Spirit Airlines...Low Cost, LOW SERVICE.
So this was my 2nd time flying with Spirit Airlines. For those of you that are not familiar with the airline, here is a brief overview:
- Spirit Airlines is based in the Ft. Lauderdale area.
- Spirit Airlines is always having a sale. Some flights are only $5 each way (plus tax.)
- Spirit Airlines is considered a low cost carrier.
My first trip on Spirit was actually great. I flew from Ft. Lauderdale to Detroit (to visit family). I checked in online and printed my boarding pass. With no luggage to check it was sooo easy. And the plane and flight wasn't bad. Well, that was a year ago.
We decided to give them a try for a trip to Las Vegas since Spirit started direct flights from Ft. Lauderdale. We usually fly Delta, but they were still in bankruptcy and didn't want to take a chance. We booked our flights for about $350 each. Not too bad.
About 2 months after we booked, Spirit announced a 'change' in their fares. They would be dropping the rates, however would now be charging $5 per checked bag (per flight) and soda and snacks would be for SALE (not free.) only a glass of water would be free. This is actually the route many airlines are going to go soon.
I looked up our flight to see how much lower the rate would be with this new pricing structure and it was $50 lower per ticket! I then called the 800 number. Spirit wants you to use the internet...so their call center is very slow. Once I got the agent on the phone and explained that not only am I paying a higher price, I have to pay for my luggage now. She said there was nothing she could do but 'change' the reservation and charge $50 per ticket as a change fee. I asked to speak to her supervisor. Same story. They were no help at all. I ended up buying paying for the luggage fees online because if you wait to do it at the airport, it's $10 each.
VACATION DAY- We arrived to Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport about 3 hours ahead of our flight, just to be sure we wouldn't be stuck in line anywhere and miss it. Well, the line to check in was out the door and down the sidewalk. Nobody was directing people, nobody was able to answer questions on how long it would take to check in and we didn't see any agents behind the counter. We decided to use the skycap which only had 4 people in line and was very quick. The guy did try to charge me again for my luggage, but when I said I already paid, he just said 'OK'. (They did the same thing at Las Vegas too!).
Las Vegas airport was a bit better. They were quick and we got through without any real issues. I think it's because there are only a few Spirit flights out of that airport and Ft. Lauderdale is a huge hub. The Ft. Lauderdale Spirit Terminal is horrible as well. The restaurant choices are bad, the terminal is old and that only adds to the frustration.
Ohhh...I almost forgot. NO ENTERTAINMENT on any flight. So bring your iPod or it will be a loooong flight.
Sorry this entry is so long, but I wanted to let everyone know to be careful when booking a Spirit Airlines flight. My suggestion is to only use them if you are flying for a 1-2 hour flight and if you are really strapped for cash. Remember that they are low cost and they have to save the money somewhere. That has to be in the service.
- Spirit Airlines is based in the Ft. Lauderdale area.
- Spirit Airlines is always having a sale. Some flights are only $5 each way (plus tax.)
- Spirit Airlines is considered a low cost carrier.
My first trip on Spirit was actually great. I flew from Ft. Lauderdale to Detroit (to visit family). I checked in online and printed my boarding pass. With no luggage to check it was sooo easy. And the plane and flight wasn't bad. Well, that was a year ago.
We decided to give them a try for a trip to Las Vegas since Spirit started direct flights from Ft. Lauderdale. We usually fly Delta, but they were still in bankruptcy and didn't want to take a chance. We booked our flights for about $350 each. Not too bad.
About 2 months after we booked, Spirit announced a 'change' in their fares. They would be dropping the rates, however would now be charging $5 per checked bag (per flight) and soda and snacks would be for SALE (not free.) only a glass of water would be free. This is actually the route many airlines are going to go soon.
I looked up our flight to see how much lower the rate would be with this new pricing structure and it was $50 lower per ticket! I then called the 800 number. Spirit wants you to use the internet...so their call center is very slow. Once I got the agent on the phone and explained that not only am I paying a higher price, I have to pay for my luggage now. She said there was nothing she could do but 'change' the reservation and charge $50 per ticket as a change fee. I asked to speak to her supervisor. Same story. They were no help at all. I ended up buying paying for the luggage fees online because if you wait to do it at the airport, it's $10 each.
VACATION DAY- We arrived to Ft. Lauderdale/Hollywood Airport about 3 hours ahead of our flight, just to be sure we wouldn't be stuck in line anywhere and miss it. Well, the line to check in was out the door and down the sidewalk. Nobody was directing people, nobody was able to answer questions on how long it would take to check in and we didn't see any agents behind the counter. We decided to use the skycap which only had 4 people in line and was very quick. The guy did try to charge me again for my luggage, but when I said I already paid, he just said 'OK'. (They did the same thing at Las Vegas too!).
Las Vegas airport was a bit better. They were quick and we got through without any real issues. I think it's because there are only a few Spirit flights out of that airport and Ft. Lauderdale is a huge hub. The Ft. Lauderdale Spirit Terminal is horrible as well. The restaurant choices are bad, the terminal is old and that only adds to the frustration.
Ohhh...I almost forgot. NO ENTERTAINMENT on any flight. So bring your iPod or it will be a loooong flight.
Sorry this entry is so long, but I wanted to let everyone know to be careful when booking a Spirit Airlines flight. My suggestion is to only use them if you are flying for a 1-2 hour flight and if you are really strapped for cash. Remember that they are low cost and they have to save the money somewhere. That has to be in the service.
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