Spirit Airlines Review: My Flight from Detroit to Los Angeles

Let’s be real — when you hear “Spirit Airlines” your brain probably goes straight to memes about delayed flights, fighting passengers, or being charged $99 to blink. But I recently flew from Detroit  to Los Angeles  with Spirit, and guess what? It wasn’t that bad — in fact, it made a lot of sense for the right kind of traveler.   

So if you’re thinking of booking Spirit for a U.S. trip and wondering what you’re really in for, here’s my honest breakdown. Quick Verdict: Is Spirit Airlines Bad?

No — but it’s definitely not for everyone.

If you’re chasing rock-bottom prices, traveling light, and don’t mind skipping the frills, Spirit can be a smart move. But if you’re expecting comfort, free snacks, and VIP service, you’re gonna have a bad time.

TL;DR: Spirit is cheap, on-time (sometimes), and strict. You get what you pay for — and that’s okay if you know what to expect. Check out our Travel Blog for more airline review like Frontier Airline and Thai Airways, we cover most economy class and selected airlines for their business class due to ✨ Budget Restriction ✨.

What It’s Like to Fly Spirit: Detroit → LA

✅ Booking & Check-In

Booking was a breeze on their website. You’ll see a low fare first — then Spirit will aggressively upsell you:

• Want to choose a seat? Pay.

• Bringing a bag? Pay.

• Want to breathe? Kidding — but also, pay.

I checked in online 24 hours before my flight to avoid the $10 “print-your-boarding-pass-at-airport” trap. Smooth and simple.

Seat Comfort & Cabin Vibes

I went with a standard seat. It’s… tight. No recline, basic padding, and 28-inch pitch. My knees weren’t crying, but they definitely weren’t clapping either. That said, everything was clean, the cabin lighting was decent, and I was pleasantly surprised by how modern the plane looked.

If you want legroom, Big Front Seat is the hack — think domestic first class seat, without the service. Worth it if it’s under $80.

Meals, Baggage & All That Fee Drama

Spirit charges for everything except using the toilet (thankfully). No free water, no snacks — nada.

Here’s how I avoided surprise costs:

• I brought a personal item (small backpack) that fit under the seat — FREE.

• Skipped carry-on and checked luggage.

• Brought my own snacks and water bottle.

Pro tip: Always check their bag size chart before you fly. Spirit’s gate agents do not play.

Punctuality & Reliability

Shockingly… we left on time and arrived 15 minutes early. I was bracing for delays, but the flight was smoother than I expected. Boarding was fast, and the flight attendants were direct but efficient.

I wouldn’t say “friendly,” but no one yelled at me — so I count that as a win.

My Experience with Spirit Airlines

What Surprised Me (Pros):

• ✅ Ridiculously cheap base fare (I paid $79 one way!)

• ✅ Flight was on time and clean

• ✅ No unnecessary announcements or upselling mid-flight

• ✅ Easy check-in via the app

• ✅ Perfect for minimalists and solo travelers

What Fell Short (Cons):

• ❌ Tight seat — not great for long legs or naps

• ❌ Zero free drinks/snacks

• ❌ Slightly robotic customer service

• ❌ High fees if you’re not careful (bags, seat, etc.)

When Is Spirit Actually a Good Idea?

Spirit is a great option if:

• You travel with just a backpack

• You’re okay sitting wherever they put you

• You’re looking to save serious money

• You value price over comfort

• You fly short to medium-haul within the U.S.

It’s not ideal if you:

• Need flexibility or refundable tickets

• Are traveling with kids or lots of luggage

• Want extra legroom, in-flight Wi-Fi, or friendly vibes

Spirit vs. Other Budget Airlines

If you’re comparing purely on price, Spirit often wins. But if you want a more relaxed experience, Southwest or JetBlue may be worth the few extra bucks.

✈️ Best Spirit Routes (and Ones to Avoid)

Detroit to LA is one of Spirit’s stronger routes — nonstop, reasonably timed, and well-priced.

Other solid Spirit routes:

• Las Vegas ⇄ LA, San Diego, Phoenix

• Orlando ⇄ New York, Philly, Atlanta

• Fort Lauderdale ⇄ Caribbean hotspots

Avoid Spirit if your route has a tight connection or harsh weather — delays can snowball fast, and rebooking isn’t their strength.

Better Alternatives (If You’ve Got a Bit More Budget)

• Delta (hub in Detroit): More reliable, comfortable, includes carry-on

• Southwest: Two free bags, better seat space, free drinks

• JetBlue: Best economy service overall

Final Thoughts

Honestly? Yes — for the right price and trip.

Flying Spirit from Detroit to LA wasn’t luxurious, but it wasn’t a disaster either. I knew what I was signing up for, packed smart, and saved money. If I needed to bring bags or cared about comfort, I’d go with Delta or Southwest. But for fast, no-frills travel, Spirit did the job.

Just remember:

Treat Spirit like a budget bus in the sky. If you’re cool with that, you’ll be fine.

Q：Is Spirit Airlines still flying?
Yes, Spirit is still operating in 2025, flying across the U.S. and to parts of Latin America and the Caribbean.

Q： Why does Spirit Airlines have a bad reputation?
Mostly due to extra fees, tight seats, and strict policies. It’s no-frills and very basic — some travelers aren’t ready for that.

Q： Why is Spirit so cheap?
You only pay for the seat. Everything else (bags, snacks, seat selection) costs extra. That keeps base fares super low.

Q： Does Spirit Airlines have first class?
No traditional first class, but they offer a Big Front Seat — more legroom and comfort, but no added service.

Q: Is Spirit Airlines safe?
Yes, Spirit is FAA-certified and meets all U.S. airline safety standards.

Q: Do they serve free drinks or snacks?
Nope. Bring your own — even water costs $3.

Q: Can I change or cancel my flight?
Yes, but it costs money and you won’t get much flexibility. Read the fine print.