Originally Posted by
JTwift
as a commuter that works for a legacy, I’ve used Spirit quite a few times. I have to say that the pilots, FAs, and Gate Agents are absolutely wonderful to me. Like, fantastically nice and helpful.
while standing at the gate, doing the people watching, I can honestly say that I’ve never seen so many hairnets and onesies (camo onesies, even). Add in some fluffy slippers and the picture is complete.
I’ve also, on more than one occasion, seen people get charged for carry on luggage during the boarding process, and every single time the customer is flabbergasted at the price for their two small bags ($180-ish, if I remember correctly). I know the pricing is listed when you buy a ticket, and I’m not saying the customer is right, but when that happens, it becomes pretty clear that the pricing model (from a consumer standpoint) only works if you have nothing to bring.
Why spend $200 on tickets, then have to spend another $200 on luggage (each way), when you could have just bought a ticket on another major carrier and have a better overall experience? One couple next to me got a sprite and some hummus/chips and it was like $15. Amusement Park pricing.
anyway, I really hope it all works out for all you Spirit employees. I have nothing but good to say about any of you I’ve ever come across.
Originally Posted by
JulesWinfield
The model worked for years, but maybe it doesn't work at scale. I'm not an expert, but looking at random DFW to LAS flights, Spirit is $50 ($100 with a bag) and AA is close to $400. I think it is mainly things outside of the model that are killing the company. I'm just saying the people melting down because they have to pay $150 for a bag should have taken the ample opportunity to buy it ahead of time.
Every time I walk past a Spirit gate (and Frontier is worse), its looks like a riot at a homeless shelter or a bus station. I've never seen so many garbage bag suitcases and shabby looking people. And often, there's a lot of shouting and cell phone videoing going on. This seems particularly evident in places like DFW and ATL.
I think the problem with the ULCC model and why the ULCCs are stagnating is twofold.
One, people have figured out that the low fares are a mirage once all the fees are included. It's only a good deal if you bring a backpack to put under the seat with your own food and drinks. People have figured out that they can pay a little more for a legacy carrier, and get treated like humans and not greyhound bus passengers, and actually get where you're going somewhat on time.
Second, I think the ULCC model is failing because they cater to the low end of the economic spectrum. These people were flush with cash when the government was handing them "free" money during covid. Then they maxed out what little credit they had to keep the party going. Now the funds have run out and they aren't getting on planes. They are the canaries in the coal mine of our failing economy, and eventually it will work its way up until we see a crash worse than 2008 with foreclosures and bank failures. America learned nothing from that. We doubled down on spending money we don't have.
Anyhow, best of luck to all of you. If I was at a Spirit/Frontier/Allegiant/Jetblue or even Southwest, I'd be trying to get in at a legacy airline before the door slams shut. In fact, I'd probably want to have a couple thousand pilot furlough buffer below me, because that's probably coming within the next 2 years when the SHTF.