Being the new airline in the valley and flying out of KIWA, with destinations to DFW and LAS, the concept of "ultra low fare" carrier is a new one for many people.
BL is, read the fineprint and the terms of service.......
......or fly SWA for a true no-frills experience!
Story below, and story and video at this link:
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/money/cons...sed-airfare-price-turns-out-to-cost-much-more
BL is, read the fineprint and the terms of service.......
......or fly SWA for a true no-frills experience!
Story below, and story and video at this link:
http://www.abc15.com/dpp/money/cons...sed-airfare-price-turns-out-to-cost-much-more
As fuel costs rise, so does airfare, so how can one airline offer fares as low as $9 out of the Valley?
The ABC15 Investigators found that low advertised price is very hard to get.
Mick McLaughlin of Ahwatukee saw the $9 time-limited deal and jumped at it.
He says he and his wife were looking for flights to Las Vegas.
Even when the reservation required a $59 membership to a Spirit Airlines club, Mick thought it was a good deal, so he paid for the membership.
But Mick says that reservation price quickly jumped to $176 per ticket.
He decided against the trip and asked for his $59 club membership back, but Mick says he was told he couldn't be refunded.
Spirit Airlines flies out of Phoenix/Mesa Gateway Airport and advertises "ultra low base fares."
But we've heard from others about Spirit's add-on fees.
Josie emailed the Investigators saying a $152 round trip fare to Denver, with bags, getting a seat, taxes and fees quickly became $483.
After taking a look ourselves, Spirit's bag pricing policy does seem confusing.
Their website shows each checked or carry on costs between $28 and $45 depending if you purchase it:
Mick tells us he eventually got his $59 back after complaining about it.
- "at booking before check in"
- "during online check in"
- "through the reservation center"
- "at the counter/kiosk" or
- "at the airport gate"
In an email to the Investigators, Spirit Airlines said:
At Spirit, we are all about choice and giving customers the opportunity to save money on air travel. We offer ultra low base fares - such as the $29, including taxes and fees - that get you safely from point A to point B, with a range of optional services for a fee. This allows customers the freedom to choose only the extras they value - and they only pay for those they want and need.
Our optional fees are clearly presented to customers throughout the booking process and can also be found at www.spirit.com/OptionalFees.aspx .
Our $9 Fare Club gives members access to our rock bottom members-only fares, and they also receive discounts on bag fees.