How safe is Spirit Airlines? The safety of the American Budget King
Published 11.03.23 by

Flying with Spirit Airlines is an option that many american travelers consider when they are on a budget. The airline is known for its stripped-down, no-frills flying experience, which includes the "Bare Fare" option that only allows one personal item on-board. Despite its frugality, Spirit Airlines manages to offer fares that are 40% less than the average budget fare for all of America, making it an attractive option for those looking to save some money.

Spirit Airlines' Aircraft

A Spirit Airlines A320 (Reg N906NK) Photo: Andreas Fietz

One of the reasons why Spirit Airlines is able to keep its fares low is because of its fleet of aircraft. The A320 family (A319, A320, A321) is one of the most reliable aircraft in the industry. Airbus, the manufacturer of these aircraft, has produced over five thousand A320s since 1988, and they have proven to be extremely safe. Spirit Airlines operates a fleet of 193 aircraft, with an average fleet age of only 7 years, which is typical for budget airlines. Newer aircraft are more efficient, which allows for lower fares, and they are also safer and require less maintenance. Spirit Airlines started operations on May 29, 1992, and as of January 1st, 2022, they have passed the new FAA certification process, which means they have met or exceeded all safety standards set by the government agency.

Is Spirit Airlines safe?

Spirit Airlines Cabin (Photo: Business Insider)

When it comes to safety, Spirit Airlines has an excellent track record. The airline has never had a fatal accident in its history, and it was ranked as the second safest low-cost airline globally by JACDEC in 2019. It was also ranked as the second safest airline globally by AirlineRatings.com in 2020. However, despite these rankings and safety records, people are still skeptical about the safety of Spirit Airlines. While newer aircraft are typically more reliable than older ones, there is still no guarantee that flying on Spirit Airlines in 2022 will be safe. Travelers should weigh the risks and benefits of flying with Spirit before making a decision.

Recommendations for flying with Spirit

For those who do choose to fly with Spirit, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, make sure you are comfortable with the airline's policies and procedures. Secondly, be aware of the airline's check-in baggage weight and size restrictions, and pack light to avoid any potential delays or problems at the airport. Thirdly, wear comfortable clothing and shoes to prevent any discomfort during the flight. Fourthly, bring a book or movie to keep yourself entertained during the flight, and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Lastly, listen to the safety briefing and follow the flight attendants' instructions at all times.

Frequently Asked Questions about Spirit Airlines

A Spirit A321 landing in the evening. Photo: Kim Philipp Piskol

While Spirit Airlines may have a reputation for being a sketchy airline, this couldn't be further from the truth. The airline has been in operation for over 20 years and has an excellent safety record. Spirit was named the safest low-cost carrier globally by AirlineRatings.com in 2019, which is a testament to the airline's commitment to safety.

Like any other airline, Spirit Airlines occasionally experiences flight delays and cancellations. However, the airline works hard to minimize the impact of these disruptions on its passengers. Spirit Airlines has a strong track record of on-time performance, and its customer satisfaction rating is consistently high.

One of the things that sets Spirit Airlines apart from other airlines is its low fares. The airline believes that everyone deserves to fly, which is why it doesn't add unnecessary frills or fees. Spirit Airlines' innovative business model allows it to pass the savings on to its passengers, making it a great option for those looking to save money on airfare.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Spirit Airlines is a safe and reliable option for those on a budget. The airline has a strong safety record and operates modern and popular A320 aircraft with an excellent safety record. It also passes FAA requirements and is just as safe as any other US airline. Therefore, we would recommend flying with Spirit Airlines if it is a good option for you. You can compare flights and flight prices easily using Find A Flight.


Images in this post

A Spirit Airlines A320 (Reg N906NK) Photo: Andreas Fietz via plnspttrs.net
Spirit Airlines Cabin (Photo: Business Insider) via insider.com
A Spirit A321 landing in the evening. Photo: Kim Philipp Piskol via plnspttrs.net
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