Spirit Airlines: Is It Worth The Risk?

is spirit airlines ok to travel with

Is Spirit Airlines safe? This is a question many travellers ask themselves, and the answer is yes. Despite its reputation for poor customer service and extra fees, Spirit Airlines is safe to fly.

Spirit Airlines is an American airline founded in 1980, targeting budget-conscious travellers. The airline has a strong safety record and has been ranked among the top 20-25 safest low-cost airlines for 2023 by Forbes, AirlineRatings.com, and the Jet Airliner Crash Data Evaluation Centre (JACDEC).

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates the airline, and Spirit has been awarded the FAA's Maintenance Technician Diamond Award of Excellence four years in a row. The airline also has a rigorous safety management system in place, which includes regular safety audits, incident reporting, and continuous employee training.

While Spirit Airlines may not be the most comfortable or convenient option, with extra fees for baggage, seat selection, and in-flight food and drinks, it is a safe and reliable choice for travellers looking for affordable airfare.

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Spirit Airlines is safe to fly with, ranking among the top 25 safest airlines in the world

If you're concerned about safety when booking your next flight, you can rest assured that Spirit Airlines is safe to fly with, ranking among the top 25 safest airlines in the world. In this article, we will explore the facts and figures that demonstrate Spirit Airlines' commitment to safety and address some common misconceptions about flying with a budget airline.

Safety First

Safety is always the top priority when choosing an airline, and Spirit Airlines has an excellent safety record. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Spirit Airlines has established itself as a reliable and trusted carrier. The airline has a strong track record, with zero fatal accidents in the last ten years. This impressive safety record is a testament to the effectiveness of its safety protocols and the dedication of its crew.

Strict Regulatory Compliance

Spirit Airlines, like all commercial carriers in the United States, operates under the stringent regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The FAA enforces rigorous safety standards for maintenance, training, and operational procedures, ensuring that all airlines meet these high standards. Spirit Airlines has obtained FAA certification and has been awarded the FAA's Maintenance Technician Diamond Award of Excellence for five consecutive years. This recognition highlights the airline's commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards.

Modern and Well-Maintained Fleet

Spirit Airlines operates a modern and fuel-efficient fleet of Airbus aircraft, one of the youngest in the United States. The average age of their Airbus planes is slightly over six years, compared to an average of 14 years for Delta planes. These newer aircraft often incorporate advanced safety features and are less prone to mechanical issues. Spirit Airlines also prioritizes regular maintenance and updates for its fleet, ensuring that their planes are in top condition.

Highly Trained Crew

The pilots and flight attendants at Spirit Airlines undergo extensive training to ensure the safety and comfort of their passengers. Pilots are required to have thousands of hours of flight experience, and flight attendants are prepared to handle any emergency situation that may arise. The cabin crew follows strict safety protocols before, during, and after each flight, so you can rest assured that you are in capable and experienced hands.

Safety Measures and Protocols

Spirit Airlines has implemented a comprehensive set of safety measures and protocols to enhance passenger safety. They utilize state-of-the-art weather tracking systems to make informed decisions about flight routes and schedules. Advanced GPS and tracking systems further ensure that flights stay on course and arrive safely at their destinations. Additionally, the airline conducts regular safety audits, incident reporting, and investigations as part of their safety management system (SMS).

Customer Satisfaction and Feedback

While Spirit Airlines may have mixed reviews regarding comfort and customer service, they are committed to continuous improvement. An Airline Quality Rating report from 2021 revealed that Spirit Airlines had shown significant improvements, indicating their dedication to addressing concerns and enhancing the overall travel experience.

In Conclusion

Spirit Airlines' excellent safety record, compliance with stringent regulations, modern fleet, highly trained crew, and comprehensive safety measures make it a safe choice for your next flight. While there may be trade-offs in terms of comfort and amenities, you can trust that Spirit Airlines prioritizes the well-being and security of its passengers above all else. So, if you're looking for an affordable and safe travel option, consider giving Spirit Airlines a try.

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It has a strong safety record, with no fatal crashes since its inception in the 1980s

When it comes to safety, Spirit Airlines has an excellent track record. The airline was founded in 1980 and has had no fatal crashes since then. This impressive safety record is a testament to their commitment to safety and the effectiveness of their safety protocols.

Spirit Airlines is dedicated to ensuring the safety and well-being of its passengers and crew. Their pilots and flight attendants undergo extensive training to handle any incidents that may arise. Additionally, their aircraft are equipped with life vests, oxygen masks, and onboard emergency medical kits, complying with all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.

Spirit Airlines has been recognised for its safety by multiple organisations. WalletHub ranked them as the safest US airline in 2024, and they were also awarded the FAA's Maintenance Technician Diamond Award of Excellence four years in a row. The airline's modern Airbus aircraft are considered one of the safest in the world, and their single-type fleets are among the youngest and most fuel-efficient in America.

While some passengers may have complaints about the airline's fees, customer service, or comfort, safety is never compromised. Spirit Airlines prioritises the well-being of its passengers and has earned a strong reputation for its safety record, giving travellers peace of mind when flying with them.

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The airline has a no-frills approach, with no complimentary food, drinks, or in-flight entertainment

Spirit Airlines is a no-frills airline, meaning it charges for everything from food and drinks to seat choice and boarding passes.

Passengers are allowed one free personal item, such as a laptop bag or purse, but any other luggage, including carry-ons, will incur a fee. The airline recommends purchasing any carry-on or checked bags in advance, as the cost goes up if you pay at the check-in counter or the gate.

There are no complimentary drinks or snacks on Spirit flights. Bottled water costs $4, tea is $3, cans of soda or juice are $4, and coffee is $4. Alcoholic drinks are also available for purchase.

Spirit Airlines does not offer in-flight entertainment. However, it does offer Wi-Fi on most flights, with prices starting at $2.99 for browsing and $5.99 for streaming. The airline recommends downloading movies and shows before your flight, as the Wi-Fi may not work.

Spirit Airlines has two types of seats: standard seats and "Big Front Seats." The standard seats are tight, with limited legroom, and the tray tables are small. The "Big Front Seats" offer extra legroom and space, and there are no middle seats. These seats come with an additional fee, ranging from $20 to $50, depending on the flight.

Overall, Spirit Airlines offers a no-frills, budget-friendly option for travellers. While the base fares are low, passengers should be prepared to pay extra for any additional services or amenities.

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Spirit Airlines has a fee-based business model, with extra charges for seat selection, baggage, and food

Seat Selection

Spirit Airlines offers two types of seats: standard seats and "Big Front Seats." Standard seats are assigned randomly and do not allow passengers to choose their seats. If travellers want to select their seats, they must pay an additional fee. The cost of seat assignments starts at $1 per seat and varies depending on the route and location within the aircraft. The Big Front Seats offer more space, extra legroom, and a guaranteed aisle or window seat, providing a more comfortable experience for passengers willing to pay a premium.

Baggage

Spirit Airlines includes one free personal item, such as a laptop bag or purse, with the purchase of a standard ticket. However, any additional carry-on or checked bags come with extra charges. The fees for baggage vary widely, ranging from $35 to $150, depending on the flight and time of purchase. Passengers are encouraged to pay for baggage expenses in advance to save money. Standard checked bags should not exceed 40 pounds in weight and 62 inches in length. Baggage exceeding these limits is subject to overweight charges, and the airline does not accept bags over 100 pounds and 80 linear inches.

Food and Beverage

Spirit Airlines charges for all food and drinks on board. They offer a range of snacks and beverages for purchase using credit or debit cards, with prices varying from $3 for tea to $14 for cocktail combinations. The airline does not provide complimentary beverage or snack services, nor do they offer special dietary meals. While they aim to accommodate most dietary requirements, passengers with allergies, especially peanut allergies, are advised to take necessary precautions and inform gate agents and flight attendants of their allergies.

In summary, Spirit Airlines' fee-based business model allows passengers to customise their travel experience by paying only for the services they require. While this can result in lower base fares, passengers should be aware of the additional charges for seat selection, baggage, and food to make informed travel choices.

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The airline is punctual, with a high percentage of on-time arrivals and departures

Punctuality is a key factor when choosing an airline, and Spirit Airlines has a good record in this regard. In fact, according to OAG's 2023 punctuality report, Spirit Airlines is the most punctual low-cost carrier in the U.S.

Spirit Airlines' on-time performance is impressive, with a high percentage of on-time arrivals and departures. In 2023, 71.16% of their flights arrived within 15 minutes of the scheduled time, according to Cirium data. This is above the North American average of 74.45% and earned them sixth place among major airlines in the region.

Spirit Airlines' punctuality is also reflected in their boarding times. For domestic flights within the U.S., boarding closes 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time, while for international flights, it is 30 minutes. This ensures that their flights can depart on time.

To ensure a smooth travel experience, Spirit Airlines recommends that passengers arrive at the airport at least two hours before their domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. This allows sufficient time for check-in, baggage drop, and security screening.

While no airline can guarantee 100% on-time performance, Spirit Airlines' punctuality record is commendable. Their commitment to timely departures and arrivals contributes to a positive travel experience for their customers.

Frequently asked questions

Yes, Spirit Airlines is safe to fly. It's ranked #1 safest U.S. airline in 2024 by WalletHub and has been recognised as one of the top 20 safest low-cost airlines for 2023 by AirlineRatings.com.

Spirit Airlines has a reputation for poor customer service and charging extra for everything from seat selection to baggage, snacks and WiFi. There is also no in-flight entertainment and the seats are said to be uncomfortable.

To save money, it's recommended that you travel with only a personal item, bring your own snacks and water, and download a movie before your flight.

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