Spirit Airlines Is Turning to Disney for Help Improving Its Customer Service

Spirit Airlines may be known for its affordable “bare fare” flights, but it’s also known for skimping on customer comfort and service. While the airline has previously reported the highest profit margins in the business, charging passengers for everything from bags to beverages, according to the Los Angeles Times, it has received the highest rate of complaints at the same time. Spirit has always sold itself as the “no-frills” airline, priding itself on the decision to give passengers exactly what they pay for (and nothing more). The complaints, however, extend past the lack of amenities to issues like frequently canceled flights, delayed departures, and poor customer service.

In order to address problems with timeliness and customer service, Spirit has turned to the Disney Institute, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company, to help change its reputation and better train its employees for success. Disney, which is consistently voted one of the best places to work in the country, is helping other companies achieve similar cultural success through the Disney Institute, a Florida-based subsidiary that offers professional development and leadership training for a variety of students. Courses include training in quality service, employee engagement, and business excellence — all of which are areas Spirit Airlines is due to improve on.
According to a Spirit press release from November 15, much of the training has already taken place “behind the scenes.” “Every Spirit Flight Attendant participated in Spirit Signature Service training, a new program developed around a common purpose and fresh set of service standards created in partnership with the Disney Institute; additional training will roll out at our airport stations next year,” they stated. The release also points to an upward trend for the airline’s service goals, which could, in part, be a result of the Disney Institute training. The airline highlights an 87.1 percent on-time arrival rate for October, which they predict will be one of the higher monthly industry rankings.

They even celebrated the improved arrival rate with 87.1 percent off flights. “We listen to our guests every day to find out how we can deliver a better travel experience with Spirit,” said Bob Fornaro, Spirit Airlines’ CEO in the statement. “Our operational improvement and new technology demonstrates our commitment to deliver reliable, friendly service, all while offering the lowest fares possible.
” We can’t say whether the Disney training will directly result in that friendly service, but the House of Mouse does know a thing or two about keeping people happy.
Source : ??? http://www.travelandleisure.com/airlines-airports/spirit-airlines-disney-institute-training

5 Simple Hacks to Help You Beat the Crowds at Disneyland

This article is part of our Insider’s Guide to Disneyland, from the November 2017 issue of the magazine.
Before working for a theme park design firm and managing hotels at Walt Disney World, Ben Wszalek tended the Disneyland Hotel’s front desk, where he learned some of the park’s ins and outs. Here’s what he told L.A. Mag’s Chris Nichols.

1. App It

The #disneylandapp has finally been updated with the new #disneylandrailroad track!

A post shared by DisneyNews55 (@disneynews55) on Jul 29, 2017 at 4:44pm PDT

When I was at the front desk of the hotel, I would always be amazed by the number of people who flew to California, paid thousands of dollars, and upon buying tickets would ask me, “What is there to do?” Do your research. You don’t have to hyper-plan, but there’s so much info just on the Disneyland app. You can buy your tickets, make dining reservations, look at maps, and see wait times at home. You can even see menu items and what they cost.

2. Start Fresh

Wish this was us right now and not two weeks ago! 😫 Can't wait to be there again! ❤️ @disneyland #fastpass #disneyland #disneyland60 #disneylandfastpass #hyperspacemountain #startours #splashmountain #happy #wishiwasthere #disneyig #disneygram #disneycastle #fastpassfacts #fastpasslife

A post shared by FastPass (@fastpassfacts) on Aug 22, 2016 at 6:56pm PDT

It’s always good to be first at the gate. The main strategy comes down to two things: Arrive as early as possible so you can get a FastPass, and get the next pass the minute you are eligible. You can rack up a huge cumulative advantage in the first few hours of the day. If I show up at noon, I might have to wait until 7 p.m. for the first Space Mountain FastPass.

3. Time It

There’s definitely a strategy to choosing when to do certain rides. The Finding Nemo subs have the shortest lines at the beginning and end of the day because they’re not everyone’s first choice, and by 10 p.m. kids are heading home. Pinocchio and Snow White are also easier in the evening. Visit Pirates of the Caribbean when everyone is waiting for Fantasmic! They close Fantasyland during the fireworks, so when it reopens, theoretically there is no one in line.

4. Chill

On hot days keep the Enchanted Tiki Room or Lincoln in your back pocket when you’re waiting for your FastPass. They’re air-conditioned, and you can pepper visits throughout your day. The restroom at the Tiki Room is good for families, too. One parent can stay with the kids and enjoy the garden instead of standing in the middle of a busy pathway.

5. Take a Seat

After being closed because of work related to Galaxy’s Edge, Hungry Bear Restaurant reopened along with Rivers of America this summer. It offers a nice view of the river and the characters as they cruise by to perform in Fantasmic! The pirates stay in character and will wave at you before they go on, which can be a fun backstage moment.