Spirit Airlines in 2025: Budget Miracle or Travel Nightmare?

If you've ever searched for cheap flights, you've probably seen Spirit Airlines pop up with jaw-droppingly low prices. But is it too good to be true? In 2025, Spirit still promises rock-bottom fares—but many travelers are asking whether the savings are worth the trade-offs.

Spirit Airlines is infamous for its “à la carte” pricing. You’ll pay extra for seat selection, carry-on bags, snacks, water, and even printing a boarding pass at the airport. But if you’re flexible and travel light, you can score flights for a fraction of the cost of major carriers.

Let’s take a closer look at what Spirit offers in 2025—and whether it's the right airline for you.

Pricing is where Spirit shines. One-way domestic flights can often be found for under $50. But that price doesn’t include bags, which often cost more than the base fare. Want a carry-on? That’s usually $40–$55 each way. Checked bag? Add another $35–$50. Assigned seat? Expect to pay $5 to $60 depending on location.

Seats on Spirit aircraft are tight. With just 28 inches of pitch, there’s little legroom, and the seats don’t recline. There's no in-flight entertainment or power outlets either, so bring your own distractions. On the upside, the newer planes (especially the A320neo fleet) are cleaner and more modern than many expect.

Customer service is hit-or-miss. Spirit has made efforts to improve its reputation, but many flyers still report long wait times, delayed responses, or gate agents overwhelmed with frustrated passengers. If things go smoothly, Spirit is fine. But when delays or cancellations happen—and they do—it’s often difficult to get help quickly.

Spirit’s on-time performance in 2024 was slightly below the national average, and that trend has continued in 2025. Because Spirit operates on a lean schedule with fewer standby aircraft, a small delay can quickly snowball. Missed connections are a common complaint.

There are no complimentary snacks or drinks on Spirit. Water costs $3. If you want to eat or drink on board, bring your own or be prepared to swipe your card.

Spirit offers the Free Spirit loyalty program, but it’s not as competitive as programs from full-service carriers. Points expire after 12 months of inactivity, and reward availability can be limited. However, for frequent flyers who know how to work the system, it’s still possible to extract value.

So is Spirit a good airline?

It depends. If you understand the rules, don’t mind traveling light, and are focused purely on getting from point A to point B, Spirit might be the cheapest way to do it. But if you value comfort, flexibility, or customer support, the low upfront price can quickly turn into a frustrating experience.

Reviews across forums like Reddit and TripAdvisor reveal a divide: budget-minded travelers often praise Spirit for what it is—a no-frills ride at an unbeatable price. Others warn that the airline’s lack of responsiveness during disruptions makes it a gamble.

In 2025, Spirit is still the king of ultra-low-cost air travel in the U.S.—but it's also still Spirit. Know what you’re signing up for, and you’ll either love it or swear never again.

The bottom line: Spirit is great for pros who play the game. Everyone else? Proceed with caution.