Spirit’s State of the Hate report says cramped seats infuriate fliers

Travelers hate airline seats. The findings come from Florida-based Spirit Airlines, which compiled complaints that it invited in what the carrier calls its “State of the Hate” report.

Low-frills Spirit in July polled people about what they hate most about flying and gave each respondent 8,000 air miles. Of 30,000 consumers who weighed in, 20% said they hated airline seats: “Everything about them: size, shape, getting to them, leg room and reclining.”

Meanwhile, 16% of respondents cited lost bags and airline luggage rules, and 15% complained about delays and poor customer service, according to the report released Monday. And 19% “hated on” Spirit for its numerous fees.

Spirit’s report concludes that fliers say air travel is a hassle, no matter what airline they’re on.

“Spirit assumed that since they asked for candid feedback, most of the hate would be directed at them,” an airline statement about the report says. “To their surprise, 60% of the responses received were frustrations with [other airlines].”

You can take a look at other findings and the airline’s Vulgarity Index it created from words fliers used in their responses (parental discretion advised).

And just to complete the hate cycle, Consumer Reports magazine last year dubbed Spirit the worst U.S. airline after it “received one of the lowest overall scores for any company we’ve ever rated.” Fliers said Spirit had the rudest flight attendants, according to an Airfarewatchdog survey.

OK, we’re done with the hating ... for now.