I've got Spirit, Yes I do. I've got Spirt, How 'bout you?

When traveling one of the recurring themes I hear is "Don't fly Spirit Airlines, they are the worst."

Myth or Fact?

Depends on who you ask. But I wanted to run down some FACTS about Spirit Airlines that maybe could help you on your next adventure.

Spirit Airlines is a budget airline in the Americas with ultra-low pricing for its tickets. This is important because one of the biggest complaints about Spirit is that they charge for everything - which is true, they do. But they lay it ALL out for you before you purchase so it's almost impossible for you to complain about something you knew about before boarding.

What's included in a Spirit Ticket?

Spirit is not for everyone but it certainly is not the worst airline out there. Spirit is slowly incorporating wi-fi in its planes and if you can muster the small leg room and no snacks during a flight, then fly them. Personally, I fly Spirit for short trips - usually to Atlanta or somewhere that's about 2 hours. Anything longer, I'll consider spending the extra money for a Delta or Southwest flight. If your choice is Spirit or United, then go with whoever is cheaper because if it's a basic economy ticket, you're getting the exact same thing out of the deal. There are crazy things that happen on every plane, Spirit is just the only one that is transparent about what you're getting by flying them.

That's it, that is all you're given. Carry-Ons, Checked Bags, Seat Selection, etc are not included in Spirit pricing. But again, this is ALL laid out during the booking process and shouldn't be a surprise later down the line.

Basic Economy = Spirit

Did you know that the major U.S. Airline carriers all have a basic economy ticket class that is similar to Spirit?

You didn't? Well let's check it out so that you can be more aware the next time you fly.

ALL Spirit tickets give you a personal item only. Nothing more. Everything else is added on at an extra cost including snacks.

United Airlines basic economy tickets are the same: 1 personal item, No carry on, no checked bag, no seat selection, no refunds or changes.

American Airlines and Delta Airlines basic economy tickets differ slightly in the sense that you are given a personal item AND a carry on but no checked bag and no seat selection.

Southwest you'll get a personal item, carry on, and TWO free checked bags on their "Wanna Get Away" tickets.

And JetBlue you'll get a personal item and carry on only.

Of course these change depending on where you're flying. For example, a lot of flights to the Caribbean, Mexico, and the U.S. follow these rules but places in Asia or Africa you're given more bags. Check the baggage FAQs of the airline you're flying when booking.

The BIG Seat, worth it?

Spirit doesn't have a "first class" option, they have something called "The Big Seat". The Big Seat is a section of about 8 - 10 seats in the first 2 - 3 rows of the plane where the seats are bigger than the standard seats of the rest of the plane, more leg room, and there is no middle seat, only aisle and window. The seats run you about $30 each way but if you're someone who likes space and if the ticket is cheap enough, I would recommend it to everyone.

Final Thoughts

Spirit is not for everyone but it certainly is not the worst airline out there. Spirit is slowly incorporating wi-fi in its planes and if you can muster the small leg room and no snacks during a flight, then fly them. Personally, I fly Spirit for short trips - usually to Atlanta or somewhere thats about 2 hours. Anything longer, I'll consider spending the extra money for a Delta or Southwest flight. If your choice is Spirit or United, then go with whomever is cheaper because if it's a basic economy ticket, you're getting the exact same thing out of the deal. There are crazy things that happen on every plane, Spirit is just the only one that is transparent about what you're getting by flying them.