Spirit Airlines flight traveling from Philadelphia to San Juan, Puerto Rico, sparked criticisms after tracking data that revealed, it flew directly through Hurricane Erin, the major storm of the season.
On Monday, the flight-tracking service Flightradar24 shared the route of Spirit flight NK2298, showing that the aircraft encountered Erin, a Category 4 hurricane,with winds exceeding 130 miles per hour as it swept over Caicos Islands and Turks.
The aircraft was an Airbus A320-271N, took off from Philadelphia at 1:34 p.m. ET and was scheduled to land in San Juan just after 5 p.m. While Spirit did not disclose the accurate number of passengers, it almost accommodated 150 to 180 passengers. The news regarding Spirit Airlines flight route rapidly spread online, drawing several criticisms.
In a statement, Tommy Fletcher, Spirit’s senior media relations specialist, reassured the public: “Safety is always our top priority. Our Pilots followed procedures and Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions while en route to San Juan (SJU).”
He further added that: “Our Operations Control Center closely tracks weather systems and works with our Pilots and ATC to determine flight paths that safely navigate around or above adverse weather conditions.”
Spirit Airlines insisted that its Puerto Rico flight was handled safely and in line with standard process, but the decision to go through Hurricane Erin triggered many jokes and criticism digitally.
“Seat: $24... Hurricane experience: $125,000 surcharge,” one critic mocked on X.
“Spirit just really wanted to give them that low class experience,” another one joked.
“They're going to charge extra for the hurricane experience,” another commenter added.
“Did Spirit take up the Hurricane Hunter mission?” Flightradar24 asked mockingly
Although Spirit charges are some of the lowest base fares in the U.S., travelers face additional costs for carry-on bags, checked luggage, selection of seat, and onboard refreshments. These mounting charges have frustrated passengers and intensified criticism, resulting in the airline’s struggles even as it attempts to remain competitive.
FAQs:
Q1. How strong was Hurricane Erin at the time?
A: Hurricane Erin was classified as a Category 4 storm with winds exceeding 130 mph.
Q2. Were any passengers injured?
A: No, Spirit Airlines confirmed that no injuries occurred during the flight.
On Monday, the flight-tracking service Flightradar24 shared the route of Spirit flight NK2298, showing that the aircraft encountered Erin, a Category 4 hurricane,with winds exceeding 130 miles per hour as it swept over Caicos Islands and Turks.
The aircraft was an Airbus A320-271N, took off from Philadelphia at 1:34 p.m. ET and was scheduled to land in San Juan just after 5 p.m. While Spirit did not disclose the accurate number of passengers, it almost accommodated 150 to 180 passengers. The news regarding Spirit Airlines flight route rapidly spread online, drawing several criticisms.
Flight arrives safely
Although passing through sections of extreme weather, the aircraft landed safely in Puerto Rico without any reported injuries.In a statement, Tommy Fletcher, Spirit’s senior media relations specialist, reassured the public: “Safety is always our top priority. Our Pilots followed procedures and Air Traffic Control (ATC) instructions while en route to San Juan (SJU).”
He further added that: “Our Operations Control Center closely tracks weather systems and works with our Pilots and ATC to determine flight paths that safely navigate around or above adverse weather conditions.”
Spirit Airlines insisted that its Puerto Rico flight was handled safely and in line with standard process, but the decision to go through Hurricane Erin triggered many jokes and criticism digitally.
“Seat: $24... Hurricane experience: $125,000 surcharge,” one critic mocked on X.
“Spirit just really wanted to give them that low class experience,” another one joked.
“They're going to charge extra for the hurricane experience,” another commenter added.
“Did Spirit take up the Hurricane Hunter mission?” Flightradar24 asked mockingly
Bankruptcy and financial struggles
This incident comes at a time when Spirit Airlines is already facing financial turmoil. In November 2024, the carrier entered bankruptcy, citing rising costs, competition, and growing dissatisfaction with its model.Although Spirit charges are some of the lowest base fares in the U.S., travelers face additional costs for carry-on bags, checked luggage, selection of seat, and onboard refreshments. These mounting charges have frustrated passengers and intensified criticism, resulting in the airline’s struggles even as it attempts to remain competitive.
FAQs:
Q1. How strong was Hurricane Erin at the time?A: Hurricane Erin was classified as a Category 4 storm with winds exceeding 130 mph.
Q2. Were any passengers injured?
A: No, Spirit Airlines confirmed that no injuries occurred during the flight.
