Should You Fly Spirit Airlines? Safety, Ratings & Reviews

The good news is that Spirit excels in passenger safety. It has historically maintained one of the most impeccable safety records in the aviation industry, paired with highly affordable base fares. But for those looking for free snacks, complimentary legroom, or flexible scheduling, no, it falls short. Spirit Airlines is famous for two things: incredibly low ticket prices and its bare-bones service, meaning you only pay for your base fare and a personal item.

Founded in 1980 as Charter One Airlines before rebranding in 1992, Spirit completely transformed people’s mindset about “Is Spirit Airlines Safe?” They pioneered the Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC) model in the United States, proving that millions of people were willing to trade luxury for an ultra-cheap ticket.

The Golden Rule of Aviation: Safety is Not a Luxury

One of the biggest misconceptions about budget airlines is that lower fares come with lower safety standards. In reality, airfare and aviation safety are two completely different things. Whether you buy a premium ticket on a legacy carrier or a bargain seat on a budget airline, every single commercial operator in the United States must comply with the exact same federal regulations, known as 14 CFR Part 121. Under these laws, safety standards are entirely non-negotiable.

• The pilots must have the same high level of training.
• The airplanes must pass the same exact maintenance checks.
• The routes are guided by the same air traffic controllers.

Spirit Airlines keeps fares low by offering a no-frills travel experience in which passengers pay separately for extras such as checked baggage, seat selection, onboard refreshments, and priority boarding, but they cannot legally opt out of safety regulations to save a dollar.

Decades of Flying with a Spotless Safety Record 

When assessing an airline’s safety, one of the most important factors to consider is its long-term safety record. Spirit Airlines has been operating scheduled passenger flights for decades and has built a strong reputation for meeting U.S. aviation safety standards.

Notably, Spirit Airlines has never experienced a fatal passenger crash in its history. Since rebranding as Spirit Airlines in 1992, the carrier has transported millions of passengers across thousands of domestic and international flights while maintaining a fatality-free record in scheduled passenger operations. 

Like every major airline, Spirit has experienced occasional incidents, such as weather-related diversions, mechanical issues, or precautionary landings. However, these events are investigated and handled in accordance with strict aviation safety protocols and are not uncommon in the commercial airline industry. 

Spirit Airlines Certifications and Audits

Spirit Airlines strong safety record is supported by continuous oversight, regular maintenance, and compliance with both U.S. and international aviation standards. The airline is subject to routine inspections and safety audits that help ensure its operations meet strict industry requirements.

FAA Diamond Award of Excellence

Spirit Airlines has received the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) Diamond Award of Excellence multiple times. This recognition is awarded to organizations whose eligible maintenance technicians complete the FAA’s annual training requirements, demonstrating an ongoing commitment to technical knowledge and aircraft maintenance.

Although the award highlights the airline’s dedication to maintenance training, it is important to note that it recognizes technician education and professional development rather than serving as an overall airline safety rating.

IOSA Certification

Spirit Airlines is registered under the IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA), an internationally recognized safety evaluation program administered by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The IOSA program assesses an airline’s operational management and safety systems across multiple areas, including flight operations, aircraft maintenance, cabin operations, dispatch, and ground handling.

Maintaining IOSA registration demonstrates that Spirit Airlines meets globally accepted operational safety standards and undergoes periodic audits to ensure continued compliance.

Continuous Regulatory Oversight

In addition to voluntary industry programs, Spirit Airlines operates under the continuous oversight of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The agency monitors commercial airlines through regular inspections, maintenance reviews, pilot qualification requirements, and operational audits to ensure compliance with federal aviation regulations.

As a result, Spirit Airlines is required to maintain the same level of regulatory compliance as every other U.S. commercial airline, regardless of its low-cost business model.

Independent Safety Rankings

Several independent organizations evaluate airlines using factors such as safety history, fleet age, regulatory compliance, and operational performance. Spirit Airlines has generally performed well in these assessments, reflecting its adherence to industry safety standards. However, rankings may vary depending on the organization and the evaluation criteria used, so they should be viewed as one of several indicators rather than a definitive measure of airline safety. 

Young and Modern Fleet

A very common myth is that low-cost airlines buy old, rundown planes to save money. With Spirit, the exact opposite is true. Spirit Airlines flies an all-Airbus fleet, primarily consisting of the Airbus A320, A321, and the highly efficient A320neo family.

Metric	Spirit Airlines Fleet Details
Aircraft Manufacturer	100% Airbus (No Boeing aircraft)
Average Fleet Age	~6 years old (One of the youngest in the US)
Primary Models	Airbus A320, A321, A320neo, A321neo

Why Does a Young Fleet Matter for Your Safety?

One factor that contributes to an airline’s operational reliability is the age of its aircraft. Spirit Airlines primarily operates a relatively young fleet, which offers several practical advantages. 

• Modern Safety Technology: Newer aircraft are equipped with advanced navigation systems, weather radar, flight management systems, and enhanced safety features that support safer, more efficient operations.
  
• Improved Reliability: Although every aircraft must undergo regular inspections and maintenance, newer planes generally require fewer age-related repairs and may experience fewer mechanical issues associated with long-term wear and tear.
  
• Better Fuel Efficiency: Modern aircraft consume less fuel and emit less than older models. Spirit Airlines benefits from these fuel-efficient aircraft, enabling it to reduce operating costs while maintaining compliance with strict safety and maintenance requirements.

Why Does Spirit Airlines Have a Mixed Reputation? 

Spirit Airlines has a mixed reputation because of its budget business model, not because of its safety. It operates as an Ultra Low-Cost Carrier (ULCC), meaning it offers low base fares while charging separately for optional services.

Because of this business model, some travelers may experience:

• Additional Fees: Passengers unfamiliar with Spirit’s fare structure may be surprised by baggage, seat selection, or other optional service charges if they don’t review the airline’s rules before booking.
  
• Limited Legroom: To keep fares competitive, Spirit’s aircraft are configured with more seats than many full-service airlines. While this can make the cabin feel less spacious, it does not affect the airline’s safety standards.
  
• Customer Service and Delays: During severe weather or operational disruptions, budget airlines may have fewer spare aircraft and crew available than larger network carriers, which can sometimes result in longer delays or schedule changes.

These factors often lead to negative customer reviews and viral social media posts. However, it’s important to distinguish between passenger satisfaction and aviation safety. While travelers may have different opinions about Spirit’s pricing or onboard comfort, the airline remains subject to the same FAA regulations, maintenance requirements, and operational safety standards as every other commercial airline in the United States.

Pilot Training and Maintenance Protocols

Spirit Airlines’ safety depends not only on modern aircraft but also on the people who operate and maintain them. Like all U.S. commercial airlines, Spirit must follow strict federal requirements for pilot qualifications, recurrent training, and aircraft maintenance. 

Spirit’s pilots complete extensive training before flying passengers, including simulator sessions, emergency procedure training, regular proficiency checks, and medical examinations required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In addition, they must meet experience and certification requirements before serving as commercial airline pilots.

Furthermore, Spirit’s maintenance teams follow strict schedules dictated by Airbus and closely monitored by the FAA. If a plane has even a minor, non-critical technical sensor warning, it is grounded until a certified mechanic signs off on it. This is why you will sometimes experience a maintenance delay on Spirit, which is a sign that their safety checks are working exactly as they should.

Conclusion

Overall, is Spirit Airlines safe? Yes, absolutely. Spirit Airlines is known for its low fares and basic service, but it follows the same FAA safety rules and regulations as every other major U.S. airline. With a modern Airbus fleet, strict maintenance programs, and well-trained pilots and crew, the airline maintains a strong safety record.

Most complaints about Spirit involve baggage fees, limited legroom, and fewer onboard amenities—not safety. If you’re looking for an affordable flight and don’t mind a no-frills travel experience, Spirit Airlines is a safe and reliable option.

FAQS!