Flying Spirit in the Midst of Bankruptcy: Why I’m Cheering Them On

Spirit Airlines has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons lately: bankruptcy filings, financial turbulence, and endless predictions of their demise. For years, Spirit made its mark by being unapologetically bare-bones—driving fares down across the industry, but often at the expense of comfort and civility.

The truth is, Spirit democratized air travel. They made it possible for millions to fly who might never have afforded a ticket otherwise. And now, in the fight of their life, Spirit seems to be embracing a new philosophy: affordability paired with civility.

That’s no small thing—especially as many major carriers are doubling down on premium products, raising fares, and designing more of their experience around high-spend customers. There’s nothing wrong with offering premium, but it leaves a gap. Spirit’s willingness to weave premium amenities into an accessible product may not only give them a chance at survival—it could unlock one of the most lucrative niches in the industry.

A Different Kind of Spirit

It had been more than 15 years since I last flew Spirit, and in that time the airline often felt like it had a ‘take it or leave it’ approach. Today, though, it’s clear management is working toward a more customer-focused experience—one their hardworking employees can proudly deliver. So when I needed to fly from Fort Lauderdale to Baltimore for my godson’s birthday (he happens to love airplanes), I decided it was the perfect moment to give Spirit another chance

I booked their Spirit First product, which included:

• A Big Front Seat offering near-first-class comfort

• Free Wi-Fi

• One checked bag and one carry-on

• Priority boarding

• Complimentary drinks and snacks

For the first time, I felt like Spirit had created something not just cheap, but thoughtful.

“I was amazed at how civilized the experience was. The anxiety-producing elements that had kept me from booking Spirit in the past seemed to melt away.”

Booking to Boarding: Ease All the Way

Booking through the Spirit app was simple, with clear options and updates. At Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, the priority check-in line was short and efficient, and TSA took less than five minutes with Clear PreCheck just steps away.

At the gate, the boarding process was orderly and calm. My Group 1 boarding privilege meant stepping onto the aircraft without the usual stress of crowded jetbridges.

In the Air

The Big Front Seat offered near-first-class comfort at a fraction of the price. What makes it especially smart is how Spirit has implemented it. Unlike other airlines, Spirit doesn’t wall off these seats behind a curtain or dedicate separate galleys and service carts that eat into space. Instead, the seats are seamlessly integrated into the same cabin, with the same crew and service elements.

The only difference? For Spirit First customers, snacks and drinks are complimentary rather than for purchase, and Wi-Fi is free (via a redeem code stored in the Spirit app). It’s a clever, cost-conscious way to provide near-first-class comfort without adding unnecessary complexity or alienating other passengers.

Now, let’s be honest: you won’t get hot meals or some of the frills that legacy airlines provide in their first-class cabins. But if you can make do without those extras, Spirit delivers a product that feels civilized, fair, and refreshingly accessible.

Even with a two-hour delay on my return flight, the airline communicated clearly, and the experience felt measured rather than frustrating.

The Opportunity Ahead

Spirit’s shift is especially relevant in today’s market. Major carriers are focusing on high-spend customers, often raising fares and tailoring their strategies around premium travelers. That leaves space for airlines like Spirit to redefine what ultra-low-cost means—by adding just enough premium amenities for those who want them, creating ease without exclusion.

This isn’t just a survival strategy; it’s potentially a lucrative niche. Travelers who don’t want to pay thousands for premium cabins but also don’t want to endure rock-bottom discomfort are looking for alternatives. Spirit has a chance to serve them—if they’re given enough time to prove this new model.

Cheering Them On

Spirit’s challenges are real, and its runway for recovery is short. But after experiencing this new approach firsthand, I sincerely hope they get the time they need to succeed.

Because as my recent trip proved, there’s a place in the market—and in the hearts of travelers—for an airline that treats affordability and civility as equally important. And if Spirit continues weaving premium touches into an accessible product—like their clever, cost-conscious Big Front Seat offering near-first-class comfort—they could be the ones to claim that space.