Spirit Air or not....

[philbetm]

Hi Everyone.

We have always flown USAir out of Charlotte over to STT. But have been considering Spirit out of ATL. for next trip. Wondered what pro's and con's you guys
could lend. Don't know anything about them.

Thanks for any info. you can assist with.

Sherry

[Bigcheeze]

Well...you would have to make connections in FLL and pay for carry ons and they have smaller seats and less leg room the further you go back in the plane....and you have to drive to ATL and navagate throught the world's businest airport.

That being said, we have flown them to other destinations and people we know have used them for Travel from DTW to STT and they said it was fine. The extra cost for carryons would be the deal killer for me as thats all we pack for the 4 of us.

Was this a trick question...lol

[jess116000]

we are flying Spirit from ATL to STT in Dec. The one positive thing is the checked bag fee is $15 instead of $25 on delta. Good luck finding your flight!

[JJShaw]

We have flown both USAir out of Clt and Spirit out of MB. While the non stop out of Clt was nice...Spirit is fine for us as well. We have flown Spirit the last 2 or 3 trips down to STJ. You will have a cpl hrs in FT Lauderale which we use for time to grab some lunch and people watch...As far as the extra charges, I always find it less expensive to pay for a checked bag (If we check one) and even choose a seat and pay for rather than the costs of the flights on other airlines. So I dont even consider the extras to be an issue. I booked a client on a flight to SAT this week on USair and there was a charge to check a bag...but not for the seat. I think its something most airlines do unless you have a mega miles or mega flier with them. Im not sure where you are in SC but you might wanna check the rates out of MB, its a fairly easy airport to get into...much much easier than Clt. We have our up coming trip booked with them for next yr as well as another one to Niagara Falls in May '11 and I would have no problem booking them again...esp if it meant I could save a bundle and have more for the trip or even a nicer place to stay..I really dont find the seats that bad as far as leg room and space..Its a alittle over 2 hrs ...not a big deal for us...Hope this helps...

[greyhoundmom]

Sherry, we are in Columbia. The first 3 years we flew CLT to STT on USAir. We love this flight, first year was $368 RT, 2nd and 3rd, more. The last 2 years Spirit out of Myrtle Beach. Less expensive ticket but the Ft. Lauderdale connection (in my opinion) is a bitch. Small terminal, hundreds of people, limited food and long lines for food. When we return for 2 weeks in June 2011 we'll drive to CLT to take the non-stop USAir. I have decided that the savings on Spirit aren't worth the crap in Ft. Lauderdale. Just my opinion.

[Capn Dan and Ruby]

We were flying with Greyhoundmom and we agree. We are in Florida and are driving to Miami this year (we will see other family there) and fly non stop. We flew with GM out of Charolott the first time, out of Myrtle Beach the second time, and went to Atlanta the 3rd time. Flying out of Panama City diredtly is impossible! We hope the Trip this time will work better. I also have a problem doing all that traveling and then having to pay for cary on and seat assignmnets... this year we are flying American Airlines and are paying for neither and got to pick our seats!

[JJShaw]

Also, not sure when you looking to travel, but just for kicks I checked to see how our flights in June compare as far as prices for the same dates (9th -15th) on US Air the non-stop flight from Clt not including the checked bag fee was currently at 860.00 pp..Spirit out of Atl and also out of MB was 327.00 pp not including baggage fee of 25.00 or seat fee which is usually about 8.00 each leg. Thats 533.00 pp saved for a 2 hr delay yeah..Its worth it to me..And yes Ft lauderdale is crazy when we first arrive...I agree standing room only for a few minutes (20 im guessing) people are boarding other planes as you arrive so it is crazy but clears fairly quick. We usually grab a bite at Nathans after the rush is gone and hang out til our time to board...and while I understand it may not be for everyone and that fine:) I am not knocking them at all...But for that kinda of savings, we can deal with it being crowded for a few minutes.. It doesnt bother me at all and for the money saved Im fine with it..esp if you start adding up the costs of 3 or 4 tickets...and afterall..the final destination is worth it... Good luck with whatever you decide...

[philbetm]

Lot of different opinions ... that's good! Gives me more to think about. JJShaw, we are only 45min away from Clt airport and know it like the back of our hand so to speak. However it is a 5 hr. drive for us to Myrtle Beach so rather not do that.

Bigcheese...the thoughts of that Atl. airport does make me cringe. Only time I've ever been through it was in 1986 heading too Germany...first time I ever flew on a plane and I was terrified!

GreyhoundMom...Oh yes ! I know what you are talking about on FLL. Been in there a few times going on cruises.

I didn't realize you had to pay extra for carry on and seat assignments...hmmm. I really prefer the Clt. non-stop but was considering Spirit because the e-mail they sent me was offering such fantastic prices at the time we want too go and seats are available. The total for both of us was going too be half the cost of USAir.

Thanks everyone...gonna ponder this some more!

Sherry