Spirit Airlines, long known for its ultra-low-cost, no-frills approach, is making a bold move by introducing a new class of business-like seating. The airline is launching its “Go Big” class, allowing passengers to pay extra for premium, extra-wide seats located at the front of the cabin.
Previously, these seats were available, but the new “Go Big” tickets bundle a range of extras, including complimentary snacks, drinks (both alcoholic and non-alcoholic), one carry-on bag, one checked bag, and streaming access. Additionally, this class includes priority check-in and boarding—benefits that were not offered with the extra-wide seats before.
Spirit will also offer the option to pay more for seats in rows where the middle seat is kept empty, adding another tier of choice for travelers.
This move signals Spirit’s response to ongoing challenges in the airline industry, where low-cost carriers have struggled to maintain profitability. Despite its history of low fares and minimal frills, Spirit has not reported a profitable year since 2019 and has faced significant financial difficulties exacerbated by the pandemic.
In contrast, major carriers like American, United, and Delta have thrived, leveraging premium seating options to boost revenue. Southwest Airlines, another lower-cost carrier, recently announced a shift to reserved seating to introduce extra legroom for a premium price, although it has not yet ventured into business-class offerings.
Spirit CEO Ted Christie emphasized the significance of this new offering: “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.”
This strategic shift highlights the growing trend of low-cost airlines attempting to capture a share of the premium market—a move that reflects broader changes within the industry as carriers adapt to evolving passenger preferences and economic pressures.
