Booking a flight can be a daunting task, especially with the myriad of options and details to consider. Spirit Airlines, known for its budget-friendly approach, offers domestic and international flights. While confirming Spirit Airlines flight booking can save you money, there are common mistakes that people tend to make during the booking process.
Let’s explore these mistakes and provide tips on how to avoid them. Whether you’re planning a domestic getaway or an international adventure, this information will help ensure a smooth Spirit Airlines flight booking experience.
Before we dive into the common mistakes, it’s essential to understand what Spirit Airlines is all about.
Understanding Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is an ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) headquartered in Miramar, Florida. It’s known for offering some of the lowest fares in the industry. However, this low-cost approach means that the airline charges for many complimentary services on other carriers, such as carry-on bags, seat selection, and even printing boarding passes at the airport.
Understanding Spirit’s business model is crucial to avoiding costly mistakes during the Spirit Airlines flight booking process.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them During Spirit Airlines Flight Booking
- Not Reading Fare Rules and Restrictions: One of the most common mistakes people make when booking Spirit Airlines flights is not thoroughly reading the fare rules and restrictions. Spirit Airlines often has strict rules regarding changes, cancellations, and refunds.
Avoidance Tip: Take the time to read the fare rules and restrictions before Spirit Airlines flight booking. Understand the consequences of changes or cancellations, and consider purchasing travel insurance if your plans are uncertain.
- Failing to Compare Total Costs: Spirit Airlines advertises incredibly low base fares, but these fares often do not include essential add-ons like carry-on bags, seat selection, and even printing boarding passes at the airport. Failing to account for these additional costs can lead to unpleasant surprises.
Avoidance Tip: When searching for flights on Spirit Airlines, always compare the total cost, including all fees and add-ons. It will give you a more accurate picture of what to pay for.
- Not Joining the Fare Club: Spirit Airlines offers a membership program called the “$9 Fare Club,” which provides exclusive access to lower fares and discounts on bags and other services. Many travellers overlook this money-saving opportunity.
Avoidance Tip: Consider joining the $9 Fare Club if you plan to fly with Spirit Airlines frequently. The annual membership fee can quickly pay for itself with the discounts it offers.
- Ignoring the Seat Selection Process: Spirit Airlines flight booking charges include fees for seat selection. If you don’t select a seat during Spirit Airlines flight booking, you’ll be randomly assigned one at check-in, which may not be ideal.
Avoidance Tip: If you have specific seat preferences, consider paying for seat selection during the Spirit Airlines flight booking process to ensure you get the seat you want.
- Not Weighing and Measuring Bags Carefully: Spirit Airlines has strict baggage size and weight limits. They charge extra if your bags exceed these limits. Many travellers get caught off guard by these fees.
Avoidance Tip: Before heading to the airport, weigh and measure your bags to ensure they comply with Spirit’s baggage policies. Investing in a luggage scale can save you from unexpected fees.
- Booking at the Airport: Booking a Spirit Airlines flight at the airport is possible, but doing so can result in significantly higher fares. Airport bookings also incur additional fees.
Avoidance Tip: Always book your Spirit Airlines flight online through their official website or a reputable Spirit Airlines flight booking platform to get the best fares and avoid unnecessary fees.
- Not Printing Boarding Passes in Advance: Spirit Airlines charges a fee for printing boarding passes at the airport. Some travellers end up paying extra.
Avoidance Tip: Save money by printing your boarding passes at home or using the mobile app before arriving at the airport.
- Not Arriving Early: Spirit Airlines recommends arriving at the airport at least two hours before a domestic flight and three hours before an international flight. Some travellers underestimate the time needed and end up missing their flights.
Avoidance Tip: Plan and arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before your departure time to account for long lines and security checkpoints.
- Not Considering Alternative Airports: Spirit Airlines often operates out of secondary airports, which can be further from your destination than airports. Failing to consider this can lead to inconvenient travel.
Avoidance Tip: Research the airport’s Spirit Airlines services and assess whether the convenience and cost savings of flying from a secondary airport outweigh the additional travel time.
- Not Booking Travel Insurance: Spirit Airlines’ strict change and cancellation policies may not be accommodating if your plans change unexpectedly.
Avoidance Tip: Evaluate the benefits of travel insurance and consider purchasing a policy that suits your needs, especially if you have concerns about potential disruptions to your travel plans.
- Forgetting to Check Passport Validity: If you’re booking an international flight with Spirit Airlines, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned return date. Failure can lead to denied boarding.
Avoidance Tip: Check your passport’s expiration date before your international trip and renew it if necessary.
- Not Reviewing Entry Requirements: When booking an international flight, it’s essential to research and understand the entry requirements for your destination. Some countries require visas or have specific vaccination or testing requirements.
Avoidance Tip: Visit the official website of the destination country’s embassy or consulate to gather information on visa requirements and health guidelines. Ensure that you have the necessary documents and meet all entry criteria.
Conclusion
Booking a flight with Spirit Airlines for domestic or international travel is cost-effective if done carefully and thoughtfully. Avoiding common mistakes such as failing to read fare rules, overlooking additional fees, and not considering how much you can save money and frustration. By taking the time to research, plan, and prepare for your journey, you can ensure a smooth and budget-friendly experience with Spirit Airlines flight booking.
Remember to read the fine print, compare costs, and make informed decisions to make the most of your travel experience with this ultra-low-cost carrier.
