida.

I was very pleased with them, but that was back when they were just starting out. Don't know how they are now. I do know my sister and BIL use Spirit frequently when they're going back and forth to Florida, so guess they're happy with them.
dances_in_garden
17 years ago
They used to have a regularly scheduled flight from DTW to La Guardia and back, and it was an early morning flight - great for catching meetings and such. But alas, the flight was ALWAYS late.

I have also used them to fly to Florida for several vacations, where delays don't matter as much (and there are no connections to worry about). I liked them fine.
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jenson13
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Flew Spirit a few years ago and was more than pleased. On time, clean, courteous attendants. Go and enjoy. Cruising is my favorite way to travel.
sleeperblues
Original Author
17 years ago
Great, feeling a little better. Thanks for the responses!

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