Yes, it is correct that Spirit Airlines is among the cheapest airlines in the US. Spirit flights are cheap those of other airlines due to the company’s unique business strategy and no-frills approach, which includes additional charges for services. Travelers only pay for the services they utilize because of this model strategy, which charges separately for each service.
Spirit Airlines is well-known for its low prices, but there’s much more to know about the airline than just its affordable tickets. Even though the Airline is one of the top low-cost carriers in the US, it offers its passengers rock-bottom tickets. People can now travel easily and affordably thanks to this airline. Let’s take a closer look to see why Spirit flights is so cheap.
What Makes Spirit Airline’s Flights So Cheap?
Spirit Airlines affordability is attributed to its business model and cost-cutting efforts. As a result, read on to discover more about the various factors that contribute to Spirit Airlines’ low rates.
1. The “À la Carte Pricing” Model
Spirit’s à la carte pricing plan is the most unique feature of their pricing strategy. Spirit provides a bare base fare that only covers one seat and one personal item, in contrast to regular airlines that include a variety of luxuries and services. The item is typically a purse or laptop bag that is smaller than 18 x 14 x 8.
There is an additional fee for everything other than your seat and small personal belongings, such as laptops or small bags. These services include:
- Carry-on bag
- Checked baggage
- Seat selection (even for families)
- Printed boarding pass at the airport
- Snacks, drinks, or Wi-Fi
As these services are optional, passengers can save money, but if they desire them, they can use them freely with an additional payment.
2. No-Frills or Business Class Flights
Passengers flying with Spirit Airlines enjoy “No-Frill” services, which include fewer amenities and quicker turnaround times than other airlines. To save money, the airline has reduced its supplementary operational services. Unlike other airlines, there are no food selections and few entertainment alternatives.
Spirit has a big front seat, but you can’t find the particular business class cabin on Spirit Airlines. It is also one of the reasons through which you can understand “Why Spirit Flights Are So Cheap.” You can only travel in the economy class of the airline.
Furthermore, Spirit Airlines’ seats are known for their low padding, limited legroom, and lack of in-flight entertainment. This may not be the most comfortable experience, but it helps Spirit maintain cheap prices and flights.
3. Operational Efficiency
Spirit Airlines is widely recognized for its operational efficiency. It optimizes routes and reduces ground time at airports. They frequently have short turnaround times between flights, which improves aircraft usage.
Spirit often uses minor airports, which reduce operating costs because they are usually less crowded and ask lower landing fees. Consequently, the Spirit airline reduces operational costs, resulting in the lowest passenger fares.
4. Point-to-Point Model
Another explanation for Spirit’s low prices could be the models of their flight paths. Conventional airlines frequently use hub-and-spoke networks, which lead flights through key hubs. In contrast, Spirit primarily employs a point-to-point business strategy, which involves connecting travelers directly between cities without using a central hub. Since it eliminates the need for substantial ground infrastructure and simplifies connecting flights, this method makes it more economical.
Spirit Airlines Rates & Hidden Charges
As Spirit is an ultra-low-cost airline, it offers the lowest ticket price with limited facilities. Below is a detailed overview of the airlines’ ticket prices and hidden charges.
- Base Fare: Although the price of a Spirit ticket may be approximately $46, that just covers your seat on the aircraft.
- Check-in Cost: First, there are fees for checking in. NerdWallet states that printing your boarding card at the airport costs $2 at a kiosk and $10 if an airport official does it for you. Then, it can cost up to $40 if you wish to choose your seat in advance.
- Baggage & Carry-On: You must pay a fee unless your carry-on meets the Spirit requirements for a personal item, which are anything that is 18 by 14 by 8 inches or less. There is also an additional fee for carry-on and checked luggage.
- In-flight Services: The airline does not offer complimentary in-flight meals and entertainment options. You can get Coke for $3 or coffee for $2.
- Flight Changes: Certain airlines have flexible booking, so if you need to change your flight, you won’t have to worry about paying. However, according to NerdWallet, Spirit charges up to $110 for flight changes.
Spirit Airlines Fares Details
Spirit Airlines has established itself in the airline sector by offering low rates, including basic and standard fares. For a detailed understanding of each fare, read the points below.
Spirit Airlines’ Lowest Base Fares
Spirit Airlines keeps its base fares as cheap as possible while charging visitors for any additional services they require. Here is what you get when you fly with Spirit Airlines.
- Spirit Airlines charges less for reservations.
- Reduced fees for bag checking.
- On-demand benefits of booking Spirit Tickets.
- Spirit Airlines provides extra assistance upon request.
Spirit Airlines Standard Airfare
According to Spirit Airlines’ standard policy, travelers receive the best airfares available at the lowest possible price, and you have the opportunity to add extra options to your purchase.
- Spirit Airlines’ standard policy allocates you a seat and one personal item only.
- The standard fare does not include snacks, beverages, wifi, or in-flight entertainment options.
- You must pay more for additional amenities such as extra legroom, your preferred seat, and others.
Also Read:
- Which is Best Alaska Airlines or United Airlines?
- Is Frontier Airlines a Good Airline?
- Which is Best United Airlines or Air Canada?
Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-cost airline that offers lower ticket costs because of its LA Carte pricing strategy and straightforward policies. The business plan offers aircraft tickets at bare basic pricing, which only includes a seat and one personal item. Passengers are required to pay for amenities.
Despite being a low-cost airline, it has passed all Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) testing, indicating that safety is not compromised. Although Spirit has more delays than other airlines, it has a comparable number of flight cancellations due to restricted runway space.
FAQs
Spirit Airlines tickets are so cheap compared to other airlines because of its no-frills and ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) model approach. You must pay for additional services such as baggage, seat selection, and food.
Spirit’s ticket includes only a flight seat and one personal item. Additional fees apply for carry-on and checked baggage, snacks, seat preference, and printed boarding passes.
No, Spirit Airlines does not cut corners on safety. Spirit is FAA-certified and adheres to strict safety guidelines. It uses economical aircraft, operates with fewer airport employees, and flies point-to-point flights to save money.
Yes, purchasing airline tickets at the airport is cheaper and saves a lot of money. It allows you to avoid the airlines ‘ “passenger usage fee.” Passengers can save about $23 per ticket each trip by purchasing their tickets at the airport. That can be nearly half the fare in certain circumstances.
Yes, Spirit Airlines is well-known for its reliability, especially among budget travelers. It ranks among the most punctual ultra-low-cost carriers, with an on-time performance of 79.7% and a high rate of flight completion.
