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Spirit Air

Discussion in 'Getting There & Getting Around' started by CubsBrian, Jan 4, 2016.

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  1. CubsBrian

    CubsBrian Tourist

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    Just looking for some opinions, can book a package using Spirit for at least $100.00 less pp than using any other airlines including Southwest. But I have heard that Spirit doesn't have that great of a rep. Any help would help.
     
  2. Coupee36

    Coupee36 Tourist

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    first time and last time for me.. used it a few years ago on a flight back from Miami to LAX. Plane was delayed multiple times, didnt leave until around 1am if i remember correctly, and when asked if they are going to do anything to make it right.. They simply said, they would credit $50 towards my first baggage fee, but all I had was a carry-on. They are cheap, but there are so many hidden fees with them, at least the time I tried them.
     
  3. Richard Alpert

    Richard Alpert LOST

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    I've flown Spirit many times and have survived, albeit with sore legs at times.
    I realize others don't like to gamble on delays, cancellations, etc. with Spirit as much as I do.

    If you value the peace-of-mind, the $100 extra for another airline may be a wise investment then!

    -Richard
     
  4. Crazylaxer5

    Crazylaxer5 Newbie

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    Flight from BWI to LAS wasn't too bad. After doing research no wifi, no reclining seats(even though the return flight did have) and the baggage fees. The only gripe which spirit has no control over is other passengers. I've never had to use public transportation in my life but that's the what it would feel like riding the bus. On the redeye back to Baltimore the flight was a few minutes late but several passengers were late boarding because they waited last minute to order food and the first hour of the flight smelled like nasty greasy food. Oh on top of that 2 passengers were about to get into it with a flight attendant because they had their 3 or 4foot souvenir cup and they wouldn't put it on the floor or throw it away. I booked SW months before my upcoming trip and the price is $30 cheaper hopefully passengers are different.
     
  5. vegas9094

    vegas9094 Tourist

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    My wife and i fly Spirit often. We go to Vegas 7-9 times a year and have flown them to FL and Jamaica. We have had only one issue with a canceled flight and they took care us with vouchers and recheduled our flight. The canceled flight was not as bad for us as others since we called our guy at the hotel and he just bumped our days back by a day, so we did not lose a day in Vegas. You just need to understand the bag policies before you buy and then it is all transparent. The other thing is, if they cancel a flight, they do not code share(or whatever its called) so they can not put you on the next American flight or Delta. They can only put you on their next flight. Spirit works for us but they do not work for everyone. FYI, the flight we came home on at Christmas they have made the seats more narrow by about 2 inches(the isles are wider but the seats are not).
     
  6. dhlamar

    dhlamar Low-Roller

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    Are you sure it's $100 cheaper, don't forget to add in baggage if you have any and seat selection if you are going to do that.
     
  7. dmr

    dmr Registered Abuser

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    I've done Spirit on occasion and yes, survived. I don't remember any flights that were more than a few minutes late.

    That's the good news.

    The bad news is, as stated, is that they charge for everything they can. If they could charge for the seat belt they would! They also do (used to about a year ago, anyway) this tres annoying live-action infomercial for their stupid credit card! I'm surprised they don't charge you to watch that!
     
  8. sergi0wned

    sergi0wned Low-Roller

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    I flew spirit to Vegas once. It's only a 1.5 hour flight from Denver, so it wasn't too horrible. I got the flight for $97 round trip, and didn't accrue ANY extra fees. Of course, that meant that I was "randomly" assigned to the middle seat, I didn't get a carry on or checked bag, and that I had to smuggle shooters on the plane. That said, it got me there on time, and wasn't too horrible.

    They have a promotion (as of November 2015 at least) at the D casino, where you can get 2 $25 match play chips if you show your boarding pass within 24 hours of landing. I won both of my bets in BJ, so my flight was paid for in 2 bets!

    As long as you look at it as a form of transportation and strictly transportation, I think it's a great value. There's no amenities, but you can travel smart and save some good gambling money!
     
  9. mona

    mona Low-Roller

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    I fly Spirit to Vegas every year. Very plain and simple. If I know I am checking a bag I put that on when I book the flight so I know the added cost. I don't ever do seat assignment as I always go solo so it doesn't matter to me. I'm also only 5'2" so I don't have an issue with leg room. Since it's a direct flight from MN to Las Vegas I haven't had any problems with flights.
     
    Flamingo with the sibs!!!
    5 nights NYNY!!!
  10. CubsBrian

    CubsBrian Tourist

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    Thanks for all the info. Southwest just reduced their packages this morning, now their prices are better than Spirit, so we booked through them.
     
  11. hammie

    hammie VIP Whale

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    Spirit is having a sale that expires today, but there are some $34 flights from Philly to Las Vegas. If you can also snag a return for $34, pay for Exit Row seats, pay for checked luggage, the round trip fare will be less than $200.

    I just saw the CEO of Spirit resigned today and replaced by a board member who was an exec with AirTran. Spirit's stock has halved in the last year and they are not filling the planes as they did previously. Maybe there are just too many pissed off customers. For me, I have flown Spirit 4 times with no major issues and would fly them again if the price is right and the itinerary worked. I need to save at lest $100 including all fees over a similar ticket on Southwest or AA.

    The now former CEO of Spirit guided the company into its Ultra Low Cost Carrier status with all the fees. He proudly taped an angry customer complaint letter to his desk. Sounds like he got payback for poor customer relations.
     
  12. jughead1963

    jughead1963 Tourist

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    Less than $100 from ORD(Chicago) to LAS including bag fees. I would not be able to go Vegas without such great flights. Plus the D has a $50 (2 - $25) free play chips if you stop and show them your boarding pass within 24 hours. These are only good on even money bets. :beer:
     
  13. RealSolGlow

    RealSolGlow MIA

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    Great prices as I only bring a personal carry on bag so there are no baggage fees. I've flown to Vegas 2 times with Spirit from Detroit and have had absolutely no issues, worries or complaints. Right now they are running incredible deals round trip to Vegas for under $100 round trip with no layovers for late January. Definitely tempting me to go back for the last weekend of the month for my birthday.
     
  14. garlock

    garlock Tourist

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    I just came back from Vegas in November rt,$150 Minneapolis I'm like Realsol personal bag fits under seat, always alone so don't pay for seat, left on time both way! Return trip was unbelievable 2 hrs 15 min, never had a return trip that fast always about 3 hrs. or a little less, but never close to 2hr 15min Have had delays with lots of airlines, that just happens sometimes! Live with it!
     
  15. RealSolGlow

    RealSolGlow MIA

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    The last trip back home was on Christmas Eve and we were delayed at first 45 minutes due to high winds. However, once we got past the security check point the delay was reduced to 15 minutes. The pilot was walking towards the gate and they wouldn't let him in initially so I spoke to him and noticed that the flight home was only listed at 3.5hrs where as the trip to Vegas was 4.25hrs. His response was simple: "I'm putting the pedal tot he metal."

    He got us back to Detroit with no issues in 3.25hrs.

    Spirit does offer drink deals also. Unfortunately my first trip I never knew about them (because I never reviewed the menu) however this time I did. You can get 2 cans of Bud Light for $12 where as if you don't buy into the sale they are $7 a piece. Not bad for a flight but they have other drink combo specials also. You also don't have to take both of the drinks at the same time they will just charge your card for the deal price and will deliver your 2nd drink whenever you are ready for it.

    This week is Spirit Deal Week and they are running some great deals. One last week on NYE was 30% off a round trip airfare which would have been $80 R/T had I booked but I'm still on the fence due to personal reasons about the last week of the month.

    Either way as mentioned if you are not flying with any carry-ons or checking any luggage and can fit your stuff for a 4 or 5 day stay in a bag that fits under the seat you are going to be very pleased with your experience on Spirit.
     
  16. Nevyn

    Nevyn VIP Whale

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    I've never had a problem/delay/bad flight with Spirit.

    But if you are taller, you will find the seats cramped. And there are a bunch of fees, expect to be paying 60-80 round trip for bags. That 100 savings is probably about the minimum at which Spirit is remotely worth it. Figure out what you need for luggage, figure out airline prices with that paid, and if the all in cost after bags is $30+ cheaper, go for it.
     
  17. discjoker

    discjoker Tourist

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    Spirit is fine if you know what you are doing. If you say "they have a ton of hidden fees" you obviously don't know what you are doing. Spirit has NO hidden fees. They are plainly presented and explained during the booking process. I find Spirit is awesome for shorter duration trips where you can avoid the charge for a checked or carry-on bag. A backpack counts as a personal item (which they don't charge for) and is good for a few days worth of stuff.

    When I fly I tend to fly first class because of the extra room ( I usually upgrade/book with miles on other carriers to get first class). Spirit offers the "Big Front Seat" and is the best value in premium seating. For my upcoming trip I am flying Spirit, Boston to Las Vegas for $267 roundtrip and that includes the upgrade to the "Big Front Seat". That my friends is an incredible bargain. No, you don't get the amenities of actual first class but you do get a giant seat that actually reclines and a ton of leg room for less than the price of a normal coach fare on most other airlines. It really all comes down to what you are looking for but I find Spirit an amazing value for certain trips.
     
  18. 2x's onceagain

    2x's onceagain Newbie

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    My wife and I fly Spirit from DFW to Vegas 2-3 times a year and never have had a problem. We are signed up with their MC credit card and have basically flown for free each time (maybe $8/pp in taxes) using miles. I've got my wife traveling with a backpack so no baggage fees! It's a great deal once you understand the system. The taxi from the airport to Fremont will cost more than our flight!
     
  19. Grid

    Grid Well-Known Member

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    Exactly this. If you know how to use and abuse Spirit and all the stupid adders you will save some coin. I only fly Spirit. Yes the dirty little planes suck and are often delayed. But I only carry on so no bag fees. I never pay to select my seats and I have ALWAYS been seated next to my companion anyway. I dont pay for insurance ETC.

    I've flown from Chicago to Atlantic City for as low as $69 round trip and to and from vegas for $105 round trip. Its hard to beat and half as much as United.
     
  20. mickeydfly13

    mickeydfly13 Low-Roller

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    One of the biggest problems with Spirit is that if there are irrops, you may be screwed. For instance, a flight cancellation on United or American will usually be resolved with one of many other flight options--especially from a hub. With Spirit, they often don't have equipment there (planes) to get you anywhere, so you could be stuck and miss out until they have a seat(s) available. This could be the next day, or longer during busy flight times. They also don't have agreements with other airlines to rebook, so if you really want or need to go on the trip on very specific days, especially in the winter if flying from cold/snowy areas, I'd avoid Spirit like the plague.
     
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