By now I’m sure everyone has heard the sad news of Spirit Airlines closing. It is certainly not within my scope of knowledge or specialty to talk about economics, bailouts, and regulations of the airline industry. There are plenty of people who are well versed on those topics.
However, I would be remiss if I didn’t bring up their closing.
The Trip That Started It All
My first trip abroad to somewhere other than Mexico or Canada was also my first trip traveling alone: Peru. A place I’d loved from afar for many years. A place I visited in my dreams.
I was a broke college student, intending to travel on my $800 tax return. Spirit Airlines was there. The most budget of budget airlines. To save money, I packed for a week-long trip in a tiny backpack. No carry-on, check. That saved me about $50. I also didn’t select my seat. That saved me about $30. I bought a collapsible water bottle that I knew I could fill in the airport.
A Layover, and Two Strangers
My flight took off at 1 a.m. from Mesa Gateway. I parked my vehicle at my aunt’s house and she drove me up, saving parking money. We landed in Ft. Lauderdale several hours later, for a layover that seemed to last for days. I tried to sleep on the airport floor with mild success.
Finally, it was time to board. Because I didn’t pay to select my seat, I ended up in the middle (of course) with a Peruvian man on the aisle and an Australian woman at the window. I watched her as she flipped through her very full passport and lovingly touched her passport stamps, I’m sure with wonderful memories attached. I couldn’t wait to have my first stamp.
As we neared Lima, the flight attendant handed out the customs forms, but because we were budget (sarcasm?), no writing utensils. I always had a pen with me and saw the man on the aisle didn’t. “¿Necesita una pluma?” I asked, handing him my extra pen. Smiling with gratitude, he took it.
We landed in Lima, finally able to stretch my body, ready to get the show on the road.
More Than a Budget Airline
Sure, the seats were cramped and everything was an upcharge. Honestly though, unless you’re flying business or first class, all plane seats are uncomfortable if you are over a certain height, weight, or age.
I’ve taken Spirit subsequently on every trip to South America. It opened up a whole world of exploration for myself and many others who otherwise wouldn’t have the means to explore… and some who can just appreciate saving a few hundred dollars.
Spirit, You Will Be Missed
Planning Your Own Adventure?
If this has you dreaming of your own first passport stamp, I’d love to help you get there safely. Wildflower Travel & Wellness Clinic is an official Yellow Fever Certified provider — a requirement to enter much of South America, and not something every clinic can offer. We also handle travel vaccines, high altitude illness prevention, and country-specific advice.