Anyone a member of the $9 Fare Club with Spirit Airlines?

[GoingtoWDWagain]

Read about this $59.95 membership on Spirit Airlines site. Sounds great but wondering what flights are actually $9.00 and if/what hidden fees. Would greatly appreciate any info

 

[bianca]

We are members. You don't exactly get $9 flights anymore (used to), but there are great deals. In March we flew from Detroit to Myrtle Beach for $23 each way. We Are regularly able to snag some great deals. You also can check in luggage for $10 less. Spirit also offers "penny flights" from the airport. We have checked a few times, but the flight/times didn't work for us. We are waiting for DH to retire. After that, our flexibility goes up to the point that we will fly to a city just to experience a certain restaurant or attraction and then head back home.

 

[GoingtoWDWagain]

We can only travel during school breaks and/or weekends during school time. Is it worth the membership for weekend getaways?

 

[GoingtoWDWagain]

We can only travel during school breaks and/or weekends during school time. Is it worth the membership for weekend getaways?

Thanks

 

[bianca]

The $9 fare club tends to offer a lot of last minute bookings for flights that aren't full. On many occasions, we have booked last minute flights for cheap prices. The key is flexibility, though. Take going to WDW for instance,; if you are willing to fly into Tampa instead of Orlando and planned on renting a car anyway, you may be able to work with those cheaper flights. Sometimes cheaper flights only work for one of the legs of the trip. When we are able to get both ways, that's a definite score. In addition, a lot of the flights are on slower Tuesdays and Wednesday's. At the very least, if you travel a few times a year with them, you'll save money on your bags if you take them. As an extra thought, you could sign up for the club for the free (60 days I believe) and at least watch their ads and how their metric for flight availability works during that time period. I'm sure there are a lot of naysayers, but we've been doing this Spirit gig for about 10 years and it seriously saves money while getting us the non-stop flights we desire.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

And once you are a member they have you for life. Cancelling is VERY VERY difficult. It will automatically renew. You must write them several months in advance of the renewal date (yes, an old fashioned letter with a stamp no online cancelling LOL!) If you don't get the letter there in time you are on the hook for another year!

Also, since you asked about hidden fees make sure you are aware of the Spirit Fee schedule.. Basically air is the only freebie... everything else costs and this includes things you may not expect to pay for (that carryon for example!)

 

[splah]

And once you are a member they have you for life. Cancelling is VERY VERY difficult. It will automatically renew. You must write them several months in advance of the renewal date (yes, an old fashioned letter with a stamp no online cancelling LOL!) If you don't get the letter there in time you are on the hook for another year!

Also, since you asked about hidden fees make sure you are aware of the Spirit Fee schedule.. Basically air is the only freebie... everything else costs and this includes things you may not expect to pay for (that carryon for example!)

This is not accurate. I was able to cancel my membership online without issue. This was spring of 2014 when it was nearing renewal and we had no trips planned.

I will also add that for this trip it was cheaper to buy the tickets at the airport than the $9 club. If you are near the airport they do not charge the "passenger usage fee".

 

[bianca]

I, too, have never had a problem fixing issues with Spirit. While I admit that it can take some time and patience to get through their phone operating system to the right department, I have always been able to address any ticket concerns or issues with Free Spirit account. I truly think people bash them that have never really dealt with them .... Only going by heresay.

 

[Ed J]

And once you are a member they have you for life. Cancelling is VERY VERY difficult. It will automatically renew. You must write them several months in advance of the renewal date (yes, an old fashioned letter with a stamp no online cancelling LOL!) If you don't get the letter there in time you are on the hook for another year!

So how many extra years did they have you for?

I was able to cancel via email about a month ahead of our renewal date.

We were members for about 5 years and it paid for itself 4 out of the 5 years without booking last minute flights. We still fly them but with the luggage fee's they have become less attractive to us.

 

[bianca]

We bypass the luggage fee by bringing bags that fit within Spirit's guidelines. They even had the 14x16" bags at Costco recently. We have learned to pack light and it makes our journey much easier ..... No waiting at the baggage carousel.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

So how many extra years did they have you for?

I was able to cancel via email about a month ahead of our renewal date.

We were members for about 5 years and it paid for itself 4 out of the 5 years without booking last minute flights. We still fly them but with the luggage fee's they have become less attractive to us.

NONE! I have been very clear that I won't fly Spirit. If that's my only choice I stay home.

Apparently they finally changed the cancellation rules. I guess the complaints got to them LOL! In 2013 they required you to write them a letter.

 

[Goofyseven]

NONE! I have been very clear that I won't fly Spirit. If that's my only choice I stay home.

Apparently they finally changed the cancellation rules. I guess the complaints got to them LOL! In 2013 they required you to write them a letter.

I have found the $9 club to be useless as there are never flights to Ft. Myers that are discounted. In the 2 years we were members, not one flight we needed was discounted. Yes, you do save some on luggage, but unless you fly a lot, it's not worth it. Of course, if you destinations are on their discount list, it does make sense.