[Schuttzie]

Good morning, Everyone!

Has anyone had any experience flying with them? They have outrageous baggage fees but the prices I found were still low enough to make it worth it.  I found their website had the lowest price which shocked me because that has never happened with me before.  I think I'll call also, to see if I can get a cheaper price.

Any thoughts?
 

[Kandm]

I flew them once to JA from Fort Lauderdale and swore I would NEVER fly them again. I should add that it was in the very early stages for them, so perhaps they have gotten better. But at the time organized chaos best decribed the check in process, and by the time they nickled and dimed with all their fees, and charges it wasnt as big a savings as first appeared. In addition, both in going and out going flights were delayed over 2 hours for mechanical issues and we heard complaints from some on our flight that many people missed connections becuase of their delays and the customer service in getting them to the final destination left a lot to be desired.
Again this was back in like 2006 so maybe things have improved but it was such a pain that the savings would have to be in the hundreds for me to consider using them again. I should also add that 60 minutes just recently did a piece on them where the CEO did address the customer service complaints so it appears it is something they are trying to improve. 
 

 

[rastagirl777]

Don't be fooled by the fares you see posted.  Remember to add in all the other "fees" they charge - seat selection (yeah, you pay to pre-select your seat), carryon bags, checked bags - I think you'll see when you add this all up they are actually more expensive than other carriers that do not charge for carry on bags or seat selection.
 

[kylake]

Ditto what Rasta said, when you carefully check all the added fees the savings is not very much if any.
Does Southwest fly in your area? If so check with Southwest as they now fly to Jamaica with TransAir.
We just did that and saved about $200 per seat (over Delta, AA, or US Air) on our recent trip. Currently you cannot do online checkin but it all went pretty smoothly with a stop in Orlando to catch the TransAir onward to Jamaica.
 

[Schuttzie]

Thank you, both for responding.  I was aware of the extra fees but now I've read some online reviews and they are not good so I think I'll try something else.  Thanks, for the tips!
 

[mamade11]

Schuttzie - I know I'm in the minority, but I only use Spirit to get to Jamaica.  The extras don't always have to be paid.  A check bag - yes no way around it.  You cannot take a carry on unless you pay - but you get a "personal" item which I take a soft gym bag and get alot of stuff in it.  Seats - I have never paid for a seat in 7 trips - I get there early and ask for something better (no charge then)  We have never been split up with the free seats.  I fly out of a small airport, so that could be why I don't have problems, but have to switch in Ft. Lauderdale every trip.  I actually fly on miles most of my trips, but even when I have paid, I usually save well over $100 from flights out of Phila.  Granted, no drinks or snacks for free, but that's not really an issue with us.
 

[sammyb]

I flew with them in the early stages and swore never again....they tried to leave me stranded in Jamaica told me to come back three days later for a flight, no meals no hotel no nothing...I acted a fool and was sent to RIU it was a complete and total mess I had to fight for a refund....but as they say never say never....fast forward about two years and here lately it's who I mostly use for Ja flights, so far so good, and even with the bag fees (you have to travel light) it's still about $150 less than other airlines and they get me into Mobay early, even the Kingston flights are much better than the other airlines.  I would say have an open mind, and make sure you add up all fees before you book.  Carry on I believe is $45, checked bag $40 and you are only allowed 40 pounds.  I don't pay for a seat and I have always gotten what I wanted, just asked nicely.  Oh, ask for a cup of ice and just suck on, that it's free =)  And yes, their website is most always less than say travelocity.com.  Good luck!

[kaycee]

Don't do it...if it's avoidable. They charge for everything! Yeah flights are cheap but they make their money by charging for every little thing.

[rootswoman]

are you thoroughly confuse now Shutz?
its like reading yelp! Help!

 

[wendy]

I just booked my august vaca with cheapoair ! saved money BIG TIME using them than my usual carrier Delta around $300 saved. Not use to the different city layovers but who the heck cares...using Usairways, they better be good crossing fingers