My first experience flying with Spirit Airlines took place during grad school when I did not have much discretionary income and needed to book a flight for a trip to San Francisco with the National Millennial Community.

Although I had heard nothing but negative comments about the airline, it had the best price I could find. By best I mean cheapest. I made it to SF and back to Mississippi safely with no issues. Since then I’ve taken more than a dozen trips from the east coast to the west, and I’ve flown Spirit every time.

If you compare flights on any other airline, I’m willing to bet you’ll always come out cheaper with Spirit. \While I’m usually satisfied with the cost of my flights, there are even more ways to save.

Pack Light.
Spirit allows one free “personal item” per passenger that should fit the dimensions of 18X14x8. I always use a backpack or duffle bag.

Add bags before you get to the airport or terminal.

If traveling with one bag is impossible, be sure to include your bags when booking. As with most products prices increase at the airport and go even higher at the terminal. A carry-on is bumped $15 from the time of booking to the airport terminal.

Avoid wheels.

While its sometimes a pain to carry a heavier duffle bag, wheels are a red flag that could cost you an extra $50 at the gate if you bring rolling luggage as a personal item. I’ve flown with duffle bags larger than the specified dimensions that were allowed because they weren’t as noticeable without the wheels. Once I even got a refund after paying for a carry-on bag but still using one without wheels.

This duffle backpack has a detachable laptop case and is a great option for traveling. Photo courtesy of Wool and Oak | @woolandoak

Take advantage of rebates.

Great Fun offers a $40-$50 rebate every time you fly with spirit. Check your flight confirmation. Similar to Ebates, Great Fun works to save customers money on purchases from food to flights and more. Although I usually don’t pay for luggage, the rebate could cover the cost of your bag(s). Call the number on the email and sign up for the service, which will charge you $1 for 30 days then increase if you choose to keep it. Once you receive the form for the rebate, complete it and submit it immediately. Be sure to cancel it after your check comes in the mail, unless you want to keep it and continue using the service.

This is from my latest flight to Houston. My flight was $61.19 and the rebate was increased to $50 because I fly with spirit often. :)

Another common criticism of Spirit is the cost of snacks, but I’d rather pay $3 for an Otis Spunkmeyer Banana Nut Muffin or Oreos (my favorites) than a small pack of free peanuts. I usually take a nap during flights anyway. I like to wake up and be there, wherever there may be.

Have you ever flown with Spirit? How was your experience? Share below.

XX,

Jasmine C. Tate