Cira

I will be on a flight from Fort Lauderdale to Dallas Fort Worth, and then on the way back, DFW to FLL.
I am wondering if with Spirit airlines, if a traveler is allowed to deplane when the layover is one hour?
I arrive at Terminal 4 and departure at Terminal E. I do not wish to assume that these aren't one and the same (example: Terminal E4)...have looked at map of DFW airport where Spirit is at, and have only seen E4 - not 4 or E independently of each other. Any help would be appreciated. Cannot get a rep at Spirit or at the DFW airport for assistance. Thanks in advance.

BigRuss

There is no terminal 4 in DFW. The terminals are lettered. Spirit is at E.

rncheryl

Make sure you have checked customer service ratings for Spirit.

Cira

I am always concerned about these allegedly more "inexpensive" airlines. A family member purchased the tickets and without looking at customer service ratings, I can honestly tell you, I am already distressed about going. Thanks.

Dukey1

Spirit simply charges for about anything it can use to generate so-called "ancillary revenue" and believe me, lots of airlines do it and last year the so-called "legacy carriers" made billions doing so.

Spirit leaves from Terminal 4 here in Fort Lauderdale.

NewbE

Why are you distressed? Is it essential that you deplane during the layover?

My advice is, plan for not being able to deplane.

Dukey1

Right! Check those ratings so you can worry yourself to death.

DebitNM

Where/what city is the layover? Do you stay on same aircraft or change planes; I am guessing you stay on same plane.

It is likely that you will not be able to deplane with just 1 hour time between flights. By the time the plane empties and they do a through count, they will likely be starting check in at about -30 minutes.

elbegewa

Both "Layover" or "stop" usually mean a change in planes.

I just checked the Spirit schedule on the web for a random day. (WARNING: the schedule could well be greatly different from your day.)

It lists 4 possible flights on that random day. 2 of them are listed as non-stop ... you would not have to leave the plane until you get to DFW.

2 others are listed as "1 stop". When looking at that schedule on that random day the "stop" is Orlando. But there, you change planes (to another plane with a different flight number and the aircraft shown is different.) At that "stop" on Orlando you would have to hustle yourself and your carry-on luggage to a different plane.

Cira

I would not change planes. There is a one hour "break" between the plane arriving and departing. Same plane, same seats. I thought the same thing, by the time I de-plane, it's time to get back on. Just don't want to sit in those Spirit seats (which I later found out about), for yet another hour. Layover in DFW

mlgb

YOu can pay extra to get one of the bigger seats on Spirit. it isn't that much more.

The biggest issue with Spirit is how they deal with cancellations and rebookings. From what I experienced the planes are no worse than what you get on any legacy airline and the service may even be better.

BeachGirl247

I flew Spirit out of DFW several years ago. They are not very accommodating and I'm sure they will let you know if you are allowed to deplane or not after landing.

Frankly, with them, I'm not sure I would feel comfortable leaving the plane unless I had an issue with the close quarters and then stayed at the gate just to stretch my legs. I definitely would not leave the gate. They might sell you seat (Kidding!).

They will let you know if you can deplane or not. Just don't go down to Chili's and order a super-sized margarita or you may not make it back. ;-)

Cira

I ended up NOT deplaning. There was about a 45 minute difference and between the time other passengers deplane, to when they come in to "clean up" the plane to when new passengers get on, it was real quick.

One thing about the seats, I felt like I was sitting on a ROCK. NO cushion at all, not even on the BIG SEATS (which I tried out as everyone had deplaned). I think that if I fly 2 hours or more next time I would pay for the BIG SEATS, otherwise, get the exit row. The leg room was amazing, but tight in width. The other passengers were just crushed like sardines. Amazing how small they have made the seating "area". Anyway, at least on my 4 planes, I had no other issues. No cancellations, no delays, no rude employees, nothing. Quick and professional. I'll advise if there is a next time. Thanks to all for your kind responses.