Of all the ways to try out the Spirit Airlines A321neo Big Front Seat, I chose one of the longest routes possible: Los Angeles to Charlotte. I mean, if I was gonna go Big, I might as well go long.
I’ve said it before, but it’s worth repeating: the Spirit Big Front Seat is the best value in the US airline industry. What’s not to love about a huge domestic first class seat that only costs a fraction of what other airlines are charging?
As long as you have the confidence to admit flying on an airline with neon yellow airplanes and fares starting at $15, you’re likely to have a real good time.
NK203 Los Angeles, CA (LAX) – Charlotte, NC (CLT) Wednesday, March 13, 2024 Aircraft: A321-271NX Registration: N703NK Duration: 3 hours 56 minutes Seat: 2A (Big Front Seat)
My full review of the Spirit Airlines A321neo Big Front Seat from Los Angeles to Charlotte
I flew up from San Diego in United Express Embraer 175 first classspecifically to catch this flight to Charlotte. I know. I may be the first person in the history of mankind to ever go out of his/her way to fly Spirit Airlines, but I did what I had to do in order to make this review happen.
The boarding process for NK203 to Charlotte
Hold up. Isn’t Spirit supposed to be the airline that can do everything except get it sh*t together? How is it even possible that they were able to get the boarding process started exactly on time? I certainly wasn’t expecting things to go this smoothly.
A closer look at the Big Front Seat
There are two rows of Big Front Seats on the A321neo, consisting of 8 seats total. They are arranged in a very spacious 2-2 layout, which looks and feels exactly like domestic first class on any other US airline. This doesn’t suck!
The departure out of LAX
Not only were they able to board this flight on time, they were able to get us pushed off the gate fairly close to on time as well. Considering what airline this is, I’m certainly not going to complain about a measly 3 minute delay.
In-flight entertainment
Not only did the cabin crew have nice things to say about the Wi-Fi (and streaming entertainment) available on today’s flight, there was a brochure in the seat back pocket in front of me touting the same info.
Guess what? It didn’t work. The cabin crew never once acknowledged it either, so I’m not exactly sure what happened.
Food and drinks
This is where they get ya. Sure, you may have only paid $15 for your ticket, but you’re going to pay dearly if you choose to purchase anything off the menu. My suggestion? Either eat a big meal before the flight, or bring the credit card with the highest spending limit you have.
Seat (and cabin) comfort
You’re simply not going to find a more comfortable domestic first class seat on any other airline in the US. That’s not to say that the Big Front Seats are the most comfortable or anything. All I’m saying is that they are easily on par with the mediocrity that is domestic first class these days.
The descent and arrival into Charlotte
As if this flight couldn’t get any more perfect, the weather was clear, bright, and calm all the way into CLT. Touching down 5 minutes early pretty much sealed the deal for me – I had no choice but to make this a positive review.
Pros and cons of the Spirit A321neo Big Front Seat experience
With all the talk about Spirit Airlines bleeding cash, my only hope is that they don’t kill off the Big Front Seat as they struggle to cut costs. It’s the most unique (and intriguing) thing they have going for them at the moment IMHO.
Pros
These seats are every bit as spacious and comfortable as any domestic first class seat on any other US airline.
It’s surprisingly clean (unlike what you saw in my Sun Country 737-800 Best seat review). Spirit does a very good job maintaining their entire fleet of aircraft.
There aren’t many other premium seats on other US airlines that look better than these.
Cons
There are no power outlets. How is that even possible in this day and age?
Not only are there no video screens, the Wi-Fi may be somewhat sketchy (as I experienced on this flight).
You’ll still have to pay for drinks and snacks. Big Front Seat passengers don’t get any freebies.