telegraph.co.uk
Spirit Airlines: A Budget Carrier's Rise and Fall?
Analysis of Spirit Airlines' business model, financial struggles, and impact on the US airline industry.
English
United Kingdom
Us PoliticsFinancial CrisisAirline IndustryBusiness ModelBudget AirlinesConsumer Complaints
Spirit AirlinesRyanairSouthwest AirlinesEasyjetWizz Air
David FourzanMolly Jo Shea
- What are the common complaints about Spirit Airlines from passengers?
- Many passengers complain about Spirit's extensive extra fees, which can significantly increase the final cost of a flight. However, some find the low base fares and overall reliability acceptable.
- How did Spirit Airlines change the landscape of the US airline industry?
- Spirit Airlines pioneered the practice of charging for carry-on luggage in the US, a model that has become widespread among budget airlines. This strategy, while unpopular, enabled lower base ticket prices.
- What is the significance of Spirit Airlines' story within the context of US aviation?
- While Spirit was not the first budget airline in the US, its aggressive approach to ancillary fees made it a major player in the ultra-low-cost sector. Its success, and current financial struggles, illustrates the challenges of this model.
- What is Spirit Airlines' business model and how is it similar to other budget airlines?
- Spirit Airlines, often compared to Ryanair, is an ultra-low-cost carrier known for its low base fares but high ancillary fees for services like baggage.
- What is the current financial status of Spirit Airlines, and what are some reasons for it?
- The airline's stock has plummeted 90% this year, leading to speculation about potential bankruptcy. Its business model, heavily reliant on extra fees, has drawn significant criticism from consumers.