Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Spirit Airlines cancelled thousands of flights in August due to extreme weather. This impacted its reputation for low-cost, on-time flights.
This event highlighted the dangers of booking with ultra-low-cost carriers, which may recover faster than larger carriers.
Spirit manages to attract cross-country flyers despite the risks. Spirit offers fares as low as $35 for one-way travel.
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Spirit Airlines is a leading US budget carrier, well-known for its low prices and no frills which make air travel more affordable to the masses.
A Spirit Airlines aircraft. Thiago B Trevisan/Shutterstock
Spirit became famous for its delayed and cancelled flights in the summer. Spirit's reputation for punctual performance was severely affected by thousands of cancellations caused by extreme weather over the course of one week.
On the sixth day of hundreds of flight cancellations, passengers waited in line at the Spirit Airlines checkin counter at Orlando International Airport. Paul Hennessy/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images
Here's how Spirit started August's week-long meltdown.
This event showed the dangers associated with booking with an ultra-low-cost airline. These airlines might have fewer recourse in the event of an airline going under.
Spirit Airlines passengers. VIAVAL TOURS/Shutterstock
Spirit offered $50 vouchers to customers who were left behind during the August meltdown. It also provided limited rebooking options.
Spirit Airlines are not often partners with other airlines. This prevents them from rebooking passengers who have been disrupted onto another carrier.
A Spirit Airlines plane at Los Angeles International Airport. AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images/Getty
These risks often entice me into booking flights with full-service carriers rather than budget airlines. When I saw that the cost for a cross-country flight from Los Angeles to San Francisco was $34.57, I couldn't resist taking the challenge.
Flying on Spirit Airlines Airbus A320neo. Thomas Pallini/Business Insider
After a trip to California, I flew Spirit Airlines from Santa Ana to Newark. Here's how it went.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
My transcontinental journey began darkly with a 7 AM flight from Orange Country's John Wayne Airport. My first leg consisted of a quick hop to Las Vegas where I would connect to a nonstop flight to Newark.
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Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
My tradition is to not purchase extras when booking flights with ultra-low-cost carriers such as Spirit. I let fate decide what my experience was and did not buy any additional items. I only had an overnight bag and a ride ticket.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
This is how I navigate ultra-low-cost airlines such as Frontier Airlines or Breeze Airways.
It would take Spirit seven hours and twelve minutes to complete this journey. I admit that I was tempted to prepay for window seats. They were $10 for the shorter flight, and $13 for the longer.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
I remained faithful in the system, and I was given two options for window seats upon check-in. They were both at the back of the plane, but I was able to save $25 by not prepaying.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
With my tickets in hand, I went to security. It was empty at 5 a.m.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The flight time from Los Angeles to Las Vegas took 44 minutes. I was not concerned about this part of the trip. This route is one of the most direct in Spirit's network. I'm not complaining about it, but 44 minutes on an airplane is a lot.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Approximately 30 minutes before departure, boarding began in groups. Extras such as a carry-on bag and early boarded are available to purchase by Spirit cardholders. They will be given the first two zones, and board first.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
I was assigned zone 3 and boarded fairly early. This was not a complete flight.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Spirit's new fleet type, the Airbus A320neo was flying the flight to Las Vegas. It was my second flight on the Spirit jet, as it was taking me to Boston in 2020.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Spirit Airlines offers $25 a way to fly from Newark to Boston.
The all-economy cabin has 182 seats and spans 31 rows in the 3-3 configuration of an A320neo.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Source: SeatGuru
However, the first two rows contain "big front seats", which are essential business-class recliners, but without the business class perks. These seats have a pitch of 36 inches and a width of 20 inches, and come with an adjustable headrest and a large center console.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
It did not have any additional perks, but the seat was comfortable and had more legroom. The seat was available for upgrade at $26 on the Santa Ana-Las Vegas flight, and $31 on Las Vegas-Newark.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Standard economy seats have a pitch of 28 inches and a width of 17.75 inches. The seats are extremely thin and tight fitting.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
There are no headrests that can be adjusted, seat-back entertainment systems or in-seat power outlets.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
I used a small booklet holder as a seat-back pocket, which barely fit my iPhone.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Spirit is not a fan of seat storage and placing a bag underneath the seat would only reduce legroom. Even though I was a larger traveler, I didn’t feel cramped into the seat immediately.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
These were the things I was ready for. I had already downloaded the entertainment to my phone and brought a portable charger.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
To make up for the absence of a proper headrest, I had forgotten to bring a travel pillow. The "deluxe leather" seats were comfortable enough to travel cross-country.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
I was also able to enjoy the row by myself, feeling proud that I didn’t have to pay for a seat assignment. It couldn't have been better.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Spirit was lacking in frills but made up for it in its punctual performance during the short trip to Sin City. We returned to the gate six minutes earlier than expected and made our way onto the runway.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
We began our takeoff roll shortly after 7:15 a.m. I knew that the airline's problems over the summer wouldn't affect this flight. But, there was one more flight.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
As we flew over Orange County, the A320neo was at its best. John Wayne Airport is well-known for its complex departure procedures that reduce noise levels. The A320neo did a great job.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The aircraft's Pratt & Whitney PW1000G geared turbofan engine was extremely quiet during takeoff and flight.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Once we reached our cruising elevation of 23,000 feet, flight attendants began in-flight service immediately. Given the short flight duration, the flight attendants took orders and walked around instead of rolling out the trolley.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Spirit is not free, and neither water. However, the prices were fair for what was available. You could purchase either a combo or a standalone item for your passengers.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider via Spirit Airlines
The price of tea was $2, while hot chocolate and coffee were $3.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider via Spirit Airlines
Soft drinks and bottled waters cost $3 each
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider via Spirit Airlines
The cost of a serving of beer or liquor was $8. This is comparable to the price of a beer in New York City. Cocktails were available for $9-$11.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider via Spirit Airlines
Snacks were then $3 and snack boxes increased to $8. The pricing was similar to other airlines.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider via Spirit Airlines
For this short flight, however, I chose to wait to have a proper breakfast in Las Vegas once we landed. I was not the only one who placed orders.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
My initial fare of $34.57 was my only limit. After the flight attendants had finished taking orders, we began our descent to Las Vegas.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The end of my first leg of the Spirit journey was marked by the sightings at Mandalay Bay. The next leg was a one-hour and four minute layover before my flight to Newark.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The procedure for deplaning was the same as usual, with no changes. Flying Spirit was like flying in pre-pandemic days, since more airlines are returning to normal.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
McCarran International Airport had little to offer in terms of breakfast options in the Spirit terminal. Moe's Southwest Grill, Siegel's Bagelmania and Starbucks Coffee were the only options for breakfast. I purchased two bagels because I had a long journey to Newark.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The flight to Newark took five hours and twenty-two minutes. Lucky enough, I would be flying on the exact same plane that took me to Las Vegas.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The flight was significantly more crowded than the previous one, but nearly all seats were filled. The board was again started around 30 minutes before departure. One gate agent was responsible for scanning boarding passes and checking bags.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
For having bags too big, multiple people were removed from the line. This gate agent was not playing games.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
My overnight bag saved me $60 and allowed me to board without any problems.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Once again, the familiar yellow-black A320neo welcomed me and I was ready to take off on the longest flight of any ultra-low-cost carrier.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
This time, I was in the second row and had a 30A seat assignment. I was in the back, but I still had a window seat so it wasn't a problem.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
This seat had a window. Row 31, the last row has no windows.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The boarding process was smooth and all passengers who were required to check their bags or pay the carry-on fees were soon able to board the plane.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
We pushed the envelope once again and left on time. I was able to rest easy knowing that I wouldn't be stuck in Las Vegas and that I could even return home earlier if the tailwinds held.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
I was also pleased that I did not pay the $13 assignment fee for my window seat. I had gotten a row without a middle seat and I was happy to save that much. Spirit provided a great assignment.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The in-flight service was initiated by flight attendants who brought a trolley. After having eaten at the airport, I declined to go again.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The next few hours were going to be quite challenging. I needed some sleep after the flight to Las Vegas. However, I have never been able to sleep well while flying with ultra-low-cost airlines.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Two hours sleep was enough to take off quite a bit of the flight. I didn't get a good night's sleep and should have brought a pillow.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Once we crossed the Mississippi River, I knew that I would be home safe and that it would take only two and a quarter hours to reach Newark.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The flight attendants were there for the last service, and I couldn’t resist since it was a long trip home from Newark Airport to my Long Island home.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
The $11 snack and drink combo came with crackers, almonds, Brownie Brittle and Craisins. I loved every bite of this airline snack box. My Spirit ticket cost $34.57, which was $35.57.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
There was no entertainment or WiFi onboard so I relied on the old-fashioned method using landmarks to determine my location. Chicago's O'Hare International Airport was my first marker. Soon followed by Lake Michigan.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Detroit was next, and it let me know that I had only an hour and thirty minutes of flying time. The end of a long cross country journey was marked by our descent around an hour later.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
It wasn't the most pleasant flight, but it was manageable and the $35 fare was a great deal. Considering the current gas prices in New York, $35 doesn't seem like enough to fill my car up with gas at $3 per gallon.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
Spirit was too good to be true. Although the airline has made great strides in improving its on-time performance over recent years, it is still a risk.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
In fact, we actually arrived in Newark earlier than expected. The hardest part of the flight was the return journey from Newark airport.
Flying Spirit Airlines between Santa Ana, California and Newark, New Jersey. Thomas Pallini/Insider
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