Hi there! If you’re planning a trip soon and flying Spirit Airlines FLL Terminal through Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, you’re probably curious about what to expect. Well, you’re in luck because I’m here to share our family’s real experience at the Spirit Airlines — all the little highs and tiny lows, in a totally honest, friendly way. No robotic reviews here, just genuine traveler vibes! My family (myself, my boyfriend, and our two rambunctious 6- and 10-year-old children) just flew Spirit out of, and all in all, it was a surprisingly hassle-free and pleasant experience. Here's how it went!
We arrived at FLL nice and early for our morning flight. Spirit operates mainly out of Terminal 4, and honestly, the signage was super clear the moment we got close to the airport. That’s always a huge relief when you're juggling kids, carry-ons, and coffee at 6 a.m. Terminal 4 is bright, modern, and not nearly as overwhelming as some bigger airports we’ve been through. Right away, it had a relaxed Florida vibe, which helped set the tone for our vacation. The curbside was busy but manageable, and we easily found a spot to unload. Airport staff were directing traffic pretty efficiently, and even though it was busy, it never felt chaotic.
Check-In: Spirit’s Kiosks Save the Day
Inside the terminal, Spirit has a large check-in area filled with self-service kiosks. Since we had already checked in online, we just needed to print bag tags and drop off our luggage. The kiosks were straightforward and user-friendly—even for someone like me who sometimes gets nervous around airport technology! A friendly Spirit staff member noticed we looked a bit unsure at first and quickly stepped in to help. She even gave the kids little stickers and joked with them while we finished tagging our bags. Those little human touches really make a difference when you’re traveling as a family. Bag drop was efficient, and although the line looked long at first glance, it moved quickly. We were on our way to security in no time.
Security: Organized and Family-Friendly
Security lines at can sometimes get long, especially during peak travel times, but we had a pretty smooth experience. There’s a separate line for families and travelers who might need a little extra time, which was a lifesaver. The TSA agents were polite and patient, even when we had to juggle removing shoes, electronics, and getting our stroller folded up. It didn’t feel rushed or stressful at all. Honestly, after some of the nightmare security lines we’ve had at other airports, this felt like a breath of fresh air.
Terminal Layout: Bright, Modern, and Relaxed
Once we got through security, we found ourselves in the main terminal area, and it looked fantastic! Terminal 4 has undergone a lot of renovations over the past few years, and you can really tell. It’s clean, bright, and full of natural light thanks to huge windows. There’s plenty of seating near the Spirit gates, with lots of spots that have charging ports—very helpful when you’re trying to keep kids entertained with tablets and need to keep everything powered up! One thing I noticed right away was how laid-back the whole terminal felt. It wasn’t noisy or stressful, even though there were a lot of travelers around. It gave off a vacation vibe, which was perfect since we were heading to the Caribbean.
Food and Shopping: Great Options for Everyone
Traveling with kids means snacks are an absolute must, and luckily, Terminal 4 has some good choices. We grabbed breakfast at Dunkin’ (because... caffeine) and picked up a few snacks for the flight at one of the newsstands. There’s a Casavana Cuban Cuisine spot for anyone craving something heartier, and a few other quick-service restaurants and bars scattered throughout. There was even a small candy shop that our kids absolutely loved (okay, maybe we loved it too). Shopping-wise, there were several convenience stores, gift shops, and a duty-free store. Nothing over-the-top, but definitely enough to grab essentials or souvenirs.
Cleanliness and Amenities: Very Impressive
One thing I always notice, especially when traveling with kids, is the cleanliness of the bathrooms and general terminal area. I’m happy to report that Terminal 4 was spotless. The bathrooms were clean and well-stocked, and there were even family restrooms available, which made bathroom breaks a lot easier for us. There were also hand sanitizing stations all over the terminal, which we appreciated since we were trying to be extra cautious about germs while traveling.
Boarding Process: Surprisingly Smooth
Spirit Airlines has a reputation for being a no-frills airline, but when it came to boarding, they were super organized. Boarding groups were clearly announced, and families with young children were invited to board early. The gate agents were patient and friendly, and even though Spirit is often very strict about bag sizes, they handled everything professionally. We boarded quickly and without drama, which is basically all you can hope for when traveling with kids.
Spirit Airlines Flight: Bonus Quick Note
While this review is mainly about the terminal, I’ll just add a quick word about our Spirit flight: it was fine! Yes, the seats are basic, and you pay extra for things like seat selection and carry-ons, but if you know what to expect and plan ahead, it’s a great budget-friendly option. Our flight took off on time, and the crew was pleasant and attentive.
Final Thoughts: A Great Start to Our Trip
Overall, our experience at the Spirit Terminal Fort Lauderdale was a really positive one. The terminal is bright, clean, and easy to navigate. The Spirit staff we interacted with were friendly and helpful, and the atmosphere was relaxed and stress-free—which is exactly what you want when starting a family vacation. Traveling with Spirit was a reminder that with a little planning and a good attitude, even budget airline travel can feel comfortable and enjoyable. We'd absolutely do it again—and next time, maybe leave a little extra time to try out more of the Cuban food options at the terminal! If you're flying Spirit Airlines out of soon, you can feel confident that you’re in for a smooth experience. Wishing you happy travels!