Jetblue Vs Spirit: How Do The Airlines Compare On Price, Amenities, And More
With airfare on the rise, travelers are looking to stretch their dollars and find budget-friendly flights to their destinations. Two low-cost carriers often come up in search results: JetBlue and Spirit. But these airlines take very different approaches to budget travel.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: JetBlue offers more amenities than Spirit for a bit more money, while Spirit has some of the lowest base fares but charges fees for almost everything beyond a seat.
In this comprehensive, 3000-word guide, we will compare JetBlue and Spirit across price, routes, cabin comfort, amenities, fees, and overall flyer experience. We’ll help you decide which airline fits best for your next trip.
Cost and Affordability
One of the key factors that travelers consider when choosing an airline is the cost and affordability of their flights. Let’s compare JetBlue and Spirit Airlines in terms of their base fares, fees, and sales and deals to see which one offers a more budget-friendly option.
Base Fares
When it comes to base fares, JetBlue and Spirit have different pricing strategies. JetBlue tends to offer slightly higher base fares compared to Spirit. However, it’s important to note that JetBlue includes certain amenities in their base fares, such as free Wi-Fi and in-flight entertainment, which may justify the higher price for some travelers.
On the other hand, Spirit Airlines is known for their ultra-low-cost model, offering extremely low base fares but charging for additional services and amenities.
Fees
Both JetBlue and Spirit Airlines charge fees for additional services and amenities beyond the base fare. However, Spirit is notorious for its extensive list of fees, including fees for carry-on bags, checked bags, seat selection, and even boarding passes printed at the airport.
These fees can add up quickly and significantly increase the overall cost of your flight with Spirit. In contrast, JetBlue has a more transparent fee structure and generally offers more included amenities, reducing the need for additional fees.
Sales and Deals
Both JetBlue and Spirit Airlines frequently offer sales and deals that can make their flights more affordable. JetBlue often has promotions and flash sales, offering discounted fares on select routes for a limited time.
They also have a TrueBlue loyalty program that allows members to earn points towards future flights. Spirit Airlines, on the other hand, is known for their “Bare Fare” deals, which offer extremely low base fares but exclude any additional services or amenities.
These deals can be a great option for budget-conscious travelers who don’t mind sacrificing certain comforts.
It’s important to note that prices and deals can vary depending on the route, time of booking, and other factors. It’s always a good idea to compare prices and check for any ongoing promotions or discounts on the official websites of both airlines.
Route Maps and Flight Options
When comparing JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, one important aspect to consider is their route maps and flight options. Let’s take a closer look at how these two airlines fare in terms of the number of destinations/routes, international vs domestic flights, and nonstop flight options.
Number of Destinations/Routes
JetBlue is known for its extensive network of destinations, offering flights to over 100 destinations across the United States, Caribbean, and Latin America. With such a wide range of options, JetBlue provides travelers with great flexibility when choosing their next getaway.
Spirit Airlines, on the other hand, focuses on serving major cities and popular vacation destinations. While their route map is not as extensive as JetBlue’s, they still offer flights to over 70 destinations across the United States, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
According to recent statistics, JetBlue operates approximately 1000 daily flights, while Spirit Airlines operates around 600 daily flights.
International vs Domestic
JetBlue has a strong presence in both the domestic and international markets. They offer flights to several international destinations, including Mexico, the Caribbean, and select cities in South America.
This makes JetBlue a great choice for travelers looking to explore beyond the borders of the United States.
Spirit Airlines, on the other hand, primarily focuses on domestic flights. While they do offer a few international routes, including destinations in Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central America, their main focus remains on serving domestic travelers.
Nonstop Flights
Both JetBlue and Spirit Airlines offer nonstop flight options, allowing passengers to reach their destination without any layovers. JetBlue is known for its extensive nonstop flight network, providing travelers with convenient direct routes to many cities.
Spirit Airlines also offers nonstop flights on select routes, allowing passengers to reach their destination quickly and efficiently.
It’s worth noting that while JetBlue focuses on providing a more premium experience with features such as extra legroom and in-flight entertainment, Spirit Airlines offers a no-frills, low-cost approach to air travel.
This means that while Spirit may not offer as many amenities as JetBlue, they often provide more affordable ticket prices.
When choosing between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines, it’s important to consider your specific travel needs and preferences. If you prioritize a wide range of destinations and international flights, JetBlue may be the better option for you.
On the other hand, if budget-friendly fares and nonstop flight options are more important, Spirit Airlines could be a great choice.
Cabins and Onboard Amenities
Seats and Legroom
When it comes to seats and legroom, JetBlue and Spirit offer different experiences. JetBlue is known for its spacious and comfortable seats, with ample legroom even in their economy class cabins. Their seats are designed with customer comfort in mind, offering adjustable headrests and ample recline.
On the other hand, Spirit Airlines offers more basic seating options with less legroom. Their seats are designed to maximize capacity and are generally more compact. If you’re looking for extra space and comfort during your flight, JetBlue might be the better choice.
Inflight Entertainment
If you enjoy being entertained during your flight, JetBlue has the upper hand. They offer a wide range of inflight entertainment options, including live TV, movies, and popular TV shows. Their seatback screens provide a personal entertainment experience for each passenger.
Spirit Airlines, on the other hand, does not offer seatback screens or a wide selection of entertainment options. However, they do provide access to Wi-Fi for streaming on personal devices.
WiFi Access
Both JetBlue and Spirit Airlines offer Wi-Fi access on their flights. JetBlue provides complimentary Wi-Fi to all passengers, making it easy to stay connected and browse the internet during your flight. Spirit Airlines, on the other hand, offers Wi-Fi for a fee.
While it’s convenient to have Wi-Fi access onboard, it’s important to note that the quality and speed of the connection may vary.
Food and Drinks
When it comes to food and drinks, JetBlue stands out with its complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages offered on all flights. They also provide a wider range of food options for purchase, including fresh meals and alcoholic beverages.
On the other hand, Spirit Airlines is known for its “Bare Fare” pricing model, which means that food and drinks are not included in the ticket price. Passengers can purchase snacks and beverages onboard, but they should be prepared for a more limited selection.
Booking and Travel Policies
Change and Cancellation Policies
When it comes to change and cancellation policies, JetBlue and Spirit have some key differences. JetBlue offers more flexibility, allowing passengers to make changes to their bookings without incurring hefty fees.
They also offer refunds for cancellations, although the amount may vary depending on the fare type. On the other hand, Spirit Airlines has a more strict policy. They charge fees for changes and cancellations, and refunds are only given in the form of credit for future travel.
It’s important for travelers to carefully consider their plans before booking with either airline and to familiarize themselves with the specific policies of each carrier.
Baggage Allowances and Fees
Baggage allowances and fees can have a significant impact on the overall cost of a flight. JetBlue offers a complimentary carry-on bag and personal item for all passengers, and they also include one checked bag free of charge for most fares.
Additional checked bags and overweight or oversized items may incur fees.
Spirit Airlines, on the other hand, has a more à la carte approach to baggage. They charge for both carry-on and checked bags, and the fees can vary depending on factors such as the route, the time of booking, and the size of the bag.
Passengers can save money by purchasing baggage allowances in advance or by traveling with only a personal item that fits under the seat.
It’s worth noting that both airlines have weight and size restrictions for bags, so it’s important to review their policies and pack accordingly to avoid any additional fees.
Frequent Flyer Programs
Frequent flyer programs can be a great way for travelers to earn rewards and enjoy additional benefits. JetBlue has their TrueBlue program, which allows members to earn points for flights and other eligible purchases. These points can be redeemed for free flights, upgrades, and other perks.
JetBlue also offers a credit card that can help members earn points faster.
Spirit Airlines has their Free Spirit program, which operates on a points-based system as well. Members can earn points through flights and by utilizing the airline’s partners. These points can be redeemed for flights, seat selection, and other benefits.
Spirit also offers a co-branded credit card to help members earn points more quickly.
It’s important for travelers to compare the benefits and requirements of each frequent flyer program to determine which one aligns best with their travel preferences and goals.
Customer Satisfaction and Flyer Reviews
On-time Performance Records
When it comes to on-time performance, both JetBlue and Spirit have their own track records. According to recent statistics, JetBlue has consistently maintained a higher on-time performance rate compared to Spirit.
This means that JetBlue flights are more likely to depart and arrive on schedule, reducing the chances of delays and inconvenience for passengers. On the other hand, Spirit has been known to have a slightly lower on-time performance rate, which can be attributed to several factors such as their business model and fleet size.
Passenger Complaint Statistics
Passenger complaints can provide valuable insights into the overall customer satisfaction of an airline. In this aspect, JetBlue has generally received fewer passenger complaints compared to Spirit. This can be attributed to JetBlue’s commitment to customer service and their efforts to create a positive flying experience.
Spirit, on the other hand, has been known to receive more complaints, particularly related to their strict baggage policies and customer service issues. However, it’s important to note that passenger complaints can vary and may not necessarily reflect the overall experience of all customers.
Expert Reviews and Recommendations
Expert reviews and recommendations from travel professionals can also shed light on the customer satisfaction levels of airlines. According to various travel experts, JetBlue consistently receives positive reviews for their comfortable seating, in-flight entertainment options, and overall customer service.
Spirit, on the other hand, is often criticized for their no-frills approach and additional fees for amenities that are typically included in the ticket price of other airlines. However, it’s worth mentioning that some travelers appreciate Spirit’s low-cost options and are willing to compromise on certain amenities in exchange for a cheaper fare.
It’s important to consider that customer satisfaction can vary from person to person, and individual experiences may differ. It’s advisable for travelers to consider their own preferences and priorities when choosing between JetBlue and Spirit.
Additionally, it can be helpful to read reviews and recommendations from trusted sources, such as reputable travel websites like TripAdvisor and Skytrax, to gather more information before making a decision.
Conclusion
JetBlue and Spirit take very different approaches to budget air travel. JetBlue focuses more on amenities and service while Spirit sticks to an ultra-low-cost model. It comes down to your travel priorities – if getting the absolute lowest fare is most important, Spirit may be your best bet even with all the additional fees.
But JetBlue offers more legroom, entertainment, free snacks and drinks, and generally more convenience, albeit for a higher ticket price.
Hopefully this guide has helped break down the key differences between these two low-cost carriers. Safe travels on your next airline adventure!
