Baldanza is right---Spirit isn't for the elite passenger who wants to be coddled, it's strictly for passengers who want to save money and are willing to pay extra for traditionally-free frills. People will fly an airline like that---just look at RyanAir, Easyjet and Air Berlin.

The problem with this country is the 'Wal-Mart-ization' of the airline industry. Airlines have programmed passengers in the US to expect Nordstrom's quality and service for Wal-Mart/K-Mart prices; and passengers demand this, not expect it. The US is still over-supplied with airlines, seats and flights; the prices are too low, and passengers expect nonstop, transcon flights for under $200 round-trip. It just isn't realistic or economical anymore.