As in-flight technology evolves and passengers increasingly expect modern onboard amenities, airlines are adopting new solutions to meet those demands. Many carriers have added high-speed WiFi, though not all have achieved the level of performance and passenger satisfaction they aimed for.
For the summer 2019 travel season, Spirit Airlines intends to offer in-flight WiFi. The low-cost carrier says the service will be fast enough for streaming video and music from personal devices. Access will be optional and available for a fee—reports indicate a per-flight price around $6.50, though the airline has not confirmed the final rate.
Even with its reputation for budget-friendly, no-frills fares, Spirit faces competition from major carriers and other low-cost airlines. Cheap tickets alone are often not enough to differentiate an airline in a crowded market, so carriers are adding amenities and service improvements to attract and retain passengers.
To enhance the overall travel experience, Spirit is expanding efforts beyond WiFi. The airline has joined TSA PreCheck to streamline security for qualifying travelers, is investing in customer service training for flight attendants, and is improving mobile app functionality to make booking, check-in, and boarding more convenient.
These initiatives reflect a broader industry trend: low-cost carriers are blending affordability with select value-added services to meet passengers’ expectations for connectivity, convenience, and a smoother travel experience.