Spirit Airlines introduces new fare bundles including blocked middle seats

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Spirit Airlines introduces new fare bundles including blocked middle seats

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Mary Kirby Editor and Publisher | Runway Girl Network

By Sky Industry News

Aug 1, 2024

The airline industry frequently follows the lead of competitors, and Florida-based Spirit Airlines is once again responding to a significant change made by its closest rival. Following Frontier Airlines' recent move to bundle fares, reduce fees, and shift upmarket, Spirit has introduced its own fare bundles with some unique modifications.

“We’re unveiling a new era in Spirit’s history and taking low-fare travel to new heights with enhanced options that are unlike anything we’ve offered before,” said Ted Christie, Spirit’s president and CEO.

Spirit's fares are now divided into four distinct bundles. The base option remains the traditional “Go” fare. The “Go Savvy” bundle adds one carry-on or checked bag and standard seat selection.

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The "Go Comfy" bundle includes one personal item, one carry-on, and one checked bag. It also offers priority boarding, seat assignment, a free small snack and non-alcoholic beverage, and notably, a blocked middle seat. This feature seems to be a direct response to Frontier's similar seating option aimed at premium leisure travelers.

Spirit has also enhanced its premium offering with the "Go Big" option. Previously, the Big Front Seat was available only as an ancillary purchase without additional perks. Now central to the Go Big package, it includes free streaming-class Wi-Fi (Thales FlytLIVE powered by SES-17), premium snacks and drinks, and priority check-in at select airports.

Additionally, Spirit has revamped its boarding process with a five-group strategy. Priority boarding will be available for Go Big and Go Comfy passengers as well as certain credit card holders and U.S. service members and their families.

With these new offerings, Spirit aims to present a competitive alternative to domestic First Class fares from major U.S. carriers like American Airlines and United Airlines, which do not offer free Wi-Fi in any class of service.

While pricing details for the new bundles have not been disclosed yet, bookings will open on August 16th. Onboard changes are scheduled to commence on August 27th.

This move comes during challenging times for ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit following its failed merger with JetBlue. It remains to be seen if passengers will embrace Spirit's more premium identity.