Spirit Airlines: Are Comfy Seats Worth It?

Hey guys! Let's dive into the world of budget travel and talk about Spirit Airlines. Now, before you groan, hear me out. We all love a good deal, right? And Spirit often offers rock-bottom fares that can be super tempting. But, as the saying goes, you often get what you pay for. So, the big question is: Are Spirit's 'comfy' seats actually worth the extra cost? And what's the deal with the possibility of a blocked middle seat? Let's break it down and see if we can navigate this budget airline maze together.

What are Spirit's 'Comfy' Seats?

Okay, so first things first, let's define what we're even talking about. Spirit Airlines offers a seating option they call "Big Front Seats." Notice they don't call them 'comfy' seats, but that's how many people refer to them, so we will use that term in this article. These seats are essentially Spirit's version of a first-class or premium economy seat, but don't get too excited – it's still Spirit! These Big Front Seats are located at the front of the plane (hence the name) and offer a few key differences compared to their standard seating. The most noticeable difference is the increased legroom. We're talking about several extra inches, which can make a significant difference on a longer flight. No more feeling like your knees are jammed into the seat in front of you! Another benefit is that they are wider than the standard seats, giving you more space to spread out and relax. Trust me; every inch counts when you're trying to get comfortable on a plane. Now, let's be realistic. These comfy seats aren't going to rival the luxury of a lie-flat seat on a major airline. But they do offer a noticeable improvement over Spirit's notoriously cramped standard seating. If you're tall, have long legs, or simply value personal space, then the extra room could be a game-changer. Think of it as a way to make your budget flight a little more bearable without breaking the bank entirely.

The Middle Seat Mystery

Now, let's address the elephant in the room: the middle seat. Ah, the dreaded middle seat – the bane of every traveler's existence. The question of whether Spirit Airlines blocks the middle seat in their Big Front Seats is a common one. Unfortunately, the answer isn't a straightforward yes or no. Generally, Spirit does not block the middle seat in their Big Front Seats. This means that, yes, you could potentially end up sandwiched between two other passengers, even in the upgraded seating. Ouch! However, there are a few caveats to this. Sometimes, depending on the flight and the number of passengers, the middle seat might remain empty. This is more likely to happen on less popular routes or during off-peak travel times. You can also try your luck at the gate and ask the gate agent if there's any chance of getting an empty middle seat. It's always worth a shot! Keep in mind that Spirit Airlines is all about maximizing revenue, so they're unlikely to block a seat unless they absolutely have to. So, while the Big Front Seats offer more legroom and width, there's no guarantee you'll escape the dreaded middle seat experience. If avoiding the middle seat is your top priority, you might want to consider other airlines or be prepared to pay extra for seat selection on Spirit.

Is it Worth the Upgrade?

Alright, so we've covered what Spirit's 'comfy' seats are all about and addressed the middle seat situation. Now comes the million-dollar question: Is it actually worth upgrading? The answer, as with most things in life, depends on your individual needs and priorities. Let's weigh the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros:

• More Legroom: This is the biggest selling point for most people. If you're tall or simply value being able to stretch out, the extra legroom can make a world of difference, especially on longer flights.
• Wider Seats: The added width provides more personal space, which can make you feel less cramped and more comfortable.
• Priority Boarding: With a Big Front Seat ticket, you typically get priority boarding, which means you can snag overhead bin space and settle in before the crowds.
• Potentially Empty Middle Seat: While not guaranteed, there's always a chance the middle seat will remain empty, giving you even more room to spread out.

Cons:

• Extra Cost: Upgrading to a Big Front Seat will, of course, cost you extra money. The price varies depending on the flight and route, so you'll need to factor that into your budget.
• No Guaranteed Empty Middle Seat: As we've discussed, there's no guarantee you'll get an empty middle seat, so you might end up paying extra for a slightly more comfortable but still potentially cramped experience.
• Still Spirit Airlines: Let's not forget that you're still flying Spirit Airlines. This means you'll still have to pay extra for things like checked bags, carry-on bags, and even snacks and drinks. The upgraded seat doesn't change the overall Spirit experience.

Who Should Consider 'Comfy' Seats?

So, who is the ideal candidate for a Spirit Airlines Big Front Seat upgrade? Here are a few scenarios where it might make sense:

• Tall Travelers: If you're tall and struggle with legroom on standard flights, the extra space can be a lifesaver.
• Long Flights: On longer flights, the added comfort can be worth the extra cost to avoid feeling cramped and uncomfortable for hours on end.
• Special Occasions: If you're celebrating a special occasion or simply want to treat yourself, upgrading to a Big Front Seat can make your travel experience a little more enjoyable.
• Those Who Value Space: If you simply value personal space and don't like feeling crowded, the wider seats can be a worthwhile investment.

Alternatives to 'Comfy' Seats

Okay, so maybe you're not sold on the Big Front Seats, but you still want to make your Spirit Airlines flight a little more bearable. Here are a few alternative strategies to consider:

• Seat Selection: Pay extra to select a specific seat. While it won't give you more legroom, you can at least choose an aisle or window seat to avoid the dreaded middle seat (for a fee, of course!).
• Bring Your Own Comfort Items: Pack a travel pillow, blanket, and eye mask to help you get comfortable. Noise-canceling headphones can also be a lifesaver.
• Strategic Packing: Pack light to avoid having to pay for checked bags or carry-on bags. This will save you money that you can then use on other travel expenses.
• Consider Other Airlines: Depending on the route and dates, it might be worth comparing prices with other airlines to see if you can find a similar fare with more included amenities.

Final Thoughts

Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to upgrade to Spirit Airlines' Big Front Seats is a personal one. There's no right or wrong answer. Weigh the pros and cons, consider your individual needs and priorities, and factor in your budget. If you value legroom, personal space, and priority boarding, and you're willing to pay extra for it, then the upgrade might be worth it. But if you're on a tight budget and don't mind a little discomfort, you can probably stick with the standard seating and save your money for other travel experiences. No matter what you decide, remember to pack your patience, bring your own snacks, and be prepared for the unique experience that is flying Spirit Airlines. Safe travels, everyone!