Sachin Walls
Spirit Airlines is a discount airline known for offering ultra-low fares to numerous cities across the United States. Interestingly, it is possible to obtain even cheaper tickets by buying them directly at the airport. This is because Spirit Airlines, like other ultra-low-cost carriers, classifies a portion of the customer's cost as a usage fee instead of airfare, allowing them to save on taxes. By purchasing tickets at the airport, passengers can avoid this Passenger Usage Charge, which can amount to significant savings, especially for larger groups. However, it's important to consider the potential hassle of driving to the airport and standing in line, and there may be additional fees for baggage and other extras.
Is Spirit Airlines cheaper at the airport?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheaper tickets | Yes, buying tickets at the airport can save passengers around $23 per ticket each way. |
| Reasons | 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. |
| Reasons | By classifying a chunk of the customer's cost as a "usage fee" instead of as airfare itself, the airline saves money in taxes. |
| Reasons | Spirit Airlines is a discount airline, and such airlines will take a large portion of the airfare and classify it as a surcharge on the ticket to legally save on paying taxes. |
| Other charges | Spirit Airlines charges for choosing seats, carry-ons, and checked bags. |
| Other charges | Baggage fees may be higher if you buy your ticket at the airport, as bag fees are typically cheapest if bought online, at the time of ticket purchase. |
| Other charges | Spirit Airlines charges more in other fees for choosing to book at the airport. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Spirit Airlines tickets are cheaper at the airport counter
Spirit Airlines is one of the largest discount airlines in the United States, offering ultra-low fares to numerous cities across the country. The airline has a reputation for its no-frills approach, with smaller seats, less room for belongings, and flight delays. However, one way to save even more money when flying with Spirit is to buy your tickets at the airport counter.
By purchasing your tickets in person at the airport, you can avoid the "passenger usage" fee that Spirit charges for booking online or by phone. This fee, which is currently $22.99 each way for each passenger, is classified as an optional fee that can be waived if the customer books at the airport. For a family of four, that could mean savings of over $180 on a round-trip flight.
While buying tickets at the airport can be a hassle, especially with long lines and unhelpful staff, it can be worth it for travelers looking to save money. In addition, the savings may vary depending on the route and airport, so it's essential to check before making the trip. It's also important to note that baggage fees may be higher when buying tickets at the airport, so it's recommended to pay for bags online during the initial booking process to get a lower price.
Overall, while Spirit Airlines may not be the most comfortable or convenient option, buying tickets at the airport counter can be a great way to save money on your next trip. So, if you're looking for a discount airline and don't mind the extra effort, consider purchasing your Spirit Airlines tickets in person at the airport.
Bob Hope Airport: Which County Does It Serve?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The savings vary per flight and route
The savings from buying Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport counter instead of online vary per flight and route. The savings are a result of the airline's classification of a "passenger usage fee" or "online reservation fee" as optional, which does not apply to bookings made in person at the airport. This fee is approximately $23 per ticket each way, and for a family of four, the savings can amount to over $180 on a round-trip flight.
However, it is important to consider that baggage fees may be higher when purchasing tickets at the airport. Baggage fees are typically cheaper when purchased online during the initial booking process. Additionally, the process of buying tickets at the airport can be cumbersome, with potential long lines and unhelpful staff.
The savings also depend on the specific airport and the number of people travelling. For example, a round-trip booking from Cleveland to Orlando on Spirit Airlines resulted in a Passenger Usage Fee of $22.99 to Orlando and $10.99 for the return trip, amounting to a total savings of roughly $34 for a solo traveller, or $136 for a family of four.
Therefore, while buying Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport can result in significant savings, the specific amount varies depending on the flight, route, and number of travellers.
Uber Pickup Availability at Harrisburg Airport
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The savings can be substantial for large groups
It is widely known that Spirit Airlines is a discount airline that offers ultra-low fares to numerous cities across the United States. However, what some travellers may not know is that Spirit Airlines tickets are even cheaper at the airport counter. This is because the airline classifies a portion of the customer's cost as a "passenger usage fee" instead of airfare, allowing them to save money in taxes. This fee is excluded when you buy tickets at the airport. The passenger usage fee is currently $22.99 each way for each passenger. Thus, for a family of four, the savings can be over $180 on a round-trip flight.
While the savings can be substantial for large groups, it is important to note that the process of buying tickets at the airport can be cumbersome, with long lines and unhelpful staff. Additionally, baggage fees may be higher when purchasing tickets at the airport, as bag fees are typically cheaper when bought online during the initial booking process. Therefore, it is recommended to pay for bags online before checking in for your flight to get a lower price.
For those willing to put in the extra effort, buying Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport can result in significant savings, especially for large groups. However, it is essential to consider the potential challenges and additional fees associated with this method.
Addison, Texas: Airport Noise Nuisance or Concern?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The savings can be offset by higher baggage fees
While buying Spirit Airlines tickets at the airport can save passengers money, these savings can be offset by higher baggage fees. Spirit Airlines is known for charging passengers for carry-ons and checked bags, which often surprises travellers who are used to free carry-on bags. The airline justifies these charges as a way to keep ticket prices low.
Spirit Airlines' baggage fees vary depending on factors such as fare class, loyalty status, and specific routes. The fees also differ based on when and how they are paid. For example, the fee for a carry-on bag during the flight booking process is typically $37, but it increases to $45 during online check-in, $55 at the airport, and $65 at the gate. Similarly, the cost of checking a standard-sized bag (up to 40 lbs and 62-63 linear inches) ranges from $21 to $65.
The cost of checking overweight or oversized baggage can be even more expensive. For bags weighing 51-99 lbs, an additional fee of $75 is charged. Oversized baggage fees are also applied for bags with dimensions exceeding 62-63 linear inches, with an additional charge of $100 for bags measuring 63-80 inches and $150 for bags over 80 inches.
Spirit Airlines also offers the "Boost It" and "Bundle It" packages, which can reduce the overall cost of baggage fees for passengers checking multiple overweight or oversized bags. Additionally, the airline waives baggage fees for active military personnel, allowing them two free standard-sized checked bags, a free carry-on, and a personal item.
Considering the potential for higher baggage fees when purchasing tickets at the airport, travellers should carefully weigh the savings on ticket prices against the additional costs for baggage. While buying tickets at the airport can save around $23 per ticket each way, the convenience and potential savings on baggage fees by booking online may be more advantageous for some travellers.
Airports and Pre-paid Phones: What's the Deal?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
The savings are due to a workaround that lets the airline avoid excise tax
The savings that Spirit Airlines customers can enjoy by purchasing tickets at the airport counter are due to a workaround that lets the airline avoid excise tax. This workaround involves classifying a portion of the customer's cost as a "passenger usage fee" instead of including it in the airfare. While airlines are required to pay a 7.5% federal excise tax on airfare, they are not obligated to charge this tax on optional fees.
By designating the "passenger usage fee" as optional and waiving it for customers who book in person, Spirit Airlines encourages travellers to purchase tickets at the airport counter. This strategy allows the airline to save money on taxes while also providing customers with a way to avoid the fee. However, it is important to note that Spirit Airlines likely expects most customers to opt for the convenience of online booking and pay the "passenger usage fee," as the workaround relies on classifying the fee as optional.
The savings from purchasing tickets at the airport can be significant, with a potential reduction of around $23 per ticket each way, or almost half the fare in some cases. For a family of four, the total savings on a round-trip flight can exceed $180. However, it is worth considering the potential hassle of driving to the airport and the limited hours for in-person ticket sales, which may vary by airline and airport.
While the savings may be attractive, it is important to weigh them against the potential challenges of buying tickets in person. Additionally, it is worth noting that baggage fees may be higher when purchasing tickets at the airport, as bag fees are typically cheaper when bought online along with the ticket. Therefore, travellers should carefully consider their priorities and decide whether the savings outweigh the potential inconveniences associated with buying tickets in person at the airport counter.
Qatar Airport: Free, Fast, and Reliable Wi-Fi for Travelers
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, Spirit Airlines tickets are cheaper at the airport. By classifying a portion of the customer's cost as a "usage fee" instead of airfare, the airline saves money in taxes. This "Passenger Usage Fee" is excluded from your ticket when you buy them at the airport.
The "Passenger Usage Fee" is currently $22.99 each way for each passenger. So, for a family of four, you could save over $180 on a round-trip flight.
Yes, there are a few downsides. Firstly, you have to physically travel to the airport, which may be inconvenient and costly, especially if you don't live nearby. Additionally, the process of purchasing tickets at the airport can be cumbersome, with potential long lines and unhelpful staff.
Yes, Spirit Airlines is known for its additional fees. They charge for seat selection, carry-on baggage, and checked baggage. These fees can add up, so it's essential to consider them when planning your trip.
While purchasing tickets at the airport can save you money on the "Passenger Usage Fee," buying online can provide convenience and save time. Additionally, some airports have specific hours for handling ticket sales, which may not align with your schedule.
