So you’re sitting there, eyeing that incredibly cheap Spirit Airlines ticket and wondering, Is Spirit Airline really that bad? If that’s you—trust me, you’re not alone. I was in the same boat (or, well, plane). The low prices were tempting, and curiosity got the best of me. I gave Spirit Airlines a shot, not once, but a few times. Here’s my honest, first-hand review—no sugarcoating, no sponsorships, and straight from the perspective of a first-time flyer in the U.S.
💻 Booking: Surprisingly Smooth
First things first—buying a Spirit ticket is easy-peasy. Whether you go through Spirit’s own website or a third-party booking site like Hotwire or Booking.com, the process is super straightforward. So if you’re worried about the booking experience—don’t be.
✅ Verdict: Booking was a breeze. No issues here.
💰 The Price Tag: Super Cheap… With Some Strings
Let’s be real: the price is what draws most people in. My one-way ticket from Houston to Las Vegas cost $210.39—booked just a day before my flight. For a nonstop route, that was the cheapest deal I could find.
Coming back, though, was a bit more expensive—$331.39. Why? Because I had to pay $59 for a carry-on. Yep, Spirit charges separately for everything: bags, seat selection, snacks, maybe even the air (kidding… kinda).
But for me, speed and convenience mattered more than freebies. I only had two days in Vegas and needed something quick and affordable. Spirit delivered.
✅ Verdict: Cheap, especially if you travel light and skip the extras.
🧳 Baggage: Expect to Pay, Plan Ahead
This is where people often get tripped up. Spirit’s base fare does not include:
- Checked luggage
- Carry-on bags
- Seat selection
For my short Vegas trip, I packed light. Still, I had to pay for a carry-on bag both ways. If you can survive with just a personal item (like a backpack that fits under the seat), you’ll save a bunch.
✅ Tip: Weigh your bags and check fees before you go. It adds up quickly!
🪑 Seats: Not Luxurious, But Not Torture
Spirit’s seats get a bad rap, but if you’re my size (5’6″), legroom isn’t terrible. Sure, they’re not plush thrones, but they do the job for short flights.
Bonus: On my flight, my boarding pass had no seat number—which freaked me out for a second. But here’s the fix:
- Go to the gate early
- Show the staff your boarding pass
- They’ll assign you a seat (free!)
No need to panic or pay extra.
✅ Verdict: Basic seats, but fine for short trips.
😬 The Downside: Hidden Charges & Rude Check-In
And now for the not-so-great part…
On a later trip (Orlando to Houston), a friend bought tickets for our group—including extra luggage allowance. At the airport, I weighed my bag and was told I was good to go. But then came confusion.
A Spirit employee directed me to check in at a different counter, where another staff member (an older lady) charged me $10 per person—$40 total—just for helping us check in.
I was never clearly told there was a fee. When I asked why I was charged, she said, “I warned you when I asked, ‘Are you sure you want me to check you in?’” 😤
I emailed customer service—no response. Not even an auto-reply.
It’s not about the $40. It’s about being misled and not getting any help afterward.
🚫 Verdict: Customer service and transparency are major weak spots.
🤔 So… Is Spirit Airline Really That Bad?
It depends on your expectations.
If you’re looking for:
- A cheap, last-minute flight
- No-frills service
- A quick trip without much baggage
Then Spirit Airlines is not that bad—honestly. I got where I needed to go without major delays, and for a fraction of the price.
But if:
- You need good customer service
- Hate surprise fees
- Want comfort or convenience built in
Then Spirit might leave you frustrated—especially if anything goes wrong.
💡 Final Thoughts: Should You Fly Spirit?
If you fly Spirit with your eyes open and your expectations realistic, it can be a total win. Just pack light, read the fine print, and avoid the airport check-in counter if you can.
So the answer to “Is Spirit Airline really that bad?” is… not always. But it’s definitely not the Ritz in the sky either.
Would I fly Spirit again? Yes—but only when price matters more than perks.
