Any discussion about budget airlines cannot be complete without Spirit Airlines. Headquartered in Miramar, Florida, the airline operates over 500 flights daily. Most people are concerned about the safety of the flight since it’s so cheap. However, affordability cannot be equated to safety. Spirit tickets are cheap because they are bare-bones. It means that they do not contain essential costs.
Safety is a critical concern when flying. So, should you trust Spirit Airlines with your next flight? As you’ll soon find out, Spirit promises a safe and respectful trip. The airline is committed to providing passengers with the best value. Keep reading as we tell you more about it.
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Is Spirit Airlines Safe to Fly?
Spirit has earned a top rank in Walllethub’s ‘Best Airlines’ (2024) report. It was recognized for both affordability as well as safety. According to Ted Christie, the President of Spirit Airlines, safety and affordability are at the heart of the airlines.
In the past years, Spirit has continuously improved its existing architecture to provide the best experience to its customers. Some worth-mentioning efforts include cabin enhancements with wider seats and added cushions and the Spirit Fit Fleet, one of the most fuel-efficient fleets.
Moreover, the airline was also recognized for its service by the Federal Aviation Administration’s Diamond Award of Excellence 6 times. The recognition was for excellence in technician safety and aviation maintenance. This honor results from Spirit’s continued investment in training focused on safe operations for all team members and technicians. The recognition also reflects the fact that all maintenance technicians of the airlines complete additional FAA-developed training courses throughout the year.
Safety Incidents Encountered by Spirit Airlines
No airline can have a track record of zero troubles. Spirit Airlines has experienced a few safety incidents in the past. However, the situation was duly taken care of. Here’s an overview of some of those incidents.
- A Spirit Airlines flight was forced to make an emergency landing in Florida in 2018. This happened because of a cabin depressurization incident that caused oxygen masks to deploy mid-flight. The pilots quickly descended the aircraft and safely landed without injuries.
- In 2019, a Spirit Airlines flight overran the runway during landing in Florida. It skidded into the grassy area beyond the tarmac. There was minor damage to the aircraft and no reported injuries to the passengers and crew members on board.
- In 2021, a Spirit Airlines flight experienced a bird strike soon after takeoff in Texas. The pilots shut down one of the engines and returned safely to the departure airport. The aircraft landed without further incident.
- In 2022, a Spirit Airlines flight encountered serious turbulence over the Gulf of Mexico. It caused minor injuries to passengers who did not properly secure their seatbelts.
- In 2023, a Spirit Airlines Airbus A319-100 from Atlanta flying to New Orleans’ runway faced turbulence, causing injuries to 3 cabin crew. The aircraft safely landed a few minutes later.
Spirit’s Commitment to Passenger Safety
Extensive Training of the Crew Members
The cabin crew of Spirit Airlines is highly trained and experienced. They follow stringent safety protocols before, during, and after each flight. Pilots undergo rigorous training. Only those with thousands of hours of flight experience are recruited. Their training covers emergency response, handling of hazardous materials, and aviation security. Spirit Airlines pilots undergo 20% more simulator training than others in the industry. This has translated to a decrease in pilot-related errors over the previous five years. Flight attendants also have extensive training to respond properly to emergency situations.
Usage of Advanced Technology
Spirit continuously invests in advancing its aircraft, making it more modern. Their efforts have caused a 22% reduction in mechanical incidents. The airline uses cutting-edge weather tracking systems to monitor weather conditions. This allows the crew members to make informed decisions about flight routes and schedules. The advanced GPS and tracking systems ensure that flights stay on course and arrive safely at their destinations.
Maintenance and Inspections
Spirit regularly maintains and updates its aircraft to ensure they work optimally. This includes comprehensive pre-flight inspections and routine maintenance checks. It lowers the likelihood of mechanical issues during the flight. The airline has encountered zero fatal accidents in its operational history.
What Makes Spirit Airlines So Cheap?
There are a few reasons why the airline is so cheap. The main one is that the airline charges you for practically everything except transport. Here’s how Spirit keeps its flight price low.
The Bare-bones Pricing Model
Spirit embraces a bare-bones pricing model. The flight price only includes essentials like a seat and transport. This is why it’s the top choice for those on a budget who don’t need additional things during the flight.
Leaner Business Model
Spirit’s business model leans towards cost savings while maintaining efficiency. They only have two aircraft models, which many believe to be old ones. This gives them the dual benefit of keeping the flight rates affordable while also effectively managing maintenance and crew training. Seats on Spirit aren’t exactly luxurious, but they keep the price down.
Baggage Policy that Encourages Passengers to Travel Lighter
Spirit Airlines charges passengers for both carry-on bags and check luggage. This encourages passengers to pack lighter as they would have to cover the additional cost of handling and transporting baggage. It also reduces the aircraft’s weight and saves the cost of fuel. Passengers also become more mindful of their travel needs and choose carrying capacity accordingly.
Quick Turnarounds Between Flights
Spirit prioritizes operational efficiency. Quick turnarounds between flights allow better utilization of the aircraft. The airline uses secondary airports, which have lower landing fees, further reducing the cost of operation.
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Should You Fly With Spirit Airlines?
If arriving at your destination safely and cheaply matters, Spirit Airlines won’t disappoint. The inexpensive flight ticket will leave you with more money to spend when you land. Moreover, the staff members are very friendly. Spirit Airlines is a great choice if you bring your own snacks and travel light. Don’t fall into their tactics of making extra money off you by buying additional things.
Unfortunately, the airline has been the subject of many rumors about its safety. We are here to debunk them. Spirit Airlines is just as safe and punctual as some of the best airlines worldwide.
