*in a deep cinematic voice* It’s time.
I’ve already covered thoughts on Avelo, Contour, and Frontier.
But today? It’s all about Spirit.
This post isn’t sponsored or affiliated with Spirit Airlines. I paid for my own tickets. Some links may earn a commission to keep this site ad-free (yay!).
I took my first Spirit flight back in 2018, heading from Orlando to Asheville and back. The flight was uneventful—in a good way. I’d flown Allegiant before, so I wasn’t totally new to the ULCC (Ultra-Low Cost Carrier) style of flying.
Since then, I’ve flown Spirit more than I care to admit. Sure, if budget weren’t an issue, Spirit wouldn’t be most folks’ first pick—but saving money always tips the scale in its favor for me.
With so many Spirit flights behind me (including a $75 fare to Boston), I figured it’s time to finally share my thoughts. Let’s dive in.
New to Spirit? Here are 15 things you should definitely know before flying for the first time:
1. You’re not alone out there
Every time I board a Spirit flight, I meet other first-timers. Whether they’re new to flying or just new to budget carriers, there’s comfort in knowing you’re in good company. The crew’s told me that many of their passengers are flying for the first time ever. If that’s you—welcome. I hope this helps make your experience smoother and sparks more adventures to new destinations.
2. Watch out for hidden fees
Booking on Spirit’s website feels like stepping into a trap. Pop-ups for cars, memberships, and more—especially the Saver$ Club with a $69.95 annual fee to “save” you $58 on this trip. Just… read everything. No seriously, everything.
3. Save money on bags and seats
Spirit’s base fare gets you a seat. That’s it. Luggage? Extra. Seat selection? Extra. You get one free personal item—up to 18 x 14 x 8 inches. I use this backpack to max out those dimensions.
If you’re a heavy packer, consider splitting a carry-on with a friend and paying for it while booking to get the lowest rate. Want more tips? Here are my real-life packing lists.
Want to sit with your group? You’ll have to pay. Spirit’s policy says they’ll “try” to seat families together—but there’s no guarantee. Personally, I roll the dice and skip the seat fee.
4. Is it *really* cheaper?
Always check the final cost after adding seats and bags. Sometimes a competitor with better service is just a few dollars more. Do the math.
5. Inbox invasion incoming
Brace for 1-2 emails per day from Spirit in the days before your flight—offers for upgrades, cars, hotels, and even bids for better seats. Be careful you don’t accidentally delete your boarding pass while clearing the clutter!
6. Want to gamble? Try Check-In Chicken
If you didn’t pay for a seat, you can play a risky game I call “Check-In Chicken.” Spirit assigns unpaid seats from the back forward. Starting 24 hours before the flight, watch available seats online. Once rear seats are nearly gone—check in! It’s risky, but I love sitting near the front for a quick exit.
Print your boarding pass at home or use the Spirit app. Otherwise, they’ll charge you $25 to print it at the airport. If the app fails, bookmark this page—it could save you.
7. Get ready for discomfort
The seats are thin, tray tables are tiny, and legroom is nearly nonexistent. Spirit crams as many people into its planes as possible. Personally, I avoid flights longer than four hours with them. My back just can’t take it.
Pro tip: walk around the terminal before boarding and stretch after landing. It won’t fix the seats, but it’ll help you feel human again.
8. Don’t forget your comfort gear
Bring snacks, drinks, and entertainment. Spirit charges for everything—yes, even water. Pack your own food and fill your reusable bottle at the airport to save money and stay hydrated.
I also recommend noise-canceling headphones. Budget flights tend to be loud (lots of families), and blocking out the chaos can really improve your trip.
9. Load up on pockets
Many Spirit planes lack seat-back pockets. Solution? Wear clothes with pockets. Bonus: fishing vests and multi-pocket garments help you carry more essentials without needing a second bag.
10. Expect a little flight crew sass
Not a bad attitude—just a bold one. Some Spirit flight attendants love to lean into the chaos with wit and humor. They know what kind of airline they’re working for, and they make the best of it. It adds a fun twist to the otherwise cramped ride. Want a sample? Check out this video.
11. Commercials in the sky
Right when you’re settling into a book or podcast, the intercom crackles: “An exciting offer for our passengers…” Your hopes rise. Is it snacks? A freebie?
Nope. It’s a pitch for Spirit’s credit card. You’ll pretend to be asleep while they parade the brochures. It’s awkward, but hey—captive audience, right?
12. Don’t be surprised by delays
Spirit’s on-time performance isn’t great. According to official stats, they lag behind most airlines. To avoid problems, book earlier flights—they’re less likely to be delayed.
13. When flights get canceled… brace yourself
Spirit doesn’t handle cancellations like big airlines. When my legacy flight got canceled, they paid for my hotel, meals, and gave me a reimbursement check. When Spirit canceled on me? I was stranded in Raleigh for multiple nights with zero help. It was rough.
Lesson learned: always use a travel credit card like my Chase card. It reimbursed over $500 in extra costs. Travel insurance also helps, but only if you get it ahead of time.
If Spirit cancels your flight, skip the phone queue. Go straight to their X (formerly Twitter) account for fast help—and a paper trail.
14. Spirit flies international too
While most budget airlines stick to the U.S., Spirit’s network includes destinations in Latin America and the Caribbean. I’ve flown Spirit internationally to Cartagena—same cramped experience, but way cheaper than other airlines. So if you’re up for adventure and don’t mind a tight seat, it’s worth a look.
15. You’ll probably fly them again
Here’s how it usually goes: you step off your first Spirit flight muttering “Never again.” But the next time you find a ridiculously low fare, you book it—again. And the cycle continues.
- You’ll swear off Spirit right after landing.
- You’ll find a flight that’s $100 cheaper than the competition and book it without blinking.
Could it be worse? Absolutely. At least it’s not Frontier…
Questions for you
Have you ever flown Spirit Airlines? What should first-timers know before they book?
If you’re new to Spirit, what else would you like to ask about the experience?
FAQs
1. Does Spirit Airlines include baggage?
No. Only one small personal item (18 x 14 x 8 inches) is included. Carry-ons and checked bags cost extra.
2. Is Spirit Airlines safe?
Yes. Spirit follows all FAA regulations and safety standards. The budget model affects comfort—not safety.
3. Can I bring my own food and drinks?
Yes. Bring your own snacks and an empty water bottle to refill post-security. In-flight food and drinks cost extra.
4. What should I do if Spirit cancels my flight?
Use a travel credit card and insurance to protect your costs. Avoid phone queues and message them via X (Twitter) for a faster response.
5. Is Spirit’s Saver$ Club worth it?
Only if you fly Spirit often. Otherwise, the $69.95 fee might not save you much. Do the math before joining.
