Spirit airlines passenger usage fee?

I wanted to post this to hopefully save some people some money on a ridiculous charge that spirit airlines charges for anyone booking a flight online. Basically you are charged 34.00 per roundtrip ticket when you book a ticket online, this is titled passenger usage fee and it can be avoided. It's a HUGE inconvenience, but if you are booking more than 1 ticket it's most likely going to be worth it. If you go to the airport, visit the spirit counter and purchase your tickets in person, they do not charge this fee. I saved $136.00 on my reservation by driving the 3hr roundtrip to make my purchase!!

I fly out of Detroit, and I like the direct flights and low rates spirit offers, but they continue to create more and more hoops to jump through to get a good rate.

Also for anyone who changed over from the old spirit MasterCard to the new one that offers 2x miles, I just found out that being a cardholder no longer enrolls you in the $9 fareclub. They also are becoming more difficult to book the low requirement miles trips unless you can book 4+ months in advance. I will be converting over to a southwest or delta card after I burn through all my miles, they do not provide the same benefits they have in the past and the annual fee can no longer be justified in my opinion.

Obviously I am not totally disgusted because I'm still flying with them, but I do not agree with these crazy fees and misleading policies. So be very careful when booking with them and remember booking in person can save you a lot more!

I don't think many of us would consider that a sound economic choice. Hope you got other benefits from your long drive.

Sounds like $45/hr to me. I'll take it anytime.

How much does it cost you to operate an automobile for three hours and park it at an airport? The IRS says a car typically costs 55 cents a mile to operate.

3 hours of driving, 150 miles, $82.50.
45 minutes airport parking, $8.00.

$135.00 - $90.50 = $44.50.

$44.50 / 3 hours = $14.83 per hour.

I expect that most members of this forum value an hour of their leisure time at more that $14.33. I know I do.

Chilcoot. I believe you have overlooked the satisfaction one derives from knowing they have stiffed Spirit airlines and their asinine fee. BTW, $14.33/ hour net is closer to $17/ hour before taxes. Also, since you are using your "leisure time" perusing and posting here on the LVA website, does that mean you are getting paid for your morsels of wisdom you post here? If not, then how do you rationalize the value of your time you devote here on the LVA?