Spirit Airlines has carved out a niche for itself as an ultra-low-cost carrier, promising incredibly cheap base fares. For savvy travelers, this can translate into significant savings, allowing you to allocate more of your budget to enjoying your destination rather than just getting there. My family has personally saved hundreds, sometimes even up to $1,000, on flights by choosing Spirit. With their improved on-time performance, they’ve become a reliable option for budget-conscious travel. However, to truly maximize those savings, understanding Spirit’s unique fee structure and policies is crucial. Like many first-time Spirit flyers, I initially made some mistakes that ended up costing me extra. But with a little insider knowledge, you can navigate the system like a pro. Here are six key strategies to ensure you save the most money when flying Spirit Airlines.
1. Unlock Ticket Savings by Booking at the Airport
One of the least known, yet most effective, ways to save money with Spirit is by purchasing your tickets directly at the airport counter. Spirit avoids a Passenger Usage Charge (PUC) – essentially a distribution fee – on tickets bought in person. This can save you around $20.99 for a one-way ticket and $41.98 for a round-trip. For a family, these savings can quickly add up. For a family of four, making a trip to the airport to purchase tickets could save you over $160 – a worthwhile effort for many budget travelers. Consider having someone drop you off or circle around to avoid parking fees, further maximizing your savings.
Keep in mind that while airport booking saves on the ticket price itself, it might affect baggage fees. The lowest baggage fees are usually available when booking online. Booking at the airport means you’ll likely pay the slightly higher “online check-in” baggage fee, rather than the “booking online” fee, if you decide to add bags later. Evaluate if the ticket savings outweigh any potential difference in baggage costs, especially if you plan to check luggage.
2. Master the Art of Packing Light: Embrace the Free Personal Item
Spirit Airlines allows every passenger one free personal item that fits under the seat in front of you. This is where strategic packing becomes your superpower. Many travelers initially underestimate the size of this personal item (dimensions are typically 18x14x8 inches) and mistakenly pay for larger carry-on bags. My own early experiences with Spirit involved unnecessary baggage fees simply because I didn’t fully grasp the personal item allowance.
However, with the right bag and packing techniques, you can be surprised by how much you can fit. Numerous travel bags are designed specifically to maximize these personal item dimensions. For shorter trips, or even longer ones with careful planning and packing cubes, utilizing only a personal item can eliminate baggage fees entirely. Investing in a Spirit-approved personal item bag can pay for itself after just one or two round trips. Explore online resources and videos demonstrating how to efficiently pack for a week-long trip using just a personal item to become a light-packing pro.
3. Skip Seat Selection Fees: Let Spirit Assign Your Seat
Spirit charges for advance seat selection, with fees starting from around $5 and escalating for more desirable seats. If your goal is to save every penny possible, opt to have Spirit automatically assign your seats during check-in. While there’s a slight chance of families being separated, in practice, airlines are generally accommodating, especially when young children are involved. My family has rarely been seated apart, and in the one instance we were, a quick and polite request to the gate agent resolved the issue without any fuss. Unless you have a strong preference for a specific seat or are traveling in a large group that absolutely needs to sit together, skipping seat selection is a straightforward way to cut costs.
4. Bypass Check-in Counter Fees: Utilize Online and App Check-in
Spirit charges a $10 per person fee for airport check-in at the ticket counter. Fortunately, avoiding this fee is simple. Spirit provides several free check-in options:
- Spirit Mobile App: Download the Spirit Airlines app for your smartphone (available on both Android and Apple devices). Check in through the app and receive your boarding pass directly on your phone. The app generates a QR code that can be scanned at TSA security and the gate.
- Online Check-in and Print: Check in online via the Spirit Airlines website and print your boarding pass at home.
- Online Check-in and Email Boarding Pass: Check in online and opt to have your boarding pass emailed to you. You can then present the QR code from your email on your phone at the airport.
For digital boarding pass options, taking a screenshot of your QR code is a smart precaution. Airport Wi-Fi or cellular service can sometimes be unreliable, and having a screenshot ensures you can access your boarding pass even without internet connectivity, preventing any last-minute check-in fee surprises.
5. Bring Your Own Food and Drinks Onboard: Ditch In-flight Purchases
Spirit, as an ultra-low-cost carrier, does not offer complimentary snacks or beverages. While food and drinks are available for purchase on board, they come at inflated prices. A much more budget-friendly approach is to bring your own refreshments. Pack snacks and even a meal in your personal item or carry-on. TSA regulations allow most food items to pass through security. For drinks, bring an empty reusable water bottle and refill it at a water fountain after passing through security. Many airports now have filtered water stations, making it easy to stay hydrated without spending money on expensive airport beverages or in-flight drinks.
6. BYOE: Bring Your Own Entertainment
Spirit flights do not currently offer free in-flight entertainment systems. While Wi-Fi may become available for purchase in the future, for now, plan to bring your own entertainment. Load up your phone, tablet, or laptop with movies, e-books, games, and music. Download content that can be enjoyed offline, as you won’t have internet access in the air unless you specifically pay for it when available. Don’t forget essentials like headphones and a portable charger to keep your devices powered throughout your flight, especially on longer journeys. Being prepared with your own entertainment ensures a more enjoyable flight experience without incurring extra costs.
By implementing these six strategies, you can confidently navigate the world of ultra-low-cost travel with Spirit Airlines and keep more money in your pocket for your travel adventures. Embrace the savings and explore more destinations!
