Why is Spirit Airlines so cheap? This is a question that many travelers ask when they see the ultra-low fares that the budget carrier offers.
Spirit Airlines is known for its no-frills approach, which means that it only provides basic services and charges extra for everything else. This allows the airline to keep its base fares low, but also to make money from various fees and add-ons.
In this article, we will explore the secrets behind Spirit Airlines’ low fares, and see how they compare to other airlines.
How Spirit Airlines Keeps Its Fares Low
Spirit Airlines is able to offer cheap flights by following a unique business model and cost-saving strategies. Here are some of the ways that Spirit Airlines keeps its fares low:
- Unbundled pricing: Spirit Airlines uses an unbundled pricing model, which means that it separates the cost of the flight from the cost of other services and amenities. This allows the airline to offer low base fares, but also to charge extra for things like seat selection, checked bags, carry-on bags, snacks, drinks, boarding passes, and even printing your ticket at the airport. These fees can add up quickly, so travelers need to be aware of what they are paying for and what they can avoid.
- No-frills approach: Spirit Airlines embraces a no-frills approach, which means that it does not offer any complimentary services or amenities on board. This includes no free snacks, drinks, entertainment, Wi-Fi, pillows, blankets, or magazines. The airline also does not have any loyalty programs, partnerships, or codeshare agreements with other airlines. This allows the airline to save money on operational costs, but also to reduce customer expectations and complaints.
- Operational efficiency: Spirit Airlines maintains operational efficiency, which means that it maximizes the use of its resources and minimizes waste. This includes using a single type of aircraft (Airbus A320 family), which reduces maintenance and training costs; flying to secondary airports, which have lower landing fees and less congestion; flying with high load factors, which means that it fills up most of its seats; and flying with short turnaround times, which means that it spends less time on the ground and more time in the air. These strategies allow the airline to save money on fuel and labor costs, but also to increase its revenue per flight.
- Dynamic pricing: Spirit Airlines uses dynamic pricing, which means that it adjusts its fares according to supply and demand. This allows the airline to offer cheap fares when the demand is low, but also to charge higher fares when the demand is high. This also means that the fares can change quickly and unpredictably, so travelers need to be flexible and book early to get the best deals. According to a study by Hopper, Spirit Airlines has the most volatile fares among U.S. airlines.
How Spirit Airlines Compares to Other Airlines
Spirit Airlines is not the only budget carrier in the U.S. market. There are other airlines that offer low fares, such as Frontier, Allegiant, and Southwest. How does Spirit Airlines compare to these airlines? Here are some of the differences and similarities:
- Frontier: Frontier is similar to Spirit Airlines in many ways, as it also uses an unbundled pricing model, a no-frills approach, and a single type of aircraft (Airbus A320 family). Frontier also has a loyalty program, called Frontier Miles, which offers rewards and perks to frequent flyers.
- Allegiant: Allegiant is also similar to Spirit Airlines in many ways, as it also uses an unbundled pricing model, a no-frills approach, and a single type of aircraft (Airbus A320 family). Allegiant also has a different route network, as it mainly flies to smaller cities and leisure destinations, and often operates on a seasonal or occasional basis.
- Southwest: Southwest is different from Spirit Airlines in many ways, as it does not use an unbundled pricing model, but rather includes two checked bags, a carry-on bag, and seat selection in its fares. Southwest also offers free snacks, drinks, and entertainment on board, and has a loyalty program, called Rapid Rewards, which offers rewards and perks to frequent flyers. However, Southwest also has higher base fares than Spirit Airlines, and does not fly to secondary airports or international destinations. Southwest also uses a different type of aircraft (Boeing 737 family), which has more seats and less legroom than Spirit Airlines’ planes.
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Conclusion
Why is Spirit Airlines so cheap? The answer is simple: it is cheap because it charges extra for everything else. Spirit Airlines offers low base fares, but also makes money from various fees and add-ons. This allows the airline to save money on operational costs, but also to increase its revenue per passenger. Spirit Airlines is not the only budget carrier in the U.S. market, but it is one of the most extreme examples of the low-cost model. Spirit Airlines is not for everyone, as it does not offer any complimentary services or amenities, and it has a reputation for poor customer service and reliability. However, for travelers who are looking for the cheapest way to fly, and who are willing to sacrifice comfort and convenience, Spirit Airlines can be a good option.
