has anyone here ever flown spirit air?

[Gato Moteado]

are they reputable? safe?

their fares are unbelievably cheap. what's the catch?

[Totally Committed]

1. Are we talking astral projection, really good drugs, or an airline?

Just asking.

TC

[Gato Moteado]

8. it's an airline with very cheap international fares

but i had never heard of them until recently

[Totally Committed]

15. I know.... I was pulling your leg for a cheap laugh.

Better than pulling your finger for a ... well, you know.

Sorry. It's just so horribly SERIOUS around here these days.

My apologies.

TC

[Gato Moteado]

20. ah sorry....

...but yeah, with a name like spirit air it could be anything.

[HiFructosePronSyrup]

2. They're as bad as Dirt Nap International.

[Gato Moteado]

7. what does that mean?

are they unsafe or uncomfortable?

[malta blue]

3. The prices they quote do not include taxes to start

so they appear to be waaay cheaper.

That being said, I think you have to pay to check your luggage, and you may have to pay to use the restroom... :shrug:

[Beaverhausen]

4. Is the seat extra too? How about the seat belt?

[Gato Moteado]

9. even after taxes they're incredibly cheap for international travel

seriously, you have to pay to check luggage?

[malta blue]

11. I just compared prices on a flight that I do often and

the prices were $75 less than American Airlines, and it had a stopover whereas American was direct. At first, it seemed cheaper, but I don't think it is that much of a savings. I think you have to pay for luggage, seriously...

[immoderate]

5. Everything costs.

Not even complimentary sodas! Checked baggage is $10 ($5 if you pay in advance over the net.) No frills!

Plane seemed OK. Seats are cramped (but they all are.) I think they're OK for shorter flights, but I wouldn't want to do trans-continental with them again, unless the savings were considerable. On Orbitz, they aren't always the cheapest.

--IMM

[Gato Moteado]

10. how many carry ons are you allowed?

do they charge for carry ons too?

[immoderate]

23. Not sure, I think it's one.

That's actual luggage. Smaller personal bags get some leeway.

--IMM

[gateley]

6. Here are some reviews. As is always the case, some people love it, some

hate it, but they all appear to have arrived at their destinations safely. I love the name!

http://www.airlinequality.com/Forum/spirit-2.htm

http://www1.epinions.com/trvl-Airlines-US_Canada_SpiritAirr/display_~reviews


http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20070715192030AAWx0Jz

(A respondent in the Yahoo thread comments on a "good safety record" but doesn't cite source. )


Bon voyage!

[Gato Moteado]

13. wow....great resources...thanks for that!

most reviews seem decent overall. this one was a funny one though:

Spirit Airlines - posted by S Holly

Spirit Air features a unique combination of soviet style cabin design on their ancient DC-9's with mismatched seats, which do not line up with the overhead light and ventilation systems, as well as a special money saving weight loss program. Since providing cool comfortable airplanes requires that the APU be used to power the Air Conditioner, with the associated expense for fuel for the unit, Spirit has opted to allow passengers to roast in the Florida sun with out sufficient A/C letting people sweat off several pounds before the plane even takes off! What a super marketing idea. When you add the lack of sufficient inflight fluids we have a wonderful comfortable flight on their cramped old airplanes. Sure, when we reached cruising height the plane was comfortable - but all too soon the plane grew hot as we headed down to Newark. Fly Spirit to save money and lose weight, just do not expect comfort. The ground, flight, and cockpit crews all demonstrated a high level of skill, however. The airline does not deserve their people.

[gateley]

14. Very clever! Hope your trip is just a short hop! nt

[Gato Moteado]

18. i didn't buy any tickets yet but i noticed that the other airlines have come down.....

...in price and spirit isn't a super bargain at this point. when the major airlines raise their rates again on flights from costa rica, if spirit rates stay the same they will be super duper bargains.

[gateley]

21. Man, you blink and the fares change. Good luck! nt

[monmouth]

12. I fly often from West Palm Beach to Atlantic City - I think I paid $179 the last time.

Always on time and a very nice crew....

[gateley]

16. PS - I just translated your user name - I like it! And George was always my favorite. nt

[Gato Moteado]

19. i miss george

nt

[judaspriestess]

17. I knew some flight attendants who worked for Spirit

they were ok with the airline. I wouldn't worry about it. Haven't heard of a Spirit Airline going down.

[gateley]

22. If they're really flying DC-9's, I'm surprised they're going UP! (Couldn't resist) nt