Spirit Airlines has a low rating due to its customer service and extra fees.
by Saba Hamid, Viewpoints Writer
With ever-increasing prices for flights, Spirit Airlines advertises its tickets for as little as $20, a deal that seems too good to pass up. The low-cost carrier, however, has a low rating of 29/100 on Viewpoints. See what contributors are saying about the inexpensive airline.
About Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is a self-proclaimed “Ultra Low Cost Carrier” airline that offers inexpensive seats with optional add-on services available at an additional cost. It flies to the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean. The airline offers standard features such as online booking, one personal item at the base charge while additional features such as more spacious seating, food and beverages can be purchased for an additional cost.
Spirit Airlines has a $9 Fare Club membership service ($60 per year) that includes access to discounted flights and baggage fees, plus other services. The airline offers a trial version of this membership that costs $20, valid for 60 days.
But Spirit Airlines has a low rating of 29/100 on Viewpoints, based on 163 reviews. The average in the airline category is 56/100. So what gives? Most contributors complain of the service, cleanilness and comfort of the flight, but the more positive reviews say it is what is expected with a flight at such an affordable cost
Pros
The majority of positive reviews center around the low cost of the airline. Many acknowledged poor plane and service conditions, but overlooked these factors for the affordable price.
Inexpensive flights
“The price is always great. More times than not, their fare beats all others leaving from Detroit Metro airport. They are a good choice if you’re not set on specific travel dates and times. While they gave lower fares, the flight choice is more limited than other airlines.” -mnasmom3, Reviewer since 2008
“Travel light & pay a little more if you would like a larger seat or beverage /snack on your flight – what’s the big deal! It’s a great airline with Very nice flight attendants and was on time to viva Las Vegas both times- what’s else can you ask for? Inexpensive and on time – it works for us! Can’t wait to fly spirit again!!” -Sully17, Reviewer since 2013
“You have to pay for bags, but are allowed a personal item and all four of us had backpacks or bags which were fine. I have no complaints, I did my research beforehand and knew what to expect. Oh, also I have to mention how impressed I was when I needed to change my flight home and was able to with no problem or charges whatsoever.” -Calnmace, Reviewer since 2012
A route map detailing Spirit Airline’s available destinations across the U.S., Latin America and the Caribbean.
Cons
Many of the negative reviews on Viewpoints complain of the plane’s condition and poor customer service as well as added charges which made the airline not as affordable as advertised.
Hidden Charges
“Small personal sitting space, charge $10 to pick a middle and window seat so a couple can sit together, charge for carry on bags, charge for non-carry on bags, charge for anything over 40 pounds, charge for WATER and other beverages!” -Whocare12, Reviewer since 2012
“If you’re looking to get somewhere with absolutely no amenities and/or baggage, this airline is your best bet. If you travel frequently, don’t bother. This airline brags about its cheap fares, but don’t tell you in advance (unless you actually go in and read all of their fine print beforehand) that you will be charged for pretty much everything a la carte.” -jfeather, Reviewer since 2007
Uncomfortable seating
“I’ve been on airlines with tight seating. Southwest isn’t particularly spacious. But I can honestly say that I’ve never sat in a seat that was as painful as this one.” -RudiXeno, Reviewer since 2007
Bad service
“Their low flight rates may make them initially appealing, but the baggage fees, horrible plane conditions and the appalling manner in which their associates treat customers make Spirit the worst airline out there.” -aly12345, Reviewer since 2012
Not clean
“The plane WAS DISGUSTING! There were dark scuff marks and gum on the back of the chair in front of me. The seats were worn and were cracking; a butt print was left by the previous passenger. There were food crumbs in the seats too, and the flight attendant could only tell me to brush it off and that the marks had been there. I’m not sure if that was supposed to make me feel better, but I guess offering me a paper towel was not an option.” -purnellstephanie, Reviewer since 2011
What to know
Although Spirit Airlines offers inexpensive flights, you should note its “Optional Fees” page which outlines added fees which can end up costing you upwards of over $100 per person. Spirit Airlines maximum baggage allowance is 40 lbs, less than the typical 50-lb. limit and all beverages and snacks served on flight cost extra.
Be sure to check all details of the flight service before booking to avoid hidden charges or unexpected fees. For example, it is advised to check in online or at a kiosk before your flight, as there is an added charge of checking in ($10 per ticket) when the airport agent prints out your boarding pass.
Many reviewers agree, with knowledge of the extra charges, Spirit can be an affordable option for air travel if you’re looking for a “no-frills” experience.
Have you ever flown with Spirirt Airlines, feel free to share your experience with us here!>>
Saba Hamid is a writing intern at Viewpoints. She is a California native and recent graduate of Loyola University Chicago with a B.A. degree in Sociology.
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Filed under: Consumer Reviews, Money Tagged: airline, spirit airlines, Spirit Airlines reviews
