Not really STJ, but I still need advice - Spirit Airlines?

[northerngal]

We are passing through Ft. Lauderdale to get to STJ this January. Has anyone used Spirit Airlines? They have the cheapest flights. Is anyone a member of their $9. club? Does anyone have any hotel suggestions in Ft. Lauderdale just for the night.
It's the cheapest way we can get to STJ so we are going to try it! THANKS!

[jb4stern]

We did Spirit out of FLL back in 2008 and didn't have any issues, other than the fact that they had no record of the baggage we had pre-paid for.

This past May, our Florida friends traveled Spirit from FLL and they arrived on time with no problems either.

Spirit seemed to be the cheapest option for our upcoming trip in May '11, so I joined the $9 Club and booked last month. Most reviews I've read about Spirit seem to be pretty negative and the $9 Club seems nearly impossible to cancel. However, we ended up getting our flights for close to $200/person, so I figured it was worth the risk. I also found a place on my Spirit Account Page to cancel the $9 Club, so as soon as we get back I'm going to cancel.

Anyway, hope that helps a little.

[northerngal]

That's what I'm worried about, canceling it when we are done. It's one of those too good to be true things but if it works.....Thanks!

[alw1977]

We took Spirit to STT in 2007. We had a good experience, although the terminal in FLL is a zoo. Just be prepared for long bathroom lines, crowds and minimal food options. This may have changed since 2007, but at the time Spirit routed all of its southbound flights through FLL, and most connecting flights left around the same time. It was like rush hour.

Spirit gets you there, and does it for less than most airlines. I will pay a premium for a direct flight from ATL on Delta, but only if the difference is around $100 per person. Any more than that and it's worth it to do the layover through Spirit.

I am sure you'll be fine. But be careful: by then, you'll probably have to pay to speak to a flight attendant and to use the loo. Spirit likes its surcharges.

[star2515]

We were going to fly Spirit out of Myrtle Beach for our next trip, so I've asked around a fair bit. Most people got there with no trouble, they were just surcharged out the wazoo. They charge for carry on's if you have to use the overhead bin, and my friend had to pay a surcharge to ensure she'd be sitting next to her boyfriend (which was a big deal to her, as she hates flying). In the end it wasn't worth it to us after surcharges to take the risk, but they do have very tempting fares. Another friend also said their seats seemed to be smaller....or jammed in tighter...so she said larger/taller people should beware.

[cmw5682]

My sister and I flew Spirit to STJ in June. Be careful when booking your tickets and know they charge you extra for EVERYTHING, the advertised price is NOT what you will end up paying. You have to pay extra for carry on and to check luggage. They also try to charge extra so you can sit with your group but if you check in early you should have no problem sitting with them for free. In flight drinks are $2 and snacks are ridiculous. Beware of a layover in FLL. It is cramped, 3 toilet stalls for EVERYONE, one only 2 crappy places to eat. The plane's seats were small, worn, and uncomfortable but they did get us there in one piece at a cheap price! Basically, everything about flying Spirit sucks but they're sometimes hundreds cheaper than the other airlines so we will continue use them!

[JJShaw]

We have flown them several times...with the last time being last month. I always check them first when I start looking for tickets...they are the cheapest way for me to get 4 of us where we are going...I never had any issues with them as far as not being on time or not getting where we needed to be...they are no worse than other airlines for that. Ft Lauderdale is crazy as all their connecting flights are usually there when we arrive, we fly out of Myrtle Beach, but it usually clears out in just a few minutes and then there arent any lines to speak of at all...as far as surcharge...they do have them...but even with me paying to check a bag for us its still less expensive than going out of Clt or RDU. Not to mention I like MB airport much better than Clt or RDU. I had no problem cancelling my 9 dollar club membership. They emailed me that it was about to renew and I cancelled before it hit the card with NP. We will fly them again..

Hope this helps

[northerngal]

were you able to buy more than one ticket at the cheaper rate when you joined the $9 club?

[kristen1206]

Love Spirit. Flew to T&C for $9 one way, side from low fares (when you are quick ebough to snag them), we had the nicest planes..leather seats, TVs on the backs of each seat, on time flights and good customer service. Way better in all respects than USAirways and Delta!