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Spirit Airlines to abolish reclining seats
It looks like the "recline or don't recline" issue can finally be put to bed. Spirit Airlines, the budget carrier famous for charging for overhead bin space, racy ad campaigns and general disdain for all passenger comforts has just started rolling out aircraft bereft of reclining seats.
Citing extra space and lower weight, the airline claims that this will help passengers save money by keeping prices low. But in reality, it's just another stunt to cram as many passengers as possible into the already crowded, fee-riddled aircraft. The Sun Sentinel has more details on the upcoming plan below.
Citing extra space and lower weight, the airline claims that this will help passengers save money by keeping prices low. But in reality, it's just another stunt to cram as many passengers as possible into the already crowded, fee-riddled aircraft. The Sun Sentinel has more details on the upcoming plan below.
Reader Comments (Page 4 of 8)
Rick Apr 22nd 2010 4:54PM
I stopped flying Spirit a few years ago, I wouldn't fly on Spirit if the ticket was free. Seats were way to close together,no leg room, feel like cattle stuffed in a cabin. Now they charge for carry on and have no reclining seats, who in their right mind would be interesed in flying them?? I'd rather stay at home or walk before i used Spirit for travel.
jim Apr 22nd 2010 5:02PM
I'm all for no reclining seats. It's cramped enough, but when the seat in front you gets slammed back into your knees, it's too cramped. I'll take the extra few inches of legroom with no reclining seats.
Harry Hurt Apr 22nd 2010 4:59PM
Is the name SPIRIT in reference to the spirit of flight, or the angel of death? Keep the reclining seats. Some people get claustrophobia on airliners.
v Apr 22nd 2010 5:03PM
I fly alot though usually International my average flight is 14 hours in the air. The day that any of the airlines I fly decides to get rid of reclining seats I will simply buy a ticket on another airline. I dont fly Spirit often but when I do I always upgrade. To me its worth the extra few bucks to have the wider seat and be a bit more comfortable...even if its only a few hours of flight.
bazel Apr 22nd 2010 6:22PM
I like a seat that reclines... when you're shorter, the headrest makes your head tilt down and it's quite uncomfortable for flights longer than an hour. I think the airlines have squeezed out the leg room to the "ridiculous" state. I'd say this airline is going the wrong way... get rid of some of the stupid middle management and put your money back toward customer satisfaction. I would love to have one of the CEOs or COOs do Undercover Boss and even try to endure a flight as one of their customers in these uncomfortable seats for 2-3 hrs. I'd say the top is out of touch.
mwb Apr 22nd 2010 5:04PM
Good bye Spirit!!! You will be out of business soon enough with your stupid choices!!!
DJ Apr 22nd 2010 5:09PM
I agree with 2nd paragraph
of article !!!
Rubin Apr 22nd 2010 5:09PM
Reclining seats, are for reclining, being considerate for the person in back of you, is for a thoughtful person. I don't recline my seat, we are packed in there like sardines as it is. A fat person has a right to fly, just like a drug addict, a smoker.... Majority of the time you will find a heavier person a lot more sociable and nice to talk to then some of the others. My pet peeve....people who smoke and you have to smell their nasty breath on you. People who drink beer, again, you have to smell their nasty breath on you, people who eat garlic before the trip, again you have to smell their nasty breath on you! Oh no, the person that smokes, drinks and eats garlic! They could do something about it, and not have any of that stuff before the flight. So, give me the fat person, I will be happy to pull the arm rest up and not have to smell those nasty smells!
Colleen Apr 22nd 2010 5:23PM
The last time I flew Spirit (and that was indeed and forever more the LAST time) the plane was packed tight. The person in front of me reclined his seat. My seat did not recline because I was in the aisle in front of the emergency aisle. I swear I could have done dental work on him or cut his hair!
Amie Schantz Apr 22nd 2010 5:15PM
I think that Spirit must really wish to become a cargo only airline. If you want to charge passengers for nearly every item they bring and are not at all concerned with their comfort - what could be better than carrying planeloads of cargo? Then they can do away with those pesky creature comforts, and would save on the need to have flight attendants.
Thed Apr 22nd 2010 5:17PM
You people just don't get it. If you are unhappy with the airline, don't fly with them. Take the bus or train, or another airline. The American traveler has become an obnoxiuos, overdemanding, spoiled,complaining jerk.
Rubin Apr 22nd 2010 5:25PM
Yep, it is very simple. I drive places a lot more, or fly an airline I like, Midwest, which might change too.
Daniella Apr 22nd 2010 5:28PM
This is good for me. I always stuff my carry on bag in the seat under the seat in front of me to block the recline feature. I am already smushed next to the people on the sides of me, why should I have the person in front of me 3 inches from my nose. I don't need less personal space because the person in front of me wants to be all spralled out.
Jaki Apr 22nd 2010 5:42PM
I have a serious back problem, it is VERY painful for me to sit in the upright position. As soon as I can, I recline that seat to relieve some of the pain. Seated that long period creates extra pain for me. I only fly a few times a year anymore due to the pain it causes me. I really don't see the problem with seats reclining to start with, they only recline about an inch or two anymore, and I have never had any problem with the person in front of me reclining. I won't be flying Spirit airlines and I am sure many others are not either. Soon there will be no Spirit airlines. Sorry about your jobs folks, but the changes are driving away customers. Talk to your employers and get them to make changes to try to save your jobs instead of losing them.
Ralph Apr 22nd 2010 5:54PM
Another plus for Spirit. Very seldom have I reclined my seat to give the person behind me as much comfort space as possible. I know that there are others who could care less about anyone else's comfort but their own. From a comment I saw earlier the person commented that if a person didn't like the person in front of them reclining their seat that they should fly first class. If I could afford it I would. In fact I have tried to buy two seats together in coach for myself. One time the flight attendent wouldn't let me do that. I didn't argue to much for fear of being misinterpreted as a trouble maker and arrested. But needless to say I do not fly that airlines anymore.
esrom Apr 22nd 2010 6:02PM
This, if for no other reason, would encourage me to travel with this airline. I spent uncounted hours in the air in Europe and South America, and it is unbelievable how rude people can be. They just dump their seat in your lap without any concern whatsoever, and don't even bother to put it up on take-off and landing, and the stewardi don't seem the least bit concerned.
Paul Apr 22nd 2010 6:14PM
For all of you out their that say Southwest has a "cattlecall" approach to boarding, well do I have a NEWS FLASH for you. Southwest has NEVER assigned a single seat since June of 1971, and guess what?, they still continue to make money. Today they came out with their quarterly profits, and yes again, they made money, not much, $11 millions dollars, compared to the HUNDREDS of millions the major carriers lost. Go on, continue to fly the "other" airlines. They charge fees for phone reservations, ticket counter reservations, change fees, baggage fees, aisle fees, emergency exit row seat fees, and the list goes on and on. I will ALWAYS fly Southwest Airlines, one of the safest airlines and the best CUSTOMER SERVICE in the industry
Ronnie Apr 22nd 2010 6:39PM
ABOLISH, "SPIRIT AIRLINES"!! What is this airline??? Sounds like nothing
other than to a CATTLE truck! Just like SOUTHWEST!! MOO!!! BHAAAA!!
OINK! Another CATTLE truck Airline, than only knows, how to move
human "cattle", with their tacky INFLIGHT crews! Making and POKING jokes
AT YOU, YES YOU! Plus you don't even get the fact, that, the crews on
these flights are making FUN of your "tushes"?? lmao!
Southworst crew members, would NEVER know how conduct an INFLIGHT
MEAL service, IF their CEO announced, that they are introducing MEALS
in flight. !@#$%^&*()(*&^%$#@ They would all freak out! You PAY for what
you get!!
I'd like to see Southworst F/A/s serve a TOTAL MEAL service, with REAL FOOD, NOT snacks in economy, and a SEVEN course meal service(If
the had a FIRST CLASS/BUSINESS class CABIN)....Yes, indeed and
the route would be from NYC to LHR(London, England) DINNER!!!
I would PAY, to see THIS reality go down the toilet!! lmao!
Spirit???Has none! BEGONE with them...NEXT????
Paul Apr 22nd 2010 9:01PM
Ronnie, I take it your a F/A for one of the Legacy carriers. Bitter, party of one! Obviously you hate WN with a passion, not sure why. I am a 12 year WN employee and absolutely LUV (our ticker symbol) my airline. Maybe you are jealous that WN has the HIGHEST paid F/A's in the industry (domestic) of course! Yes, we do not serve carted meals, but we do serve snacks on long hauls, and can you balance 15 drinks on a tray in the aisle while experiencing code 4 turbulence? I would LOVE to see that. So why don't you keep your tactless opionions to yourself and leave the humor to us! Oh, and WN made $11 million dollars in the first quarter of 2010. How many millions did your carrier lose? signed, having job security and luving it! Paul L.
Ronnie Apr 22nd 2010 10:10PM
Hey 12 year WN junior.....
YOUR bitterness on my comment, says it all for me!
I NO longer fly for the BEST!. I quit, after, 34 years!
I am making MORE money now, than you will EVER, make
in a lifetime. I don't HATE anything nor anyone.
keep flying Domestiiic, low class, paying wages! I was
Flying, International, ALL over our WORLD, with CLASS.
NOT ingnorance, Hence, Work your ass OFF, for the
rest of your life. WIth little time off.
While, I enjoy my retirement!!! Being a revenue, FULL time PLATINUM
MEMBER, flying, FIRST CLASS, wherever, I I choose to FLY!!
Peel ME a grape,
You angree, JEALOUS, flying, discouraged, depressed F/A! lmao!