• Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Live and Let's Fly
  • Home
  • Reviews
    • Flight Reviews
    • Hotel Reviews
    • Lounge Reviews
    • Trip Reports
  • About
    • Press
  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Award Expert
  • Advertising Disclosure
Home  >  Spirit  >  Spirit Airlines Continues Expansion On Excellent Performance
Spirit

Spirit Airlines Continues Expansion On Excellent Performance

Kyle Stewart Posted onMay 9, 2021September 12, 2021 6 Comments
My dear readers, some links on this site pay us referral fees for sending business and sales. We value your time and money and will not waste it. For our complete advertising policy, click here. The content on this page is not provided by any companies mentioned, and has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by these entities. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone.

Spirit Airlines has become one of the success stories of American aviation and continues its expansion on the back of excellent performance. 


If you are considering booking travel or signing up for a new credit card please click here. Both support LiveAndLetsFly.com.


If you haven’t followed us on Facebook or Instagram, add us today.

Spirit Cancellation Numbers Down, Performance Up

In an email this week, the king of the “bare fare”, CEO Ted Christie, touted the carrier’s performance in the last quarter. He highlighted the relatively low airline cancellation rate (flight completion) and on-time ranking.

“We continue to deliver great operational results. In the first quarter, we completed 98.6% of our flights and 85.3% of Spirit flights arrived on time, earning us 4th place among all domestic carriers. ” -Ted Christie

Without major storm events that usually cause an airline to cancel a flight, the 98.6% completion rate is less impressive. However, US carriers have more scheduled flights in 2021 than they did at peak travel in 2019. It’s not a lack of passengers or flights that’s contributing to Spirit Airlines cancellation figures, it appears to be a quality performance.

While it’s laudable that Spirit has finished with such an excellent on-time percentage, the fact that the carrier finished fourth highlights that many airlines are outperforming traditional on-time rates. Hawaiian almost uniformly owns the top spot due to favorable weather conditions in nearly every market for which they fly. That outlier puts Spirit as one of the better-managed three airlines in the country.

Strong performance in early 2021 has led to an announcement that more staff and equipment are needed to satisfy future travel requirements and successfully operate Spirit Airlines flights.

“Our continued growth also means we are adding new Spirit Family Members. By the end of the year, we’ll add more than 400 Pilots and 800 Flight Attendants.” – Ted Christie

Expansion Into New Markets

Spirit Airlines’ Kansas City, MO expansion is one of the more exciting to me, personally. It demonstrates Spirit’s commitment to exploring new markets away from the huge population centers as well as toward the center of the country. Kansas City in specific only adds a few daily scheduled departures but shows an opportunity for the airport (and the region) to prove that it is a market for Spirit. I have family not far from Kansas City and it’s hard to attract new airlines to the midwest. More options and lower prices make it more likely they will fly more often and that’s good for everyone.

“We also continue to add to our all-Airbus fleet, which will reach 160 planes later this month. This growth gives you More Go to new destinations including Louisville, St. Louis, Pensacola, Milwaukee and Puerto Vallarta. We’re excited to bring our new planes and low fares to these terrific cities.” – Ted Christie

It’s less difficult to fill a plane from just about anywhere to Las Vegas, Orlando, or Fort Lauderdale than it is from Kansas City to Pittsburgh so while the new flights may be easily filled, it’s not expanding options in Kansas City in terms of map dots. However, this was how Southwest expanded originally before it became the networked carrier it is today. I’m hopeful that the same will be true for Spirit in smaller markets as well, creating a new Spirit effect.

Impact From Pandemic

While other carriers with larger intercontinental markets have not seen the same return to travel across the network, domestic travel has accelerated substantially for all carriers. The relics of the pandemic like refundable tickets, the removal of cancellation fees for nonrefundable flight bookings, and the remaining travel credits from prior trips are beginning to fade away. It won’t be long before the only full refund a traveler can get from a booked trip will be within 24 hours of booking.

For Spirit, some of these elements were new. The airline had never before operated in an environment in which refund requests for a change in plans were something they’d have to offer or honor. Now, however, Spirit Airlines has learned that they can not only do this but do it successfully.

I don’t believe that this revelation will mean they stop charging to print boarding passes at a ticket counter, cancel charges for checked bags, nor start giving away their Big Front Seat, however, the carrier has proved that they can do this and remain profitable.

It also demonstrates that Spirit’s focus on value pricing, flying to sunny destinations, and a new and improved loyalty program have the airline in one of the best positions following the pandemic and lockdown. More flyers were introduced to Spirit as their prior carrier reduced flights.

Conclusion

I’m an unlikely yet unabashed Spirit fan. The carrier’s positive performance during and following the pandemic affirms my affection toward the carrier. Expansion into broader markets creates pricing pressure for competing airlines and that’s good for travelers.

What do you think? Why has Spirit been so successful? Will its success translate to greater competition? 

Previous Article My Hyatt Concierge Is Leaving, Depression Ensues
Next Article Emirates Commences “Airbridge” To India

About Author

Kyle Stewart

Kyle is a freelance travel writer with contributions to Time, the Washington Post, MSNBC, Yahoo!, Reuters, Huffington Post, MapHappy, Live And Lets Fly and many other media outlets. He is also co-founder of Scottandthomas.com, a travel agency that delivers "Travel Personalized." He focuses on using miles and points to provide a premium experience for his wife and daughter. Email: sherpa@thetripsherpa.com

Follow us on FacebookFollow us on Twitter

Related Posts

  • Spirit Airlines Flight Attendants Punched

    Cyber Monday: Spirit Airlines Double Points + 500 Free

    November 28, 2022
  • Spirit seat bid big front seat window bulkhead

    My Experience: Spirit Seat Bidding For Big Front Seats

    October 30, 2022
  • Kansas CIty Airport New Terminal departures Daniel Palen

    Kansas City International Airport’s Stunning New Terminal

    September 25, 2022

6 Comments

  1. DaninMCI Reply
    May 9, 2021 at 2:01 pm

    While Spirit had some footprint at Kansas City I think adding St. Louis may be a game changer for that market as well. I recently moved from KC to St. Louis so I’m excited that I can use Spirit some from here now.

  2. John Q. Public Reply
    May 9, 2021 at 3:41 pm

    Say what you will about Spirit’s excellent performance, low fares, and bringing transportation to the masses. But the cold, hard truth is that many Americans would not feel safe flying Spirit because of some of the outrageous incidents that have happened on its flights. For a recent history, just Google Spirit and Florida airport fight—and that’s just incidents on the ground. Granted, almost all U.S. airlines have seen a rise in passengers behaving badly during the pandemic. But Spirit far and away has the worst reputation. I would not feel safe flying Spirit, no matter how good it’s performance.

  3. Miamiorbust Reply
    May 9, 2021 at 4:10 pm

    John Q. Too funny. You do understand the heart of Spirit’s network is S Florida. Try that same google search on MIA and let me know what you find? Florida is as Florida does. MIA, where all the safe airlines fly, makes sense for me but wouldn’t say I feel particularly safe at the airport or on some of roads near by. Lauderdale (where spirit departs from) is boring and feels far safer. A cpl of fools talking too loudly about topics that make you uncomfortable is not a safety issue. Getting shot driving the wrong way from rental car garage is a safety issue. So keep flying DL and believing you are safe. The point: Setting foot on a plane with any airline is the least unsafe part of flying, at least in the US.

  4. Kyle Stewart Reply
    May 9, 2021 at 5:15 pm

    @DanInMCI – I think that STL is prime for a Spirit expansion. Ever since the great TWA, then Southwest evacuations it seems so sad and lonely in STL. Others have also suggested MSY is a mini-hub for Frontier or another carrier but no one seems to have taken the bait.

  5. Kyle Stewart Reply
    May 9, 2021 at 11:28 pm

    @John Q – You might have missed these stories about Miami (Spirit doesn’t even fly to MIA) https://bitly.com/3evf8D5 or perhaps this one that highlights how this happens on every carrier: https://bit.ly/2RyVlpW

  6. Chris Reply
    May 10, 2021 at 8:43 am

    I did not like Spirit. Employees are rude and not friendly at all. I travel with a sm service dog. I filled all paperwork out went through the check in ( not helpful with the handicap. Did the security and TSA ( they were great and not Spirit). Go to get on plane and told I can’t cause my dog needs to be in a carry on. I explained he is And and he wears a vest. Woman did not want to hear it. I had trouble getting her to even look at his ticket. Smh lost of stress that was not needed.

Leave a Reply

Cancel reply

Search

Recent Posts

  • pirate shipping
    It’s Cheaper/Faster To Fly To Buenos Aires Than Ship A Box January 29, 2023
  • summer travel
    Conflicting Information Creates Cloudy Summer Travel Picture January 29, 2023
  • Waldorf's take on eggs Benedict with truffle sauce and caviar
    Extending Hilton Diamond Status For Three Stays (Or Less) January 29, 2023
  • Review: Kempinski Hotel Ishtar Dead Sea January 28, 2023

Categories

Popular Posts

  • Casting Couch? Kuwait Airways Forces Prospective Flight Attendants To Undress For “Research Purposes” January 4, 2023
  • Spirit Airlines Captain Runs Out Of Cockpit After Woman Yells “I Hope Y’All Crash And Die!” January 17, 2023
  • SWISS First Class Awards Bookable With United Airlines MileagePlus January 5, 2023
  • United Airlines 2023 Status Extension
    United Airlines Quietly Extends MileagePlus Premier Status…Again January 14, 2023

Archives

January 2023
M T W T F S S
 1
2345678
9101112131415
16171819202122
23242526272829
3031  
« Dec    

As seen on:

live_and_lets_fly

The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles The new United Polaris Lounge at Washington Dulles is the most beautiful of all Polaris Lounges. Stay tuned for a detailed look and many more photos on the blog tomorrow. Well done @united.
@malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire i @malaysiaairlines just announced it would retire its A380 fleet. While not surprising, it is sad to see the growing list of carriers retiring this superjumbo jet. On Malaysia Airlines, I flew the #A380 once from Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to London (LHR) and had the entire first class cabin to myself (full review on the blog). It was a beautiful flight that I will always remember.
Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited tha Welcome to @fly_bur @aveloair! I am so excited that a new carrier, Avelo, has launched, especially from an airport just 12 minutes from my home!
I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxair I greatly miss the @lufthansa #747-8 at @flylaxairport. Hopefully this summer it will return.

.
.
.
.
#Lufthansa #FirstClass #747 #747-8 #StarAlliance #Miles #Points
I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. I recently spent a weekend at the @ventanabigsur. This is not only a lovely, all-inclusive resort, but one of the best properties to use your @hyatt World of Hyatt points.
.
.
.
.
#Hyatt #BigSur #California #WorldofHyatt #CA-1 #Points #Hotels
In terms of a spacious first class product, the @E In terms of a spacious first class product, the @Emirates suite on a 777-300ER is hard to beat. My preference is Suite 2K.

.
.
.
.
#Emirates #777 #firstclass
Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from I Nearly five years ago, I took a “break” from Instagram ahead of the birth of my first child. Goodness, how time flies. While I’ve enjoyed catching up on others over the years, now it is time for me to return to Instagram. In this first post, I highlight two joys in my life, my two children, whom I trust will grow up to be prolific travelers that circumnavigate the globe as ambassadors of love and respect.

.
.
.
.
.

#travel #airplanes #airlines #miles #points #familytravel #human #integrity #honor
United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improv United Airlines' new Polaris seat is a huge improvement over UA's current business class seat. Check out my blog at liveandletsfly.com for 70+ photos of how @united is transforming its entire business class experience starting this December!
The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben! The perfect @flysas name tag for #Longyearben!
Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen - Spotted four #polarbear outside of #longyearbyen -- oh, and I love 40°F summer weather!
One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure One of the best crews I have ever had the pleasure of flying with in all my years of flying. Thank you @flysas SK940 on 11 Aug 2016
Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I a Next stop ARN! But dear @flysas , next time if I assign a window seat months in advance, don't move me to a center seat "for my convenience" with no way to get my original seat back... 😞
Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be rac Ready for #PIA from #MAN to #JFK -- we will be racing the #Delta flight to JFK at the gate next to us, which also departs at 12:45p. With @onemileatatime
Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregenc Another room with a beautiful view... #hyattregencycasablanca #cassablanca #hyatt
Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the i Enjoying #shanghai with @onemileatatime from the inside of the @grandhyatt_shanghai ... It is 40°C outside! 😓
From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minut From my front gate to my boarding gate in 15 minutes flat. I ❤️ #bur #burbankairport
@malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in se @malaysiaairlines #747 out of retirement and in service at #kul -- beautiful livery!
View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful bran View from my 61st floor room at the beautiful brand new @parkhyattguangzhou -- look for a full review coming soon on the blog #hyatt #parkhyatt #guangzhou #parkhyattguangzhou
Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, Will miss the @united #globalfirstlounge at #ord, which closes tomorrow and the Queen of the Skies #747 which will be retired in 2018.
The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. The colonial #architecture of #mumbai is stunning. If you're ever here, get up at 5am and have a walk around the city before it gets busy. You can hear the birds instead of honking horns.
Load More... Follow on Instagram
facebook twitter instagram rss

This site is for entertainment purposes only. The owner of this site is not an investment advisor, financial planner, nor legal or tax professional and articles here are of an opinion and general nature and should not be relied upon for individual circumstances.

 

Advertiser Disclosure: Some links to credit cards and other products on this website will earn an affiliate commission. Outside of banner ads published through the Boarding Area network, this compensation does not impact how and where products appear on this site. While we do try to list all the best miles and points deals, the site does not include all card companies or credit card offers available in the marketplace. Please view our advertising policy page for additional details about our partners.

 

Editorial Disclosure: The editorial content on this page is not provided by any entity mentioned herein. Opinions expressed here are the author's alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.