The Knock-Off First Class Seat That’s Really Not That Bad

The FlyerTalk Forum is a pretty big place, so, when a particularly good piece of FlyerTalk comes across our desks, we put it on the front page for regular Reports From the Forum. Want to read more? Check out the Reports From the Forum tag, or head to the forum yourself to see what the FlyerTalk is about.

Is there a budget airline seat that’s better than a seat in first class? That’s what one FlyerTalker wanted to know about one seat on an ultra-low-cost carrier that veteran travelers book when they’re flying budget: Spirit’s BIG FRONT SEAT™. Asked FlyerTalker findark in this forum post, “Just thought I would solicit some community opinion before I do something I thought I would never do – fly Spirit 

.”

Spirit’s BIG FRONT SEAT

Spirit advertises their BIG FRONT SEAT™ as a larger and wider option “for those who prefer more space, in front of the plane.” Spirit’s BIG FRONT SEATs are located in the front of the plane, are wider than the average Spirit seat (18.5 inches), have 6 more inches of legroom, come pre-reclined and have 36 inches of pitch (pitch is, essentially the amount of space you have before your knees hit the seat in front of you: the distance from the back of your seat to the front of the seat in front of you).

If you’re not accustomed to thinking of airplane seats in terms of inches, all you need to know is that Spirit’s BIG FRONT SEAT is just about as large as the first-class seats you’ll find on many domestic airlines in the United States. But it’s much cheaper.

FlyerTalker findark—who was flying direct from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport (MSP)—had already done the math: “While obviously the product is not going to measure up, even after paying for a carry-on and the Big Front Seat and self-catering something from the airport, it’s still coming out to half the cost of a [first class] ticket on [Delta],” findark writes. “That, combined with the fact that the [Spirit] flight is slightly better timed, has me strongly considering it.”

Does the BIG FRONT SEAT Measure Up?

Even if you’re accustomed to first class? After all, if you flew Spirit—especially during its early days when the ultra-low-cost carrier’s poor customer service and endless add-ons shocked even fliers who were used to flying budget—you may have also sworn off Spirit long ago. But, said the frequent fliers in on the conversation, if you haven’t flown Spirit in a while, you should know that it’s changed.

“Spirit has been on fire this year regarding on-time performance,” noted FlyerTalker MileageAddict. “Big Front Seat is the best deal out there. Saving hundreds per itinerary so long as flight times work,” added forum member Spanish. “Just be aware if you change your mind and check luggage, it takes 20-40 min in my experience.”

The consensus is that, while you won’t get the customary food, beverage service and reclining seats that you’ll find in domestic first class on American Airlines or United, you will get as much space. And if what you’re really looking for is space to stretch out, FlyerTalk agrees: The BIG FRONT SEAT isn’t a bad option.

FlyerTalker luckydriver, who’s a “huge BIG COMFY SEAT fan” also chimed in to say that booking the BIG FRONT SEAT is good in a pinch:

Last weekend… I did get the big comfy seat. I think [I paid] $139 plus $50 for the ‘first class’ seat. [It] was a steal just TWO days before the flight. Every other airline was [charging] over $400 just for the cramped seat. I realize the BIG FRONT SEAT is about 1 inch more narrow than [American Airlines’] (only line I researched 1st class) but for 50 bucks ill take it compared to the $700 normal 1st class flight on american.

He also added that, if you can pick your plane model, you might be in for a more comfortable experience:

I also wanted to note that the big comfy seat on the [Airbus A319], which is the summer plane, is not as comfy as the A320. There’s something weird in that my lower back feels more sunk in. You definitely can lean your head back far if you want to though.

And he closed out with a warning:

The only downfall I see about Spirit is, if your flight is delayed/canceled you are screwed. That happened to her once going from Philadelphia International Airport and [my girlfriend] had to wait until the next day and [take a] 12+ hour flight. Not fun. But that’s very rare.

The Verdict

Asked and answered. FlyerTalker findark took FlyerTalk’s advice and flew on THE BIG FRONT SEAT. Then he popped back in to give it a quick review:

Thanks for the feedback all. Went ahead and booked it – got an extra hour at the event in LA and saved $280 [per passenger by not buying Delta First Class] (minus cost of dinner and drinks I suppose)…
I would describe it as like domestic [first class] if every cut you could imagine your least favorite airline executive getting away with actually happened. The lack of recline makes the seats slightly less comfortable than normal, and the service has been severely curtailed. Still, the seats are a reasonably pitched 2-2 layout, and Spirit charges a quite reasonable fee for their selection.

FlyerTalk has spoken. Yes, technically, the BIG FRONT SEAT is an experience that’s on par with other first-class products. However, you get what you pay for. While you’ll have extra room, you won’t have any of the other experiences that come with shelling out double for first class.

Would you fly Spirit’s Big Front Seat? Share your thoughts in THE BIG FRONT SEAT forum thread. Have another question about Spirit? Feel free to ask it in the main Spirit Airlines forum thread.  For questions about other airlines, head here!

 

[Featured Image: Spirit Airlines]