What does Spirit Airlines have a bad reputation?
The worst part about Spirit is the crowd it attracts due to its low prices. On one of my domestic flights there were a group of belligerent drunks that delayed our flight almost an hour because they couldn’t shut up. They eventually calmed down when attendants threatened to call the cops. Spirit’s brand is synonymous with cheapness—in price but also in quality. Its planes are cramped, uncomfortable, and all too often delayed.While Spirit Airlines’ low base fares attract many budget-conscious travelers, understanding why it has a bad reputation is crucial before booking. Hidden baggage fees, minimal seating comfort, and recurring operational delays lead to widespread customer complaints.Since Spirit Airlines began operating as an “ultra low-cost carrier” in 1999, it achieved success by offering low fares and targeting underserved markets to boost passenger numbers.Spirit was named Best Airline Overall for 2025 and earned top recognition for safety and affordability for the second consecutive year by WalletHub. Spirit was also recognized by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) as a 2025 Four Star Low Cost Carrier.Unlike most major airlines, there are no complimentary beverages or snacks on Spirit flights. This a la carte pricing system is what helps the company keep airfare ultra-low, according to its website.
Why is Spirit Airlines not doing well?
Spirit Airlines filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection late last month for the second time in a year, after it failed to make deep enough changes during its first attempt only to be met with weaker customer demand and persistently high costs when it emerged in March. The 2024 Spirit Airlines bankruptcy made the company’s financial woes painfully obvious. Since then, Spirit has been working through a post-bankruptcy restructuring plan. However, after posting a $245.Spirit was the first major U. S. American Airlines. Weaker demand for low-budget leisure travel has made it difficult for the no-frills carrier to price its fares appropriately, while still filling enough seats to make back profit.Data from 2024 showed that about 76% of Spirit flights arrived on time, which actually made Spirit the 6th most reliable North American airline that year. Only the big legacy carriers (Delta, United, Alaska, American) and Southwest did better, and Spirit even beat out some other airlines in punctuality.Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines are two major players in the budget airline game. And while their service and experience can seem pretty similar, Spirit comes out ahead in our analysis with more international routes, better reliability, superior elite status benefits, more credit card options and lower fees.
What is the customer satisfaction of Spirit Airlines?
The American Customer Satisfaction Index’s annual travel study found Spirit once again bringing up the rear as one of just two airlines ranking below 70% in the survey, earning a 67% approval rating. Spirit was named Best Airline Overall for 2025 and earned top recognition for safety and affordability for the second consecutive year by WalletHub. Spirit was also recognized by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) as a 2025 Four Star Low Cost Carrier.If you’ve experienced flight delays or cancellations with Spirit Airlines, you may be entitled to receive up to $650 in compensation per person.Yes, Spirit airlines really was selected the best airline, not Delta. What a study revealed.Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines are two major players in the budget airline game. And while their service and experience can seem pretty similar, Spirit comes out ahead in our analysis with more international routes, better reliability, superior elite status benefits, more credit card options and lower fees.
Where does Spirit rank in Airlines?
Why is Spirit Airlines ranked the No. Spirit Airlines was also ranked the most affordable and the safest airline in 2025. It was given an overall score of 69. JetBlue Airways ranks highest in customer satisfaction in the first/business segment with a score of 738. Delta Air Lines (724) ranks second and Alaska Airlines (709) ranks third. Delta Air Lines ranks highest in customer satisfaction in the premium economy segment for a third consecutive year, with a score of 717.Delta Air Lines tops our annual airline rankings for the seventh straight year. The report evaluates four key categories: reliability, cost and reach, experience and loyalty. Southwest Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines both made gains compared to 2024, while American Airlines fell to seventh place.
What is the issue with spirit?
The 2024 Spirit Airlines bankruptcy made the company’s financial woes painfully obvious. Since then, Spirit has been working through a post-bankruptcy restructuring plan. However, after posting a $245. WalletHub ranked major US airlines on reliability, comfort, safety, and price. Budget carrier Spirit Airlines came No.Spirit’s brand is synonymous with cheapness—in price but also in quality. Its planes are cramped, uncomfortable, and all too often delayed.There are no free snacks or drinks (even water) Unlike most major airlines, there are no complimentary beverages or snacks on Spirit flights.Spirit was named Best Airline Overall for 2025 and earned top recognition for safety and affordability for the second consecutive year by WalletHub. Spirit was also recognized by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) as a 2025 Four Star Low Cost Carrier.
Why is Spirit Air so cheap?
Spirit Airlines’ Business Model If you’ve ever flown with Spirit, you know that a ticket only gets you on the plane. Everything else — seat selection, checked bags, carry-on bags, water, and snacks — will cost you extra. And that’s where the budget airline makes its money. Spirit Airlines does not provide any complimentary snacks or drinks. All items must be purchased from the onboard menu, except for Free Spirit Gold members who receive one free snack and drink.While most major airlines permit both a carry-on and a personal item for free, Spirit charges for each piece of luggage beyond the singular personal item, with higher fees for each additional bag. Moreover, Spirit Airlines offers no snacks for flights, and selecting your seat can also cost you a lot of money.Spirit carry-on size limits are 22 x 18 x 10 inches. Oversize carry-ons will be gate-checked for a fee. Checked bags can be at most 40 lbs before incurring overweight baggage fees. Spirit allows one personal item up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches for free.