Spirit Vs American Airlines: Get To Know Which Is Right For You?

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Spirit Airlines and American Airlines are two major players in the airline industry. Both airlines offer a variety of destinations, flight times, and prices to their customers. However, when it comes to choosing between them, there are several factors to consider, such as the quality of service, amenities, and overall customer experience.

While Spirit Airlines is known for its low fares, it also tends to receive criticism for its lack of amenities and customer service. On the other hand, American Airlines offers a more premium experience with its frequent flyer program, lounges, and upgraded seating options. Ultimately, the decision between Spirit and American Airlines comes down to personal preference and priorities. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two airlines and help you make an informed decision for your next flight.

Criteria Spirit Airlines American Airlines
Baggage Policy Charges for checked and carry-on bags Charges for checked bags, but not for carry-ons
Route Network Primarily domestic flights, with limited international options Extensive domestic and international options
Frequent Flyer Program Free Spirit AAdvantage
Seat Comfort Basic seats with limited legroom More comfortable seats with more legroom
Onboard Amenities Charges for most amenities, including snacks and drinks Complimentary snacks and drinks on most flights

When it comes to choosing between Spirit Airlines and American Airlines, there are a few key differences to consider. Spirit is known for its low fares, but charges for both checked and carry-on bags. American Airlines, on the other hand, charges for checked bags but not for carry-ons. American Airlines also has a more extensive route network, with both domestic and international options. Additionally, American Airlines offers a more comfortable seat with more legroom and complimentary snacks and drinks on most flights. However, Spirit Airlines has its own frequent flyer program called Free Spirit.

Spirit Vs American Airlines

Spirit Vs American Airlines: Comparison Chart

Spirit American Airlines
Airline type Low-cost carrier Major airline
Headquarters Miramar, Florida Fort Worth, Texas
Destinations 76 350+
Frequent flier program Free Spirit AAdvantage
Baggage fees Charge for all checked and carry-on bags Fee for checked bags on select routes only
Aircraft Airbus A320, A319, A321 Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, 787, Airbus A319, A320, A321, A330, A350
In-flight amenities Minimal amenities, no free snacks or drinks Entertainment systems, in-flight Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks and drinks on select flights
On-time performance Ranked low in on-time performance Ranked higher in on-time performance compared to Spirit
Cancellation policy No refund for cancellations, only credit for future flights Refund or credit for cancellations depending on the type of ticket purchased

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Spirit Vs American Airlines

Find out which airline is the better choice for your next flight.

1. Price and Value

When it comes to price, Spirit Airlines is known for being one of the most affordable airlines in the industry. However, this low cost comes with some trade-offs. Spirit charges extra fees for checked bags, carry-on bags, and even seat selection. On the other hand, American Airlines offers more traditional pricing with fewer hidden fees.

Despite Spirit’s lower prices, American Airlines may offer more value for your money if you are looking for a more comfortable and convenient travel experience.

In summary, if you are looking for the cheapest possible airfare, Spirit Airlines may be the better choice for you. However, if you are willing to pay a little more for a more comfortable and convenient flight, American Airlines is the way to go.

2. Flight Schedule and Availability

Both Spirit and American Airlines offer a variety of domestic and international flights. However, American Airlines has a larger fleet and more routes available, making it a more reliable choice for travelers who need to get to their destination on time.

Another important factor to consider is the flight schedule. Spirit Airlines may have more limited flight options, which could be problematic if your travel plans are inflexible. On the other hand, American Airlines offers a wider range of flight times and options, making it easier to find a flight that fits your schedule.

In summary, if you need a reliable airline with a wide range of flight options, American Airlines is the better choice. However, if you are willing to be more flexible with your travel plans and are looking for a cheaper option, Spirit Airlines may be the way to go.

3. Customer Service and Support

Customer service is an important factor to consider when choosing an airline. While both Spirit and American Airlines offer customer support options, the quality of service can vary.

Spirit Airlines has a reputation for poor customer service, with many complaints about delayed flights, lost baggage, and unresponsive customer support. American Airlines, on the other hand, has a better track record for customer service and support.

In summary, if you value good customer service and support, American Airlines is the better choice. However, if you are willing to take the risk for a cheaper flight, Spirit Airlines may still be a viable option.

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Spirit Vs American Airlines Pros & Cons

Pros of Spirit Airlines

  • Low fares – Spirit is known for its budget-friendly prices and often offers some of the cheapest flights available.
  • Transparent pricing – Spirit is transparent about its fees and charges, so you know exactly what you’re paying for.
  • Flexible booking options – Spirit offers a range of booking options, including standard, award, and VIP fares.
  • Generous loyalty program – Spirit’s loyalty program, Free Spirit, offers plenty of perks and rewards for frequent travelers.

Cons of Spirit Airlines

  • No free amenities – Spirit charges for everything from checked bags to in-flight snacks, so you’ll need to factor in these costs when booking.
  • Less legroom – Spirit’s seats are known for being cramped, so you may be uncomfortable on longer flights.
  • Low customer satisfaction – Spirit has a reputation for poor customer service, so you may encounter issues if something goes wrong.
  • Limited route network – Spirit primarily operates in the US, Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America, so your travel options may be limited.

Pros of American Airlines

  • Extensive route network – American Airlines operates flights to over 350 destinations worldwide, so you can travel almost anywhere.
  • Comfortable seating – American Airlines offers a range of seating options, including extra legroom and lie-flat seats on some flights.
  • Excellent loyalty program – American Airlines’ loyalty program, AAdvantage, offers plenty of perks and rewards for frequent travelers.
  • Good customer service – American Airlines has a reputation for good customer service, so you’re more likely to have a positive experience.

Cons of American Airlines

  • Higher fares – American Airlines’ prices can be higher than some budget airlines, so you may need to pay more for your flight.
  • Less transparent pricing – American Airlines’ fees and charges can be confusing, so you may not know exactly what you’re paying for.
  • Overbooking – American Airlines has been known to overbook flights, which can cause delays and inconvenience for passengers.
  • Less flexible booking options – American Airlines’ booking options can be restrictive, with fewer options for budget-conscious travelers.

Final Decision: Spirit Vs American Airlines

After extensive research and analysis, it is clear that American Airlines is the better choice compared to Spirit Airlines.

Firstly, American Airlines offers a wider range of flights to more destinations, both domestically and internationally, which gives passengers greater flexibility in planning their travel itinerary.

Secondly, American Airlines has a better reputation for customer service and reliability, with fewer complaints and a higher rate of on-time arrivals compared to Spirit Airlines.

Thirdly, American Airlines offers a more comfortable flying experience with larger seats, more legroom, and better in-flight amenities, including in-flight entertainment and complimentary snacks and beverages.

Reasons for Choosing American Airlines as the Final Winner:

  1. Greater range of flights and destinations
  2. Better reputation for customer service and reliability
  3. More comfortable flying experience with better amenities

Frequently Asked Questions

When it comes to choosing an airline, it can be difficult to know which one to go with. Two popular options are Spirit and American Airlines. Here are some frequently asked questions to help you decide which one is right for your next trip.

What is the difference between Spirit and American Airlines?

One of the main differences between Spirit and American Airlines is their pricing structure. Spirit is known for being a budget airline, with lower ticket prices but fewer amenities. American Airlines, on the other hand, is a full-service airline with higher ticket prices but more amenities, such as in-flight entertainment and complimentary snacks and drinks.

Another difference is the routes that they fly. While both airlines offer domestic and international flights, American Airlines has a larger network and flies to more destinations than Spirit. This means that if you are traveling to a more remote location, American Airlines may be the better option.

Which airline is more comfortable: Spirit or American Airlines?

When it comes to comfort, American Airlines wins out over Spirit. American Airlines offers more legroom and wider seats than Spirit, as well as in-flight entertainment and complimentary snacks and drinks. Spirit, on the other hand, charges extra for everything from carry-on bags to seat assignments to drinks and snacks, which can make for a less comfortable experience.

However, if you are looking to save money and don’t mind sacrificing some comfort, Spirit can be a good option. Just be sure to bring your own snacks and drinks and pack light to avoid extra fees.

Which airline has better customer service: Spirit or American Airlines?

When it comes to customer service, American Airlines has a better reputation than Spirit. American Airlines has a larger staff and more resources to handle customer inquiries and complaints, while Spirit is known for having long wait times and poor customer service.

That being said, both airlines have their strengths and weaknesses, and your experience may vary depending on the specific situation. If customer service is a top priority for you, it may be worth paying the extra money for an American Airlines ticket.

Which airline is more reliable: Spirit or American Airlines?

When it comes to reliability, American Airlines has a better track record than Spirit. American Airlines has fewer flight cancellations and delays than Spirit, and in the event of a delay or cancellation, American Airlines is more likely to provide accommodations and compensation to affected passengers.

However, both airlines can be affected by weather and other unforeseen circumstances, so it is important to keep this in mind when booking your ticket. It may be worth paying a little extra for a refundable or flexible ticket to avoid any potential issues.

Which airline is better for frequent flyers: Spirit or American Airlines?

When it comes to frequent flyer programs, American Airlines has a more robust program than Spirit. American Airlines’ AAdvantage program offers more ways to earn and redeem miles, as well as more perks for elite status members.

However, if you are a budget traveler and don’t fly frequently, Spirit’s Free Spirit program may be a better fit. Free Spirit offers opportunities to earn and redeem miles, as well as discounts on baggage fees and other fees.

Spirit Vs American Airlines


In conclusion, Spirit Airlines and American Airlines have their own unique differences and similarities. While Spirit Airlines may offer lower prices, American Airlines offers more amenities and a larger fleet. Ultimately, the decision of which airline to choose depends on personal preferences and needs.

Regardless of which airline you choose, it is important to do your research and read reviews before booking a flight. It is also important to be aware of any additional fees or restrictions that may apply. By taking the time to compare and contrast different airlines, you can ensure that you make the best decision for your travel needs.

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