I am a pretty avid traveler and have flown with a few different airlines, so I have my favorites! Each carrier brings its own unique blend of perks and pitfalls, but there are a few key factors that truly set a stellar airline apart: cleanliness, customer service, convenience, and comfort. So, when the opportunity arose to embark on my maiden voyage with Spirit Airlines, I couldn't resist the chance to provide you all with an unfiltered review of my experience!
First things first, let's establish that there's no such thing as a flawless airline. Every airline has its strengths and weaknesses, and my perspective is shaped solely by my personal encounter. So, fasten your seatbelts because this blog is cleared for takeoff!
One of the initial impressions that struck me about Spirit was the lightning-speed efficiency of their boarding and deplaning process. I thought for sure that the plane would be dirty. There was no way they shuttled all those passengers off and loaded us on so quickly AND cleaned the plane. But to my astonishment, the cabin was spotless – I'm talking cleaner than a whistle! They've truly outshone industry giants like Delta, United, and American in this regard. I even conducted the infamous "tray test" and not a crumb dared to defy their cleanliness standards. Color me impressed!
The customer service was great too. From gate agents to pilots to flight attendants, every member of the crew exuded warmth and hospitality. Their genuine smiles and attentive demeanor made me feel like a cherished guest rather than just another passenger. I would literally give the in-flight crew 5 stars for their service.
However, let's address the elephant in the cabin...We do have to remember that Spirit is a budget airline. And the quote, “you get what you paid for” applies here. With that said these are my thoughts based on what I experienced. The first thing I noticed was how small the seats were. Now I know Spirit isn’t the most luxurious brand and my expectations weren't very high, but man...those seats were small and thinly padded. If you are someone who has a bad back or your back tends to hurt after sitting for a while, this airline is not the one for you. I don’t normally get back pain, but my lower back was on fire at the end of my 2-hour flight. Overall, it was just a very uncomfortable flight. I was sitting in the aisle seat and my husband in the middle. There was literally no wiggle room. We were overlapping with each other. My seat cushion also wasn’t fully attached. It also acts as a life vest in case of an emergency. But it was slipping and sliding underneath me the entire plane ride. I am also not a very tall person. I average between 5’3” - 5’4” and my legs were touching the seat in front of me. This NEVER happens and it opened my eyes to how uncomfortable flying can be for taller people. And reclining? Forget about it – Spirit seats don't budge! I didn’t know how much I would miss a reclining seat until I wasn’t able to!
Now, let's talk snacks – or rather, the lack thereof. Before we boarded, I grabbed my husband and I a drink and some snacks for the flight. Which I’m so glad I did. Spirit Airlines does not offer complimentary snacks and drinks. They do have those items on board but for purchase, so be prepared to shell out a few extra bucks if you fancy indulging in onboard refreshments. I thought it was interesting that the 16.9 oz bottle soda I bought at the airport was cheaper than the 12 oz can they sold on board. Yes, you read that correctly, the bigger soda bottle I purchased at the airport was cheaper than the smaller soda on my flight! Talk about a sky-high markup!
Overall, my experience with Spirit Airlines wasn't without its ups and downs. The customer service was phenomenal. Literally, probably some of the nicest flight crew I’ve encountered in a while. The comfortably served as a gentle reminder of its budget-friendly ethos. My verdict? If you just need to hop on a short flight somewhere to strictly get from point A to point B, Spirit is a great option. If you need to fly somewhere farther that is creating a longer travel day, I encourage you to look at other options.
So, fellow wanderers, as you traverse the friendly skies, may your travels be as comfortable as they are exhilarating. And always remember – when it comes to Spirit Airlines, think of it as the Uber for the sky!
Happy (and comfortable) Travels!
Meagan
