Spirit Airlines is one of the well-known low-cost airlines in the U.S., proudly calling itself an "Ultra Low Fare" airline. However, those who have used it know that while the ticket prices are low, adding anything extra can quickly raise the cost. Perhaps that's why, among aviation enthusiasts, it has the cute nickname "banana" due to its yellow branding.

Packing requires strategy

The most important thing when flying with Spirit Airlines is the skill of packing. Officially, only one small bag like a backpack is free, and you can't put it in the overhead bin. However, since the staff doesn't check every single bag, you can confidently place it up there without much issue. Just be aware that if you board late, the bins may be full, and you might have to place your bag at your feet, so it's a tip to board on time.

Where do they fly? Surprisingly wide coverage

Spirit Airlines operates not only domestic flights within the U.S. but also to nearby South America. Its main bases are at major airports like Detroit Wayne County International Airport and Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, making it surprisingly accessible. It's also notable for serving many major international airports for a low-cost airline.

Seats? Don't expect much

When it comes to seats, everyone lets out a sigh. The seat pitch is only 28 inches (about 71 cm). To put that in perspective, Southwest Airlines has 31-32 inches, and JetBlue has 33 inches. So even sitting for just an hour can make your backside sore and your legs tingle. The funniest part is that the seatbacks don't recline at all. You have to sit upright like in a military training camp.

For a man of average height (170 cm), the front-to-back space is "barely tolerable," but the problem is the fixed seatback, and the seats themselves are notoriously hard. Frontier Airlines at least has some cushioning, but Spirit feels like sitting on a bench. Many reviews say it's worse than a bus.

Baggage fees are no joke

Let's say you bought a cheap ticket. But when you see the baggage fees, you might regret not choosing another airline. Checked baggage incurs a fee, and if you want to bring a carry-on bag instead of a backpack, you'll have to pay extra. The price also varies depending on when you pay; paying at the airport is more expensive.

For example, if the ticket price is $100 and they ask you to pay $50 for an additional carry-on bag, you suddenly experience the miracle of your ticket price becoming 1.5 times higher. So, those who know Spirit well only bring a single backpack. They pack it as full as possible and either buy what they need locally or just do without.

Fortunately, they generally overlook if your backpack slightly exceeds the size limit. However, large backpacks for backpacking are not allowed. If it's that size, you will definitely have to pay extra. Officially, you can't put free bags in the overhead bin, but in reality, they don't check, so you can just put it up there. Just remember that if you board late, the bins may be full, so board early. Otherwise, you can just follow the rules and place it at your feet.

In conclusion? Spirit Airlines is fine if you have the mindset of "just buy the ticket cheaply and have a good trip." Don't expect service, give up on comfort, and minimize your baggage, and it won't be bad. However, if you don't take these factors into account, your fatigue level might skyrocket before the trip even begins, so prepare yourself in advance!

"As cheap, fast, and just arriving is all that matters!" This airline, Spirit, is perfect for that kind of travel.