Complain about a product or service

Spirit Air

Karen of Orange NJ (07/02/08)
I received sticker shock from a ticket agent in St. Marrten, when I was told that the cost for checking a bag had gone up within a week from $20.00 per bag to $25.00 per bag. I was able to pay the $20.00 at LaGuirdia airport in the U.S. by credit card. On my way back to the U.S., the St. Maarten ticket agent informed me that I had to pay $25.00 per suitcase on my return trip home.

Within a week, the baggage check-in rates had gone up $5.00. I was not able to pay by credit card, but CASH only. When on the airplain going to St. Marrten, I purchased a soda and had to pay in cash. Upon my return home, ony a credit card was accepted.

I was barely prepared to pay an additional $5.00 for baggage check-in. There were bags at a cost of $40 (2 bags checked in), going to St. Maarten and $50 upon my return to the U.S. Accepting or not accepting credit cards was quite confusing. I asked the agent, how would I have known while on vacation, that the baggage rate had increased. She moaned something about my checking the internet. I would have no reason to check the internet while on vacation, especially the Spirit Airline website.

It is my opinion that whatever price I pay for baggage check-in going, I should only have to pay the same amount returning. I will never fly Spirit Airlines again, and I have told my friends not to use this unfriendly, unprofessional, confusing, inconsistent airline as well. I was very distraught, because I had to scrape up the $50 between my husband and I.

John of Miami FL (06/28/08)
I booked a round trip tickets from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Atlanta, GA. My flight time was 6/27 7:35AM and I arrived at the airport at 6:30AM. Because there was a long line (20 people) I had to wait to check-in. However, when I tried to check-in after waiting in line for over 15 minutes, they told me I was late and told me I had to rebook for another plane. At that time it was 6:50AM, which still was 45 before my flight time. However they refused me to check-in and told me to go to the rebooking counter at the end.

At the rebooking counter there was about 50 people waiting. After waiting for 2 hours in the line, Spirit Airlines told me that I had to buy new tickets for 2:30PM flight and told me to pay $236. I was very upset and asked to talk to the supervisor. After waiting for 30 minutes, they told me that Supervisor is eating breakfast so I had to wait longer. So aroung 10:30AM supervisor finally came to me and said it's all my fault and there was nothing they can do. So I try to explain my story but then she said there's nothing she can do and if I keep complaining, she would call the Airport security and police. Basically she was threatening me to leave. So I ended up losing $175 (plane ticket) + $40 (hotel) + $60 (rental car) = $275 plus I had to wait in line at the airport for almost 5 hours. I will never fly Spirit Airlines and recommend everyone to avoid this Airline. They are rude, and will charge you for everything. Your $50 plane ticket will cost you $500 at the end.

Mark of South Lyon MI (06/27/08)
I want to offer a course of action for some of the issues regarding Spirit Airlines. I had my own issue in early May this year. To make a long story short, because of their misleading online reservation system, I unknowlingly booked 5 roundtrip tickets without ticket confirmations. My credit card was charged. I tried customer service and kept getting disconnected.

I emailed their customer service dept. and after 3 days rec'd a canned response that I was out of luck because I agreed to the terms and conditions. This was completely false. I tried their phones again and could never get through. Finally I decided to go to the top and find out their CEO since I could not talk to anyone or find a manager's name.

When I searched on Spririt and CEO on yahoo, I found not only the CEO's name but also his email address. You will see articles about his Reply All email snafu from a few months ago. I emailed this guy (Ben something) and rec'd a response from customer service within 12 hours stating that I would get my money back since they re-evaluated my situation. I actually rec'd a refund. I don't have his email address handy but just do a Yahoo or Google search and you will ultimately find his email. Good luck.

Keith of Patchouge NY (06/26/08)
There changing flight times without conntacting me for  my October flight from ISP to FLL When I call them they tell me its not there problem that the new times dont work for me Than after doing some reserach I found out they are going to have major cut back in Ft. Lauderfale and closing the terminels in NYC and Long Island August 1 I fell the cosumer should be told and get a full refund.

Mandy of South Portland ME (06/26/08)
I had booked a flight to FLL for myself and my disabled son. Once there I received an email that my return flight was changed. My original flight was a direct flight (booked that way due ot my son's disabilities). The flight they changed me to added 6 hours to my flight and 2 connections (1 of which only had a 30 minute layover that I would never make). When I called to get it changed, I waited in their phoen system for an hour. When someone answered, I told her that I received an email that my flight was changed, and she hung up on me.

John of Forest Hills NY (06/23/08)
I was not allowed to get a boarding pass for my flight even though I was at the check in 50 mins before my flight. The Spirit employee said the flight was booked out and she could not give me a boarding pass. I was then told to go to rebooking and she walked away.I  went to rebooking and waited for 1!/2 hours before anyone in front of me was served. I was then told i missed my flight even though I did not.

They themn charged me a rebooking fee,On the trip down to Fll I was delayed 41/2 hours with no explenation. The flight 779 was never even posted on the board.

James of Allentown NJ (06/23/08)
On Februaury 3rd of this year I purchased 6 round trip direct flights from ACY to MCO for lat August this year. At the time I was charged the following additional fees: 30.00 USD, US 911 Security fee 60.78 USD, US FET 54.00 USD, US Passenger Facility Charge 42.00 USD, US Segment Tax. Since this was disclosed before I purchased, I had no issue with it. They also disclosed there were fees for checked baggage, which again I had no issue with. They advised that only reservations made through spiritair.com and the Spirit Reservations Center are eligible for advance seat assignments. Seat assignments are available within 90 days and up to 1 hour prior to each flight's departure Still no problem.

90 days before the flight, I logged on to assign seats, and everything was fine. I had to wait a week to do the return flight. A week later, when I went to assign my seats, there was now a $10 per aisle/window and $5 per middle seat assignment fee! How can it be legal for a company to change the terms 4 months after the purchase! To add insult to injury, they soon cancelled my return flight and put me on a connecting flight with a layover of almost 4 hours! (and seat fees apply to EACH flight segment) I am traveling with four children and choose direct flights intentionally.

After spending over an hour on hold in their phone system...it disconnected me. Repeated attempts to get through eventually succeeded. The nice foreign gentleman told me that I was actually on STANDBY for my return flight. Why? I don't know....the tickets were PAID IN FULL in February. I requested that it be changed to a direct flight, even if that meant the next day. He politely made the changes (all this took about a 1/2 hour) but he could not do anything about the seat assignment fee. I have no issue with the airline adding a seat assignment fee, as long as it is disclosed at time of purchase. If it isn't already, it should be illegal to add a fee for a previously included service to EXISTING purchases.

Judy of Hillsboro Beach FL (06/23/08)
I have been flying Spirit for 13 years. I booked a flight for August 2008 and noticed $8.00 fares for July. I decided to change my flight to July since my vacation dates are flexible. I wanted to speak with someone first. I kept calling and got a busy signal, which didn't surprise me considering anytime I've tried to call them this past year has been that way. Finally got someone from India and he couldn't pull up my flight info. After 20 mins of him trying to find it. I also - up front - told him I wanted to change my reservation, but wanted to ask about the fare change first.

He told me that he could change it over the phone, which I was surprised at but I believed him and repeated what he said to me. I gave him my credit card to find it and finally, he did. Then when he found it, he said he couldn't help me with anything. I wasted about a half hour at least on the phone with him. I gave up, went back to the site, and when I tried to change the reservation, the flight cancelled, and the $8.00 fares were gone.

So now I have an $80.00 change fee, and no reservation. I called back to asked for a supervisor. After holding for one and a half hours, I got some woman who refused to give me one. She said I didn't deserve one and hung up on me. I am disgusted with this airline. I will gladly pay extra money that I can't afford to spend, just to avoid them in the future.

Patricia of Pembroke Pines FL (06/18/08)
I tried to pay for a seat for my husband and I on an upcoming flight along with 1 checked bag throught the telephone rep because the web site was not working. He told we I would have to pay full price because I did not do the transactions on line even if the site was out of order. He also could not check a bag via telephone but that I should try again.

When I asked to speak to a supervisor he told me it was not warranted and disconnected the call. I consider this extremely rude and unprofessional. I believe I should have been allowed to pay for my seat and pay for my checked bag because the website was out of order. This will be on last flight on Spirit. Nickel-diming us to death with the seat and baggage charges and having to speak to a rude foreign rep is enough for us.

It's Spirit's loss, not ours.

Dianna of North Charlestn SC (06/16/08)
I found a $9 airfare banner on the Spirit Airline site and wanted to see what it was all about ...I was able to book a $9 one way ticket from Myrtle Beach to Atlantic City for my whole family. Well we flew out Friday June 13th expecting that we may be charged something at the airport ...but we werent --we actually flew with no delays no problem up & back to NJ for $9 each way!

Jake of Los Angeles CA (06/14/08)
I have never experienced such rude service from an airline representative as I did when I flew Spirit Airline. While at the counter waiting to be issued my boarding pass - three previous customers returned to the counter asking for their I.D. cards. The female behind the counter told them, I do not have your identifications, go check your bag or maybe your passport. You probably dropped it somewhere. These customers walked off to the side and searched their bags in a complete frantic in an attempt to locate their missing identification.

Again, two of the customers returned to the counter and requested the female Spirit Airline employee to check her area to see if the identification cards fell of the counter. With an annoyed expression on her face, this Spirit Airline employee quickly looked on the counter and lifted her laptop. She told the customers that she did not have the identification cards and asked them to go search their belongings. One of the customers promptly responded asking the Spirit Airline employee to look more thouroughly around the area she was standing. With little effort, the Spirit Airlines employee glanced down and responded, nope, its not here.

As another Spirit Airline employee walked passed this booth he looked at the floor and asked the female employee, what are those doing down there? Again, with little effort she glanced at the floor (without really moving from the spot she was standing) and asked, what? The male Spirit Airline employee leaned down and picked up three separate identification cards and placed them on the counter and stated, you were standing on these. The reaction of the female employee was completely shocking. Her only reaction was a shrug of the shoulders and a huh sound as if she really didnt care.

One of the customers let out a are you serious? remark as he received his identification from the female employee. Another customer made the comment, we will likely be late to our terminal since we have spent the last hour trying to locate our identification cards, that you had the entire time, as all three of us stated to you. Again, a shocking response from the female employee. In an extremely unprofessional manner, and tone, she stated, I am busy here. You have your identification cards now. You should probably try to catch your flight now.

The flight schedules of Spirit Airline are poorly coordinated. If a plane is late for take-off, the slightest delay of a mere 30 minutes will most likely affect the rest of your travels. A 25 minute delay from LAX to Ft Lauderdale made me miss my Spirit Air connecting flight to Tampa. The original flight from Ft. Lauderdale to Tampa was 7am and the next flight was not until 6pm. Needless to say, I spent the next 11 hours sitting in an airport. Of which, my terminal was changed three times and the staff acted as if I was an inconvenience by asking for assistance due to the fact they never bother to update the departure and arrival board - which contains gate information. I will NEVER fly Spirit Airline again. Never!

Kim of Chester NY (06/12/08)
Due to unforseen curcumstances I had to cancel my reservation. I tried numerous times over a 2 week period to contact the reservations department without success. Finally, today I contacted someone (Mark Sim), located in India who was, in kind words, useless. I understand that I would be subjected to a cancellation fee, but after several attempts to resolve the issue, Mr. Sim would not devuldge any contact information in order for a resolution.

I asked for supervisor, he didn't know a name. I asked for a US number to contact someone, he said didn't have one and then he did but wouldn't give it to me. I asked him who he deals with directly in the US, he said he knew her first name not her last and didn't have a number. He said that there is nothing he could do as a floor supervisor to accomodate me a customer and no one over him to speak with. Please help me understand how big corporate companies forward all of their US customer support teams over seas when there is a lack of communication.

Michelle of Miami FL (06/11/08)
I was charged for things that they were not upfront and fair with and in the end they don't give refunds so I am out of $1900. I tried to contact my bank (Wachovia) to dispute the charges and they said that can not do that on airlines fees.

Because of this I might end up losing my house because I ended up booking with another airline because we now don't even want to travel with Spirit. I have tried and tried to contact spirit but that is an impossible task. THis whole thing is a mess.

David of North Las Vegas NV (06/09/08)
Adult & two 10 year girls were traveling from Las Vegas (11:35pm) to Orlando (8:30 am) with a connecting flight through Ft. Lauderdale on May 18th. Upon arriving at the connecting flight (which was at the next gate) we were refused entry even though it was still 5 minutes before schedule departure. When asked for an explanation and assistance to get another flight, the agent refused to speak with us, give us her name (she even covered her name tag), and when we (and the 10 other passangers who were in the same situation) requested a supervisor, she refused and immediately called the airport police to escort us all out of the airport. We rented a car to drive from Ft. Lauderdale to Orlando.

On the return flight on May 22, the Spirit agent told us our flight was cancelled and we would have to pay an additional fee for any other flights,but when she checked, she saild all their flights were booked and we would have to go with another airline. When I asked for a refund to use towards a new ticket, was told they have not agreement with any other airlines, and was told to leave. When asked for a supervisor, again the police were called and we were escorted out of the terminal. Finally found another flight back on United.

Had to pay $130 to rent a car from Ft. Lauderdale to Orlando. Had to pay $1,200 for the return flight on United. Both girls (who are 4th grade Honor Students) were crying each time and thoroughly tramatized by not one but two incidents of being forcibly removed from the terminal. One of the girls still has nightmares, both are afraid of the police, and neither want to go to the airport, even to pick up a relative.

Robert of St. Petersburg Fl FL (06/07/08)
After reading the complaints posted on the CA site regarding Spirit Airlines, I thought I'd add my own. Last July, I flew Spirit to Port Au Prince, Haiti but decided to return to Ft. Lauderdale three weeks early. Long story short, the airline's general manager in Haiti was rude, ineffective, and downright nasty. He later explained to me that as the general manager he decided who flies and does not and that as an American, I can do nothing about it because he can have my passport canceled by the embassy.

This airline is a hit or miss in terms of experience. I personally will never fly Spirit Airlines and I even contacted my bank to get a full refund on the $261 return fare they charged me for a whole new ticket on what was originally a roundtrip fare of $185. I sent a letter along with Spirit's policy showing that it is only $70 to modify a booked trip. Wachovia refunded all but the $70 to me.

I encourage any of you who have flown this airline and been charged additional fees (rebooking, luggage, etc) other than what you paid for to originally book the flight, to call your bank or credit card company and dispute the charge. It is your right to do so under the terms of your credit card or bank and they WILL grant you a provisional credit. This credit will remain as the card company/bank investigates your dispute and ultimately, you will receive your money back if founded. Next, contact your state attorney general, Congressperson, and or local county/city consumer affairs agency. Spirit is based out of Miramar, Florida; The Florida Attorney General's Office and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services should also be clued in on your complaints.

Andrew of Brownstown MI (06/06/08)
I have a voucher from a previous cancellation for which I wanted to redeem and book two additional seats on the same flight from Detroit to Las Vegas. We tried to book the flights online, but the system was slow. My wife telephoned Customer Service Wednesday, June 4, 2008. She waited 45 minutes for an agent and then proceeded to redeem the voucher. The Agent had apologized for the computer system being slow and the voucher number uploading. We requested Flight number 771 departing DTW at 6:05am. She asked to place us on hold until she could receive a confirmation in which we agreed. We were never connected again so my wife tried to again book the reservation online using our voucher, but the online site stated it was an invalid number. So she tried to telephone again and waited 45 minutes but since it was getting late and we get up for work early, she hung up.

I telephoned at around 6:30 am Thursday, June 5, to the toll free number and awaited 1 hour and 26 minutes before an agent answered. I proceeded to answer the agents question as to departure city and arrival city, dates, and then requested the 771 morning flight. The agent told me it was sold out and the only flight available at that price was 711 departing at 8:05pm. I asked her if she was sure it was not available and she stated again no. So I proceeded to book the flight for myself using the voucher, then a flight for my wife and  Father-in-law. After receiving the record locator codes for each flight, I then asked the agent if I could pay for my baggage fee for each passenger now and she stated there was no baggage fee for baggage under 40 pounds.

This evening, Thursday, June 5th, my wife went online to Spirit Air and the 771 flight was showing it was available. So we again called the Customer hotline, waited 1 hour before talking to JP, the agents name. He said if we had to change to the morning flight it would cost us $70 each to change flights. My wife and I were both on the telephone and explained to him that the agent in the morning told us the morning flight, 771 was full and I could not book it, but it was showing open online. He proceeded to try and change our reservation and was able to book us for the morning flight, but not able to waive the fee. We asked him to allow us to speak to a Supervisor and he tried for 40 minutes to contact one while we were on hold so he came back on to tell us he could not. We told him we would continue to wait since we have been on the telephone for this long.

We were finally connected to Ray, badge number 7540130, Operations Supervisor. Ray told us we have to pay the fee to change the flight from 711 to 771. We explained we were told the morning flight was booked and offered the evening flight, but when we checked today it was showing available online. He stated we were incorrect and sometimes the computers do not reflect what the agents show. We again explained that JP was able to book the flights but not waive the fee, so they were available. He then said the agent did not tell us it was booked, we were wrong. I explained we had no reason to lie and he said the conversations are taped. We also stated that we had no reason to lie since we were patient enough to wait almost two hours to speak to Ray. I asked him if he could review our taped conversation and call us back he said he could not.

We consider our last two days of trying to obtain a flight with [their] airline an absolute nightmare. If we did not have a voucher in our possession, we would not have booked flights on [their] airline. We have received email confirmation for one flight only and not the other two and we are worried now if the flights are even booked.

Amy of Flushing NY (06/05/08)
I have NEVER had such a worse experience with ANY airline before. I booked this trip for 8 of us in January and our trip was at the end of May. At the New York airport, everything seemed fine. We were going to Cancun, Mexico so we had a layover in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida. Our flight got delayed an hour so then the 15-20 people on my flight missed the next flight (by literally 2 minutes (I told the flight attendant... he didn't do anything about it except tell us we won't miss it)) and it could've been prevented if they would've just notified the airport that we were delayed and that 15-20 people on this flight were rushing to the next terminal and to hold the plane for what... 5 minutes? (the terminal was right next to where we got off).

So then they told us to go to rebooking and when we got there, the employees were rude and had no clue what they were doing. Every question we asked, she had to go to her supervisor for the answer and when we asked to speak to the supervisor she said he was busy (but he had time to answer when SHE asked them). Then she told us our only option was to stay in Florida until the next day. Since we had no choice, they gave us a free hotel room and $9 vouchers for each person for dinner and $7 for breakfast (which is nothing since the food at the airport is so expensive AND we had booked an ALL INCLUSIVE package in Cancun so we could've been in Cancun eating a lot more food for FREE basically).

THEN when we checked in to go back to New York, they said one person in our group was not listed on the flight. How the heck can that happen if we booked as a GROUP --of 8-- in JANUARY!? But okay, the lady gave us our tickets and everything seemed fine... until we got to Florida again. That same person's ticket had said she was flying THE NEXT DAY back to New York... which the first lady in Mexico could've told us but she just wanted to get rid of us and pass the problem along to the next flight. By this time, we were all tired, hungry and ticked off.

The people at the rebooking counter had no clue how to do things and even the manager was no help. He had asked the lady at the ticket counter to give us a gate pass so if there was any empty seats on the plane then she could go on, so the ticket lady was printing a gate pass which was supposed to say my friends name on it and gave it to my friend and we ran to the terminal and we had to go through security and all that.

With 10 minutes left before our flight left, we ran to the terminal and found out that my friend's gate pass had somehow gotten MY NAME on it. We quickly explained out situation to the guard and she let us through and when we got to the gate, the lady collecting the tickets didn't even look at the names on the ticket and so we just walked through the gate to the plane and she had to stay in the back pretending she was using the bathroom and looked for an empty seat after everyone had boarded. She basically had to sneak on to the plane. That's how tight security was too.

PLUS everything was about money. If we wanted CHIPS or M&Ms, it was $3! and WATER was $3! We had the WORST experience every and it will be out FIRST and LAST time traveling with Spirit Air. They are the cheapest but the WORST AIRLINE EVER. I would rather pay extra to have a steady flight and a better experience than to ever have to fly with them again, even if it was free I would never put myself through all that again.

Leah of Clawson MI (06/03/08)
After choosing flights and booking them I was asked if I would like to pre- purchase baggage for out flight. After purchasing 1 bag per person I realized I have to pay for the same bag on each segment of the flight, each way. After that sticker shock of $200 I am prompted by the website to assign my seats. After choosing the first one I realize I am being CHARGED to select seats for my party of 5. $10 again for each segment of our flight to the tune of another $200, with NO ADVANCE WARNING. Remember my credit card has already been charged the $709 for the flight but evidentally not my bag or even my seat.

Our total up- charges(the seat fee hidden) total $400. I am flying with my husband and 3 children. I have searched the site for advance notice of the seat charges but cannot find anything up front until your flight is actually charged to your credit card, interesting. I am feeling like a hostage. I guess that if I wait until we check in on flight day we can be assigned free seats but do I have my children sit with strangers and be unattended? Looks like a big problem looming for this airline.

The increase in hidden seat fees total $200 and the baggage fees total another $200.

Cathy of Manahawkin NJ (06/02/08)
I made airlines reservations on line on May 29, 2008. I never received a confirmation email. So I have literally been trying to reach them since the 29th by phone - which is ALWAYS BUSY, and if it does pick up they never answer and I was on hold with 2 different phones for over one hour! I have also tried emailing them with no success.

I even drove down to the airport on Sunday and they said they couldn't do anything for me. They called a number, and they had to wait 5 minutes for them to pick up and they were told they cannot find my reservations anywhere. But now my dilemma is my credit card - they said my card was charged the amount for the tickets and they can't take the amount off until the merchandiser gives me credit. Can you tell me how I will get credit when they don't answer any type of correspondence? Please help - I don't know what to do.

I'm out $449.00 and have not airline tickets!

Elvia of Idaho Falls, Id ID (05/29/08)
My mother who is 65 years old, traveled alone from Detroit, MI to Cartagena, Colombia on May 21st, 2008. Her luggage (2 suitcases) did not arrive and they told her they would arrive the next day. Since her final destination was 4 hours away form Cartagena, my mom decided to stay that night in Cartagena and wait for her luggage (of course they would not pay for the hotel). The luggage did not arrive ht e next day either, so they told her she could go go home and they will deliver her luggage.

Nine days have passed and the luggage have not arrived and everytime my mother calls nobody answers the phone in the office in Cartagena Colombia. My sister and I have called the airline's offices in Detroit and Fort Lauderdale with no success. The few times we were kucky and got a person on the phone, she or he was rude and did not anything about our lost luggage. Of course, no supervisor or manger to talk to either. What can we do? Where we can go and fill out a complaint?

My mother went to Colombia to visit our relatives. All of her clothes and medication for diabetes and blood pressure were in those suitcases. She had to buy new clothes and go to the doctor to get new prescriprions. None of these were in her budget. She also has important personal documents in one of those suitcases in addition to presents for family and friends.

Janice of Clinton Twp MI (05/21/08)
In response to all of the well deserved complaints from angry consumers, I would like to offer the following information. I was a long time employee of Spirit Airlines in the good years when they cared about customer service and being a respected carrier. This airline is no longer the same.

The first thing I would like you to know is that you will NEVER reach anyone (other than a reservation agent and even that's a maybe)by phone! The phone system in the reservation center and at the corporate offices are set to re-route you to dead lines. The owners of this company absolutely do not care if you are happy or not! The policies and behaviors of this airline are out of control.

My advice to you is to not fly Spirit Airlines. If you do, please be sure to book any tickets on an American Express card as they will back the consumer and charge back all fees. It is ridiculous that they can change your flight and then penalize you financially for the outcome. Even if you don't use an American Express card, most companies will charge back for an error that you report immediately or other such issues. I truly hate to have to offer this type of advice about a company that I once loved, but people should know what they may be in for.

Margarita of Carbondale IL (05/20/08)
First of all I didn't know that there were extra charges for the $9 fare club. I thought it would be just $9, so I cancelled it, and they sent me a cancellation confirmation to my email. Suddenly, when I was trying to get money fron the ATM I realized that almost $40 dollars were charged to my account, and still they did not send me any email announcement about this charge.

When I was in opther city I needed that money and I had not enough, besides I sent them an e-mail to complain four days ago and guess what!! no aswer, I haven't found a phone number to talk to someome in Spirit that could help me. And now that I see so many complaints about Spirit I'm concerned, because I have to travel with this airline, is there a way to get my money back, without charges?? Please I'm more concerned than ever now, I gotta be on time for some meetings.

Sheryl of Riverview FL (05/18/08)
i recently travel with spirit airline to kingston, jamaica on may 6, 2008. upon returning to the states on may 14, 2008. i had the worst experience of my life dealing with spirit.

i arrive at the airport one hour prior to departure, due to an accident involving the vehicle in which i was driving in. as i arrive at the ticketing counter, the agent stated in firm mannerthe counter is close. i begged and pleaded with the agent that i am willing to leave my luggae with relatives and not check it, just so i could board the airplane. i was told in no uncertain term that i will not, and that i should book another ticket, and i had to stay in jamaica three more days.

i begged to speak to the manager but was told that the manager is not available. i have never shed so many tears in a single day. i had to spend the night in jamaica. the following morning i had to book a return ticket with american airline; which by the way is more friendly service, courteous, polite, helpful and on time. i will tell anyone who will listen not to travel with spirit airline, no matter how cheap the fare is. the customer service is horrible, agents are rude, additional fees are tacked on at the last minute, and the flight late. how is that for bad service.

as a result of re-booking a return ticket my out of pocket expense was $220.00 + taxie fee $49.00 + i miss a day of work $193.00 total expense $462.00

Sheryl of Riverview, FL (05/18/08)
i recently travel with spirit airline to kingston, jamaica on may 6, 2008. upon returning to the states on may 14, 2008. i had the worst experience of my life dealing with spirit. i arrive at the airport one hour prior to departure, due to an accident involving the vehicle in which i was driving in. as i arrive at the ticketing counter, the agent stated in firm mannerthe counter is close. i begged and pleaded with the agent that i am willing to leave my luggae with relatives and not check it, just so i could board the airplane. i was told in no uncertain term that i will not, and that i should book another ticket, and i had to stay in jamaica three more days. i begged to speak to the manager but was told that the manager is not available. i have never shed so many tears in a single day.

i had to spend the night in jamaica. the following morning i had to book a return ticket with american airline; which by the way is more friendly service, courteous, polite, helpful and on time.

Anna of Bronx NY (05/14/08)
May 9th - 12th. On Friday, May 9th I traveled from LaGuardia Airport in NY to Ft. Lauderdale Airport. I am very aware that it was raining in NYC and that there might be a chance that my flight were delayed. I get to the airport at 5:30 p.m. (VERY EARLY) to catch my 7:45 p.m. flight. I did not check any luggages since I was already informed of their $20 per bag fee. OUTRAGEOUS so i only had a carry-on. One hour before the flight we were told our flight was delayed 1 hour, then we were told 2 hours. At about 10:00 p.m. we were told 10:50 p.m. so i decide to call my sister and have her check my flight via internet. She told me that the internet said our flight was leaving at 12:50 a.m. I calmly asked the agent and was rudely told that they internet knows before they do.. what is that all about?

Anyway..funny how the flight that was scheduled to leave to Ft. Lauderdale after us actually left one hour before us.. We were then told that OUR Flight had to stop at Atlantic City. We were then told that if our flight did not arrive before 1:30 a.m. they would cancel it because La Guardia airport policy is that the last flight leaves at 1:30 a.m. We were THEN TOLD that had received an extention. We finally left at almost 2:00 a.m. After over 6 hours waiting at an airport that had everything already closed we were EVEN CHARGED $3.00 on the plane for water.

NOW MY STORY GETS BETTER. My return flight was cancelled because of Rain again in NY. It took me four hours to get through on my cell phone to a Customer Rep. I was then told that i had to wait two more days before getting on another flight. I ended up having to pay another $250.00 in hotel charges and was flown to Long Island Airport (WHICH IS 50 MILES FROM MY HOME).. to get back the following day. $125.00 cab ride NEVER AGAIN.. This airline is most definetley the WORST

Linda of Villas NJ (05/14/08)
I order my tickets on line 4/15/08 using the discount code and when I checked out the discount did not show. I called the airlines and was on hold for one hour than I hung up and called back and got though and was transferred to another department was on hold for another hour before I hung up. I than emailed my complaint I traveled at the correct time and my discount did not go though my incident date created 4/15/08 11:28 am. I did not hear back from them by 4-21 I emailed them again and finally they got back with me to say too bad.

I had to travel at a certain time frame in order to recieve the SAVE48 my discount of $48.00. And to be put on hold for one hour is rediculious.

Robert of Hempstead NY (05/06/08)
SPIRIT AIRLINE made unauthorized charges for the $9 club.  Barclays refuses to remove the charges unless I contact Spirit Airlines.  this is impossible to do. (3 hours no luck)

John of Bk NY (04/28/08)
It was the worst thing even the plane was supposed to depart at 12:00 hey changed it to 1:15 and then to 3:00 and after they said the flight was cancelled the next available flight is on thursday which is in 4 days they dont even pay for my hotel i had to pay for hotel for another 4 days

its the worst airline ive ever used in my life ill make sure to never travel with them again i will recomend my friends and family not to fly with them too...

i had to pay for the hotel taxi and food ..

Ivan of Si NY (04/28/08)
It was the worst thing even the plane was supposed to depart at 12:00 hey changed it to 1:15 and then to 3:00 and after they said the flight was cancelled the next available flight is on thursday which is in 4 days they dont even pay for my hotel i had to pay for hotel for another 4 days its the worst airline ive ever used in my life ill make sure to never travel with them again i will recomend my friends and family not to fly with them too...

i had to pay for the hotel taxi and food ..

Heather of Methuen MA (04/27/08)
I booked a flight online from Spirit airline's website from Ft. Lauderdale, FL to Boston, MA online for 04/26/08. NOWHERE did I see special instructions or fees on checked in luggage both when I searched for flights and booked them (if they are on their website they are in fine print and are deceiving to the customer). So I get to the airport to get my boarding pass and check in one (ONE) bag of luggage. The woman behind the counter said that it'd would be $20... twenty-dollars?! This was the FIRST time I have ever heard of this fee and I became frustrated when the woman, Sarah, explained to me that there were signs everywhere explaining luggage fees.

I scoured the area and found NO (that's ZERO) signs regarding check in luggage. Sarah wouldn't budge so I gave up and paid the ridiculous $20 and received my boarding pass. On the back of the boarding pass in plain black and white it stated that checked in luggage was subject to a $10 fee. I went back and said I should have been charged $10, but Sarah was having nothing of it. Our policy changed Feb. 22 and those are wrong. So it's been two months and you haven't updated your terms of service?! I called the Spirit 800 number and asked to speak to a supervisor, well demanded to at this point, and I was told by the rude woman No, you cannot speak to a supervisor. I was FLOORED. How can a business function like this?!? This was my first and last time I will fly with Spirit. I hope this company has what's coming to them!! They deceive customers and then offer no help or honor terms that they have written in black and white. What a AWFUL company!!!

Danie of Merrick NY (04/25/08)
On the mornining of April 22nd, I arrived at Fort Lauderdale Aiport along with my two infant children, teenage daughter, and my elderly mother, only to be turned away. My flight was scheduled to leave at 9:41 a.m. I arrived at 8:30 a.m. I was informed that the flight was closed by Spirit Airline Supervisor name Edmund. He was very nasty, demeaning, and unsympathetic to me and my family.

Therefore, we were forced spend the entire day at the airport (over 13 hours). I had no formula for my children. In addition, they had to sleep on the airport floor, as I desperately tried to get our flights back to NY. My elderly mother also had to go without her hypertension and diabetes medications. Not only did this cause a major interruption in our daily lives/ activities, I was also charged $241.50 for rebooking our flights. At this time, I am respectfully requesting an investigation or inquiry into this matter.

Corretta of Kingston OTHER (04/01/08)
My mother, Brother and I were flying from Kingston Jamaica to New York. There was a transfer in Fort Lauderdale. When we got off the plane we got stuck in the immigration line for over an hour and a whole host of passengers, us included, missed our connecting flight. Great, so now what? We go to the spirit desk and this Lady, DIXIE, was already telling the couple in front of us all sorts of rude things. Like, "That's why you have to be 18 and over to book a flight." That somehow we should have known that we'd get held up in customs. She was being very rude and standoffish, nothing was her fault. She didn't even try to see if anything could be done. She was basically insisting that we, the passengers, are stupid and incompetent in booking flights. There is no warning anywhere about immigration taking one hour and that we should take this into consideration when booking.

When it came our turn to get our complaint through, I overheard this DIXIE lady muttering to another Lady that, "IF THEY WANT STRAWBERRIES AND CHAMPAGNE THEY SHOULDN'T BE DIGGING AROUND IN THE BOTTOM OF THE GARBAGE." Now this was SPIRIT'S OWN EMPLOYEE referring to the company as The bottom of the garbage. SHE NEEDS TO BE RELIEVED OF HER JOB!

On the other hand there was another Lady who was quite helpful, she was up and down helping us in every way she could. Martha Gonzales, THANK YOU FOR HELPING US! She was working like a dog trying to get us on or way. Which, after a lot of work we finally got on another flight. But after this hassle..NEVER AGAIN! I would rather take another airline and be four hours late than to go through that ever again. If DIXIE insists that SPIRIT is garbage then she should be scrubbing toilets with a toothbrush since she likes working with garbage then. SPIRIT needs to upgrade their system to warn passengers of the risk of missing flights due to the immigration procedure between transfers. They also need to remove rude and unpleasant representatives like DIXIE and make sure that they keep people like Martha Gonzales. Companies need to remember that these people represent them and that a customer gets their first impression of the company from interaction with their employees.

Marvin of Lake Worth FL (03/30/08)
I booked a flight online with Spiritair.com for a flight from San Juan, PR to Los Angeles and after I confirmed the flight noticed the web site showed my flight from San Juan to San Antonio, Texas. I called immediately and was told I would receive a voucher and when I used it I would have to pay an additional $70 fee for the flight. Los Angeles airport code is LAX and San Antonio's airport code is SAT, which wasn't a simple Typo on my part. I tried to explain this and was told I would have to pay a difference of almost $250 for the flight to LAX, almost twice as much as any other airline would charge online for the same flight. I was told I could file a compalint with their corporate offices and will do so and that they may or may not refund my ticket fare. I do not know how the wrong code was typed in and don't feel I was at fault.

Wills of Boca Raton FL (03/23/08)
I had a flight from Fort Lauderdale airport to La Guardia, New York on March 22nd with Spirit Airlines. My flight was at 12:00 pm and I arrived at the airport at 11:00 am so I can go to the check in early. I printed my boarding and paid the $20 for the bag check, which is ridiculous. After that I went in line because there were so many people there trying to catch their flight. So I'm in line waiting to have my bag checked in and when I get up there, the lady that was up there told me that the line is closed and that my flight is already full, and I have to rebook another flight for later on. The time was about 11:15 am, and on my boarding pass it says 11:20 am to board the airplane.

I told the lady that I was early and waiting in line, she then told me that they were pulling out people out of the line so they wont miss their flight. Which wasn't true because if they were doing that someone should have ask me and pulled me out the line. All I saw was people in front of the checking line walking back and forth pretending like they were working. I had to argue with the lady to have my bags checked and get on my flight, but she was evasive and checked in other passengers that just arrived at the airport.

So I proceeded to the rebooking line, which had about 50 people or more waiting in line beacause Spirit Airlines did the same thing to them. I had to wait about 3 and half hours in line, which was barely moving at all. They closed the rebooking and made us move further down the to have us stand in line again. When I finally got the chance to talk to someone, the lady was very rude and very evasive. When I asked if they could rebook me for another flight that same day she told me that I had to pay $70 fee for rebooking, which was crazy. I told the lady that it wasn't my fault that I miss my flight and she proceed to tell me that she cannot do anything about it and that I still have to pay the fee for rebooking a flight. I also asked her if there were any flights leaving out of Ft. Lauderdale to La Guardia, and she yes but also told me it was full, which was really crazy because I ended up flying that flight and there were about 2 to 10 seats open. I gave in and paid $70 even though it was their fault that I missed my flight. She proceeded to booked me for a flight for the next day, Sunday March 23rd, leaving at 4pm. I never took that flight since I made the 4pm flight to NY, which was delayed 2 hours. I would like someone to contact me about this situation, and help me out. PLEASE!

Tanyaabreu of Lake Worth FL (03/22/08)
I do not understand how my on line reservation changed from Montego Bay to Nassau at the last minute...but even if it was my mistake, I hurriedly tried to call Spirit Airlines to help IMMEDIATELY with this error. I have spent more than 4 hours on hold, had one operator say and I quote that the stupidity was my fault and that I would have to pay $140 change fee for the two tickets. So, my VALUE tickets are now costing more than Delta would have cost with baggage and taxes. I AM DISGUSTED. Wishing that Spirit goes out of business as soon as possible. SHAMEFUL.

Eddie of Garden City MI (03/12/08)
I flew Spirit Airlines on March 3, 2008 on Flight 711 from Detroit to Las Vegas. Within 30 minutes of the flight, we experienced the worse turbulence I have ever felt. I am a veteran of the United States Air Force and have flown in the C-130's, so I know what turbulence is. I understand that turbulence should be expected, but this was violent. The plane shock violently, and we even experienced the drop affect in our stomachs as if we were riding on a roller coaster.

To make matters worse, the drink which I had to purchase, spilled into my lap. Again, I am fully aware of turbulence, but this was beyond normal. This occurred several times during the flight. I'm sure this was not just my own feelings, since several passengers clapped once we landed in Vegas. Also, during the flight, we had a passenger stand in the back of the plane, and stare at the emergency door. With 911 happening, everyones nerves are elevated. This individual stared for at least 7-8 minutes at the door. The stewardess never asked the guy to take his seat. I believe that someone should look into this odd and dangerous behavior. I have tried, with no success to reach Spirit Airlines. The individual was of Middle Eastern descent. I am far from racist, as I have a interracial family, but this was not normal. I will never again give Spirit Airlines any service, regardless of their cheap fares

The only damage was done was to my nerves. The most serious problem was the guy standing and starring at the emergency door. This should be reported to someone who actually cares.

Mary of Riverview FL (03/05/08)
I purchased a flight from LasVegas to Tampa. I had not been prompted to select a seat so I went back into the site to obtain information about this policy. While doing that I found that one carry on bag was allowed but that if checked baggage was needed, the charge would be $10 per bag for each of the 1st two bags ($20 per at the airport). Granted this information is on their web-site, but at no time before the purchase was I given notice that additional charges might be entailed. Additionally, they charge for sodas & snacks-again not disclosed. With today's computers, it seems that this information should have been disclosed before I made the purchase. It seems that standardization needs to be made in the industry for what an advertised price would cover and then other items as additional. This seems like a deceptive practice. All airlines used to be pretty much the same & now some give you food, some charge, some let you choose a seat & some charge you to choose a seat, some let you check one bag, some two, some none without a fee. It seems like some standardization needs to be put into place.

Vicente of Miami FL (03/01/08)
I joined the $9 Spirit Club. It is really a $29 dollar charge, but they call it the $9 dollar club. Quite deceiving until they charge you an extra 20 dollars, 20 days after you already paid $9. I joined and open an account to keep track of my frequent flyer miles. After more than 18 flights, I took the time to see my frequent flyer miles. To my surprise, I had a balance of 0. I immediately called Spirit to fix the error on my two year old account. That's when I was told, that I had to go online to my account every time I flew, to input my miles by myself. They only allow a 30 day window to input your miles, or you loose them.

First of all, it is not my job to keep records in the Spirit Website. It is their responsibility to keep my miles with my account number. In addition of placing all the work and responsibility on the passenger, if you do not know of this little rule, you lose all of your miles. I honestly believe that this airline is not practicing fair business rules. THEY DO NOT WARN YOU ABOUT THIS RULE. It is in very little font in the terms and agreements. It is obviously designed so the passenger will lose the miles. WHAT IS THE POINT OF PAYING $29 for a frequent flyer program, if I have to assume all of their data entry work, related to my account. I DO NOT WORK FOR SPIRIT, AND I DO NOT ACCEPT THE RESPONSIBILITY OF A PART TIME DATA ENTRY ON THEIR WEBSITE. Thank you very much.

Spirit has not credited my frequent flyer miles that total over 50,000.

Kim of Birmingham AL (02/24/08)
To make a long story short this airline charged my credit card for prepaid luggage at $10 per bag when prepaid on line and if not prepaid, charged $20 per bag at airport. I prepaid for two checked bags prior to departure on 2/21/08. $40 charge on credit card and was told by spirit rep that charge was for $20 depart flight and $20 return flight because reservation was round trip. On making modification to return flight I was assured that pre-paid luggage fee would transfer to new flight. My son gets to airport in sanjuan, PR and is chrged total $40 for 2 bags. He was told that there was no pre-paid bags on his reservation and he would have to pay the $40.

I then called spirit customer service dept at 4am in the morning to be told that there was no record of any luggage pre-paid on this reservation and that my credit card was never charged $40 except at the airport. By this time I am furious and the only thing I'm told is that they can have accounting dept review it. In the mean time I am out of $80 and a rep telling me that that charge that they did not make on my card prior to departure date of 2/21/08 at 8:10PM must be for luggage charged for bags on departing flight.  I really want to know what direction to go in to get this resolved and get the word out that this airline uses deceptive practices and will fraudulently charge you and attempt to justify it. 

Mabel of Orlando FL (02/22/08)
We traveled round trip from Orlando to Puerto Rico. On our way back, our suitcases were open and things were stolen. I have tried to contact Spirit both here in the US and Puerto Rico. I have left numerous messages, and they do not return my calls. I think that it is time to start a class action suit against this irresponsible company.

We went to Puerto Rico to re-live a part of our childhood. Out hometown was celebrating 150 years' anniversary of the city Carnival.We took numerous and irreplaceable pictures. One of the things stolen was our camera. We will never be able to have that experience again.

Barry of Suffern NY (02/21/08)
I spent 4 hours and 22 minutes on hold wating for a rsponse that waeven remotely civil. Don't fly this airline. Rude.Unprofessional. Done!!!

Shawn of Bronx NY (02/15/08)
I paid for a flight that should leave from La Guardia to Fort Lauderdale to Jamaica, all on the same Airline, Spirit. I checked-in at La-Guardia, I was given two boarding pass one for La Guardia and the other for Fort Lauderdale to Jamaica. When I got to Fort Lauderdale they said they are not able to put us on the connecting flight to Jamaica, and we will have to find our own way there. They offered no assistance, no refund, no accommodation, we were just left to vend for ourselves in a strange city!

I was supposed to arrive in Jamaica at about 4:00 p.m. I had to spend my own moey (over $350) to find my way to Jamaica, and I arrived in Jamaica at 4:00 a.m. the following morning! To date I have tried to get a refund from Spirit for expenses and inconvenience, but with no success, I need some help in resolving this matter.

Coleridge of West Palm Beach FL (01/23/08)
Living in the USA, and of course traveling on a US passport, it is required for me to have a return ticket before I leave the US. I'm in Jamaica and unfortunately, my return ticket was lost or misplaced. There is no way to contact the Airline as the 800 # is down. I called several times during the evening and into the night, my last call was at 2:00AM, still the same recording. I called home and got a number for the office in FL, but I went through an automated telephone system with no luck. For each of the choices given, the line rang once and then went dead. Apparently, they don't have a Customer Service Dept. Now, I am forced to purchase a return ticket. Spirit Airline: NEVER AGAIN.

Gloria of Guatemala City OTHER (01/18/08)
I have been flying from Guatemala to Fort Lauderdale on Spirit ever since they started service here in May 2007. During that time, I have made 6 round trips and just want to say that I have nothing but praise for all of the employees of Spirit in Guatemala. They couldn't be more helpful or pleasant. I have only experienced one delay. In fact, they usually arrive early, both in FLL and GUA. I have to admit that things can be a little hectic in FLL sometimes, however, personnel there have always been helpful. And as for the planes, the seats are very comfortable and you have more room in the Airbus than in most other planes. And thanks to their reasonable fares, I am able to visit my family in the States more often and have them visit me.

John of Parkland FL (01/02/08)
Our family of six traveled to Nassau (NAS) 0n 6/06/07. We had six pieces of luggage. Upon arrival at Nassau and awaiting for the luggage to come down, we waited until everyone at the airport was gone. We were told that the luggage was not on our plane nor the next plane due in one hour. We waited. NO luggage. We then proceeded to our hotel with no luggage. When the hotel tried to contact Spirit Airlines for us they got a recording that due to the high volume of calls they could not respond and to please call back tomorrow.

Our grandchildren did not have any clothing, bathing suits, underwear, toothbrushes and neither did my daughter and my husband and I. We had to buy immediately necessary items to get by the night. Needless to say we waited three days for Spirit Airlines to find+ all our lost luggage. We immediately went to the town to buy all the things that were needed to enjoy our last two days in the Bahamas. The expense was huge. It is not like being able to shop at dept. stores and get any kind of discount. We have in our possession receipts that total $1200. We did find out that after three days that all of our luggage went to Cancun Mexico. It was returned to us at the end of the third day. We want a resolution for the extra expense that occured to us, not counting the loss of a very good day 's expense shopping and cabs and losing a day out of the area just trying to find stores that had all the necessary items to let the children swim and dress for the vacation.

Phil of Oxford MI (12/29/07)
Earlier this year I made reservations to fly with a friend to Tampa Florida. We had to reschedule the flight for a month later, and Spirit reservations in Fraser Michigan handled the booking and changes in our itinerary. They made a number of additional charges and asked me to pay with a credit card. The additional charges were $200 more than the original booking, and Spirit was paid by Visa; the following billing we paid the credit card company.

Now comes the hooker--the original booking that we canceled was never canceled by Spirit, and they want us to pay TWICE for the trip. They were paid by the Bill Me Later people and have not returned the money to them, even though the earlier flight was canceled and re-booked for March--and we paid right away. They do not seem to care about what they are doing when it comes to customers who pay. We are being hounded by some bill collectors who have no idea what is going on.

The credit card payment was not handled properly by Spirit, and the daily harasment by bill collectors is hurting our credit rating that has been spotless up until now. We are retirees living on SS and cannot afford to pay twice for the same service. Spirit knows that they were paid twice because they track payments. They are playing games with our credit, and we are made to suffer for their greed. Bill Me Later is in the loop, and they also know that they should not have paid for the canceled reservation.

Wayne of Fort Myers FL (12/27/07)
Thanksgiving this year started off with a very unpleasant flight at Spirit Airlines. I was flying back my hometown of Detroit (DTW) from Fort Myers (RSW) on a 7:00 a.m. flight.

As with many airlines, Spirit requested that I check in 30 minutes prior to the departure time. I found some rush hour traffic that morning and ended up getting to the ticket counter at 6:35 a.m., 25 minutes prior to my scheduled departure. I pleaded with them to try and get me on the flight, but the agent would not budge. I was actually told that the reason for not allowing me to check in was that my luggage would not make it to the plane in time and that I still had to get through security. I just couldn't fathom how they would have difficulty getting my bag to the airplane at a small airport such as RSW in a 25-minute time span.

On top of this, Spirit Airlines now charges a ridiculous fee of $10 per checked bag! If I am paying the extra money to bring my bag with me then surely you think they would go a tiny bit out of their to get it where it needs to be. Nope, not Spirit Airlines.

At this point I was disappointed, but not angry, and accepted the idea that I was not going to make the flight. I asked what my options were and was told that they had extra room on the 10:30 a.m. flight later that morning. Great I thought. Wrong. That will be an additional $70. This is the point where I start to get very upset.

After arguing very loudly with the ticket agent for a minute or two the manager now finally decides to come over and informs me that if I didn't calm down, that they would not put me on any flight period! At this point I decided to calm down and to take my case up with their customer service department later on.

The manager then proceeded to have a conversation with a co-worker behind the counter in which I distinctly heard and saw her call me a derogatory name. I confronted her on the spot and asked if she called all her customers that name.

I ended up having to shell out the additional money to get on the next flight and after a month of trying to get any type of response from Spirit Airlines customer service department, I am fed up and I am writing to let others know...DO NOT FLY SPIRIT AIRLINES!

In the end, I actually made it through the terminal only to see the original flight I was suppose to be on still sitting at the gate waiting to taxi. Had Spirit Airlines gone a tiny bit out of their way, I could have made the 7:00 a.m. flight with time to spare. Instead they stuck me with a ridiculous re-booking fee and passed derogatory comments in the process. To top everything off, on my return flight, they had a mysterious 2 hour delay. Now why shouldnt I get to charge them $70 for not being on time?

I ended up having to pay a rediculous $70 re-booking fee for a flight I could have made.

David of Washington DC (12/19/07)
Spirit airlines was unwilling to offer any sort of accommodation whatsoever for a flight I missed this morning traveling from DCA to FLL.

I paid Spirit Airlines roughly $300.00 for a round-trip ticket. When I missed my flight I immediately called to have my itinerary switched, be placed on standby, offered a credit toward a re-booked flight, pretty much anything possible to still get down to FLL without completely forfeiting my entire fare. This is a common courtesy and an acceptable service done by every airline - except Spirit. They seized my entire fair, cancelled my return ticket, and told me that if I would like I could rebook this reservation and pay the entire price of the ticket. The next available ticket out of DCA to FLL later today with the same return flight was $400+ dollars, which I was told I would have to pay in full out of my pocket.

It is completely outrageous for an airline to take advantage of a consumer like this. Many mitigating factors can lead to a missed flight and Spirit Airlines should be willing to work with the consumer.

Lost $300 to Spirit Airline and spent an additional $360 to book this ticket again on another airline.

Frederick of Dearborn Heights MI (12/05/07)
I booked at flight from DTW to LAS for 3 passengers on Spirit. We were at DTW waiting on our flight, when I noticed my brother was nervous as he hadn't flown in 30 years (I fly often, but not on Spirit). So, I asked to upgrade to first class. The ramp agent told me it was $65 per person. I thought great. Not only did she NOT tell me that this was just a BIGGER seat, but that food and drinks were not included on any flight. So, I had to pay $10 per bag that I checked in, $65 for the bigger seat, and $4.00 for a snacklike bag of pretzels. I called and talked to a supervisor and Kenji stated that I sat in the seat, so she wasn't refunding it. I said that's impossible, I didn't know what I was getting for the money and there was no disclosure from the agent on what I was paying for. I wouldn't have done it.

The ride wasn't any different than being in their CHILDLIKE seats for coach and it didn't make my brother any more comfortable. Actually the ride was very turbilent and no one apologized for the inconvenience.

Robert of Forked River NJ (12/05/07)
I recently had the displeasure of flying the new Spirit Air.  Their new planes are so small that you sit cramped in like a sardine with your knees in your chest. They do not offer a blanket, pillow, soft drink, even a glass of water. If you want a glass of water there is a two buck charge but no cash as they only accept credit cards. Movies or music? Forget about it. They charge for everything including your luggage on the plane. And if you don't pay up front for luggage when booking your reservations there's a double luggage surcharge when you arrive to check in. And if you have to use the bathroom, well that's still free for the moment, but if you want toilet paper? I asked the flight attendant just exactly what her job was? She said in case the plane crashed she was there to save me. I kid you not. This may be the worst run airline of all time. My prediction is that the current management will be fired within a year or the complaints will be so loud that they'll have to change their ways. I would not accept a free ticket to fly Spirit as that is how awful their service is. What service?

Sean of Ruskin FL (11/29/07)
Coming home from a lovely trip in St. Maarten, I had a terrible encounter with Spirit Airlines. (I have not previously had an altercation/encounter with an airline.) On 11/24/07 I got to FL enroute to Tampa, or so I thought. I was told there was not a trip scheduled for me to go to TPA even though I had bought my ticket far in advance, 09/03/07. They asked if I ever made the first leg of my trip to go to St. Maarten even though I showed them the stamped passport and the electronic ticket. Nicole, a supervisor, told me it was the fault of Orbitz.com. She insisted the only resolution was for me to buy a ticket to fly out the next day. I decided to call Orbitz; the rep told me that I was indeed set to go to TPA that night, and that Spirit was lying. So in talking to Orbitz the rep asked if he could talk to the Spirit Supervisor. She declined to speak with him. So the Orbitz rep decided to call Spirit's 800 number. We got a rep named Paris who asked to speak to Nicole who told him to call 954-359-0900; and Paris told us that no one was answering the phone.

I looked to my right and heard a woman who returned from a 10-day cruise and had no clothes because Spirit had lost her bags. While all this is happening the other Supervisor, Nazma Mohammed, was in a shouting match with a young lady and her two small children who Spirit had also bumped from their trip. The Supervisor decided to call the police. The Police stated This is every night with Spirit. We break up fights all the time. Moments later another woman and her family were yelling at the service counter as they had been bumped. I later saw a young lady from California who was bumped and was told she had to pay and additional $350.00 to go to her home the next day. There were several people who were bumped that night. No less than 9 passengers had been bumped that night with No Explanation, No accommodations, No apology, No Recourse, Just the abusive behavior from the Supervisors Nicole and Nazma Mohammed. Spirit did not own the problem; they made it seem as if it were the fault of the bumped passenger .

I had no where to go--no rental car, no hotel; just inappropriate behavior from a group of classless individuals who Spirit deemed management material. I would not fly with Spirit if they offered me 10 years free travel. They are absolutely repulsive. Customer Service is at a premium, and they do not honor obligations to paying passengers.

Vincent of Bayville NJ (11/28/07)
I booked tickets to Myrtle Beach from Atlantic City when thery were having the $9.00 sale I had also put in the promotional code 24 Hours which was applied as well bringing the fare down to $2.00 a fare each way so before taxes that made it $4.00 a round trip ticket. The total for all 4 tickets was $129.20 with the Travel insurance, Without the Travel insurance it was $81.20 and, I choice without bringing the total to $81.20 that price was shown after the processing of the credit card.

When I got home I checked my email and everything was correct and confirmed except for the price they gave me the price without the 24 hours code bringing it to $137.20. I called the company as soon as I read the email to explain what happened and they put my on with Tryke the supervisor and he said to me there was nothing he can do this reservation was booked through Spirit airline.com and that he can not do anything to help me. I asked him who to contact that can help me he told me there is no complaint department for spirit.com. I asked him what should I do then someone should be able to help me regarding this matter he then gave me your mailing address

Tash of Usaf Academy CO (11/26/07)
I am due to fly with Spirit Airlines from FLL to MBJ and return from MBJ to FLL. A few weeks after booking my flight with them they sent me an email stating that my flight was changed. They moved my flight to a different date. When I called them they said that they could not do anything for me and they cannot give me any type of compensation. The representative refused to let me speak to a manager, then hung up on me. I was given three different reasons why the flight was canceled, but none of them was realistic. I cannot cancel this flight because they will not give me back the full amount paid.

This is the first flight that I have to take to return from Jamaica--but is an entire day before I had planned, I will have to stay in a hotel close to the airport that will cost me over $100. I will have to buy meals since I will be staying over night to catch my other flight the next day.

Lisa of Wallingford CT (11/25/07)
My 20-year-old, college student daughter had a flight booked on Spirit Air for 11/25 at 11:40 am from LaGuardia. On 11/24, my daughter who is a diabetic became ill and was rushed to the emergency room. When we arrived home at 7:30 pm, I called Spirit Air and told them my daughter would not be able to make the morning flight. I was told that they have a 24 hour policy. If you call within 24 hours prior to your flight, you have the option to cancel the flight and get a voucher good for one year, or you could rebook for a new flight within two calendar days of the original flight. I told them that I would see how my daughter was doing in the morning and would call to rebook for either Monday (11/26) or Tuesday (11/27).

I called this morning at 10:30am. I was told sorry -- you called too late. Your ticket has been canceled. After speaking with a supervisor, Kathy, I was told that the 24-hour policy ends three hours before flight time! And yet no one told me--even when I told them I would call in the morning to rebook.

I'm now out $200 for my daughter's plane ticket and am going to have to pay PREMIUM price on another airlines. Great thing to have happen right before Christmas. Spirit Air? Never again!

Erich of Springfield MO (11/21/07)
Purchased r/t tickets from FLL to Guatemala City in August of 2007 for flights in January of 2008. Also purchased tickets for connecting flights from Kansas City-Detroit-Ft.Lauderdale in November, 2007 then on Nov 19th received e-mail from Spirit informing me my Jan 29th departure was cancelled and I was rebooked on a Jan 30th flight. Also my return departure from Guatemala had been changed to leave 6 hours later than originally scheduled.

The changes meant that NONE of my other flights would connect and when I called Spirit they couldn't have cared less that THEIR changes to my intinerary were going to require me to buy a new ticket to get to FLL ($189.00) not to mention lost money for hotel reservations in Guatemala ($70). I will never fly Spirit again and ater having read the other complaints posted here I now plan on this trip to only take carry-on luggage!

I had to discard 1/2 of one airline ticket costing me $100.00 plus buy another one way ticket to replace it costing me another $120.00. I lost $70 on hotel reservations in Guatemala that I could not show-up for AND had to spend a 13 hour night in the Ft. lauderdale Hollywood airport prior to my departure on Spirit...all due to Spirit Air and its changes to my flights!

Gladys of Yorktown Heights NY (11/17/07)
Santa 5,000 Bonus Miles Promotion Their promotion went out Dec 21 2006 if booked by Dec 31 2006. I booked two flights on two separate days. Their fine print stated the bonus miles would be awarded by July 14 2006. Numerous emails and even a letter to their headquarters resulted in nothing. There is nobody to talk to!

Patrick of Stony Brook NY (10/12/07)
Spirit Airlines lost my luggage on April 30th (flight from Florida to NY). I submitted a claim in the month of May. I contacted the luggage resolution department several times and was told to call back after 90 days. I have been calling every week since and they have not answered and they do not return my messages. I am looking for status on my lost luggage and either my bag or reimbursement for the content.

lost luggage

Joe of Jupiter FL (10/02/07)
I made an online booking Friday after work. I had to visit a friend recovering from surgery and I didn't check the confirmation until the following morning. I noticed the flight was booked to leave on the wrong date. I immediately contacted Spirit Air and fought through four e-mails and three phone calls. No use - I have to pay a $180 travel change fee. GOOD LUCK FLYING WITH THIS CARRIER!

Daniel of Brigantine NJ (09/29/07)
I booked a flight with Spirit for my friend to fly from Costa Rica and paid in advance for 2 checked bags. Whe she checked in they told her no bags were paid for and had to pay again. My flight record locator shows 2 bags were prepaid. This airline is a joke as there is no one to report problems with other than reservations people who can not help. Also when you book on line option boxes are prechecked by Spirit and you must uncheck the boxes or you get charged for something you dont want.

Krista of Rancho Cucamonga CA (09/18/07)
Booked flight for 4 people, Spirit cancelled flight offered full refund August 3, 2007 still waiting for refund after 1 1/2 months. Can't talk to a person. They just say accounting has to issue refund. Yet I can't call accounting, just can talk to outsourced reservation agents.

Forced us to purchase 4 tickets one way with no advance notice. Financial burden. Have spent probably at least 15 hours on phone trying to get my money. Extremely stressful.

Judith of Naples FL (09/18/07)
On June 28, 2007 I booked a trip from Ft. Lauderdale to Nassau for Dec. 20, 2007 that was was on flight NK 409, the return was to be from Providencales back to Ft. Lauderdale on Jan. 2 2008. That is flight # NK160. This was done by phone with Spriit Air and was for two people. On Aug. n7 ,2007 I receive an email from Spirit Air that says you have been reallocated to flight # NK 160 on Jan. 5,2008. When I call to complain Spirit Air is quite nasty and says that there is nothing to be done, they will not refund the money as they have put us on the next available flight. I had to rebook the flight on AA at an double the cost.

Frank of Hummelstown PA (08/09/07)
On 29 Aug 07 my wife, Franceen, and I had round trip seat reservations on Spirit Air flight NK395/NK394 from Reagan National (DCA) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL). After waiting several hours past our departure time we were informed that the flight had been cancelled. There was no assistance offered by the agents other than to rebook on a flight departing 4 days later.

We were left to find our own transportation which we did on American Airlines at a significant cost since we had to book imediately (AA 1219). The difference between the fares was due to the fact that we had to schedule imediately on AA opposed to the internet with Spirit Air which left us hanging and I believe Spirit should refund the difference.

Lisa of Oviedo FL (08/08/07)
Okay we had several people fly on this horrible airline and here is all that occurred.

1. two of the folks had their flight cancelled the day they flew (Sat.) and were told they either left in 3 hours or waited until Tuesday and missed their trip to Machu Picchu.

2. We arrived and had no luggage - called everyday and everyday told it arrived - made long trips to the airport (had a driver check) and bags NEVER arrived. We had about 40 people on our flight who did not get bags and they will not deliver them. We also met several people in the airport who were there to pick their bags up that arrived from 7-10 days ago.

3. Day we were leaving told it arrived got there early and it did not.

4. On the way home none of us could make the connecting flight with the fares they sold use just over $500 each so not free. They told us we would be fine and then when we landed there was not enough time to check our bags after going to customs because the lines were over 3 hours long. I group that flew in on Thursday got home instead of at 8 am at 6 pm. The second group who arrived on Sunday were told they could not get home until Tuesday so they had to drive home.

Now the missing bag has required 22 phone calls, a form was finally sent on 7/19. A claim was made with the Better Business Bureau on 7/20 but of course no one has called as no one cares.

I fly about 25,000-50,000 miles a year depending on the year for the past 15 years. The entire flight was a nightmare and my family will never fly again (oh by the way they actually charged us $10 for the bag that never arrived and will not refund that amount).

Spirit has no business being in business.

On a happy note we stayed the Hotel Delfines which we absolutely loved and enjoyed every minute of our time in Peru that did not involve dealing with this airline.

PART II Okay it gets even better - I got a phone call last night at 11 pm and they found my bag supposedly - I could come to the airport this morning and pick it up. I had to go anyway and when I got there it was not there.

Later in the day I got a phone call that some lady in a suit (me) came to pick up my bag and was all mad it was not there when indeed it was and it would be delivered to my home.

Well it is amazing it was delivered to my home but no wonder I did not know it - it was not our bag. Someone had written our name and address on a bag tag and put it on a bag that was NOT ours - it was a different brand of luggage and when I opened it to make sure that they did not put our stuff in a different bag it was filled with expense items that obvious belonged to someone else. If you are missing a nice watch and some great men's polo shirts and new tennis shoes then your bag is in Orlando.

The delivery guy got mad that I would not sign as it was not my bag - Also called the insurance agency immediately as my guess is this will be used by Spirit as another scam to say they found our bag and refused it - It amazed me that someone else would put a bag tag with our name, address and phone number on a bag - BEWARE - We are worried they will use this to not pay a claim.

Shaun of North Hollwyood CA (08/06/07)
My bag containing two high end bodyboards (boogieboards) was completely shredded. It looked as though a bear mauled it. One board was destroyed. I made a complaint and was given numbers to call. I have called a dozen times, it has been a week and it is impossible to reach anyone at spirit. The voice mail said they will contact within 24 hours hahah.

Spirit is the worst airline i've ever dealt with. My outgoing flight from LA was delayed over an hour with no announcement. They conducted business as if everything was fine, not even mentioning the delay. Pay to check bags, pay for a soda, But they sure don't pay when they destroy your property.

I lost a $200 board and a $60 bag. I fear i will never be compensated. I will take legal action if necessary.

Robert of White Lake MI (07/31/07)
After booking one of Spirit Airlines bargan fares and getting seat assignments I was notified via e-mail that my flight plans have changed. After repeatedly calling the 800 number off and on for a period of two weeks and getting the message they were very busy, please call back at another time, I resorted to using the book a flight line. The ticket agent explained the flight has been cancelled and a refund would be issued.

I'm still out the money for the hotel with no recourse. These bargan fares should be looked at with an open eye as you could get stiffed in the long run. I wouldn't do any business with Spirit Airlines no matter what the deal is.

Tyler of Glassboro NJ (07/28/07)
I was on a flight leaving Ft. Lauderdale for Atlantic City and once we were in the air the pilot announced that one of the hydrolics broke and had to make an emergency landing in Miami because the runways were longer and then we waited 3 hours for them to burn enough fuel to land.

After we landed we were to board buses back to a hotel near Ft. Lauderdale only they didn't bring enough out to the airport. A group of us had to wait another hour for one bus to come back. The next day back in Ft. Lauderdale as our bus pulled up no one from Spirit knew we were coming so it was chaos until finally we were allowed in to get on the 11:00 flight that day.

I have tried to get a refund of my ticket because of all I had to go through and a man named Tito at Ft. Lauderdale told us we would be getting a refund. Once home I was told that they would only give a $100 voucher for another flight on Spirit. I also had a cat traveling with me who was stuck in her carrier for 14 hours during all this.

My father who was supposed to pick me up in Atlantic city was told the flight would be landing late that night and he waited for over an hour before finally learning that we had landed in Miami instead.

Matthew of Madison CT (06/22/07)
I purchase a ticket online for Spirit Air. Spirit Air intentionally sets their website to add hidden fees, some occuring 3 months after travel. I was charged extra fees for travel insurance because the site has pre checked boxes I missed. Noticed it after printing receipt. There is no way to get this charge reversed on line or with a ticket agent. Then 3 months after the flight they charged me for an annual travel membership without my permission. No way to email complaint, request credit. Calling headquarters only refers you to back to the site. There is no way to request a credit on line. In my opinion this is a dishonest airline and the employees I spoke to confirmed as much. BTW, they lost my bags. Never , nerver again.

Michael of Marietta GA (05/24/07)
I purchased a round trip ticket for my wife to Orlando. We found out that because she was not in her outbopund seat Spirit Air have cancelled without refund the return flight. I had to purchase another ticket on the same flight home. Spirit Air are absolutely adamant about the need to change more than 24 hours ahead. I had tried to do that but was 22 hours only ahead They have offered me a voucher for the value of the return leg which was $99 but advise that it will cost me $70 to use it.

K. of Farmington Hills MI (05/14/07)
I had a connecting flight,on Spirit Alines,in Ft. Lauderdale from San Juan to Detroit. Our flight landed in Ft. Lauderdale 25 minutes before our connecting was to leave. With 15 minutes to go the gate agent directed us to the front ticket counter. She said we had missed our flight. At the front ticket counter there was chaos. There were approximately 30 people trying to get answers as to what to do because they had missed their connections, just as i had.

My flight did not leave until 30 minutes after I was in the terminal. I think Spirit thought that our flight wasnt going to land in time and therefore sold our seats which is why they didnt direct us to the gate. We waited for nearly 2 hours to speak to a supervisor. Spirit had me escorted off the premises by the local sheriff department and I was told that Spirit was not honoring my ticket.

Richard  of East Hartford CT (04/04/07)
I responded to an email for 8 dollar tickets to Ft Lauderdale, FL. I purchased two (what eneded up to be full priced) on-line tickets from NY to FL and then relaized the itinerary was changed. I immediately called the Spirit Airline customer service line and waited 2 full hours to talk to an incredibly rude customer service representative named STAR. The whole ordeal ended up costing me an additional 120.00 dollars! I see how they cover the cost of the 8 dollar tickets. They rip people off on the other end. I should have used USAIR or Southwest. I will never use them again. Hidden and additional costs beware!

Bernice of Orlando FL (03/20/07)
On February 18,2007 around 8:pm at night, I purchased 3 one way tickets from Atlanta Ga. I put the wrong return date in the computor -- February 18,2007 instead of March 18, 2007. We got to the aiport in Atlanta on 3/18/07 and we were DEVASATED, Spirit said that our trip was cancelled, and they could not help me until the next business date. I had to get back to Orlando Fl to go to work, on 3/19/07.

We had to get a flight on AIR TRAN, they charged us $800.00, I was stuck there was nothing we could do. I tried to expain to the manager at the Spirit Airline, that the date was incorrect, I showed him all of my papers, I had received a CONFIRMATION on my computor, from Spirit airline on 3/19/07 booking our flights, how could I have traveled on 3/18/07. The manager there told us he was sorry and there was nothing he could do for us.

Paula of Berlin NJ (11/14/06)
My husband and I had to unexpectedly leave from Key West a day earlier because of my mother-in-law taken ill and was on a ventilator in the hospital. We left out of Atlantic City on November 8 to Fort Lauderdale and then drove to the Keys. We were to return Atlantic City on November 12. Since the Keys to FLL is about a 4 hours drive, we had to take a flight out of the Key West airport on Continental Express, who by the way, could not do enough to help us. When we arrived in Fort Lauderdale it was 6:15 and there was a 6:50 flight to Atlantic City on Spirit. We ran to the ticket counter explaining to the Ticket Agent what had happened to our family member and that we needed to get back to Atlantic City.

Well, as usual, they didn't want to hear it. All she said was, sorry, flight is full and closed! Now the flight was not scheduled to take off until 6:50 and at 6:15 it was already full and closed? Knowing our situation and what we had to do as far as the family emergency, they did not want to hear it. So now we had to run to the USAirways ticket counter and buy two additional tickets to fly into PHL, when our vehicle was parked in ACY.

I am a former flight attendant and I flew 12 years. The representative could have gone to the flight asked for volunteers to give up their seats, they would have given them some sort of voucher so two people could get home to be with the family member but they did nothing. So now we had to make arrangements to have someone pick us up in PHL and then make arrangements to go to ACY to get our vehicle.

Never again will we fly Spirit. I also notice on our flight from ACY to FLL when we were deplaning the senior flight attendant did not even say good bye to the passengers. She was too busy doing paper work in the galley. I am glad I am not in charge of that inflight department. The lack of professionalism shown by Spirit Airlines has made me decide to use other airlines in the PHL/ACY area and since there are so many to choose from, it looks like Spirit will be out in the cold.

Jill of Garden City MI (09/05/06)
I purchased 4 round trip tickets for my family to go to Florida. My husband was held back due to his work and an injury. I arrived at the airport and was informed that our flight was full. I went to the counter and informed the attendant my husband would not be using the flight to Florida, but will be using the flight back to Detroit. She was very thankful. Today, in Florida, we sat down to print out our boarding passes only to find out my husband did not have one. We called customer service who stated that because his rear was not sitting in the seat on the way out, they forfeited his ticket completely.

We paid for a seat there and a seat back. Basically, they told us too bad and that we would have to purchase another seat and gave us a ridiculous quote (much higher than the quote online). Supervisor Sara was of no help. She told us there was nothing she could do. Spirit is not a customer friendly airlines.

We had to purchase another ticket in order to get my husband home to Detroit. Furthermore, my husband had to be back home at a certain time, due to work and was unable to get on the same flight because it was full. He had to buy a ticket on a later flight. I want reimbursement. They owe us reimbursement of the monies spent and hassle.

Suzanne of Silver Spring MD (09/04/06)
My husband, Andrew, was scheduled to take a flight to Detroit today-- on Spirit Air. They weren't the cheapest, but they offer a fairly affordable business class and Northwest is on strike conditions. So, they seemed like a reasonable choice. WRONG WRONG WRONG!!! He's waiting to take the flight...there's no sign of any activity regarding check-in. He walks around a bit. Comes back. Still no sign of any activity. Turns out, the flight leaves TWENTY MINUTES EARLY. They put up a gone fishing style paper sign saying as much, near the gate. Are you kidding me?? They took his bag on a plane without him...crazy given the current security procedures.

The bot at the desk says they can give him a full refund. Then, later, they say, oh, sorry, we can only give you $65 and a voucher. Voucher?? I don't ever want to fly with these guys EVER again. A voucher doesn't help. They say, oh, well, we can get you on a flight tomorrow morning. Yeah, will it be run as well as this one?? The whole reason he's going is to be with my mom who's having surgery tomorrow morning. A flight tomorrow morning doesn't help us one iota. I called and got a fem bot named Rose. Can't give a last name. Of course not, in this age of NO ACCOUNTABILITY by corporations. She gives me the same story, with a nice sarcastic tone to it. Of course, there are no superiors to talk with. SHABBY!!

My cheap advice to you: AVOID SPIRIT. They're not that cheap. They're usually late. They treat you like crap. Their seats suck. And their customer service is LOUSY. Plus, they can't even run on a schedule...the one time they're not late, they just randomly leave twenty minutes early without all the passengers but with bags unmatched to passengers.

Robert of Myrtle Beach SC (07/23/06)
Once again using Spirit Air, my mother had a return flight to Newark airport on December 27th 2005. When we arrived at the airport we were told the flight was on time at approximatly 530PM. Ten minutes before boarding the flight was no longer on time and would be leaving Myrtle beach at 8 pm We left and returned at 7 pm to be told again the flight is not on time and 11pm was the next approximate time of departure. The gentlemen at the desk was not willing to discuss any other option for my mother and insisted she had to remain on this flight or wait until this plane was ready to leave. Her only other option was to reschedule for that Wednesday, at a $100.00 increase in fare.

His supervisor heard the conversation and was also less help then the counter clerk. (nice attitude) We left and returned at 10:30 Pm to be told the flight was now changed to 2am take off. I again spoke to the same two useless people at the desk who insisted that the next days flight was full however my wife is on the cell phone telling me the plane has a number of seats available for $325.00 and she could book the flight right at that time. The counter clerks were not helpping us in any form what so ever.They acted as if it didn't bother them a bit that all these people were stranded at Myrtle Beach, and lets not forget the nice folks back home waiting to pick all these floks up, shall we.

Arguments from all over the counter area began at this time from everyone arround us. Finally a women that had some sense spoke with my mother and put her on the Wednesday flight which is what she asked for hours earlier.At no additional charge, imagine that. As for Wednesday when we arrived at the airport the same clerk was at the desk and tried to charge my mother for additional packages at $50.00 per extra bag. This experience with this airlines or so called, is not our first run in with time delays and rude employees.

Jelena K. of Los Anegles CA (04/25/06)
This is the second complaint that I am forced to write! Or should I say the second complaint that I EVER had to write. And both are to the Spirit airlines. Wow What a horrible experience! First, I wasn’t able to change the return flight online because 'your system' is not set-up that way. I was placed on the hold for over 40 minutes and after I finally changed the flight with the representative I was charged the 'convenience' fee. There was NOTHING convenient about it! I was very inconvenienced by not being able to use the web site.

The second: I HAVE AN EMAIL CONFIRMATION FORM THE reservation desk sent on 03/20/06, for the seat assignment for today’s flight 723 from LAX to DTW. Please see the email below. But now, when I tried to print the boarding pass the message on the web site is that there is no seat assignment and that I have to get the boarding pass at the airport! Why the hell did I get the seat confirmation email when you cannot honor that? I reserved seat 6A that is now all of a sudden 'not available' This is the last time that I will use sprit air. A great example of how NOT do conduct the business. And should I mention that I have never received the reply from my first complaint?

Ann of Chicopee MA (02/02/06)
My son and I traveled on Spirit Airlines on 11/29/2005 to Jamaica. When I got to my destination I discovered they had lost two of my bags, we were dressed for cold weather and the reps did not care they all our clothes were missing. When I got the bags the following day most of the clothes were soaked with a foul smelling liquid and could not be worn. I called their Baggage Claim number and left numerous messages to no avail.

Craig of Rockaway Beach NY (10/18/05)
On October 9, 2005 myself along with my wife and son were flying from Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We were sitting in seats 12d,12e and 12f. My wife is a big and tall woman with pain in both of her knees. About halfway through the flight the person sitting in front of my wife put their seat back. Due to the cramped space in coach the seat was laying on my wifes knees causing her a lot of pain.

My wife being in pain tried to lift the seat off of her legs. At this point a Flight Attendant (Mark),who refused to give his last name,noticed what was going on. He said "Mrs., don't do that". My wife said "but my knees are hurting, what about my knees". The Flight Attendants response was "He has every right to put his seat back". This was said 3 times by each of them back and forth.

The Flight Attendant then threatened to land the plane and have my wife put off. We are a African American family and we were traveling in a party of 8 (7 of which were African American) and when a similar situation took place on our initial flight down to Fort Lauderdale involving a member of our party Mrs Vera  who is African American and a white person sitting behind her Mrs Vera was told by one of our Spirit Airlines Flight Attendants that she had to put her seat up.

We were told by someone (who we were told was the head flight attendant) that we could make a complaint when the plane landed. When the plane landed we were aloud to speak to the Captain and tell him what happen. We gave a complaint to a man who came on board the plane when in landed (he said he was a Supervisor and gave his name as Mr Abib). Mr Abib said that our family would be getting a discount on our next flight with Spirit Airlines but he did not give us any follow up information on how to obtain the discount. When I contacted Spirit Airlines a few days later no report had been filed.

Richard of Arvada CO (08/06/03)
I flew Spirit Airlines because they were the lowest fare from Denver to Tampa. I had to attend a funeral and needed reasonable airfare for a family of seven. Once on the airplanes, I realized why their fares are inexpensive. They fly an old fleet of MD-80 aircraft that are aestetically horrible.

On our return flight, we were supposed to depart Detroit to Denver at 3:50pm but didn't leave until around 7:00pm. People on the ground had no idea what was going on and would tell us every hour they didn't have any information and would update in another hour. During this time, it was raining in Detroit. They apparently left our baggage out in the rain because it was soaked through when we retrieved it in Denver.

Once we finally got airborne, the toilet venting backed up into the cabin creating a horrible stench. All the while, Spirit wanted customers to believe it wasn't their fault for the delay but, rather the weather. The real problem is they have such a limited fleet that they can't reroute you if your plane doesn't come in. Pay the extra to fly a more reputable carrier. I won't fly them again!

Donna of Conway SC (01/02/01)
Round trip airfare from MYR to LGA departing 12/19 returning to MYR 1/1/01. 12/19-Four hour delay departing, with 40 minutes wait once arriving. 1/1/01-called several times yesterday morning Spirit 800 #, told that flight was on time for 3:00 PM. Get to airport at 1:30 told flight was 7:30. Then at 7:30 we were told it was 8:40. At 10:20 we were told it was cancelled and to go to baggage to get our bags. Two hours later the baggage finally came out. We had to reschedule on another airline as well as miss two days of work. I want a complete refund on my credit card purchase.

At least 2 days of work missed. My husband is diabetic and he is running out of supplies. There were no employees present to justify the delays. We had to have people pick us and bring us to airports several times. Pilots walking out. Police had to soothe irate passengers. As a school teacher, my students will be missing at least two days of instruction. It is costing us $500 to book another flight on a different airline to get home.

Report Your Experience
If you've had a bad experience -- or a good one -- with a consumer product or service, we'd like to hear about it. All complaints are reviewed by class action attorneys and are considered for publication on our site. Knowledge is power! Help spread the word. File your consumer report now.

Back to the top | Travel