About Spirit Airlines
Founded in 1983 as a regional charter service, Spirit Airlines has evolved into one of the most recognized ULCCs in the U.S. Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, Spirit operates an all-Airbus fleet of A319s, A320s, and A321s. The fleet expansion has allowed the airline to serve over 80 destinations, including major U.S. cities, Caribbean hotspots, and Latin American leisure destinations.
Its hub at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a gateway to the Caribbean and Latin America. Other vital hubs include Orlando (MCO), Las Vegas (LAS), Detroit (DTW), and Los Angeles (LAX). These hubs help Spirit focus on short- and medium-haul routes, avoiding the long-haul competition of legacy carriers like Delta or American.
Spirit positions itself as a no-frills carrier: the base fare gets you from point A to point B, and nearly everything else (bags, seats, food, Wi-Fi) comes at an additional cost. Spirit can be among the cheapest options for travelers comfortable with this structure in the U.S..
Back to topBooking Spirit Airlines Flights
How to Book
Booking directly on Spirit.com or through the Spirit Airlines mobile app provides the most transparent breakdown of fares and optional services. Third-party online travel agencies (OTAs) like us also sell Spirit tickets, often with package deals. While OTAs may highlight “bundles,” booking direct ensures you see every option available.
At The Jersey Flights, we generally recommend booking directly with Spirit for clarity, then checking OTA packages for potential savings on hotels or cars.
Roundtrip vs. One-Way Tickets
Spirit is well-known for promoting roundtrip specials. However, one-way tickets are just as standard and sometimes more flexible for multi-city trips. Some travelers book one leg on Spirit and the return on another airline to balance cost and comfort.
When to Book for Best Prices
- Book 2–3 weeks in advance for the best chance at lower fares.
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures often cost less.
- Spirit’s Saver$ Club membership provides exclusive discounts, though it has an annual fee.
Payment Options
Spirit partners with third-party financing services like Affirm and Klarna. These “Pay Later” plans allow you to split ticket costs into installments. However, they may involve interest charges, so they’re best used cautiously.
Back to topSpirit Airlines Baggage Policy
Personal Item Rules
Each passenger is allowed one free personal item, a small backpack, purse, or laptop bag. The dimensions of this item must not exceed 18 inches in length, 14 inches in width, and 8 inches in height. Traveling light is one of the easiest ways to keep your trip cost-effective, allowing you to avoid baggage fees.
Carry-On and Checked Bags
- Carry-on: $35–$55 when booked in advance; $65+ at the gate.
- Checked bag: $30–$50+ each way.
- Overweight (41–50 lbs): $79 fee.
- Oversized (63–80 linear inches): $100+.
Family and Special Items
Travelers with children can bring one stroller and one car seat per child at no charge. Sporting equipment, musical instruments, and pets can be transported, but with individual pricing. Pets are allowed in-cabin for ~$125 per flight (limited capacity).
Traveler Tip: Pack strategically. Frequent Spirit flyers have perfected the “personal item only” approach, essentially the ultimate way to fly Spirit without additional costs.
Back to topSpirit Airlines Seating & Cabin Experience
Economy Class
Spirit’s economy seats are functional but minimalist. They're among the tightest in U.S. aviation with a pitch of ~28 inches and no recline. For shorter flights (under 3 hours), most travelers find them tolerable, but for longer flights, discomfort increases.
The Big Front Seat
A central selling point for Spirit is its “Big Front Seat” option. These wider seats (36-inch pitch, no middle seat) are comparable to domestic first-class seats on other carriers — without the premium perks like meals or lounge access. Prices typically range from $25–$75+ per flight, making them one of the best low-cost upgrades available.
Bundled Options and Extras
Spirit offers “Boost It” and “Bundle It” packages, which include seat selection, checked luggage, and sometimes priority boarding. A Wi-Fi rollout has begun across newer aircraft. The price ranges from $5 to $15, depending on the route.
Back to topChange, Cancellation & Refund Policies
Spirit’s flexibility policies have evolved. Here’s what to know:
- Changes: $59–$99 depending on timing; cheaper if made online.
- Cancellations: Usually refunded as flight credits rather than cash.
- Spirit-Initiated Cancellations: If Spirit cancels, passengers can rebook or request credit. Cash refunds are less common and may require persistence.
Adding travel insurance is worth considering, especially during high-demand holiday seasons when delays or cancellations are more likely.
Back to topDestinations & Airports
Spirit focuses on popular leisure destinations rather than business hubs. Its model thrives on high-traffic, point-to-point routes:
- Fort Lauderdale (FLL) → gateway to the Caribbean/Latin America.
- Las Vegas (LAS) and Los Angeles (LAX) → major West Coast hubs.
- New York (LGA/EWR) → expanding Northeast coverage.
- International → Cancun, Bogota, Lima, San Juan, and others.
Unlike legacy carriers, Spirit doesn’t operate extensive connecting services — it’s best suited for direct point-to-point flying.
Back to topFree Spirit Loyalty Program
Points and Earnings
- Silver: 8 pts/$ on fares, 16 pts/$ on extras.
- Gold: 10 pts/$ on fares, 20 pts/$ on extras.
Benefits
Gold tier members enjoy free carry-on bags, discounted redemption rates, and priority boarding.
Free Spirit Credit Card
Issued by Bank of America, the co-branded Free Spirit credit card offers extra points and baggage benefits. It’s most useful for frequent Spirit flyers (4–5+ times annually), but its annual fee makes it less valuable for occasional travelers.
Back to topSpirit Airlines Reviews & Traveler Experiences
Pros:
- Among the lowest fares in the U.S.
- Strong leisure destination network.
- Big Front Seat is a low-cost comfort upgrade.
Cons:
- Additional fees add up quickly if unplanned.
- Tight seating in standard economy.
- Reports of delays and cancellations during peak travel periods.
The consensus: “Spirit works if you play by their rules.”
Back to topSpirit Airlines vs Competitors
Spirit vs Frontier
Both are ULCCs, but Spirit has broader Florida coverage. Fees are similar, though Spirit’s Big Front Seat is unique.
Spirit vs JetBlue/Delta
- JetBlue: More space, free snacks, higher fares.
- Delta: Global network, premium service, higher pricing.
- Spirit: Lower base fares but nearly all extras are unbundled.
Spirit is often cheaper for price-driven travelers; JetBlue or Delta may be worth the higher cost for comfort-driven travelers.
Back to topFinal Thoughts
Flying with Spirit Airlines is about aligning expectations. If you’re willing to travel light, skip extras, and understand the cost structure, you can unlock some of the most affordable flights in the U.S.. Spirit may not be the right fit if you expect free bags, meals, and luxury service.
At The Jersey Flights, our verdict is clear: Spirit Airlines is a good option for flexible, budget-conscious travelers who prioritize price over perks.
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