What do you get when you fly an Ultra Low-Cost Carrier in the US? One such option is Spirit Airlines, well known for its no-frills approach to flying. If you are a first-time flyer with the carrier, you will want to understand what the airline offers and what to expect before heading to the airport.

The Ultra Low-Cost Carrier Experience

As an Ultra Low-Cost Carrier, Spirit Airlines is focused on offering the most basic services at affordable base fares. Unlike traditional airlines, which often include various amenities in their pricing, ULCCs like Spirit tend to scale down their offerings to provide a budget-friendly way of getting from one destination to another.

Flying with Spirit means adopting a minimalist mindset. The airline operates with a straightforward approach, providing passengers with the basics needed to reach their destination safely, but not much more. It is essential to note that seats tend to be smaller, customer service may be more challenging to reach, and many amenities considered standard on other carriers are not included in the base fare on Spirit.

Self-Service

The Spirit Airlines experience emphasizes self-service. Passengers should plan to book their flights online rather than calling Spirit’s booking center, as booking over the phone incurs a $35 fee. They should also print out or have their tickets ready on mobile phones before leaving home, lest they be charged a $25 printing fee at the airport.

Likewise, travelers may need to tag their own bags at the airport using self-bag drop stations. This approach can help to reduce costs and wait times but can exacerbate a time crunch if passengers do not arrive at the airport with enough time.

"A La Smarte" upgrades

Spirit passengers who do not pay for any upgrades should not expect much beyond a seat on a plane going to their destination. Even so, the carrier offers various optional services and products called “A La Smarte.” Many of these are offerings that come with economy fares on more traditional airlines – and the prices can add up quickly for Spirit passengers who opt for too many of these upgrades. Still, passengers who want more than just a seat can save money by selectively choosing one or two upgrades that suit them while forgoing the ones they do not need.

Here is a breakdown of these options:

Big Front Seat

Spirit’s “Big Front Seat” offers a more spacious seating option for added comfort and extra legroom, albeit at an additional cost. These include 36” of pitch, are 18.5” wide and come with an additional six inches of legroom compared to the rest of Spirit’s seating.

Photo: Spirit Airlines

Onboard WiFi

Passengers who want to stay connected during their flight may do so by opting for onboard WiFi, a useful service for work, entertainment, or staying in touch with loved ones. According to Spirit's website, Internet speeds for basic browsing run between $3.99 and $16.99, while high-speed internet costs between $6.99 and $19.99.

Baggage

Unlike most other airlines, which typically allow passengers to bring one personal item and a carry-on bag into the cabin, Spirit only allows a single personal item for free. The personal item should be no larger than a laptop bag or a small purse, with maximum dimensions of 18” x14” x8.” Anything larger or any additional carry-on bag will incur a fee.

Seat selection

Passengers who do not opt to select their own seat will be randomly assigned a seat on the plane and are not guaranteed to sit next to any travel companions. Seat selection, however, also comes at a price ranging from $1 to $200, depending on the flight.

Photo: Spirit Airlines

Shortcut boarding and security

Passengers can pay to board early in Zone 2 for between $7.99 and $9.99, and select airports offer the ability to cut the security line for up to $20.

Flight rescheduling

Life is unpredictable, and plans may change. The ability to reschedule flights with a flex fare up to 24 hours in advance provides flexibility, albeit for $35 - $45.

Refreshments

Passengers do not receive any complimentary refreshment service but can purchase snacks and beverages onboard. Be prepared to pay by card, as the airline does not accept cash. Travelers may be well advised to bring their own snacks onboard – either from home or purchased at the airport.

Navigating the Spirit experience

As a first-time flyer with Spirit Airlines, it’s essential to manage your expectations and be aware of the airline’s unique offerings. By understanding that Spirit operates as an Ultra Low-Cost Carrier, you can make informed decisions about which optional services align with your travel preferences and needs.

What other things should a first-time Spirit passenger know before their travels? Let us know in the comments below.

Sources: Spirit, Spirit