Just days after Southwest Airlines announced plans to make big changes to its operations, Spirit Airlines is looking to up its game.
The discount carrier on Tuesday announced a slew of new travel options, including one where fliers can pay extra to ensure the seat next to them is empty.
“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, in a statement.
The “Go Comfy” option ensures you won’t have to fight anyone for the armrest, as the middle seat in the row will remain unoccupied. Fliers who choose this option will also be able to check one bag, bring one carry-on, and receive priority boarding as well as a snack and nonalcoholic beverage.
Spirit is launching a business-class option, too, of sorts. “Go Big” will give passengers access to one of the plane’s larger seats in the front of the cabin, which are roomier, offer more legroom, and come with additional cushioning. Go Big passengers will be able to check one bag and bring one carry-on, and will receive snacks and drinks, including alcohol, as well as priority boarding.
The new options can be booked starting Aug. 16, with service beginning on Aug. 27.
Spirit has struggled financially since before the pandemic. The carrier has not reported an annual profit since 2019, while its larger competitors such as Delta, United, and American have seen record revenues. Attempts to find a merger partner failed, despite agreements with Frontier Airlines, then JetBlue, after a federal judge ruled the deal would reduce competition.
Southwest, another discount carrier that has seen its profit margins shrink recently, announced last week that it would do away with its open seating policy, to lure back passengers who have opted for competitors.