Spirit Airlines: How To Choose Your Seat

by Jhon Lennon 41 views

Hey guys! Flying with Spirit Airlines and wondering how to snag that perfect seat? Don't worry, you're in the right place! Spirit, known for its budget-friendly fares, offers an a la carte approach, meaning you can customize your travel experience by adding only the services you need – and that includes choosing your seat. Let's dive into everything you need to know about purchasing seats on Spirit Airlines, from why you might want to, to exactly how to do it, and even some tips and tricks to make the process smoother.

Why Purchase Seats on Spirit Airlines?

First off, you might be asking yourself: “Is it really necessary to pay extra for a seat?” Well, it depends on your priorities! Here’s a breakdown of why purchasing a seat on Spirit Airlines could be a good idea for you:

  • Ensuring you sit with your travel companions: Traveling with family or friends? This is probably the biggest reason to purchase seats! If you don't, Spirit's system will randomly assign seats, and there's a good chance you'll be scattered throughout the plane. To avoid the stress and disappointment of not sitting together, especially with young children, purchasing seats is the way to go. Imagine the chaos of trying to swap seats with strangers while also juggling carry-ons and restless kids! Paying a bit extra guarantees you're all together, making the journey much more enjoyable and manageable.
  • Getting your preferred seat: Window seat to enjoy the view? Aisle seat for easy bathroom access? Extra legroom for a more comfortable flight? Purchasing your seat allows you to select exactly where you want to sit on the plane. This is especially important for long flights where comfort is key. For example, if you have long legs, those extra few inches of legroom in an exit row seat can make a world of difference. Or, if you prefer to sleep on flights, a window seat lets you lean against the wall without being disturbed by other passengers needing to get up.
  • Avoiding the middle seat: Let's be honest, nobody loves the middle seat. By purchasing a seat, you can virtually guarantee you won't be stuck in the dreaded middle seat. This alone can be worth the extra cost for many travelers. The middle seat often means battling for armrest space and feeling cramped between two other passengers. Avoiding this can significantly improve your overall flying experience.
  • Peace of mind: For some, the simple act of choosing a seat provides peace of mind. Knowing exactly where you'll be sitting takes away some of the uncertainty and stress associated with flying. This can be particularly beneficial for nervous flyers who appreciate having control over as much of the travel experience as possible. Plus, it's one less thing to worry about on travel day!

Ultimately, deciding whether or not to purchase a seat on Spirit Airlines comes down to your individual needs and preferences. If you're flexible, traveling solo, and don't mind where you sit, you might be perfectly happy with a randomly assigned seat. But if you value sitting with your companions, having your preferred seat, or simply avoiding the middle seat, then purchasing a seat is definitely worth considering.

How to Purchase Seats on Spirit Airlines

Okay, so you've decided you want to purchase a seat. Great! Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

  1. During the Booking Process: The easiest time to purchase seats is while you're initially booking your flight on the Spirit Airlines website. After you've selected your flights, you'll be taken to a page where you can customize your trip. This is where you'll see the option to choose your seats.
    • Select Seats: A seat map will appear, showing the available seats on the plane. The seats are usually color-coded, with different colors indicating different prices. Seats with more legroom or in more desirable locations (like near the front) will typically cost more.
    • Choose Your Seats: Simply click on the seats you want to select them. The price for each seat will be clearly displayed. Remember, prices can vary depending on the location of the seat.
    • Confirm Your Selection: Once you've chosen all your desired seats, review your selection and the total cost. Make sure everything is correct before proceeding.
  2. After Booking (Manage My Trip): Already booked your flight but forgot to add seats? No problem! You can still purchase seats after booking by using the "Manage My Trip" feature on the Spirit Airlines website.
    • Find Your Booking: Go to the Spirit Airlines website and click on "Manage My Trip." You'll need to enter your confirmation code (also known as your PNR) and your last name to access your booking.
    • Select Seats: Once you've accessed your booking, look for the option to "Add Seats" or "Change Seats." This will take you to the seat map, where you can select your preferred seats, just like during the initial booking process.
    • Pay for Your Seats: After selecting your seats, you'll be prompted to pay for them. Make sure to review the total cost before confirming your purchase.
  3. At Check-In (Not Recommended): While it is possible to purchase seats during online check-in, it's generally not recommended. By this point, the best seats are usually already taken, and you'll likely have fewer options to choose from. Plus, the prices might be higher than if you'd purchased them earlier.

Important Considerations:

  • Seat Prices: Seat prices on Spirit Airlines vary depending on the route, the location of the seat, and how far in advance you're booking. Be prepared to pay more for seats with extra legroom or in more desirable locations.
  • Bundled Options: Spirit Airlines offers bundled options that include seat selection, checked baggage, and other extras. These bundles can sometimes be a more cost-effective way to get everything you need, so it's worth checking them out.
  • Spirit Saver$ Club: If you fly Spirit Airlines frequently, consider joining the Spirit Saver$ Club. Members get access to discounted fares and other perks, including potential savings on seat selection fees.

Tips and Tricks for Choosing Seats on Spirit Airlines

Want to make the most of your seat selection experience? Here are some insider tips and tricks:

  • Book Early: The earlier you book your seats, the better your chances of getting your preferred location at a lower price. As the flight fills up, the best seats get snatched up quickly, and prices tend to increase.
  • Check the Seat Map: Before selecting your seats, take a good look at the seat map. Pay attention to the location of the exits, bathrooms, and galleys. Some seats might be closer to these areas, which could be a pro or a con depending on your preferences.
  • Consider Exit Rows: Exit row seats offer extra legroom, which can be a lifesaver on long flights. However, keep in mind that you'll need to be able to assist in an emergency if you're seated in an exit row. Also, some exit row seats don't recline.
  • Read Seat Reviews: Websites like SeatGuru offer seat maps with reviews of specific seats on different airlines. These reviews can provide valuable insights into which seats are the most comfortable and which ones to avoid.
  • Use a Credit Card with Travel Benefits: Some credit cards offer travel benefits like priority boarding or statement credits for travel expenses. These perks can help offset the cost of seat selection fees.
  • Be Flexible: If you're on a tight budget, be flexible with your seat selection. Consider choosing less popular seats, like those in the back of the plane, which might be cheaper. Or, if you're traveling with a companion, consider splitting up and each taking a window or aisle seat, hoping that the middle seat remains empty.

What Happens if You Don't Purchase a Seat?

If you choose not to purchase a seat on Spirit Airlines, you'll be assigned a seat at random during check-in. While you might get lucky and end up with a decent seat, there's also a good chance you'll be stuck in a middle seat or separated from your travel companions. If you're traveling with children, Spirit will attempt to seat you together, but this isn't guaranteed.

A Word of Caution:

  • Don't Rely on Getting a Good Seat for Free: While it's possible to get a decent seat without paying for it, it's not something you should rely on. The best seats are almost always taken by passengers who have paid to select them.
  • Be Prepared to Be Separated: If you're traveling with a group and don't purchase seats, be prepared to be separated. While you can always ask other passengers to swap seats with you, there's no guarantee they'll be willing to do so.

Conclusion

So, there you have it! Everything you need to know about purchasing seats on Spirit Airlines. While it's an extra cost, selecting your seat can significantly improve your travel experience, especially if you're traveling with companions, have specific seat preferences, or simply want to avoid the dreaded middle seat. By following these tips and tricks, you can make the most of your seat selection and enjoy a more comfortable and stress-free flight. Happy travels, folks!