Spirit Airlines reviews from 2019 show a carrier focused on ultra low fares and no frills operations. Travelers weighed aggressive pricing against added fees for bags, seats, and changes.
Below is a structured snapshot of how Spirit performed in 2019 across key dimensions that matter to budget conscious flyers.
| Category | 2019 Strengths | 2019 Weaknesses | Overall Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pricing | Consistently among the lowest base fares | Fees for bags and seats added up quickly | Good for price sensitive flyers |
| On Time Performance | Improved schedule reliability versus prior years | Still below industry average at month end peaks | Mixed, dependent on route and time of year |
| Customer Service | Expanded phone and chat support in key markets | Long hold times and inconsistent agent resolution | Below expectations for a national carrier |
| Comfort and Amenities | New cabin mood lighting and refreshed beverage program | Tight seats, no free checked bags or snacks | Basic, fee heavy, suited to short hops |
Route Network And Connectivity In 2019
Spirit expanded its point to point network in 2019, targeting leisure and secondary city travelers. New routes to warm weather destinations and high demand corridors aimed to capture vacation and weekend trip traffic.
The carrier focused on markets where fees for checked bags and advance seating were likely to be accepted as part of the total value equation. Growth in leisure cities aligned with summer and holiday travel windows.
Operationally, this meant higher utilization of narrow body fleets on thinner routes, with an emphasis on quick turnarounds at congested hubs to keep aircraft flying revenue hours.
Pricing Strategy And Fare Structure
Spirit maintained its unbundled pricing model in 2019, advertising low base fares while clearly communicating add on costs for bags, seats, and changes. This transparency appealed to travelers who understood exactly what they were paying for.
Fare sales and flash promotions drove booking volume during off peak periods, while dynamic pricing responded to demand on popular leisure routes. Price sensitive flyers who packed light and selected seats later could achieve solid savings.
Competitive positioning against other no frills carriers meant Spirit watched rivals closely, adjusting sale timing and seat sale frequency to protect yields without eroding its value for money reputation.
Operational Performance And Reliability
In 2019, Spirit reported better on time performance than in previous years, particularly on major trunk routes and secondary markets with predictable demand. Higher completion rates reduced the number of severely delayed arrivals and departures.
Weather and air traffic control constraints still caused disruption during peak travel periods, and certain routes experienced more variance. Flyers who planned connections with buffer time found the reliability profile more manageable.
Maintenance and crew scheduling improvements supported smoother operations, though some travelers noticed variability depending on aircraft type and specific airport handling practices.
Customer Experience And Service Quality
Customer experience in 2019 reflected the trade off between lower fares and fewer included services. Seat comfort, cabin noise, and overhead bin space remained common pain points on full flights.
Spirit introduced subtle cabin improvements such as mood lighting and refreshed beverage options, which some passengers appreciated on longer hops. Staff friendliness varied by station and by time of day, with peak periods showing higher stress levels at gates and call centers.
Travelers who invested in preferred seats or boarded earlier generally reported higher satisfaction, while those relying on last minute bookings encountered tighter conditions and fewer support options when issues arose.
Key Takeaways And Recommendations
- Compare total price including bags and seats before booking, as base fare rarely tells the full story.
- Book preferred seats and checked bags early to lock in predictable costs and avoid last minute upsell pressure.
- Travel off peak and be flexible with times to maximize value and reduce disruption risk.
- Check on time performance for your specific route, as results varied across networks and seasons.
- Plan for tighter cabins and limited free amenities, especially on high density flights.
FAQ
Reader questions
Were Spirit Airlines reviews in 2019 mostly positive or negative?
Reviews were mixed, with praise for low fares and route growth, and criticism for fees, tight seats, and inconsistent customer service.
Did Spirit improve on time performance in 2019 compared to earlier years?
Yes, on time performance improved in 2019, especially on core leisure routes, though it still lagged behind top performers during busy periods.
How did Spirit’s pricing strategy affect value for money in 2019?
Low base fares provided strong headline value, but add ons for bags and seats meant total cost could rise sharply for less flexible travelers.
What stood out in Spirit’s customer service during 2019?
Service showed steady phone and chat availability, though long waits and inconsistent resolutions persisted during peak travel times.