Last Updated: August 24, 2023
Why Is Spirit Airlines So Cheap? Behind Their Low Prices
Ever wonder why Spirit Airlines is so cheap?
It’s all about their no-fuss, pay-for-what-you-use approach. They cut out all the frills and extras, all the way to the bone!
So, if you want something more than the basics, you have to pay a bit more. Their model’s pretty straightforward: keep the base airfare super low and charge for the extras.
That way, if you’re looking to save money on your airfare, Spirit’s the way to go. Let’s dive into how they keep those prices so low!
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The “Bare Fare” System
At the heart of Spirit’s business model is their so-called Bare Fare system (or a-la-carte system). This simple, no-frills ticket covers just your seat and a small personal item, making it the blank canvas of air travel.
You can choose exactly what extras you do and don’t want to pay for. Simple as that. No hidden costs. No checked bags you pay for but don’t bring along anyway. No uneaten food on the plane!
Let’s take a closer look at some of the things Spirit Airlines does to make your ticket cheaper, but cost you more to use.
Fees on Seat Selection
If you have a preference for a window seat or more aisle space, Spirit offers that choice. However, it comes at a price.
| Seats | Price |
|---|---|
| Spirit Assigned Seating at Check In | Free |
| Specific Seat Assignment | $1 to $200 |
| Big Front Seats (in advance) | $12 to $750 |
| Big Front Seats (onboard upgrades—depending on flight length) | $25 to $250 |
Extra Charge For Additional Legroom
Standard economy seats might feel snug for some. That’s why Spirit’s “Big Front Seats” are available, offering more comfort for a fee. It’s about paying for the luxury you want.
Priced Drinks and Snacks
Forget complimentary peanuts or a can of soda! On Spirit Airlines, food and drinks comes at a cost. You will pay anywhere from $1-10 for a drink and $1-15 for food. Not a big deal on a short flight or if you have just eaten before boarding.
The Boarding Pass Fee
Most of you will be happy with digital boarding passes. But for those who prefer an actual ticket from Spirit Airlines, which is going to cost you $25!
Cancellation Charges
Like most airlines today, cancellation or ticket changes are no longer free. Unless you upgrade to a higher class. I have even seen this on more expensive airlines like Singapore Economy Class. So, don’t blame Spirit for implementing this, it saves them and you a lot of money on your ticket.
Wifi at a Price
In-flight Wi-Fi is a modern luxury we are all slowly getting used to on more premium flights. Spirit does not give this away though. Instead, they have two tiers of wifi service
- Wi-Fi Browsing: $3.99 to $16.99
- Wi-Fi Streaming: $6.99 to $19.99
Charges for Carry On Bag or Checking a Bag
Spirit Bag Calculator
You are only allowed a small purse or laptop bag on Spirit Airlines. They state that it must be smaller than 18″x 14″x 8″. Which is quite small, but enough for most people on a quick flight.
Spirit also charges extra for checked luggage. This strategy ensures you’re only paying for what you need and encourages efficient packing.
They have a specific bag price calculator on the optional services page if you want to see the prices.
The Beauty of Simpler Seats
Spirit Airlines also saves on the cost of the seats in their planes. After all, a single seat can cost more than $10,000 for most airlines, so saving on the materials and features means more savings for you.
Spirit Airlines seats are typically
- non-reclining
- have less padding
- have no headrests
- narrower than other airlines
This also means they save on maintenance of the materials and mechanisms in the seats which is a win-win for customers.
Choosing Smaller Airports
Spirit is also known for selecting smaller, less busy airports when possible. Ryan Air and Easy Jet in Europe do the same thing.
Airport landing and parking fees can add up for an airline, so saving on this area can also lead to big savings for you.
Direct Flights and Fewer Connections
Another great way for Spirit to make their flights cheaper is to have fewer stops on any given route. This means fewer complications and costs, so again, more savings for you and me!
The Magic of Dynamic Pricing
Dynamic pricing can actually lead to higher prices on routes that are very popular, but it also means that fares can get really cheap when demand is low. Spirit has stated that they use dynamic pricing, so be on the lookout for low fares at quieter times of the year!
All About Fleet Efficiency
Focusing on upgrading to more fuel-efficient aircraft that can fit in even more seats, Spirit is always looking at ways to save money with it’s fleet. They have moved to the latest model of the Airbus A320 series of planes with just this goal in mind – cheaper flights!
About the Author Roger Timbrook
Roger is a little obsessed with travel. He has been to over 40 countries, broken 3 suitcases and owned over 10 backpacks in 12 months. What he doesn't know about travel, ain't worth knowing!
