Lois Larson
Buying Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport is a great way to save money on your travel expenses. While it may seem unconventional, purchasing tickets at the airport counter can save passengers around \$23 per ticket, which is a significant discount. This saving is due to the waiver of the passenger usage fee, which Spirit Airlines charges for online or phone bookings. However, it's important to consider the potential costs of airport parking and the inconvenience of travelling to the airport. Additionally, it's recommended to pay for checked bags at the time of booking, as Spirit charges higher fees for bags at the gate. Overall, buying Spirit tickets at the airport can be a clever strategy for travellers looking to save money, especially for larger groups or families.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | Cheaper at the airport than online |
| Passenger Usage Fee | 22.99 per flight segment |
| Savings | 20 and above per ticket |
| Checked baggage fees | 30 to 100 |
| Carry-on baggage fees | Applicable |
| Seat selection fees | Applicable |
| Ticket counter availability | Not 24 hours |
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What You'll Learn
Buying Spirit tickets at the airport can save you money
Spirit Airlines is known for its low-cost flights, but did you know that you can save even more money by purchasing your tickets directly at the airport? It's true! Buying Spirit tickets at the airport can save you around $23 per ticket, which can be a significant discount, especially for larger groups.
The reason for this savings is that Spirit charges a "passenger usage" fee for booking online or by phone, which does not apply to bookings made in person at the airport counter. This fee is typically $22.99 each way for each passenger and is a way for the airline to save money on taxes. By classifying a portion of the customer's cost as a "usage fee" instead of airfare, Spirit avoids paying the 7.5% federal excise tax on airfare.
However, it's important to consider the potential drawbacks of buying tickets at the airport. First, Spirit is known for charging extra for seat selection and baggage, both carry-on and checked bags. These fees can add up quickly, especially if you're travelling with a family. Additionally, the ticket counters are not open 24 hours a day, so you'll need to plan your purchase accordingly.
Despite these considerations, buying Spirit tickets at the airport can still be a great way to save money, especially if you're travelling with a group. So, if you live close to an airport or are already there for another reason, it may be worth making a quick stop at the counter to purchase your tickets and take advantage of the lower fares. Just be sure to compare the total cost, including any additional fees, to ensure you're getting the best deal.
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The savings come from the waiver of the 'Passenger Usage Fee'
The savings that passengers can make by buying Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport counter instead of online come from the waiver of the "Passenger Usage Fee". This fee, which is charged by Spirit Airlines for booking online or by phone, does not apply to bookings made in person at the airport. The fee is typically $22.99 each way for each passenger, although it can range from $3.99 to $22.99 per flight segment. By purchasing tickets at the airport and avoiding this fee, a family of four could save over $180 on a round-trip flight.
The Passenger Usage Fee is a way for Spirit Airlines to save money in taxes. Airlines are required to pay a 7.5% federal excise tax on airfare, but not on optional fees. By classifying a portion of the customer's cost as a "usage fee" instead of airfare, the airline can reduce its tax burden. However, for a fee to be considered optional, there must be a way to avoid paying it, hence the waiver for in-person bookings.
While buying tickets at the airport can result in significant savings, there are some considerations. Firstly, the time and hassle of travelling to the airport just to purchase tickets might outweigh the benefits for some individuals or small groups. Secondly, Spirit Airlines is known for charging extra for choosing seats, carry-on luggage, and checked bags, so the money saved on the Passenger Usage Fee might end up being spent on these additional fees. Lastly, the ticket counters at the airport are not open 24 hours a day, so travellers need to plan their visit accordingly.
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The savings can be offset by the cost of airport parking
While buying Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport can save you money, these savings can be offset by the cost of airport parking. For example, at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA), short-term parking for 30 minutes costs $2. The airport also offers reserved, drive-up, overnight, and long-term parking, with rates adjusted annually to keep pace with inflation and local tax increases. Similarly, Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) offers hourly, daily, and economy parking options, with parking rates influenced by factors such as accessibility, fuel efficiency, and vehicle size.
The cost of airport parking varies depending on the airport and the duration of your stay. Some airports, like SEA, charge a flat rate for short-term parking, while others, like SLC, offer dynamic pricing based on availability and demand. Additionally, airports may have different rates for reserved or drive-up parking, with reserved parking often requiring an advance reservation and potentially costing more.
Moreover, parking rates can differ based on the location within the airport premises. For instance, at SEA, the first four floors of the parking garage are reserved for reserved and short-term parking, while floors 5-8 are designated for long-term parking. Motorcycle parking may also vary in price, with some airports charging the same rate as automobiles for hourly, daily, and weekly parking.
It's important to consider the potential costs of airport parking when deciding whether to purchase Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport. While buying tickets at the airport can save you the passenger usage fee, the convenience of driving to the airport and parking your car may come at a cost that diminishes or negates the savings on the ticket price. Therefore, it's advisable to weigh the savings on ticket prices against the potential costs of airport parking to make an informed decision.
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You can't use coupon codes/sales/promotions when buying at the airport
Buying Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport can save you money, but there are some important things to keep in mind. Firstly, while you can save on the "passenger usage" fee by booking at the airport, this method of purchase does not allow you to use any coupon codes, sales, or promotions that may be available. This means that if Spirit is offering a "50% off" sale online, you won't be able to get that discounted price at the airport and will have to pay the regular price minus the passenger usage fee savings.
The passenger usage fee is a charge of around $22.99 each way for each passenger, and it only applies to bookings made online or by phone. By booking at the airport, you can avoid this fee and save a significant amount, especially if you're travelling with a group. However, it's important to note that Spirit charges passengers for choosing their seats, and there are additional fees for carry-on and checked baggage. These fees can sometimes outweigh the savings on the passenger usage fee, so it's essential to consider your specific needs and preferences.
Additionally, purchasing tickets at the airport may not always be convenient, especially if you don't live close to an airport. The process may involve driving to the airport, paying for parking, and waiting in line to purchase tickets. Spirit also keeps its airport staff minimal, which can make the process more time-consuming. Therefore, it's advisable to plan ahead and perhaps combine your ticket purchase with another trip to the airport or a visit to the area.
While buying Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport can result in savings, it's important to be aware of the potential drawbacks and additional fees. It's essential to compare the overall cost, including baggage fees, and consider the convenience of purchasing tickets online versus at the airport. Ultimately, the decision depends on your individual circumstances and preferences.
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Buying tickets at the airport is inconvenient
Buying tickets at the airport can be inconvenient for several reasons. Firstly, it requires travellers to physically go to the airport, which may involve transportation costs and time spent travelling. This can be especially inconvenient for those who live far from the airport or have limited mobility.
Secondly, the ticket counters at the airport may not be open at all hours of the day, and travellers may need to check the operating hours in advance to ensure they can purchase tickets during their visit. This can be a hassle, especially for those with busy schedules or those who are unable to visit the airport during regular business hours.
Additionally, purchasing tickets at the airport may result in missing out on certain benefits offered by online bookings, such as the ability to use coupon codes, sales, or promotions. Some airlines may also charge additional fees for services like printing boarding passes at the airport, which can offset any savings made on the ticket price.
Furthermore, buying tickets at the airport may limit the ability to compare prices and shop around for the best deals. Online booking allows travellers to easily compare prices across different airlines and dates, whereas purchasing at the airport may require more effort and time to research and compare prices.
Lastly, buying tickets at the airport may not always be the most cost-effective option, especially when considering additional fees such as baggage fees. While purchasing tickets at the airport can sometimes result in savings due to the waiver of certain fees, it is important to factor in other costs, such as airport parking, baggage fees, and the potential for higher prices if the tickets are bought at the last minute. Therefore, buying tickets at the airport may not always be the most convenient or economical choice for travellers.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can buy Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport counter.
Spirit Airlines tickets are generally cheaper at the airport counter because the airline waives the "passenger usage fee" for customers who book in person. This fee is currently $22.99 each way for each passenger.
Buying Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport can save passengers around $23 per ticket each way, which can be almost half the fare in some cases. For a family of four, that could mean saving over $180 on a round-trip flight.
Buying tickets at the airport counter may not be convenient for all passengers, especially if they have to drive to the airport and pay for parking. Additionally, passengers cannot use any coupon codes, sales, or promotions that may be available for online bookings. Spirit Airlines is also known for charging extra for seat selection and baggage, so these fees should be considered when calculating the overall cost.
