Spirit Airlines vs Southwest Airlines
Traveling by air has become accessible to more people in recent years, thanks in part to budget airlines like Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines. Both are low-cost airlines offering affordable fares, but they do so through dramatically different business models and service styles.
For travelers deciding between Southwest and Spirit, understanding these differences is key to finding the right choice for their needs. Below, we break down the major differences between Southwest and Spirit Airlines, including their pricing models, seating, baggage policies, and onboard experience.
Editor's note: since this story was filed, Spirit Airlines has declared bankruptcy. While they have promised flights will continue as scheduled for the foreseeable future, that may alter some of the points we mention in the article below.
Southwest and Spirit Airlines: Company Backgrounds
Southwest Airlines, a Dallas-"based" airline (though they don't actually have a true hub like the other big carriers), pioneered the low-cost model in the United States. Known for its unique approach, Southwest has built a reputation on low-fare travel, reliability, and quality customer service. With CEO Bob Jordan at the helm, the airline has been dedicated to improving its offerings while staying true to its core model of a simple, affordable travel experience.
Spirit Airlines, on the other hand, is one of the most prominent ultra-low-cost carriers (ULCCs) in the U.S., led by CEO Ted Christie. As a ULCC, Spirit focuses heavily on offering bare-bones fares and charging separately for amenities, creating a truly à la carte pricing model. Spirit’s history reflects a transformational change in air travel, evolving into an airline that appeals to budget-conscious travelers who want flexibility in customizing their travel experience.
Pricing Model and Additional Fees
Both airlines offer competitive base fares, but how they structure their prices and additional fees sets them apart.
Southwest Airlines’ Pricing Model
Southwest’s pricing model is unique among US carriers. They offer three fare types: Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. While Southwest’s fares may be slightly higher than Spirit’s in some cases, they come with several advantages, including:
• Two free checked bags: This is a significant value for passengers who usually pay extra for baggage.
• No change or cancellation fees: Passengers can cancel or change their flights without penalty, receiving a transferable flight credit.
For budget-conscious travelers, Southwest’s low-fare travel with added perks provides unparalleled value compared to most low-cost airlines.
Spirit Airlines’ À La Carte Pricing
Spirit Airlines keeps fares as low as possible by charging for almost every add-on. Passengers pay for checked bags, carry-ons, seat selection, and even priority boarding. Spirit’s model allows passengers to purchase only what they need, catering to travelers seeking basic transportation without extra costs.
• Baggage fees: Unlike Southwest, Spirit charges for both checked bags and carry-ons, though personal items like a backpack are free.
• Seat selection: Spirit charges extra for seat assignments, including their Big Front Seat, which offers premium seating options and extra legroom.
• In-flight fees: Snacks, non-alcoholic beverages, and other items come with additional charges, part of Spirit’s no-frills service.
Seating and Comfort: A Comparison
When it comes to in-flight comfort, seat pitch (the distance between rows) and legroom options are crucial factors for travelers comparing Southwest and Spirit.
Southwest Airlines Seating
Southwest uses a unique open seating model, meaning passengers choose their seats as they board the plane. Though Southwest does not offer premium seats with extended legroom, they maintain a standard level of comfort across all seats. Southwest’s seats generally have a seat pitch of 31 inches, providing a moderate level of legroom. Notably, Southwest doesn’t charge for seat selection, so all seats are included in the fare.
This is all well and good for normal people that are flying normal routes at normal times. However, I am 6'7" and built like an orangutan on a step ladder. As such, the open seating model does not work for me, so I've only flown Southwest twice and each time has been a pretty negative experience.
Spirit Airlines Seating
Spirit provides a variety of seating options. Standard seats have a seat pitch of around 28 inches, which is more compact than Southwest’s seats. However, Spirit offers Big Front Seats at the front of the plane, with wider seats and extra legroom, targeting travelers who want a more elevated experience.
• Big Front Seat: Spirit’s equivalent of premium seats with premium legroom options, and they’re often a good value compared to other carriers’ business-class fares.
• Standard Seat Selection: For travelers who want specific seats, Spirit charges an additional fee for seat assignments.
Baggage Policies: Which Airline Has the Better Deal?
One of the biggest considerations for budget travelers is baggage costs, where Southwest and Spirit have vastly different policies.
• Southwest: Offers two free checked bags, which is a rare benefit among low-cost airlines. For passengers with luggage, this policy can significantly reduce overall costs.
• Spirit: Charges for checked bags and even carry-on bags. Travelers with minimal baggage who can fit all items in a personal item (such as a small backpack) benefit most from Spirit’s low fares.
Loyalty Programs: Rapid Rewards vs. Free Spirit
Both Southwest and Spirit reward frequent flyers through their respective loyalty programs, Rapid Rewards and Free Spirit.
Southwest Rapid Rewards
Southwest’s Rapid Rewards program is simple and generous, allowing travelers to earn points based on fare types and round trip tickets. Points can be redeemed for any available seat on any flight, with no blackout dates, making it ideal for those who fly often on Southwest flights.
Spirit Free Spirit
Spirit’s Free Spirit program is designed to reward frequent Spirit fliers. While not as flexible as Rapid Rewards, Free Spirit allows members to earn Frontier Miles and redeem them for flights, seat upgrades, and other benefits. Elite members receive perks such as free seat selection, priority boarding, and waived bag fees.
In-Flight Experience: Complimentary Snacks vs. À La Carte Options
The in-flight experience can make or break a flight for many travelers. Here’s how Southwest and Spirit differ.
• Southwest: Passengers enjoy complimentary snacks, typically a bag of snack mix and non-alcoholic beverages. While the offering is limited, it’s included in the fare.
• Spirit: Offers an à la carte service model, charging for all in-flight snacks and beverages. This approach aligns with Spirit’s ultra-low-cost carrier model, where passengers can choose to add snacks to their trip at an extra cost.
Boarding Process and Priority Options
Southwest and Spirit also take different approaches to boarding.
• Southwest Airlines: Known for its unique boarding process, Southwest assigns passengers a boarding group and position, but not a specific seat. Passengers board in groups, selecting seats as they enter. For an extra fee, passengers can purchase priority boarding. However, announced in 2024, they are abandoning this process in favor of the more common seat selection when ticketing, adding a new revenue stream for them.
• Spirit Airlines: Passengers board by zone, with additional fees for priority check-in and priority boarding. Spirit’s boarding process is similar to other airlines but allows passengers to purchase upgrades if they want to board earlier.
Cancellation Policies and Change Fees
Southwest and Spirit handle cancellations and flight changes very differently, impacting passengers’ flexibility and potential costs.
• Southwest: Allows passengers to change or cancel flights without penalties. Anytime and Business Select fares even offer transferable flight credits for future travel.
• Spirit: Charges cancellation fees for changes and cancellations, although passengers can pay extra for “Flight Flex,” which offers some flexibility.
Spirit vs. Southwest: Who Has the Edge?
Both airlines offer distinct value propositions, depending on the needs of their passengers.
• Southwest Airlines: Ideal for travelers who value extensive research on travel reliability, flexible cancellation policies, and unparalleled value with free checked bags and no seat selection fees.
• Spirit Airlines: Best suited for travelers who prioritize low-cost airline fares over frills, are comfortable with fewer amenities, and don’t mind paying for additional services to customize their flight experience.
However, this is an easy choice. It's Southwest. Spirit is in an entirely different level of "budget" than Southwest, and Southwest is a preferred carrier by many. I don't see many people around me who note that their favorite airline is Spirit.
Bottom Line
Choosing between Southwest and Spirit comes down to what you value most in your travel experience. Southwest Airlines provides a more comprehensive travel package with fewer surprise fees, making it a great choice for those looking for convenience and moderate comfort. Spirit Airlines, with its ultra-low-cost model, appeals to budget-savvy travelers who want full control over which amenities they pay for.
Whether you’re a business traveler looking for reliable service or a go-savvy passenger aiming to fly on a budget, both airlines offer unique benefits that can make a difference on your next flight.
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