This flight is part of my 3 part series reviewing Allegiant, Frontier, and Spirit Airlines. To be fair I only purchased a fare and zero extras on all flights. Seat assignments were done by the system at check in.
Since I was on a very short trip my personal item (free) held everything I needed. I only took what was offered free of charge. No on board purchases.
Elite status: none
Aircraft type:
A320
TPA-ATL
July 17, 2021
Distance: 406 miles
Seat: 25C
Padding:
Padding on the seats was good! Slimline but still comfortable. To date this was the most comfortable USA low cost carrier seat I have flown.
Recline:
Regular seats do not recline.
Pitch:
There was 25 inches of living space between the seat back and seat in front. I had 2 inches of room between my knee and the seat ahead. The width between arm rests was 18 inches. Tray table was close to normal size for economy class and could be used to work if needed.
Schedule:
Depart: 2:08PM
Arrive: 3:46PM
Scheduled: 1h 38m
Push back: 2:03PM (5m early)
Touch down: 3:18PM (28m early)
Arrived at gate 10m later
Actual duration: 1h 25m
Cost:
Paid with: cash
Prices at time of booking:
Miles: n/a
Cash: $68.29 USD
Payment method reasoning: I don’t chase airline status. I had an expiring credit I also needed to use.
Boarding:
Boarding was disorganized and poorly announced. It appeared to be by zone but was difficult to tell.
Once on board the flight crew made many announcements to help keep the line moving and also helped passengers to stow bags.
Boarding completed early on our full A320.
Service:
The flight crew were friendly. Helped passengers with requests without hesitation.
Soon after takeoff they began the paid food and beverage service. I declined all items.
IFE and power:
No IFE or Power on board.
WiFi:
WiFi not available on this aircraft.
Food:
All food on board is for purchase.
Elite gold members get a free drink and snack.
No menus available on board.
Spirit on board menu is available here for reference
Drinks:
All drink on board is for purchase.
Elite gold members get a free drink and snack.
No menus available on board.
Spirit on board menu is available here for reference
Best seats:
Big front seats are the best. Similar to domestic first class in the USA. Otherwise bulkhead and exit row are next best.
Otherwise the aisle and window seats are the same.
Pros:
This aircraft had the best padding of the USA low cost carriers I have reviewed. The big front seat option is a big plus for those willing to pay.
Cons:
Everything comes with a fee. Spirit has the smallest pitch I have flown in the USA.
Would I fly again?
Yes. If the price was low on the fare compared to mainline carriers and the routing was convenient. More so if the big front seat price is reasonable for longer flights.
