Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza defends his airline

[@scotchleaf]

When they cancelled my flight and I had to drive from Boston to Atlanta (because the next flight was 3 days later), I certainly didn't appreciate the "unbundling of airline services"

[@farazsm2013]

I love how the students are just feasting on the free food not giving a shit what they're talking about

[@ancientkid1635]

LOLZ

[@Pmularz]

Cuz they "know everything"... just like we knew everything when we were 20 years old.

[@Strato13]

I'm sorry. I'll pay the extra cash for my flights on American Airlines. You get what you pay for. It's like comparing Verizon to.. Metro PCS. And really, I want a comfortable seat if I'm flying to NYC.

[@maysoona5182]

Stratosfear12569 me too

[@xtremesoccer909]

you mean verizon to boost mobile...

[@grantberk]

Rather shop at Verizon than get carjacked at Metro PCS

[@antr7493]

your money. do what you want.

[@AgentPepsi1]

Mr. Baldnanza, there is absolutely nothing redeeming about your airline. I am sorry, but I will NEVER, EVER, book another flight on Spirit.

[@carlosmorgan8123]

AgentPepsi1 Just Loved until you get a issue like they change your itinerary in the last minute. Happens to me and many people. Send me the confirmation code by email and when I go the airport to check in they talk me Iam not in the passenger list That was CRAZY just because they have a GLISH just the computer screen. But in my email have CONFIRMATION. SOIRIT is a NIGHTMARE AIRLINES

[@Ma007rk]

"Mr. Baldnanza, there is absolutely nothing redeeming about your airline. I am sorry, but I will NEVER, EVER, book another flight on Spirit." Dude, Just shut up, suck it up, and buckle up. Spirit Airlines is the proverbial "Walmart" of the Airline industry. People cry, complain, bitch, whine, and moan about Walmart (yes, even yours truly) but at the end of the day, where do people go to shop? The almighty dollar is more powerful than luxurious accoutrements for most people. (I was just joking when I said "shut up." I figure most people would get it, but you never know.) Anyway, I think you get my point.

[@AndreOutlaw]

@@Ma007rk I think you mean the Family Dollar of the airline industry.

[@Ma007rk]

@@AndreOutlaw I suppose that the comment is interchangeable. It's just that I get so tired of hearing people "sing the blues" and complain when they know very well that they are not going ANYWHERE. The very next flight that Spirit Airlines has to offer you KNOW that the whiner will be on that flight.

[@AndreOutlaw]

@@Ma007rk I agree with you. The rules are there. Passengers know that they're not going to catered to. They're getting a bare bones flight for less than they can get from the big name airlines. It's like a bus ride in the air. You get on, you find a seat, you get from point A to point B. You get off. Nobody from the bus company is pulling out a snack tray for the passengers. Nobody at Family Dollar is wandering the isles asking if they can help you with anything. And the same applies with Spirit. And I've flown American Airlines in the past and received an email and text saying something along the lines of: Hey, remember that flight you booked for 2PM? Yeah, we changed that 8AM. We hope that didn't f*ck up your itinerary to much. And the only difference in the two flights was the extra $600 I paid and the cup of soda and cookie that I was going to get on the American flight.

[@DavidisDawei]

I will NEVER Fly Spirit Airlines again. This guy sets the bar for the worst Customer Service in the industry. They are of zero assistance when things go awry. Any airline is fine when everything goes smoothly, but it is not worth the risk. I will gladly pay more to fly on any other airline

[@TheRoamer78]

I don't see any issues with Spirit airlines the issue is discount paying passengers expecting first class service. Also I love how a professor whom has most likely spent his entire life in academia is trying to lecture a seasoned CEO

[@carlosroman6195]

I fly American and I also fly Spirit. I use American for long flights and Spirit for flying the Americas. Spirit is not that bad, it cheap and gets me there safely.

[@patteel]

Spirit has rude people. Southwest is much better for only a little more..

[@phicao12]

patteel not all of them are mean like I've met a really nice flight attendant that went plane spotting with me at PHX a year ago

[@Theo-lo1yc]

Tom Bagwell Car Salesman Extraordinaire enjoy your flight if you can but I guess you can spend that money at your destination

[@bastianmann4936]

True. Spirit isn't that much cheaper to justify their politics.

[@wkdravenna]

3 x more then spirit these days

[@ABIAviation]

So agree!

[@davidperry4013]

I'd so much rather be flying ryanair than spirit. At least ryanair doesn't charge for carry-ons and they have improved their customer service over the years and I can definitively understand non reclining seats for a $21.51 flight. I hope Ryanair comes to the USA and puts spirit airlines out of business. Just save yourself the headache and fly Southwest, Jetblue, or a legacy carrier instead of spirit.

[@AdamBakerBaker]

Thank you CBR and John Rollert for your comprehensive insights on this airline. While I am budget minded and frills averse when choosing intercontinental flights, this and the voluminous other complaint videos available on youtube have made it abundantly clear that this is an airline that will only be chosen by the desperate or the uninformed. When the uninformed bucket eventually runs out, only the desperate will be left and that's a group of people with which I would rather not be captive on an airplane.

[@kd0duj]

Southwest Airlines any day

[@MrLonewarrior6]

I flew Spirit and I thought it was great...Brand new plane, nice people..what's the problem? I saved hundreds of dollars

[@puterausman7682]

next you will have to pay to use the toilet in the plane

[@thatshowtoroll]

if it means a cheaper fare, why not? those who need a toilet on a short-haul flight can pay.

[@carmenmcdonald9634]

Don’t give them any ideas they may install a credit card slot on the door

[@jonathonmuir-cotton734]

People complain about spirit airlines so much. But pretty much ever Spirit plane is full. You get what you pay for.

[@matthewkelly9804]

all people need to do is research. Spirit has everything on their website and its their fault they dont take the time to look at some charges they charge

[@AJ-ij5zp]

Mr. Baldanza is a shorty. No wonder he thinks those seats are perfectly acceptable. He doesn't care about the bad complaints because people still fly Spirit. They are making a profit. So the complaints don't really matter.

[@bobbypaluga4346]

Ben Badass's Spirit Airlines pass along mandatory parts of an airline trip as if you had a choice. You have to have a seat, but on Spirit you must pay another $35-$60 for a place to sit.You have to carry something with a change of clothes on Spirit you pay to take a bag that you can't travel without.

[@clonedastarwarsstory6914]

This was so fun!!! I am an aspiring future flight attendant and this showed me one carrier NOT to work for. Haha I can't believe the CEO is remotely proud of his bungling EXPENSIVE carrier like for reals haha

[@weirdpuckett]

You wanna go where the Planes are FULL Hon......its called "job security..." .....go big banana! Go Spirit!

[@weirdpuckett]

Ive seen more videos that repulsed me more regarding the passengers! Give Spirit a pass to start beating these deadbeat passengers! Give all FLIGHT attendants UFC training pronto!

[@buddaman200522]

I’ll stick with Southwest.

[@brianarbenz7206]

The audience here seems to be more intent in feeding their faces than digesting these philosophic observations.

[@dalesaylors9251]

Some folks are having a meal at this meeting. Wonder if they were charged extra. Just asking

[@solomonpilot2510]

I love south west so much , thank god all there fleets are Boeingsssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssss!

[@act7733]

Mr. Baldanza, with all due respect. I guess I am one of your "brilliant" customers. To me it is just not worth the aggravation of what you are offering. It is not that much less expensive than what some of the other airlines are charging and without the hassles which Spirit subjugates their "guests." I am your recreational traveler. I have been flying Spirit for more than 10-15 years and have seen the level of service deteriorate steadily. I remember in the 1990's Spirit being a great airline. I guess if your business model is to obtain one sale and then done, I guess you have succeeded. I contend that is no way to build a business with repeat clientele with customer loyalty. Mr. Baldanza, if you were the last airline flying I still would not consider flying Spirit Airlines. I wish you well in your business model, however I will not be one of your customers, ever!

[@khalilmanzie7360]

7:59 Your services and seats pitch don't even compare to Southwest. Southwest is way more comfortable and better than Spirit. I would pay the extra money to fly on Southwest.

[@spicecrop]

I would never fly that shitty airline. You know your airline sucks when you need to have a press conference to justify yourself. They litteraly don't give you enough leg room to get your legs in without being crammed up against the seat in front of you. Screw that.

[@zdwade]

Cool interview but the questions could have been a lot better. Jus like spirit penalizes people who don't plan ahead, who don't pax essentially get to penalize them for their mistakes like delays, missed connections, and cancelations? Where are the refunds, hotel vouchers, etc. no doubt a lot of the pax don't have much discretionary money and can't wait for a next day or sleep at the airport and have to pay hundreds sometimes thousands to complete their trip. They are unfairly supporting your business model.

[@MrGHunter77]

+1pilot2000 - Because John Rollert is relying too much on academic language, when he should be speaking in layman's terms. He is speaking as though he is writing an academic paper versus speaking to an audience

[@014aircanada]

Don't be too surprise if they start charging people for complaining to employees about poor service.

[@81flyboi]

I was a flight attendant for this airline and Spirit is A great airline!

[@fredlew781]

How do you save time on your crappy airline?

[@BujoldComa78]

I have worked at the airport for twenty years. When we are bored we have our lunch in front of the Spirit airlines ticket counter to watch the screaming and the fights. Spirit never fails to deliver. Some of the worst employees ever.

[@carmenmcdonald9634]

😂😂😂😂

[@biljanamandic299]

The Spirit Airlines make everyone else look GOOD!!!! 🤣🤣🤣

[@williamwalters9403]

Water is free on frontier and better prices and service! You couldn't pay me to fly spit it airlines

[@BryanHobbsMcCalister]

Why are people attempting to hold Spirit accountable for the actions of its competitors? I fly them for leisure however Ben does have a point on the Haiti thing. No response from John. I do agree that their Chicago operation is horrible but Ben does have a point there.

[@asdAsd30380]

Man, you really have nothing to say except that you charge less than anyone else. Yes you do, but what good does that do when there's no plane to get on? Then there's no compensation for the victims when you cancel your flights. Everyone is sitting there in the terminal for a couple days with their pants and underwear down with no place to go. I think I will just refuse to travel on Spirit, just like Allegiant, who goes NOWHERE!

[@jimmyrrt123]

DOCTOR IS ABSOLUTELY CORRECT!!!!

[@trees8240]

The Spirit rep reminds me of George Costanzo on Seinfeld in too many ways.

[@flightTime123]

Ultimately at the end of the day, people are offered multiple options for flying. People choose spirit. Don’t like the service? Don’t fly them again. There’s literally nothing wrong with that. For some people, the destination is more important than the flight there.

[@philiproseel3506]

No, they don't charge for wheelchairs, that's the responsibility of the airport. I work ramp for Spirit, through a contractor, and we occasionally have to go up into the airplanes and help clean the interior of the aircraft. I've never flown Spirit and probably never will as I have flight benefits with a "legacy" carrier, but what I've seen is that most Spirit passengers don't seem to have a problem purchasing from the a la carte menus as the planes are replete with M&M wrappers, empty miniature bottles of Crown and cans of soda. I think the average Spirit passenger is well-acquainted with the airline's policies but, because a gate agent or flight attendant wasn't quick enough with a request or was maybe a bit surly, they file a complaint. Certainly, delays and cancellations happen. Every carrier has those issues, especially Allegiant. What I will say, is that their Tech Ops, the maintenance guys that keep these airplanes safe is top notch. At each arrival and departure, they are literally checking inside and out for any sign of wear and tear. And, if we're honest, that's what is really important. Safety. When it comes down to it, you should expect a service experience commensurate with the price. But there are people who go to McDonald's and expect stellar service. Of course, they're clearly insane.

[@Lilthis_n_that]

i understand Spirit's motto. In my opinion, customer service isn't the best. However, I appreciate their prices and motto.

[@lineill7392]

I’m so afraid of my flight coming up

[@fredlew781]

Ben reminds me of of used car salesman

[@Mhel2023]

Discussion panel: important topics being debated Students: *F O O O O D*

[@leecmh]

Note that the government charges more tax for ticket price and less for all other. Airlines are trying to off-load the amount to the "extras" to reduce taxes.

[@cantimari]

paid the 40 extra with another airline you going to ending saving money spirit charge for everything and I taking about everything

[@patteel]

I bet they charge extra for a wheel chairs.

[@carmenmcdonald9634]

I few Spirit to Florida ONCE ( not my choice ) when I got to my sisters house I had to take two extra strength Tylenol for my horrible back pain and I do not have back problems, on my way back to NY I purchased a tix with JetBlue NEVER AGAIN

[@Dana_Danarosana]

I can do without soda, legroom, reclining seats, and working seatbelts (another story entirely), but JUST ONCE I'd love to be at my destination within 12 hours of when I was supposed to on Spirit!! Never again!! You can use Travelocity and book on United for not much more money. I'll never fly on one of those flying outhouses ever again!!

[@carlosmorgan8123]

Just Loved until you get a issue like they change your itinerary in the last minute. Happens to me and many people. Send me the confirmation code by email and when I go the airport to check in they talk me Iam not in the passenger list That was CRAZY just because they have a GLISH just the computer screen. But in my email have CONFIRMATION. SOIRIT is a NIGHTMARE AIRLINES

[@sba346]

Spirit is no Good!

[@someone-qx4yt]

Love Spirit. Paid $64 roundtrip for a 600 mile trip each way

[@timhandjr]

This is an amazing example of theory vs practicum. One is actually doing (Spirit CEO) the other is teaching. He who cant do- teaches.

[@miguelbran1268]

People complain about Spirit becouse they are misinformed about the policies of spirit air, when you find out how to take advantages of flying Spirit you will never choose a dif airline, when people complain about this airline is always becouse they where expecting Spirit to behaive like the other airlines they are usted to. Educare yourself on Spirit policies and you will then stop complaining and enjoy the Spirit savings

[@raymondgreenwood1]

My issue is not the bags and it is not getting water on the plane. My issue is your ethics. For example I ended up having to drive a car to get home on time on Christmas Eve because of Spirits antics of over booking and figuring out how to siphon customers from getting on the plane. I got to the airport 6:30PM to get on a flight that left at 8:55PM because Spirit overbooked the site I ended up missing the flight because they had some kind of system where I had to wait outside to wait for my city for 2 hours waiting for them to call my city destination to check my bags. When we went to attempt to get another flight we were told they could fly us to Atlanta which was still 6 hours from our end location. We were told we would be stand bye but we would make the flight before because people would be stuck at the gate the same way we were. Wha??? So basically that shady feeling I was getting that you actually made me miss the plan because you over booked was true. Spirit you suck and I will never fly you again because I am more confident that I will get to my destination on time without being hustled. Thank you for ruining my vacation.

[@fredlew781]

spirit just plain sucks! You need to tag your own bags. They’re always late, not half hour for some by days! That’s not saving money mr ceo scmuck!

[@damatricrayton8942]

I have learned the hard way never do spirit again missed my connection flight because of a temporary storm and spirit left in the airport and said we can fly you out in 2 days

[@donmoore7785]

This CEO reminds me of a used car salesman. Totally. I am glad I saw this video. If you are a short person, who carries nothing on board a plane, and you don't care about paying for your hotel when Spirit's flight fall through, go for Spirit. At 6' 4" there is no way in heck I would set foot on a Spirit plane. Here is a concept in economics - you get what you pay for. Pay the least, you will get the least and all kinds of things will not be included.

[@dileniaventura47]

This is world ,as we have expensive airline &cheap airline it is reasonable. Some people don't like Spirit but others like to save money and that the Spirit does.Expensive airline charge for everything that customer consume such as Food,WIFI ,luggages ,EntertainmentsTV and space between their seat.Spirit charge for everything because is the cheapest airline and if there add all that others airline have will be the same and they do the different .That is my point of view !

[@Desertkid2000]

Chastise Spirit for the business model and 'a la carte' pricing?? Why is everyone complaining about Spirit?? They are doing what the hotels have done for years...Ever stay at a Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Hyatt, or other top hotel chain? You pay top dollar for the room, then they charge for a $2.00 for a phone call, $9.99 per day for wi-fi, $3.00 for a Coke out of the in-room refrigerator, $6.99 fee to use the safe...and so on. Professor John, why don't you interview the president of Hilton or Hyatt? How is what they do any different than Spirit??

[@handymandy8888]

+Tom Martin He's saying you dont even get the basic standard for free. You have to pay 45$ for a carry on and $10 to print a ticket you paid good money for. You have to pay extra for luxuries such as food and wifi on all airlines, but paying for an overpriced can of soda on a long multi hour flight is ridiculous. There are standards to things that everyone expects, and when you assume something follows this standard, and it doesn't and you get charged for every little thing that you assumed was free it's kind of a rip off. Especially when the quality sucks.

[@Desertkid2000]

Overpriced can of soda? I bet you've never bought beer or coke at a baseball game, football game, or even a Hilton Hotel! You have your opinion. I travel on Spirit all the time, they are as reliable as any other carrier, their in flight service is fine (I don't mind paying $3 for a Coke when I've paid $48 DFW to LAX!) and they have brand new airplanes. You refer to 'standards' AA and the majors charge for seats, they charge for food...what's the difference?

[@handymandy8888]

Like I just said, people expect certain when buying a plane ticket. It's like paying for a cheap hotel room and having to pay extra to use the sink, shower and toilet. That's great that you know what spirit charges for and what it doesn't but a lot of people see a cheap plane ticket and buy it because it is the cheapest ticket they could find. After they buy the ticket and get to the airport with all their bags they ended up paying much more for a much lower quality flight experience and service.

[@christopherwarsh]

We all know Spirit is evil. So unless people stop flying Spirit, businessmen like Baldanza will keep getting his ego stroked. And the reason no complains to Spirit directly is because after their experience with Spirit, they know that the company doesn't care, so why waste the time to complain?

[@jcowwww]

Terrible customer service on spirit

[@texasforever7887]

Read the fee schedule and rules before you book the flight people. Its not that hard. I fly cheap all the time. Last month I flew to Vegas for $39+tax on Aliegent. I've never had a problem

[@yourfriend6820]

The flight on Southwest was $129 total one way 2 free checked bags 2 free carry ons reclining seats and all the soda pretzels and peanuts i want...a Spirit ticket was $120 ok nice $9 less oh $200 in bag fees and $50 for in flight purchases oh so now that $120 flight is now $370 each way should've took that $129 one way flight on Southwest

[@RoseCityRebel]

Havent flown on Spirit but people's complaints have interested me. I understand the lack of benefits but they LITTERALLY CHARGE FOR EVERYTHING! Obviously dont expect a free steak but at least dont charge for WATER

[@maxx2247]

The fact is , you rip people off Ben. It's time to realize Spirit Airlines is a scam. Perhaps it's time to move on and represent an airline that is more trustworthy and honest. Move on Ben, it really is time to find the truth.

[@Penguinguy-vp7vb]

BOO SPRIT

[@veedub447]

I take Spirit to Costa Rica all the time, I can live off of my one small bag for a week, it's just a commute to me and the money i save I can spend on beer and women.

[@donmoore7785]

I bet the women are so impressed when you wine and dine them on flights with Spirit.

[@ronnetti7607]

How many ways can you screw the customer soon youl be charging to see the plane!!

[@flightTime123]

Spirit doesn’t owe customers anything. They offer a service, and you can ultimately choose it or not. Clearly people are willing to accept a lesser experience to get there cheaper. Spirit wouldn’t be in business otherwise.

[@maxmedlin4875]

Are they compromising safety and maintenance for low cost. I would rather pay the extra fifty and get there in one piece.

[@ascotberks2018]

This man is awful. Why would you fly with them? If you work for Spirit why? You know how this is going to end, with a major accident, and all of you losing your job.

[@supernerd7093]

FYI, the customer is always right is BS!

[@donmoore7785]

Yeah there are very very few businesses that actually go by that, and some do until they realize it is a big mistake.

[@weirdpuckett]

Hey, the guy has a point.....if you walk into a chik fil a.......priceless!

[@ToxicAnomaly]

i love spirit

[@ABIAviation]

Why!

[@maxx2247]

That's nice Ben - Although everyone hates Spirit Airlines the ticket prices are cheaper than all the others. Their employees are the rudest and most underpaid employees of all times and you the customer should appreciate this! lmao Ben!

[@sheilaterry3301]

Spirit airlines is not the worst airline a.a and united is

[@danaxe407]

+Sheila Terry United is awesome

[@danaxe407]

And if you are tall and have to go with a exit row seat on Spirit or need one carry on bag... It's cheaper to just go United.

[@timwitt94]

aa is pretty bad but i feel like spirit is the bottom of the pit

[@Goodmorningworshippers]

Do you care about the people Sir? Listen to the complaints, everyone is not wrong. it's not always about revenue, how about good service, pleasant people. Why is it that one must be treated rudely be uncomfortable, be made late, just because you want to save a buck.

[@dogmaerased6939]

Spirit has the absolute worst Corporate Resolution Specialist on the planet. they don't resolve anything.. This airlines sucks soooo bad.

[@johnmichaelRull]

i work as a spirit customers service rep, and im tired of people complaining about spirit services but yet I always see your names in our system. yeah Maybe its hard for you people to admit that you really love spirit. the more you hate the more you love.. you complain more but you still fly with us. Keep in mind in spirit you only pay what you need.

[@h.martinez4379]

The students eating and lickin their fingers should be flying Allegiant Air.

[@rosalindcooper2474]

He sounds familiar don’t he? turn on the news.

[@jasondept2594]

Your whole claim about price is void per your ridiculous bag fees! Your seat's also sucks , my daughters tea set chairs are more comfortable.

[@harryg1974]

Fly JetBlue !

[@a.k.infinity1502]

Wal-Mart food isnt cheaper at the self service line.

[@galaxyben4217]

I won't fly spirt I'll spend extra for virgin America.

[@DeniseBond1984]

I will Never fly Spirit again. Worst airline ever!

[@darringreen8630]

Yep, he admitted it himself at the 33 minute mark, Spirit is 3 times worse than any other airline. He is wrong about the value, though. Adding in the cost of a single checked bag, runs the cost up to the level, and sometimes above, that of the other airlines. Value is paying a lower price for the same level of service, NOT paying the same amount as others for a poorer level of service; you still don't get complimentary drinks or reclining seats or even a satisfactory on-time rating. The only way they save you money, is if you buy at the last minute, and don't take any clothes or anything else with you. AND, the only way we consumers can ever hope to change their business model to at the very least provide better customer service, is to boycott them. Stop flying them even if their flight is $15 to $20 less then their competitors.

[@ejbrooks7572]

Delta any day over the mega bus of the sky

[@carmenmcdonald9634]

Flying Spirit is like dying and going to hell 🔥👿

[@marylewis8172]

just a terrible airline

[@lashawnteacher9257]

It's a horrible I'm jus saying you get what you pay for

[@ejbrooks7572]

Screw spirit have never flown them and never will. Delta First Class forever

[@jimmyrrt123]

I RATHER PAY MORE THAN SPIRIT

[@spacexpanda9147]

Spirit: Walmart of Airline flights

[@jimmyrrt123]

ITS MORE THAN 8!

[@fredlew781]

No is is a super educated black hole

[@jimmyrrt123]

SPIRIT IS THE WORST!! FACTS!!

[@danaxe407]

liar

[@josep226]

What a load of BS!!!!

[@Shezan1]

i agree with spirit ceo.

[@fredlew781]

Nobody but your people fly you a lot

[@jimmyrrt123]

Spirit SUCKSSSS