spirit airlines airport hubs
1. Orlando International Airport (MCO)
Orlando: The Gateway to Sunshine & Theme Parks
Orlando International Airport (MCO) is Spirit’s largest hub and the primary launchpad for flights to the Caribbean, Mexico, and the United States. It’s a major hub because of its strategic location—just a short drive from the world‑famous theme parks and a well‑connected transit center.
Key Advantages
- High flight frequency – dozens of daily Spirit flights to the Caribbean, Central America, and domestic destinations.
- Shopping & Dining – the airport’s “Central Terminal” offers a wide variety of restaurants and discount retailers, perfect for a quick snack before the flight.
- Public Transit – the Orlando Airport Express (OAE) bus runs every 15–20 minutes, connecting MCO to downtown, Disney Springs, and Universal Orlando.
Pro Tips for MCO Travelers
- Fly early mornings or late evenings – Spirit often offers the lowest fares for flights departing before 8 AM or after 10 PM.
- Check the “STOP‑SLIDES” lounge – free Wi‑Fi and restrooms, ideal if you need a few hours to relax before boarding.
- Bag Rules – the first free checked bag on MCO is free if you pre‑pay online; otherwise, it’s $25.
2. Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR)
Myrtle Beach: Coastal Charter for Spirits
Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) is Spirit’s second‑most‑used hub, especially during Spring Break and summer. The airport sits on a bustling boardwalk and is a secondary door to the Myrtle Beach boardwalk area.
Key Provisions
- Holiday & Weekend Peaks – Maturity deals often appear post‑thanksgiving and during early May.
- Airside Refreshments – a limited selection of snack bars and a unique “Sunset Sunset Lounge” for quick wind‑downs.
- Accessibility – the airport is airport‑only; all passengers must use a shuttle bus or a rideshare.
Travel Hacks
- Use the “Mythical” promotion – copy a friend’s infrequent flyer points to split the bag fees for w/ the “Eventual” flight.
- Plan a day trip – the 45‑minute drive to attractions like Brookgreen Gardens keeps you out of the rush traffic at the hub.
3. Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
Fort Lauderdale: The Airport of Flights to the Gulf & Beyond
Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood International Airport (FLL) is a key gateway for Spirit’s Europe‑bound and international flights. With an excellent mix of domestic and short‑haul international flights, it’s an ideal hub for beach‑to‑Europe itineraries.
Major Strengths
- Lower fee structure – compared to JFK or LAX.
- Public transportation – the A1B express bus operates 24/7, linking the airport to Broward County transit hubs.
- Retail & Food – “Mall at FLL” offers clothing brands, local Souk shops, and a selection of quick‑service restaurants.
Secrets to Save Money at FLL
- Bulk boarding – use “Spirit’s Companion” to bring a friend for the same fare.
- Pack light – with FLL’s long‑haul flights, the “spill‑over” bag fee can be avoided by abiding by the 22‑lb limit.
4. Phoenix–Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX)
Phoenix: Desert Adventure & Early‑Bird Deals
Phx is a newer hub for Spirit, primarily servicing flights to the Southwest and West Coast of the U.S. It’s a great base for travelers looking to explore the desert or the U.S. West.
Why PHX Works for Spirit Passengers
- High terminal expansions – increased lounge areas and extra ticket counters for quick service.
- Multiple rail options – Valley Metro Rail offers an inexpensive route to downtown and the airport.
- Seasonal pricing – for desert heat the early morning flights (pre‑9 AM) often come at discounted rates.
Practical Takeaway
- Avoid the Phoenix on‑time tax – if you can depart after 3 PM, you’re less likely to pay “Terminals timing charge.”
5. Beyond the Big Four: Smaller Hubs & Operating Bases
| Airport | Code | Primary Destinations | Highlight |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tampa International Airport (TPA) | TPA | Florida’s Gulf Coast & Caribbean | Excellent “Sea‑food” flights |
| Iguania Intl (GIG) | GIG | Nasdaq‑Hub to Brazil | For Latin trips |
| Texas‑Dallas Love Field (DAL) | DAL | West’s Cross‑continental | Cheap mid‑west to Salt‑Lake |
| Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW) | DTW | Midwest to Eastern | Fewer but more direct flights |
These smaller hubs often have fewer secondary services but can be an appealing perk for discounted flights and quiet departure lanes.
| Hub | •Airports• | •Typical Departures• | •Best Tour Options• | •Travel Tip• |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Orlando Intl (MCO) | 35% domestic, 65% international | Peaky early‑morning & late‑night | Theme parks, Daytona, Space Center | Use OAE bus for cheaper transit |
| Myrtle Beach Intl (MYR) | 70% domestic, 30% international | Weekends & Summer | Myrtle Beach boardwalk, Brookgreen Gardens | Check “Mythical” promotion for bag goodies |
| Fort Lauderdale Intl (FLL) | 40% domestic, 60% international | Multi‑hour mid‑day cuts | Gulf faring, CoCo’s for quick lunch | Use “Spirit’s Companion” for contacts |
| Phoenix Sky Harbor (PHX) | 80% domestic | Early‑bird discounts | Grand Canyon, Sedona, AZ | Avoid on‑time tax by flying after 3 PM |
Book in Advance – but Keep an Eye on Last‑Minute Deals
Spirit often drops the lowest circle‑of‑deal price 3–5 days before departure. Signing up for alerts from unofficial price‑tracking sites (e.g., Hipmunk, SecretFlying) pays off.
Use “Spirit Wallet” & “Travelwallet.com”
Save direct to flex points; you can later redeem bike‑flying.
Packing Plan
The Light‑touch rule: One <25‑lb free bag. Anything bigger costs a flat $25 + material taxes. A robust nesting bag circumvent small loops.
Seat Selection
Spirit’s “Prime” seats are available for a premium ($35–$50). If you’re traveling with a partner, book on the same fare class to avoid the “Seat Swap” mandatory.
Navigate Terminal Features
Check the “Living Green” zone—both eco‑friendly and free. Good for a quick nap on the prolonged board walk.
- Compare to Other LoLow Carriers
Use a side‑by‑side table: Spirit, Frontier, Allegiant, JetBlue, Southwest to gauge realized savings if you have to account for ancillary fees.
- [ ] Verify baggage allowance (budget for the weight limit).
- [ ] Schedule arrival at the hub at least 2 hrs before departure for long flights; 90 minutes for domestic.
- [ ] Book transportation to/from the hub (public transit, liaison, rideshare).
- [ ] Check for weather‑related delays (esp. Florida & Southwest).
- [ ] Download the Spirit mobile app – it sends gate changes in real time.
- Spirit Airlines – Official Website: https://www.spirit.com
- U.S. Department of Transportation – Air Travel Information: https://www.transportation.gov
- Orlando International Airport (MCO) Official Portal: https://www.mcoairport.com
- Myrtle Beach International Airport (MYR) Info: https://www.myrtlebeachairport.com
- Fort Lauderdale–Hollywood Intl Airport (FLL) Guide: https://www.fldairport.com
- Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) Updates: https://www.skyharbor.com
- Travel Industry Reports: Aviation Week, Flightglobal – Annual Airline Cost & Baggage Analysis.
Stay updated on changes by following the airlines’ social media feeds and subscribing to their email alerts. Airlines may defect or alter hubs during economic shifts or during planned expansions.
