I usually save my trip reports for the longer haul flights, spanking new airlines or atypical journeys. Basically you won’t see any ink time for WN or USscAIR.

So this is the quickest segment I’ve written a TR for. And it was because I had the pleasure of sampling the service of a new-to-me airline, Spirit Airlines. My wife and I needed a quick, direct way to get to Myrtle Beach from the northeast, and Spirit was the only one to offer direct, non-stop service out of BOS. After a quick drive to Logan, thanks due to an early afternoon departure, we were off!

Spirit Airlines, NKS119
N527NK
A319-132
cn 2978
Seat 4A&B
BOS - MYR
Scheduled 2:50PM EST
Departed – 2:40PM EST
Flying Time – 1 hour and 51 mins
FL380, 438kts
January 8th, 2008

Spirit’s flights are out of Terminal B at BOS and it appears that they borrow the ground support and gates of USAir. Spirit has a small dedicated check in counter that is staffed by speedy, but unenthusiastic agents. We had pre-paid to check our bag online and as this writing it was $10 to pre-pay for up to two bags, or $20 for two bags at check-in each way. We went through security in a breeze although I was scowled at by TSA because I left my boarding pass in the x-ray tote.

We grabbed a bite to eat at the small food court and made our way to gate B4. I’d like to see a revamp of the B Terminal, as I was spoiled the last time I was in BOS at the new Delta Terminal.

The aircraft was waiting at the gate for us and boarding began promptly at 2:20PM EST. We settled in our assigned seats of 4A&B which were covered in gray leather. There was no PVT or entertainment available. I also did not see any available power outlets. I then realized that these seats were a big snug as they were only 17” in width and had a pitch of 31” (both WN and F9 have a bit more room). Thankfully it was a light load, I’d say about 40%, so I moved over to 4C. Basically Spirit is a bare-bone, no-frill ULCC, so don’t expect much. There were eight “big” front seats that occupied rows 1 & 2. I’m not sure what the cost difference is, but it may be worth it if you’re big-boned like me.




We pushed back at 2:40PM EST, 10 minutes before our scheduled departure and rotated off of 22R at 3:03PM EST. Cape Cod soon passed under us as we headed south. Once the fasten seat belt light was extinguished, food service began. Again, since Spirit is a ULCC, all snack and beverages were for purchase. It was $2 for drinks, and anything between $1 to 5$ for snacks. My wife was smart and brought our own snacks and beverages on. Service was pleasant, but unremarkable. Once we leveled off at FL380, it was a quick, smooth 1 hour and 50 minute flight to MYR.





About 4:20PM EST we started our decent and were above the threshold of Rwy 18 at 4:50PM. Deplaning was a breeze and our bag was at the baggage claim in no time.


Spirit Airlines, NKS114
N504NK
A319-132
cn 2473
Seat 16E&F
MYR - BOS
Scheduled 12:00PM EST
Departed – 12:22PM EST
Flying Time – 1 hour and 34 mins
FL370, 461kts
January 14th, 2008

Myrtle Beach Int’l Airport is quite quaint. It is only about half-a-dozen gates or so, a Pizza Hut, Subway and a shop or two. Only a few airlines service MYR; CO, DL, US were the main ones. Security lines were pretty much non-existent. Although we were there in the off season, I’m certain that the summer is a busy place for MYR with vacationers and golf community. Thus, since there were only a couple of security stations, I can imagine large queues.

We had anticipated that our flight would be delayed, or cancelled due to the nor’easter that had moved in to New England overnight. There were a handful of folks at gate 4 that were on the previous night’s flight to BOS that was cancelled. But, we remained scheduled to depart on time at 12:00PM EST. At 11:44AM our A319 rolled into gate 4 inbound from LGA, decorated in Spirit’s new livery. They quickly off loaded the bus and began boarding us at 12:00PM.



We soon found ourselves back in the confined leather-clad seats, this time in 16E&F. With the extra passengers from the previous canceled flight, I’d estimate our load to be about 70%. There were some extra seats, so the gentleman in 16C moved and allowed us to spread out.

Once buttoned up, we pushed back at 12:15PM EST and by 12:22PM we were blasting down Rwy 36.



Once we reached FL370, the food service began. Again, my wife and I brought Subway sandwiches and beverages on-board. The captain provided frequent weather updates and anticipated an on-time arrival. Service was more pleasant on this segment. One of the FAs was quite amusing and very personable.



About 1:18PM EST, we began our somewhat rapid descent into BOS. According to the FlightAware data, we had descended between 2000 to 2400 FPM (1:16PM @ FL370 -> 1:25PM @ FL230 then at 1:31PM @ FL230 -> 1:40PM @ FL110)! The captain indicated there was light snow and winds from the north at 20-30MPH.

Starting our descent.


Last turn before diving into the cloud layer and snow!



Ah, the snow! Our bus on finals for Rwy 4R.



The landing could not have been smoother under the conditions. Back on terra firma at 1:56PM EST, almost thirty minutes behind schedule. Not too bad considering the weather and late arriving aircraft from LGA. We taxied back to gate 4B while I spotted some nice BOS birds including an Alitalia B777, Lufthansa B744 and Champion Air B722.

Final Impressions:
The overall value was exceptional, as each round trip ticket was about $125. So I would use Spirit again for any direct flights under two hours. I would not use them for Caribbean or Florida destinations. The lack of on-board services makes the scales tip towards F9 or DL. But I do anticipate more future MYR trips, and Spirit will be my vehicle to get there.

[Edited 2008-01-15 21:25:16]