Spirit Airlines, often ridiculed for its ultra-budget service, is gaining surprising support as travelers shift their focus to safety. Known for its tiny seats, frequent delays, baggage fees, and lack of complimentary snacks and drinks, Spirit has long been the subject of internet memes. However, its safety record has recently earned praise online, especially in comparison to larger airlines like American and Delta, which have faced recent accidents involving Boeing-built planes.
Spirit’s all-Airbus fleet has drawn attention, particularly in light of concerns about Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft after high-profile crashes. Some passengers, like 31-year-old Natalie Haddad from Los Angeles, express their preference for Spirit due to the airline’s avoidance of the Boeing 737 Max 9, citing safety concerns raised by documentaries and recent incidents involving Boeing planes. “Even if the Spirit flight is the same price as American, Delta, and United, I’m going to fly Spirit,” Haddad said, explaining she feels safer on Spirit’s planes.
Despite Spirit’s controversial reputation, no fatal plane crashes have been reported in the airline’s history, making it a safer option for some travelers. This has been highlighted in viral social media posts, with one TikTok video amassing over 700,000 views pointing out Spirit’s safety record. Spirit’s spokesperson reiterated that safety is their top priority and that air travel, in general, remains the safest form of transportation.
Safety experts, including Kristy Kiernan of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, maintain that all U.S. airlines, including Spirit, are subject to stringent safety regulations, and flight incidents are often a result of a variety of factors rather than airline or aircraft type alone. Kiernan emphasized that the risk of flying in the U.S. is very low, regardless of the airline or aircraft.
While Spirit’s safety record is notable, its popularity remains tied to its budget fares. The airline operates fewer daily flights than major carriers like Delta, making it harder to assess whether Spirit is objectively safer. Still, many passengers feel more secure on Spirit due to its safety reputation.
Flight anxiety is also a factor in passengers’ preferences. Some people, like Haddad, who is generally anxious about flying, choose airlines that give them a sense of safety and comfort. Flight anxiety isn’t typically linked to a single incident but is often a deeper, ongoing concern for some travelers.
Spirit Airlines, despite its loyal fanbase, faces uncertain financial prospects. The airline filed for bankruptcy in November due to financial difficulties, including unaffordable debt and increasing competition. It’s also struggling to merge with other airlines, with a potential JetBlue merger blocked by a federal judge. Spirit is continuing operations but has been delisted from the stock market and cut 200 jobs. The airline expects to emerge from bankruptcy in early 2025, though its future remains in question.
