Lois Larson
Spirit Airlines is known for its low-cost carrier model, which includes charging for various services such as seat assignments, carry-on bags, and checked bags. While booking online is generally convenient, some travellers wonder if buying Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport could be a way to save money. Indeed, it is possible to save on the Passenger Usage Charge by booking at the airport, as this fee is classified as an optional fee that can be avoided by purchasing tickets in person. However, the savings from avoiding this fee may be offset by higher fees for ancillaries like baggage, and the convenience of online booking needs to be weighed against the potential savings.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Spirit Airlines Tickets cheaper at the airport or online? | Buying tickets at the airport can save passengers money around $23 per ticket each way. However, some sources suggest that the savings are not much anymore. |
| Why are Spirit Airlines Tickets cheaper at the airport? | Spirit Airlines charges a "Passenger Usage" fee, which only applies to booking online or by phone, and does not apply to booking at the counter at the airport. |
| How much is the "Passenger Usage" fee? | The fee is $22.99 each way for each passenger. |
| What are the other benefits of buying tickets at the airport? | If you are traveling as a larger group, booking multiple tickets, the savings may add up. |
| What are the drawbacks of buying tickets at the airport? | Since Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier, it charges for almost everything, including seat assignments, carry-on bags, and checked bags. Generally, the airline charges the least when you purchase extras during the initial booking process. |
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What You'll Learn
Spirit Airlines tickets are cheaper at the airport
Spirit Airlines is one of the largest ultra-low-cost carriers in the United States. While the airline offers incredibly low base fares, a significant portion of the amount is the "Passenger Usage Charge." This is a fee that only applies to booking online or by phone and is waived for customers who book in person at the airport.
The passenger usage fee is currently $22.99 each way for each passenger. So, for example, a family of four could save over $180 on a round-trip flight by booking in person at the airport.
However, it's important to note that Spirit Airlines charges for almost everything, including seat assignments, carry-on bags, and checked bags. Generally, the airline charges the least when you purchase these extras during the initial booking process. So, while you can save money on the passenger usage fee by booking at the airport, you won't have access to the lowest pricing for bags. For instance, you might pay $41 for a carry-on bag if booking online, while the same bag would cost you $55 if you booked at the airport.
Therefore, booking at the airport is ideal if you're traveling light or have Free Spirit elite status, as you won't be charged for many fees. However, if you want to fly comfortably and bring checked bags or a carry-on, the savings from avoiding the passenger usage fee might be offset by the higher fees for these extras.
Additionally, keep in mind that there might not be a dedicated portion of the counter for ticketing at the airport, so you may have to join the standard Spirit Airlines check-in line, which could be quite long. Therefore, while booking at the airport can save you money, especially for larger groups, it may not always be worth the trip, especially if you're only booking a one-way ticket for one person.
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Waived Passenger Usage Charge for in-person bookings
Spirit Airlines is known for its low-cost carrier model, which includes a range of fees for services such as seat assignments, carry-on bags, and checked bags. One way that travellers can save money when flying with Spirit is by purchasing their tickets in person at the airport.
When booking a flight online or by phone, Spirit Airlines charges a "Passenger Usage Charge" or "Passenger Usage Fee", which is a non-refundable carrier fee. This fee can range from $5.99 to $22.99 for a one-way trip, and is charged per passenger, per trip. However, this fee is waived for customers who book their flights in person at the airport. By classifying this charge as a "usage fee" rather than airfare, the airline saves money in taxes, as they are not required to pay a 7.5% federal excise tax on this portion of the ticket cost.
Booking in person at the airport can result in significant savings for larger groups or families. For example, a family of four could save over $90 on a round-trip flight by booking in person and avoiding the Passenger Usage Charge. However, it is important to note that this savings may be offset by higher fees for baggage and other services when booking at the airport. Spirit Airlines charges less for these additional services when they are purchased during the initial online booking process. Therefore, the savings from waiving the Passenger Usage Charge may be most beneficial for travellers who are travelling light or have Free Spirit elite status, as they will not incur as many additional fees.
While booking at the airport can save money on the Passenger Usage Charge, it may not always be the most convenient option. The time and cost of travelling to the airport, as well as the potential for long lines at the ticket counter, may outweigh the savings for some travellers, especially those booking a single ticket. Additionally, Spirit Airlines does not provide a dedicated portion of the counter for ticketing, so customers may have to wait in the standard check-in line. Therefore, travellers should consider their own circumstances and preferences when deciding whether to book online or in person at the airport.
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Savings may not outweigh higher baggage fees
Although buying Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport can save passengers money on the ticket itself, these savings may be negated by higher baggage fees. Spirit Airlines is known for charging extra for carry-on and checked bags, which can range from $30 to $100. These fees are significantly higher if you pay at the gate rather than when booking. Therefore, if you need to check bags, the savings on the ticket price may not outweigh the higher baggage fees incurred.
Additionally, Spirit Airlines charges passengers to choose their seats, which can be inconvenient for families who want to sit together. The airline also has a reputation for providing a bare-bones flying experience, with smaller seats, less room for belongings, and a lack of in-flight entertainment. Delays are also common. As a result, passengers seeking a more comfortable experience may need to spend additional money on seat selection and other amenities, reducing the overall savings of buying tickets at the airport.
Furthermore, the process of purchasing tickets at the airport can be inconvenient and time-consuming, especially for those who do not live close to an airport. The potential savings may not justify the hassle of driving to the airport and paying for parking. While it may be worth considering for larger groups, as the savings per passenger can add up, it is less advantageous for individuals or small groups who may incur additional costs and inconveniences.
In conclusion, while buying Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport can result in savings on the ticket price, these savings may be offset by higher baggage fees and other additional charges. The inconvenience of purchasing tickets in person may also deter passengers who value comfort and convenience. Therefore, passengers should carefully consider their specific needs and preferences before deciding whether to buy tickets at the airport or online.
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Potential for long check-in lines at the airport
When booking a Spirit Airlines ticket at the airport, you will have to join the standard check-in line, which can sometimes be quite long. This may be a minor inconvenience for those who are looking to save money by purchasing their tickets at the airport.
Spirit Airlines is known for its high-fee business model, with a significant portion of the ticket cost attributed to the "Passenger Usage Charge." This charge is classified as a “usage fee" or "optional fee" rather than airfare, allowing the airline to save on taxes. The passenger usage fee is currently $22.99 each way per passenger and can be avoided by booking at the airport, resulting in significant savings for larger groups.
However, it is important to consider the potential for long check-in lines at the airport. The time spent waiting in line may offset the savings, especially for individuals or small groups. Additionally, those who book at the airport will not have access to the lowest pricing for bags. For example, the cost of a carry-on bag booked online is $41, while the cost at the airport is $55. Similarly, a checked bag booked online is $35, compared to $49 at the airport.
Therefore, while booking at the airport can save you money on the passenger usage fee, it may result in longer wait times and higher bag fees. It is recommended to weigh the potential for long check-in lines and bag fees against the savings from avoiding the passenger usage charge to determine if booking at the airport is the best option for your specific situation.
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No dedicated counter for ticketing
When booking a Spirit Airlines ticket at the airport, it is important to note that there is no dedicated counter solely for ticketing. Instead, you will need to join the standard Spirit Airlines check-in line, which can sometimes be quite lengthy. This process may be more time-consuming than purchasing your ticket online or through other means, but it can potentially save you money.
Spirit Airlines is known for its ultra-low-cost carrier model, which includes a "Passenger Usage Charge" or "Passenger Usage Fee" that is classified as a "usage fee" rather than airfare. This fee is only applicable when booking online or by phone and can be avoided by booking at the airport counter. The fee is currently around $22.99 each way for each passenger, so a family of four could save over $90 on a round-trip flight.
However, it is important to consider the potential drawbacks of purchasing tickets at the airport. Firstly, you may incur higher fees for certain services, such as selecting your seat or checking baggage, compared to booking online. Secondly, there is the inconvenience of having to travel to the airport, which may not be worth it if you are only saving the passenger usage fee for a single ticket.
While purchasing Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport can result in cost savings due to the avoidance of the passenger usage fee, it is important to weigh this against the potential for higher fees for other services and the time spent travelling to the airport and waiting in line. Ultimately, the decision depends on individual preferences, the number of travellers, and the specific circumstances of each trip.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, buying tickets at the airport can save passengers around $23 per ticket each way, which can be almost half the fare. This is because Spirit Airlines charges a "passenger usage" fee, which only applies to booking online or by phone, and does not apply to booking at the counter at the airport.
Buying tickets at the airport ticket counter means you won't have access to the lowest pricing for bags. For example, you'd pay $41 for a carry-on bag if booking online, while you'd pay $55 for a carry-on bag if booking at the airport.
Yes, Spirit Airlines has a reputation for bare-bones flying. This means that travellers can expect smaller seats, less room for belongings, and flight delays. The airline also charges for almost everything, including seat assignments, carry-on bags, and checked bags.
It depends. Some travellers have noted that the savings may not be worth the hassle of driving to the airport and paying for airport parking. Additionally, if you're only buying a ticket for one person, the savings may not be significant enough to justify the trip to the airport. However, if you're travelling as a larger group or booking multiple tickets, the savings may add up.
