Spirit Airlines has significantly increased its booking fees. This affects most tickets. In some cases, the increase is substantial. This fee is almost impossible to avoid online. However, there is one way to bypass it. This article explains the new fee structure. It also details how to avoid it.
Understanding Spirit’s Passenger Usage Charge
Spirit Airlines flights are now more expensive. AwardWallet first reported this change. The ultra-low-cost carrier has raised its “Passenger Usage Charge.” This fee now ranges from $8.99 to $27.99. The lowest fee previously was $3.99. This represents a 125% increase for the minimum charge.
This fee applies to every online booking. It is added to all fare types. This includes bookings on Spirit’s website. It also applies to their mobile app. Tickets bought at airports outside the U.S. also incur this charge.
The fee is charged per flight segment. This means you pay for each leg of your journey. Consider a round-trip flight on Spirit. Imagine it has a connection each way. If the fee is the highest, $27.99 per flight, it adds up. Multiplied by four segments, it becomes $111.96. This is for just one traveler. The cost escalates quickly for families.
How to Avoid the Passenger Usage Charge
Avoiding the Passenger Usage Charge is difficult. It can also be annoying. However, it is possible. The only method is to book Spirit flights in person. This must be done at an airport ticket counter in the U.S. Spirit also serves airports in the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. The fee still applies when booking at those international locations.
Award Wallet explains the reason for this loophole. Fees are non-taxable if passengers have an avoidance option. This is why Spirit offers the airport booking option. It allows customers to avoid the Passenger Usage Charge.
The main challenge is convenience. Almost nobody books this way. Travelers must live near a U.S. airport served by Spirit. Alternatively, they can book while at an airport for a different flight. You must also visit during ticket counter operating hours. Spirit lists these hours and locations online. Some counters have very limited hours. Checking beforehand is advisable.
Why Spirit Airlines Is Raising Fees
Spirit Airlines is doing this for financial reasons. They can keep all money collected from “avoidable” fees. These fees are not subject to the 7.5% federal tax on airfares. Spirit recently emerged from bankruptcy protection. It has also adopted a new business model. This moves away from its strict no-frills origins.
Spirit is actively seeking ways to increase revenue. The airline has not reported a profit since 2020. This fee hike is part of that strategy.
Limited Options for Passengers
Avoiding Spirit’s new booking fee is very challenging. It is officially called the Passenger Usage Charge. You can only circumvent it by booking in person. This requires visiting a U.S. airport ticket counter. Very few passengers typically use this method. Be aware of these increased costs when planning your next Spirit flight.
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