For the last 7 years, Consumerist.com has staged a “brackets-style” competition to select the nation’s worst company. The website starts by pitting banks against banks, airlines against airlines, etc. The second round matches different companies against each other. Eventually, as in the NCAA tournament, two are left standing, and 1 will claim the “Worst Company” crown.

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In this year’s competition, Spirit was matched against Delta, but the website said Spirit edged Delta by a dozen points.

Spirit is known for low fairs and news-based promotions some have criticized as tacky, but it makes up for the low fares by charging fees for just about everything, including carry-on luggage.

Other companies in the running are Apple, known for it’s customer service friendliness, Facebook, and AT&T.

The website said the award is modeled after a “pile of poo”.

My first experience with Spirit Airlines was November of last year from Los Angeles to Fort Lauderdale. I had not tried them before because of hearing and reading numerous complaints about them. I had no real definite plans for this trip, just a last minute get-a-away, and at $200 for a roundtrip ticket from LAX to FLL, I decided to give them a try. This first experience was pretty much what I expected consisting of a delayed departure from LAX and a very confusing and frustrating check-in in FLL. Even after this experience I decided to give them another try. Why, and the only reason I believe you should consider flying Spirit Airlines THE PRICE! Again this time I had no real set plans, Roundtrip from Los Angeles to San Juan, Puerto Rico for an astonishing $284. This trip went very smoothly with no problems, unless you want to count an overcrowded terminal in FLL.

So here is what I have learned so far with my short experience with Spirit Airlines.

Start with the price of the ticket is actually as cheap as you think. Remember, fees apply for carry-on baggage that will not fit in the under seat space (max size of under seat space is 16”x14”x12”). See my post Rick Steves’ Appenzell Day Pack – A Great Pack for Ultra Light Travel and to Escape Luggage Fees. I have traveled with this pack on both trips and have avoided any luggage fees. Spirit Airlines charges you for a bag whether you check it ($15/$25 each way, depending whether you are a member of their $59.95/year “$9 Fare Club”) or carry it on ($20/$30 each way). Be sure to add these addition charges when considering the price of your fare.

Consider what you expect. Spirit offers a no-frills experience. They are providing nothing other than a relatively new plane and incredibly cheap fares. No TV, no free snacks, no free drinks, which in no way to me implies any amount of customer service. Only you are looking out for you, Spirit is an every man or woman for himself or herself operation.

You’ll have to make a choice about seating. Purchasing seat assignments online in advance for a nominal fee is recommended by the airline to secure a preferred location onboard the aircraft, and ensure that traveling companions are seated together. Seat assignment fees apply per flight number—each change of aircraft requires a separate seat assignment. Example: One way or Thru (Direct Flights) = one seat fee; a connecting flight with two flight numbers = 2 seat fees. If you do not pick a seat one will be assigned to you when you check in. To be clear they will assign you a seat for free as long as you are OK with accepting whatever seat you get. My first experience I checked in close to departure and got middle seats. On my second trip I checked in early and was asked if I would like exit row seating, this was at no additional charge.

If price is your only concern or you travel by Lao Tzu quote:

“A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving”

As I often now do. Pull your knees in tight and relax unless you’re on one of their planes that the seat doesn’t recline. Read your book, buy yourself a drink and enjoy the trip. Remember your not flying on Spirit for its luxury; you’re flying it because you want to get somewhere cheap. Get there, and enjoy the extra couple of bucks in your pocket.

This is where I found my tickets to CO for $150 roundtrip (taxes + fees not included). Also, SpiritAirlines.com has some awesome prices and a $9 fare club you can’t beat.

Have a good weekend everyone,

L