Ronnie Crewe
- Apr 5
- 3 min read

What is it like to fly on Spirit Airlines

If one airline elicits strong feelings, it is Spirit Airlines. The budget airline established the "low basic fare and no frills" flying style, with fares ranging from $20 for flights within local cities to $99 for the lowest cross-country trips.

1. You won't be the only one

I've had talks with seatmates and know that new people fly the airline daily. Even if you are upset by the airline's numerous eccentricities, you can take consolation in knowing that you are not alone. In casual talks with the airline's crew, I've also discovered that for many, this is their first flight ever. If that's the case, I'm honoured to be your guide today and make your first excursion a breeze. What if you've flown before? This serves as a wonderful reminder to treat your fellow travellers with grace. By making a Spirit airlines reservations for a flight, you not just get the ideal deal, but you also act sensibly and save quite a bit of money.

2. Bob and weave the excess charges

Attempting to purchase tickets on Spirit's website triggers my internal "scam alert" indicator. From sneaky buttons attempting to entice you to join the Spirit Saver Club (recurring annual fee: $69.95) to pop-up windows flashing with rental vehicle bargains, I find the purchasing procedure to be off-putting. Read the fine print on each screen (trust me; there are a lot of screens).

3. Learn these money-saving tips for baggage and seats

Because you're a savvy flier, you're presumably aware that the price you see for a Spirit ticket is merely the base fee to get you from A to B. What were once regarded as travel necessities (such as luggage and seat assignments) are now considered extras? Now, I'm not going to advise you how or when to spend your money; if you enjoy travelling with numerous suitcases or have a preferred seat and are willing to pay for them, go for it!

4. Is it truly as cheap as it appears?

Before buying your Spirit flight, double-check that the total price of your ticket (including any add-ons) is less than the competitor's pricing. If you add baggage and chairs, it may not be!

5. Be prepared for a lot of emails

In the days running up to your departure, expect 1-2 emails per day from Spirit advertising services for sale. Bags, rental cars, hotels, and bids on a better seat will all come in your inbox. I've been so accustomed to deleting email after email from Spirit that I almost deleted my boarding pass. The art of how to rebook Spirit airlines flight is pretty easy, and you can do it with us.

6. Play "Check-In Chicken" (if you dare!)

Did not pay for seats? You can play a game that Michael and I dubbed "Check-In Chicken." For passengers who did not purchase seats, Spirit usually assigns seats from the back of the plane to the front. Starting at the 24-hour mark (when check-in opens), I monitor the remaining seats on my flight to determine the best time to check-in. I don't check-in for the flight until enough seats at the back of the plane are empty. It's hazardous on a full trip because flights might be overbooked, but I value getting off the plane and exploring my location right away.