Should I Take My Chances with Spirit Air?

I don't know about Spirit, but some of the major "reputable" airlines haven't been so pleasant lately either (United, Delta). Since you're under a time crunch, I'd go with what gets you there on time and what has a couple of flights afterwards in case you get bumped. DO tell them it's a bereavement issue and that you need reliable scheduling. PA can be challenging if you have to fly to Pittsburgh or Philadelphia and then go from there to another airport.

And I am so so sorry about your dad. I'm glad he lived a good life and I hope you are surrounded by wonderful friends/family during this very difficult time. Blessings to you and yours, and may you be comforted by wonderful memories.

Keep in mind that they upcharge for everything - checked bags, carry on bags, etc. You can end up paying more than a SouthWest flight by the time you add in all the extra charges.

I only know 1 family that flies them regularly for short flights to the beach. They are able to travel without any bags except the mom's purse, so it works for them - they are meeting someone who drives there, and that person takes all the bags. That's a pretty unusual situation.

Have you called airlines and asked for bereavement flights? They sometimes give discounts for this type of flight, although you may have to provide an obituary that lists you as a child of the deceased.

I'm sorry for your loss.

No experience with the airline, but just want to say that I'm very sorry about your dad.. Hugs~~

I won't use them because of how they treat their pilots - cheap fares or not. I know someone's husband who is a pilot and it is just terrible. They are now having to cancel flights unexpectedly because pilots are refusing to pick up extra flights (long story, but some flights have no assigned pilot and other pilots are expected to pick these up for the "extra pay" but pilots are saying no, that it isn't worth it). If it is for a funeral, I wouldn't take the chance that YOU are one of the cancelled flights that day.

Plus, Spirit upcharges for EVERYTHING, even a carryon. Seat assignment, boarding pass, you name it, they charge for it. Doesn't always end up being so cheap if you need all those things.

Oh, the passengers that are recently having cancelled flight experiences are commenting that Spirit refuses to help them rebook and they have not received refunds, either.

Try Southwest or Sun Country and see if they have something. Also, Justfly has some good hacker fares once in awhile. Sorry about your dad . . .

No opinion on spirit air but I'm sorry for the loss of your father. Yes he was 92 and had been ill but losing a parent or anyone you love is still very sad.

based on reviews, and what i have read on here. no. i would not take my chances. my hubbs always says you get what you pay for. cheap stuff is just that cheap. i would book with a reliable airline with decent reviews.

P.,

I'm sorry for your loss. May his memory be eternal.

I've never flown Spirit Air. I use Southwest and United. I've flown Virgin and love it - but they typically are NOT the lowest fares.

Southwest doesn't charge for bags. United does.When looking up fares and comparing - keep that in mind. Also - if you let them know it's for a familial death? They might give you a discounted fare.

I flew spirit from Michigan to California last Nov and it was fine. Do look for checked bag fees though, but lots of airlines are doing that now.

It's been a while but I have flown with them many many times and never once had a problem. My daughter flies home (florida to chicago) about every month to every other month and strictly uses them and has never once had a problem. She only does carry on and never had an up charge. Sorry for your loss

We've flown on spirit airlines many times, and never had any problems. I actually just bought tickets to San Diego because they had the best price. It's similar to Frontier and other airlines, you pay for everything extra if you want to take a carry on/check in bags, where you want to sit, etc. Of course, like other airlines, delays can happen, but not more often than any other airlines I've been on.

Updated

We've flown on spirit airlines many times, and never had any problems. I actually just bought tickets to San Diego because they had the best price. It's similar to Frontier and other airlines, you pay for everything extra if you want to take a carry on/check in bags, where you want to sit, etc. Of course, like other airlines, delays can happen, but not more often than any other airlines I've been on.

No way. Don't do it. I used Spirit to fly to my friend's funeral and regretted it every step of the way. They nickel and dime you to death so in the end, you pay as much or more than you would for a more reputable airline. The flight delays are ridiculous, as are the schedules. I remember having to be at the airport by 4 a.m. because that was the only flight they had all day Saturday that went from Florida to New York. The plane was about an hour late, so getting up at 3 a.m. to catch the plane was a huge waste. The return flight was the same story -- only one flight option back, or fly back on Monday. Neither of us could do that, as we had to go back to work. We were completely exhausted and didn't even have time to have a proper meal or sleep.

They charged me a lot for the checked-in luggage (each way), they charged me for the carry-on as well (again, each way), and charged me once again to sit next to my friend (again, each way) (I have panic attacks and needed my friend, but they didn't budge). In the end, it would have been cheaper to fly with Southwest or JetBlue, both much better airlines. My friend thought the treatment and customer service provided by Spirit was subpar, and he said everyone on the flight was riff-raff. Someone called it the Walmart of flying.

Sorry for your loss, and I hope you find peace. It's not easy to lose anyone, especially a parent. Hope everything works out for you, flight-wise.

So sorry for your loss P..