Hello everyone, My family and I just flew Spirit Airlines FLL Terminal out of Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport , and as a family traveling we were a bit apprehensive about what we would encounter. Spirit, the low-cost carrier with a penchant for cheap flights, has a reputation for being a "no-frills" airline, so we weren't sure if the airport experience would be disorganized or stressful. But I'm delighted to say that our experience at the terminal was very smooth, and we had a generally good experience.

Arrival at the FLL Airport

We arrived at Fort Lauderdale airport early, around 5:00 a.m., to avoid any last-minute stress before our morning flight. The first thing we noticed was how busy the terminal was even at that early hour. However, the airport was well-organized, with clear signage that made it easy to find our way. We’re not frequent flyers with Spirit, so we weren’t entirely sure where to go, but we followed the signs for Spirit Airlines and soon arrived at the check-in area.

Security and Terminal Layout

After dropping off our bags, we made our way through security. I’ve heard horror stories about long waits at TSA at major airports, but security was relatively quick. The line moved steadily, and the TSA staff were courteous, especially given the early morning rush. It didn’t feel like we were being rushed through, but they also didn’t waste time. They allowed us extra time to get our belongings in order and helped us with the stroller and diaper bags, which was a nice touch. Once we were through security, we found ourselves in the main terminal area. It is a large airport, but it was fairly easy to navigate. We were flying out of Terminal 1, which serves Spirit Airlines, so we were able to head directly to our gate. The terminal had a bright, open feel with plenty of seating. There were charging stations scattered around, which I always appreciate, especially when traveling with kids. It was nice to be able to plug in our phones and tablets so the kids could watch something before the flight.

Food and Amenities

One of the things I was a little concerned about when flying with Spirit was food options. We’ve flown with budget airlines in the past and have found that the food selection is usually limited. Spirit terminal is no different—there aren’t many sit-down restaurants or cafes, especially if you’re flying early in the morning like we were. Most of the available food options are grab-and-go kiosks or small snack bars. Since we knew we were getting on a budget airline, we made sure to pack snacks for the kids, which ended up being a great idea. There were a few places where we could grab coffee and light snacks, but nothing too substantial. However, if you’re someone who likes to have a full meal at the airport, you may want to plan ahead and eat before you get to the terminal. On the positive side, the seating areas had plenty of charging stations, so we could use our devices to entertain the kids while we waited. 

Boarding Process

When it came time to board, I was expecting the usual chaos that sometimes happens with budget airlines, but Spirit Airlines was actually pretty organized. The boarding process was done in groups, and we were called up by family boarding first, which was a relief. Traveling with young children can be stressful enough without having to worry about getting settled among all the other passengers, so we appreciated the priority boarding for families. The gate agents were efficient and helped direct people where they needed to go. They made sure we knew exactly when it was time to board and didn’t rush us or cause any confusion. Even though the terminal area was starting to get crowded, it was relatively calm when it came time to board.

Onboard Experience

Our flight itself was pretty smooth. We were flying on a Spirit A320, and the seats were typical of a budget airline—no frills, a bit cramped, but still comfortable for a short flight. The crew on board was friendly and professional. They made sure we had everything we needed, especially since we had kids with us. We were able to get our kids settled and comfortable fairly easily. The flight attendants were attentive without being overbearing, and the flight was relatively smooth. Of course, we were flying a budget airline, so there were no complimentary snacks or drinks, which is something we expected. However, we were happy to bring our own snacks and drinks onboard. The flight was uneventful in a good way, and the kids were kept busy with their devices and a few games we brought along.

Final Thoughts

Overall, flying Spirit Terminal Fort Lauderdale turned out to be a surprisingly good experience. From the easy check-in process to the smooth security and boarding, everything was relatively hassle-free. While Spirit may not offer the luxury or extra perks that other airlines provide, we found the flight to be perfectly adequate for a short trip. The terminal itself was clean, the staff were friendly and helpful, and the process was efficient, especially considering we were traveling with family. It’s important to keep in mind that Spirit is a no-frills airline, and it operates as such. You won’t find luxury amenities, but you also won’t have to break the bank to get from point A to point B. For us, it was a great option, especially since we were able to stick to a budget. I would definitely consider flying with Spirit again, especially for a quick family getaway. It may not be the most luxurious experience, but it was a convenient and affordable option that met our needs.