To answer this question “Is Spirit Airline Safe?” we will look at what the actual statistics data shows us. Spirit Airlines faces criticism regarding customer service and lack of in-flight amenities, which may lead some passengers to perceive it as less safe. However, these perceptions often stem from experiences related to service quality rather than actual safety concerns.
Wallet Hub’s Recognition
Spirit Airlines has recently been recognized for its commitment to safety and affordability in WalletHub’s “Best Airlines” report for 2024. Spirit Airlines ranked first among the nine main US airlines and one regional carrier in 2023, based on 13 indicators derived from U.S. Department of Transportation statistics.
Safety Evaluation Criteria: WalletHub evaluated airlines based on
- The number of fatalities in aviation accidents from 2018-2023.
- The number of injuries sustained in aviation mishaps and accidents over the same time period.
- The ratio of aviation incidents and accidents to total flight operations.
- Fleet age also factored into the final score.
“Safety and affordability have always been at the core of our airline, and this recognition by WalletHub truly underscores the values at the heart of everything we do,”
Ted Christie, President and Chief Executive Officer of Spirit Airlines
Airline Ratings
According to AirlineRatings, In this list of Low-Cost carriers, Spirit Airlines earned the 15th Safest Airline of 2024. Airline Ratings gave the airline a 7 out of 7 star rating, based on its safety record and operational excellence. In addition, it features a four-star rating from Skytrax.
Safety Record of Spirit Airlines
- Spirit Airlines has never had a fatal accident since its establishment in 1983 and has not documented any crashes since 1972.
- Spirit Airlines has a global safety rating of 4.5 out of 5 and has achieved outstanding evaluations from independent agencies.
- It has received the FAA’s highest maintenance award, the Aviation Maintenance Technician Diamond Award of Excellence, six times consecutively.
Recent Incidents
While Spirit Airlines has a good overall safety record, there have been a few occurrences that have caused concern:
- Mechanical Issues: In May 2024, a flight from Jamaica to Florida had to return owing to suspected mechanical problems. Passengers were warned to prepare for a probable water landing, which caused panic but was eventually resolved safely.
- Cabin Crew Injuries: In July 2024, two flight attendants were hurt when they came to a sudden stop while taxiing after landing at Orlando International Airport.
- Minor issues: Other reported issues include smoke in the cabin and bruises from turbulence. While these incidents are alarming, they are not unusual in the aviation sector and do not show systematic safety failures.
Safety in the Fleet of Spirit Airlines
Spirit fleets are known for their reliability and safety. The fleet is equipped with advanced technology that enhances operational safety and efficiency. Spirit Operates an all-Airbus Fit Fleet® and has received the FAA’s Diamond Award of Excellence for six years running. This award highlights that all of Spirit’s maintenance personnel have completed extra FAA-developed safety training courses this year, ensuring that they 100% satisfy high standards in aviation maintenance and safety requirements. All aircraft are equipped with the proper safety equipment, such as life vests and oxygen masks, which adhere to FAA criteria to ensure readiness for emergencies.
Fleet Overview
Spirit Airlines currently operates 211 aircraft, with an additional 9 on order. The average fleet age is 6.1 years, showing a very recent fleet.
| Aircraft Type | In Service | Average Age | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A319 | 8 | 16.6 years | 35 |
| Airbus A320 | 137 | 5.9 years | 155 |
| Airbus A320neo | 73 | 3.1 years | 91 |
| Airbus A321 | 47 | 5.0 years | 63 |
Public Perception
The airline’s ultra-low-cost business model, which focuses on low base rates augmented by multiple add-on fees for things such as checked baggage and seat selection, has also contributed to dissatisfaction. Many passengers are misled by the initial low ticket pricing, only to discover that additional expenses mount up quickly, making airfares more expensive than expected. This pricing system has been criticized for its lack of transparency, and for annoying first-time buyers who may not completely comprehend how Spirit’s fare structure works.
Learn more about Airlines Business Models
Aviation Looks
Customer Service and Complaints
Spirit Airlines has a reputation for bad customer service, with several one-star reviews on platforms such as Yelp and TripAdvisor. According to reports, passengers frequently have excessive wait times for customer service and encounter hostile staff interactions. Between 2009 and 2013, Spirit led all U.S. airlines in complaints filed with the Department of Transportation, with passengers approximately three times more likely to make a complaint than other carriers. This pattern has resulted in a widespread perception that Spirit Airlines is unreliable and unpleasant to fly with.
In response to its negative image, Spirit Airlines is putting efforts to improve its brand. The airline is transitioning from its bare-bones business model to offer more competitive amenities, such as extra legroom and free checked bags in certain fare categories. Furthermore, it has developed marketing activities focused on educating passengers about its pricing structure in an attempt to reduce confusion about prices.
Despite the negative criticism, several travelers have had pleasant experiences, particularly when traveling short distances. Passengers have commented that while the seating may be cramped and uncomfortable compared to big airlines, the flights can be trustworthy if expectations are properly handled.
The APEX Award
APEX which is the airline’s passenger experience association has awarded 4 stars to Spirit Airlines. This rating was given after doing a survey and getting feedback from the passengers.
Conclusion
Spirit Airlines continues to offer low-cost, nonstop flights to approximately 90 destinations in the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean, allowing guests to visit a variety of places at a reasonable cost. In summary, Spirit Airlines is considered safe to fly, having a strong safety record and respect for industry standards. However, passengers should be aware of its budget model, which may result in fewer amenities and additional expenses. The airline is trying to improve its brand as we see that result in terms of the APEX award.
Leave a Reply