United Airlines Vs Spirit: Which Is Better For You In 2023?

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Air travel has become the preferred mode of transportation for millions of people around the world. With so many airlines to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which one is the best fit for your needs. United Airlines and Spirit Airlines are two popular options, each with its own unique advantages and disadvantages.

United Airlines is a well-established carrier with a reputation for exceptional customer service and a wide range of destinations. On the other hand, Spirit Airlines is known for its low prices and no-frills approach to air travel. In this article, we will compare United Airlines and Spirit Airlines to help you make an informed decision about which airline to choose for your next trip.

United Airlines Spirit
Destinations 350+ 75+
Baggage Policy 1 free carry-on bag + 1 personal item. Checked bags fees apply. 1 personal item included. Fees apply for carry-on and checked bags.
Seat Selection Available for free starting 24 hours before departure. Available for a fee starting at the time of booking.
On-time Performance 79% on-time arrival rate 72% on-time arrival rate
Customer Satisfaction Ranked #3 in the 2020 J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study Ranked #9 in the 2020 J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study

In the comparison between United Airlines and Spirit, United Airlines offers more destinations with over 350 compared to Spirit’s 75+. Baggage policies differ as United offers 1 free carry-on bag and 1 personal item with fees for checked bags, while Spirit includes only 1 personal item and fees apply for carry-on and checked bags. Seat selection is available for free with United starting 24 hours before departure, while Spirit charges a fee starting at the time of booking. United Airlines has a higher on-time arrival rate at 79% compared to Spirit’s 72%. In terms of customer satisfaction, United is ranked #3 in the 2020 J.D. Power North America Airline Satisfaction Study, while Spirit is ranked #9.

United Airlines Vs Spirit

United Airlines Vs Spirit: Comparison Chart

United Airlines Spirit
Company Information Founded in 1926, United Airlines is a major American airline headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. It operates a large domestic and international route network spanning across six continents. Founded in 1980, Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier headquartered in Miramar, Florida. It primarily operates within the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America.
Destinations United Airlines flies to over 300 destinations worldwide, including major cities in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania. Spirit Airlines operates flights to over 75 destinations across the United States, the Caribbean, Mexico, and Central and South America.
Fleet United Airlines has a fleet of over 800 aircraft, including Boeing 737s, 747s, 757s, 767s, 777s, and 787s, as well as Airbus A319s, A320s, A321s, and A350s. Spirit Airlines has a fleet of over 150 aircraft, consisting of Airbus A319s, A320s, A320neos, and A321s.
Baggage United Airlines allows passengers to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item for free, as well as checked bags for a fee. The baggage allowance and fees vary depending on the fare class and destination. Spirit Airlines charges for all carry-on and checked bags, and the fees vary depending on the time of booking and the size and weight of the bags.
Seating United Airlines offers a variety of seating options, including Economy, Economy Plus, and United Polaris Business Class. Economy seats have a pitch of 31-32 inches, while Economy Plus seats have a pitch of 34-36 inches. Spirit Airlines offers a basic economy seating option, with a pitch of 28 inches. Passengers can purchase additional legroom in the Big Front Seat or the exit row seats for a fee.
Onboard Amenities United Airlines offers in-flight entertainment, Wi-Fi, and power outlets on most of its flights. United Polaris Business Class features lie-flat seats, chef-inspired meals, and premium wines and spirits. Spirit Airlines does not offer in-flight entertainment or Wi-Fi, but passengers can purchase food and drinks on board for a fee.

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United Airlines Vs Spirit

Comparing two of the most popular airlines in the United States

About United Airlines and Spirit

United Airlines and Spirit are two of the most well-known airlines in the United States. United Airlines is a major American airline headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, while Spirit Airlines is a low-cost carrier based in Miramar, Florida.

Both airlines have their own unique features and services that cater to different types of travelers. In this article, we will compare and contrast United Airlines and Spirit in terms of their pricing, routes, services, and other factors that are important to travelers.

Pricing

When it comes to pricing, Spirit is known for its low fares and fees. The airline offers budget-friendly flights that are ideal for travelers who are on a tight budget. However, it’s important to note that Spirit charges fees for many things that other airlines include for free, such as checked baggage, seat selection, and even carry-on bags.

On the other hand, United Airlines is a full-service airline that offers a range of fare classes to cater to different types of travelers. While United may not have the cheapest prices, its fares include many things that other airlines charge for, such as checked baggage and seat selection. United also offers more flight options and destinations compared to Spirit.

Overall, if you’re looking for the cheapest flights and don’t mind paying extra for additional services, Spirit may be the better choice. However, if you prefer a full-service airline with more options and destinations, United Airlines is the way to go.

Routes

Both United Airlines and Spirit offer domestic and international flights. However, United has a larger network that includes more destinations and flight options compared to Spirit. In addition, United offers a range of classes, including economy, premium economy, business, and first class, while Spirit only offers economy class.

If you’re looking for a wider range of destinations and flight options, United Airlines is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for budget-friendly domestic flights, Spirit may be the way to go.

Services

United Airlines is known for its excellent in-flight services, including complimentary meals, drinks, and entertainment. The airline also offers a range of amenities for premium passengers, such as lie-flat seats and premium lounges.

Spirit, on the other hand, is a no-frills airline that offers basic services for its passengers. The airline does not offer complimentary meals or drinks, and passengers must pay for all additional services, including baggage, seat selection, and even water. However, Spirit does offer a range of add-ons and amenities for purchase, such as extra legroom and priority boarding.

If you’re looking for a full-service airline with a range of amenities, United Airlines is the better choice. However, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly airline with basic services, Spirit may be the way to go.

Other Factors

Aside from pricing, routes, and services, there are other factors that may influence your decision between United Airlines and Spirit. For example, United Airlines has a better reputation for reliability and on-time performance compared to Spirit. In addition, United Airlines is a member of the Star Alliance, which allows passengers to earn and redeem miles on other airlines.

On the other hand, Spirit may be a good choice for travelers who only need to bring a small carry-on bag and don’t mind paying extra for additional services. The airline is also known for its punctuality and on-time performance for its budget flights.

Ultimately, the choice between United Airlines and Spirit depends on your personal preferences and travel needs. If you’re looking for a full-service airline with a range of amenities and destinations, United Airlines is the way to go. However, if you’re on a tight budget and don’t mind paying extra for additional services, Spirit is a good choice for budget domestic travel.

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United Airlines Vs Spirit Pros & Cons

Pros of United Airlines:

  • More comfortable seating options
  • Wider range of destinations
  • Better in-flight entertainment
  • More frequent flyer benefits
  • Higher customer satisfaction ratings

Cons of United Airlines:

  • Higher ticket prices
  • More fees for baggage and other services
  • Less legroom in economy class
  • Occasional flight delays or cancellations
  • Less flexibility in changing flights

Pros of Spirit:

  • Lower ticket prices
  • More flexibility in changing flights
  • No fees for carry-on bags
  • More legroom in “Big Front Seats” option
  • On-time arrival rates comparable to United

Cons of Spirit:

  • Less comfortable seating options
  • Less destinations offered
  • No in-flight entertainment
  • Less frequent flyer benefits
  • Lower customer satisfaction ratings

Final Decision: United Airlines vs Spirit

After a thorough comparison of United Airlines and Spirit, we have come to a final decision about which airline is better for your travel needs.

While Spirit may offer lower prices, United Airlines provides a better overall experience for passengers. United has a larger network of destinations and offers more frequent flights, making it easier to plan your trip. Additionally, United offers more in-flight amenities, such as complimentary snacks and drinks, as well as entertainment options.

Customer service is also a key factor in our decision. United Airlines has a better reputation for customer service and is more likely to address any issues or concerns that may arise during your travel experience. Spirit, on the other hand, has a history of poor customer service and may leave passengers feeling frustrated or unsatisfied.

Finally, safety is of utmost importance when it comes to air travel. United Airlines has a strong safety record and consistently ranks among the safest airlines in the world. While Spirit has made improvements in recent years, it still has a lower safety rating compared to United.

Therefore, our final decision is that United Airlines is the better choice for air travel. With its larger network, better in-flight amenities, superior customer service, and strong safety record, United provides a more reliable and enjoyable travel experience for passengers.

Reasons for United Airlines as the Final Winner:

  1. Larger network of destinations and more frequent flights
  2. Better in-flight amenities, including complimentary snacks and drinks and entertainment options
  3. Superior customer service and strong safety record

Frequently Asked Questions

Choosing between United Airlines and Spirit can be a difficult decision for many travelers. Here are some commonly asked questions about these airlines to help you make an informed decision.

What is the difference between United Airlines and Spirit?

United Airlines is a full-service airline that offers a range of amenities such as in-flight entertainment, meals, and beverages. They have a larger network and fly to more destinations than Spirit. Spirit, on the other hand, is a low-cost carrier that offers a no-frills flying experience. They charge for many things that are included in United’s ticket prices, such as seat selection and carry-on bags. However, Spirit often offers lower fares than United.

If you are looking for a comfortable flying experience with more amenities, United Airlines may be the better choice for you. However, if you are on a tight budget and don’t require many extras, Spirit may be a good option.

Which airline has better customer service?

Both United Airlines and Spirit have had their fair share of customer service issues in the past. However, United has made significant improvements in recent years, and they have a better reputation for customer service than Spirit. United has a more extensive network of customer service representatives and offers more options for contacting them. Their website and mobile app are also easier to navigate.

Spirit, on the other hand, has a smaller customer service team, and their representatives are often located overseas. They have had several high-profile customer service incidents, which have damaged their reputation in the industry. If customer service is a top priority for you, United Airlines may be the better choice.

Which airline is more reliable?

United Airlines is generally considered to be more reliable than Spirit. They have a better on-time performance record and fewer flight cancellations. They also have a larger fleet of planes and more backup options if a flight is delayed or canceled. However, no airline is perfect, and both United and Spirit can experience delays or cancellations from time to time.

If you are looking for a more reliable airline, United Airlines may be the better choice. However, it’s always a good idea to check the airline’s performance record for the specific route you will be flying.

Which airline has better baggage policies?

United Airlines allows passengers to bring one personal item and one carry-on bag for free, in addition to checked baggage. They also offer a baggage delivery service, which brings your bags directly to your destination for an additional fee. Spirit charges for carry-on bags and checked baggage, and their fees can be quite high. They also have strict size and weight limits for bags.

If you are traveling with a lot of luggage, United Airlines may be the better choice. However, if you are traveling light and don’t mind paying extra for bags, Spirit may be a good option.

Which airline is better for frequent flyers?

United Airlines has a comprehensive rewards program called MileagePlus, which allows members to earn miles for flights and other activities. Members can also earn elite status, which comes with additional perks such as free upgrades and lounge access. Spirit has a rewards program called Free Spirit, which also allows members to earn miles for flights and other activities. However, their program is not as comprehensive as United’s, and they do not offer elite status.

If you are a frequent flyer looking for a robust rewards program, United Airlines’ MileagePlus may be the better choice. However, if you are a budget-conscious traveler looking for lower fares, Spirit’s Free Spirit program may be a good option.

If Airlines Were People #shorts


In conclusion, United Airlines and Spirit Airlines are two major players in the aviation industry with their own strengths and weaknesses. While United Airlines offers a more luxurious and comfortable experience, it comes with a higher price tag. On the other hand, Spirit Airlines provides a budget-friendly option for those who prioritize affordability over amenities.

Ultimately, the choice between United Airlines and Spirit Airlines depends on the individual’s needs and preferences. If you’re willing to pay more for a more comfortable and convenient flight experience, United Airlines is the way to go. However, if you’re looking for a more cost-effective option, Spirit Airlines may be the better choice.

Regardless of which airline you choose, it’s important to consider all factors such as flight schedules, routes, and baggage fees before making your decision. With the right research and planning, you can ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience with either United Airlines or Spirit Airlines.

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