Is Spirit Airlines Safe for Travel? What You Need to Know Before You Book Your Flight
Is Spirit Airlines safe to fly? With ultra-low fares tempting budget-conscious travelers, it’s natural to question whether safety or comfort is being compromised. This blog will set the stage for examining Spirit’s safety record, health protocols, and real passenger experiences so you can make an informed decision before booking.
What You Need to Know About Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier based in the United States. Founded in 1983, it has grown to serve over 70 destinations throughout North, Central, and South America. Many travelers wonder: Is Spirit Airlines safe?
Known for its no-frills approach, Spirit advertises rock-bottom fares by charging extra for add-ons like baggage and seat selection. The airline aims to keep fares low while still operating a modern fleet. Yet, questions often arise: Is Spirit a good airline, and why is Spirit Airlines so bad in the eyes of some flyers?
Before booking with Spirit, it’s important to understand both the perks and pitfalls. From safety records to passengers’ real-world experiences, this guide will cover everything you need to decide if flying Spirit makes sense for your next trip.
An Overview of Spirit Airlines’ Safety
Spirit’s fleet primarily consists of Airbus A320 family aircraft. These planes undergo regular inspections and maintenance per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations. All Spirit pilots and crew must meet stringent training standards enforced by the FAA.
Despite occasional negative press, Spirit maintains an FAA-issued air carrier certificate, just like any major US airline. That certificate proves Spirit adheres to federal guidelines for operations, maintenance, and safety reporting. Still, the ultra-low-cost model sometimes raises red flags for travelers.
Common complaints, ranging from cramped seating to unexpected fees, fuel skepticism about Spirit. However, none of those issues directly correlate with Spirit Airlines safety rating. Passengers should distinguish between comfort-related drawbacks and actual safety concerns.
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Spirit’s Safety Record & Industry Ratings
Statistically, Spirit’s safety record aligns with industry averages. According to the Aviation Safety Network, Spirit has had zero fatal incidents in its history. The airline reports minor incidents, like maintenance-related groundings, but no catastrophic events.
Several independent rating agencies analyze airline safety using factors like incident history, fleet age, and operational standards. On AirlineRatings.com, Spirit typically scores around 5 or 6 out of 7, indicating a satisfactory rating. That suggests Spirit meets basic benchmarks for is Spirit Airlines safe assessments.
However, some third-party review sites mention isolated concerns, such as delays in addressing mechanical issues or longer-than-average hold times during maintenance checks. These anecdotes can influence public perception regardless of the official metrics.
Assessing Spirit Airlines’ Safety: Key Facts
Here are some of the critical factors when weighing is Spirit Airlines safe:
• FAA Oversight: Spirit is certified by the FAA, meaning it passes regular safety audits.
• Pilot Training: All pilots follow FAA-mandated training intervals, including simulator checks every six months.
• Fleet Age: Compared to legacy carriers, Spirit’s Airbus A320s average around 7–8 years old, relatively new in the industry.
• Incident Reporting: Spirit files mandatory incident reports, and publicly accessible data show no major safety violations in recent years.
Passengers can also verify the Spirit Airlines safety rating on official FAA data portals or through sites like Flight Aware and Aviation Safety Network.
Why Choose Spirit Airlines for Your Next Trip
If your primary goal is to save money, Spirit can be a compelling option. Base fares are often 30–50% cheaper than major carriers for similar routes. In a US-centric travel landscape where every dollar counts, that cost advantage is significant.
Spirit’s network spans popular US hubs like Orlando (MCO), Ft Lauderdale (FLL), Las Vegas (LAS), and Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW). For domestic travelers, this wide reach offers flexibility: you can fly to and from major cities while paying minimal base fares.
Moreover, Spirit often runs flash sales and promotions, allowing budget-conscious travelers to snag ultra-cheap seats. If you prioritize price over amenities, Spirit’s à la carte model ensures you only pay for the services you use, no hidden fees beyond what you select.
Spirit’s Safety Measures & Health Protocols
In the wake of heightened health concerns, Spirit instituted several measures:
• Enhanced Cleaning: All aircraft undergo deep sanitization nightly, with high-touch surfaces (tray tables, armrests, lavatory handles) disinfected between flights.
• HEPA Filtration: Spirit’s Airbus fleet uses HEPA filters that remove 99.97% of airborne particles, reducing the risk of airborne pathogens.
• Mask Policies: While U.S. mask mandates have fluctuated, Spirit encourages mask usage onboard in line with CDC recommendations.
• Contactless Options: To limit contact, Spirit offers mobile boarding passes, digital check-in, and contactless payment options for in-flight purchases.
Of course, Spirit’s minimalist model means fewer onboard amenities, no complimentary snacks or drinks, but basic safety protocols remain on par with larger carriers.
What Traveling with Spirit Airlines Is Really Like
Economy seats on Spirit are notably narrow, often described as “tighter than most major airlines.” Seat pitch (legroom) averages around 28–29 inches, so taller passengers may feel cramped. Before you ask, “How bad is Spirit Airlines?”, it’s not dangerous, but comfort is compromised for lower fares.
Expect unassigned seating on most flights unless you purchase “Big Front Seat” upgrades. If you’re okay with no seat selection until check-in, you can save on that fee. However, families or groups may find splitting up undesirable.
The lack of complimentary services means you pay extra for all add-ons:
• Carry-On Bags: Prices vary by route and booking time, typically $35–$60 each way.
• Checked Bags: Fees start around $30 at purchase, rising closer to departure.
• Seat Assignment: Starts at $9–$20 per seat, depending on location and timing.
Despite these quirks, many travelers appreciate Spirit’s reliability on short hops and the ability to travel often without breaking the bank.
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How to Evaluate Spirit Airlines’ Safety Standards
When deciding if Spirit Airlines is safe, consider a few key criteria:
• Maintenance Schedule: Check FAA’s public database for any recent Airworthiness Directives affecting Spirit’s fleet.
• Pilot Qualifications: Review Spirit’s minimum flight hours and training standards on their corporate site, comparable to legacy carriers.
• Customer Incident Reports: Browse aviation safety forums or Flight Aware’s “Airline Safety” section for passenger-reported concerns.
• Third-Party Ratings: Look up Spirit’s score from AirlineRatings.com, Skytrax, and JACDEC, which factor in both in-flight safety and operational reliability.
Beyond these concrete data points, reading recent traveler reviews can reveal trends, like recurring maintenance-related delays or frequent mechanical removals from service. While such issues don’t necessarily compromise safety, they speak to overall operational smoothness.
Understanding Spirit’s Baggage & Additional Fees
Spirit Airlines operates an à la carte pricing model. That means the base fare covers only your seat and a personal item (small bag under the seat). Everything else costs extra. Key fees include:
• Carry-On Bag: One carry-on costs $35–$60 each way, depending on when you purchase.
• Checked Bag: Starts at $30 per bag if purchased during booking; jumps to $45–$65 at the airport.
• Seat Selection: Fees range from $9 (standard seat) to $100+ (Big Front Seat) per segment.
• Partner Bags: Additional taxes and fees may apply for routes with international carriers or interline partners.
Since fees fluctuate regularly, it’s wise to compare the “all-in” cost on Spirit with bundled fares on other airlines. That way, you can assess if the low base fare truly saves money once extras are added up.
Spirit’s Carry-On & Personal Item Guidelines
One of the most common pitfalls is underestimating Spirit’s baggage policy. All passengers get one free personal item, a small backpack or purse that fits under the seat (18 x 14 x 8 inches). If you bring a larger carry-on, you will be charged a fee.
Here’s how it breaks down:
• Personal Item (18 x 14 x 8 inches): Free, must fit under the seat.
• Carry-On Bag (22 x 18 x 10 inches): Fee applies; price varies.
• Checked Bag (62 linear inches, 40 lbs max): Multiple fees possible, depending on timing and route.
If your carry-on exceeds the free personal item dimensions, gate agents will enforce carry-on fees aggressively. Travelers should measure and weigh bags carefully to avoid surprises at check-in.
Spirit Airlines: Pricing & Cost Efficiency Explained
Ultimately, Spirit’s value proposition is straightforward: if you travel light and can tolerate minimal services, you pay far less than other U.S. airlines. This can translate to hundreds of dollars in savings per round-trip, especially on popular leisure routes.
Consider this example for a domestic round-trip:
- Base Fare: $80 each way ($160 total)
- One Checked Bag (round-trip): $60 total
- Seat Assignment (standard seat both ways): $20 total
- Taxes & Fees: $50 total
- All-In Cost: $290
Compare that to a major carrier with a bundled fare:
- Basic Economy Round-Trip: $300–$350
- Includes one small carry-on, but still charges for checked bags.
If you don’t need luggage or seat selection, Spirit’s all-in fare might drop closer to $200. That cost efficiency is compelling for budget travelers, families with light packers, or anyone comfortable foregoing extras.
Maximizing Travel Credit Card Perks with Spirit
Frequent flyers can leverage credit card perks to shore up Spirit’s limited onboard amenities. If you have a travel credit card that reimburses baggage fees, you can essentially fly with a carry-on for free.
Popular options include:
• Chase Sapphire Preferred/Reserve: Often reimburses up to two checked bags on any airline.
• Capital One Venture Rewards: Points can be redeemed to cover Spirit’s ancillary fees, just purchase the fee with the card, then erase the charge.
• American Express Platinum: Offers up to $100 in annual fee credits for airline incidental expenses (like baggage or seat fees).
By using points or fee reimbursements, travelers can mitigate the “nickel-and-dime” experience and still benefit from Spirit’s low base fares.
Where Spirit Flies: Destinations & Partnerships
Spirit’s route map focuses heavily on leisure markets, particularly in the U.S., Caribbean, Mexico, and select Latin American destinations. Key hubs and destinations include:
• Orlando (MCO): Gateway to Florida attractions and Caribbean connections.
• Ft. Lauderdale (FLL): Gateway for South Florida and Latin America.
• Las Vegas (LAS): Major leisure hub with frequent service.
• Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW): Central U.S. connecting point.
• Los Angeles (LAX) & Chicago (ORD): Major gateways with frequent flights.
Internationally, Spirit partners with select regional carriers for code-share or interline opportunities, allowing seamless connections to additional Caribbean or Central American cities. However, code-share availability remains limited compared to legacy carriers.
How Spirit Stacks Up Against Frontier, American, Avianca & More
When comparing Is Spirit a good airline against competitors, consider these key metrics:
• Base Fare: Spirit consistently offers the lowest base fares among U.S. ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs), undercutting Frontier by about 10–15% on average.
• Fleet Modernity: Spirit and Frontier both operate young Airbus fleets; American Airlines’ mixed fleet includes older Boeing and Airbus models.
• Ancillary Fees: Spirit’s fees tend to be equal to or slightly higher than Frontier’s, especially for carry-on bags. Major carriers, such as American, include more services in the base fare.
• Customer Satisfaction: According to Skytrax and J.D. Power surveys, Spirit ranks lowest among major U.S. carriers in passenger satisfaction, with complaints citing cramped seating and fees.
• Safety Ratings: Spirit and Frontier share similar Spirit Airlines safety ratings and FAA standings, whereas larger carriers like American earn slightly higher marks in third-party evaluations due to broader operational resources.
On the flip side, Avianca (a Latin America–focused carrier) offers international connectivity and bundled service, but often at a higher cost. If your trip is purely domestic, Spirit’s no-frills approach can still outshine Avianca in price.
