Spirit Air - The Big Identity Crisis
Written: Feb 03 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Clean Newer Aircraft; Leatherish Seats; International Network
Cons: Expensive (Relatively Speaking); Extra Fees; No Free Drinks in Big Seat
The Bottom Line: I would avoid Spirit Air. It offers worse service for usually the same price or more money than better airlines.
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| soupcraze's Full Review: Spirit Air |
I have flown Spirit Air on two occasions in the past couple of years. Unlike other LCC carriers, Spirit Air conveniently flies out of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport which is closer to me than Chicago Midway International Airport. As of late, I have been unable to book on Spirit Air since its fares are essentially higher than other LCC competitors, such as AirTran Airways. Spirit Air has really tried to transform itself into a unique airline in the United States, and so far it is playing out quite interestingly...
-PRICE-
*Spirit Air claims itself to be an ultra low-cost carrier. Therefore, it is attempting to become a Ryanair of America. It has started to charge for checked baggage, charge for bottled drinks and coffee (Except for water), and also the "Big Seat" no longer provides free alcohol. So with Spirit Air taking part in such cost-cutting, would you expect to have much lower fares? Interestingly, I still found airlines such as Airtran Airways still provide lower fares than Spirit Air. Also, when flying out of Chicago O'Hare, you can catch USA 3000, which flies to Fort Myers, Florida which Spirit Air flies to also. USA 3000 also offers considerably lower fares, overall, versus Spirit Air.
It is evident that even though Spirit Air is attempting to play themselves off as an ultra low-cost carrier, their fares are still higher than other carriers such as AitTran Airways which already has a considerably larger domestic network.
Spirit Air does offer international flights to the Caribbean and Latina America which goes beyond the networks of LCC's like AirTran Airways, but if you are flying domestically to an area such as South Florida, you might have better luck with lower fares and better travel policies with other carriers. Also, Spirit Air does take part in sales, but you will often find legacy carriers such as Northwest Airlines (Out of DTW), for example, matching the sale fares anyhow on their non-stop routes. Therefore, I feel that at a price point, not only does Spirit Air have a disadvantage, but also charging for other services that are complimentary on other airlines really brings the airline down.
-AIR FLEET-
*Spirit Air flies a state-of-the-art Airbus fleet of Airbus A319 and Airbus A321 aircraft. They have done away with their older McDonnell Douglas MD-80 aircraft. Therefore, you will be flying one of the youngest fleets in the sky. Here are the differences between the different fleet types:
*AIRBUS A319* - This is the smaller of the aircraft. It is a narrow-body jet with six abreast seating. It had all leather seating in the regular seats, and had the Big Seat seating up in the front of the aircraft. They are newer jets and should be comfortable. This is the largest fleet-type that Spirit Air flies.
*AIRBUS A321* - Spirit Air currently flies only two of the type. They are very similar to the smaller Airbus A319 in seat layout, but it is a much longer aircraft holding more rows of seats. Therefore if you are sitting in the back, it would take longer to disembark the aircraft. These are also newer aircraft and should be comfortable.
-ROUTE NETWORK-
*Spirit Air flies primarily out of its hubs in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and Detroit, Michigan. Detroit happens to be a very large Northwest Airlines hub. Therefore, if Northwest Airlines is matching their fares, you might have better luck flying with the legacy carrier due to a greater frequency of flights and not having to pay for checked luggage or drinks. Also, if there is a cancellation or you miss a flight, your chances of getting to your destination would be better on Northwest Airlines.
Spirit Air flies many point-to-point routes out of Ft. Lauderdale, which would be convenient for many people living in cities that are not hubs for other major airlines. Spirit Air also uses FLL as its international gateway to the Caribbean and Latina America. For example, you can fly to places such as St. Thomas, St. Maarten, Panama City, Montego Bay, and many other destinations. Unfortunately, you do not get that with other LCC's such as AirTran Airways. But if you live in the South Florida area (Around MIA and FLL), you can probably get competitive fares from American Airlines, which once again, will not be charging you outrageous fees for luggage and drinks.
-MILEAGE PROGRAM-
*Spirit Air offers the Free Spirit mileage program. You can get a Free Spirit Mastercard for your shopping needs if you choose to do so. Spirit Air also says that if you get the Mastercard, you will automatically receive premier status on the airline.
AND NOW ABOUT MY ACTUAL FLIGHT...
*Back when I flew Spirit Air, they were not charging for drinks (non-alcoholic) and for checked luggage. I flew with carry-on luggage only also, so it was not a problem. Both times I flew ORD-FLL. At the time Spirit Air was slightly cheaper than United Airlines and AirTran Airways. But in recent times of travel, I found Spirit Air to be far more expensive than either of the carriers.
In terms of the onboard experience, once again, it was nothing to write home about. The aircraft I flew on all flights was an Airbus A319-100. I flew with my girlfriend and we never sat in the Big Seat section. The aircraft felt a bit more cramped, since I believe they are using a higher density layout in their planes. The seats were supposed to be leather, but felt quite hard and were not the most comfortable seats I have flown on.
At the time, the flight crew was friendly but did not stand out in any way. They served drinks, and I received a complimentary soft drink. That is as far as the service went. Nothing more than what you would expect on domestic economy service.
Luckily, all flights left on time.
Ultimately, I can't really praise the service, nor can I complain. The flights were all quiet and uneventful with nothing that stood out.
-THE VERDICT-
*I feel that Spirit Air is going through an identity crisis. It tries to claim itself as an ultra low-cost carrier. It has taken steps in order to making itself one, by charging for bottled drinks and coffee as well as for checked luggage. It is trying to become an American version of Ryanair, but their fares don't match that level. In fact, their fares are for most part higher than other airlines such as USA 3000 which provides service to South Florida for much less out of ORD, and most notably, AirTran Airways which has lower fares. I would like to point out that airlines such as AirTran Airways do not charge for checked luggage or drinks. On top of that, they also give you a bag of pretzels! AirTran Airways also has more flights and will therefore be more convenient to fly in the case that your flight is canceled.
While Spirit Air has an international network, you can fly many of the same routes on American Airlines. If American Airlines matches its sales or general fares, you will get a much better experience out of American Airlines without having to pay extra for luggage or drinks. Also, if you are flying out of Detroit, you can get the very same advantages by flying Northwest Airlines. Spirit Air does not offer a better product, or in fact now offers a worse product, than legacy carriers. If Spirit Air offered Ryanair type fares of maybe $0.99 to $20 or so one-way, then I would recommend it. But their business model makes no sense when they are offering less service for a higher price than other carriers that will offer more for less money. I would avoid Spirit Air unless you have to, or if they do actually, offer the lowest fare. Do your research!
Recommended:
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soupcraze
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Member: Soup Enthusiast
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Reviews written: 488
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I enjoy many of life's passions... Music, medicine, people, and life itself.
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