I flew on spirit airlines for the first time over labor day weekend. I think I figured out the premise for their name: the published fare only guarantees your SPIRIT a spot on the plane – for anything with mass, there is an additional fee: the seat, checked bags, carry-on bags, water, pillow, blanket (don’t ever use a blanket from an airline, you don’t really want to know).
First flight of the day on Friday at 6:00 AM was delayed due to maintenance for two hours. Then I was asked to print my boarding pass (if you don’t, it will cost you $10 at the counter – no lie) and tear long the dotted line to make boarding faster. There is more: not all of seats recline and I was asked to help clean the plane just before landing to “help keep costs down”.
On my two flights, there was a loud disturbing noise from under the right wing that sounded like someone using a hand saw to cut through plastic with a dull blade. When I told the pilot of my flight into Houston about it, he said “oh yes, we know – it is the hydraulic system”. The hydraulic system of the landing gear is making loud noises and no one seems concerned? I’m going to contact the FAA.
I have a suggestion for a company motto:
“Spirit Airlines; it’s the thought that counts.”
So if you are thinking of traveling on Spirit Airlines, walk instead.
the City 