Spirit Saver$ Club offers discounted fares, but is it truly a good deal? At WHAT.EDU.VN, we break down the costs and benefits to help you decide. We will explore if it offers true savings, or if there are other ways to save on Spirit flights, offering a clear and concise answer. Discover if this budget airline membership is the right choice for your travel needs.
1. Understanding the Spirit Saver$ Club
The Spirit Saver$ Club is a membership program offered by Spirit Airlines that promises discounts on flights, bags, seats, and other options. The goal is to provide frequent Spirit flyers with opportunities to save money. Let’s examine the key aspects:
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Membership Cost: The Spirit Saver$ Club membership costs $69.95 per year.
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Discounts: Members receive discounted fares, reduced prices on baggage, seat selection, priority boarding, and security.
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Eligibility: Any traveler can join the Saver$ Club. Only one member per family is required, as the discount applies to all passengers on the same itinerary.
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Booking Requirement: To receive the Saver$ Club discount, flights must be booked online. Airport ticket counter purchases do not qualify.
1.1. The Saver$ Club Discount Amounts
The amount of the Saver$ Club discount can vary. It is important to compare prices before assuming that it is always the cheapest option.
- Airfare Discounts: The per-passenger discount can range from as little as $8 to as much as $20-$30.
- Bag Discounts: Members save $1 on both checked and carry-on bags.
- Seat Selection: Members save $1 on seat selection.
- Bundles: Purchasing a bundle that includes baggage and seat selection can save members $3 per passenger.
1.2. How Does the Spirit Saver$ Club Work?
The Spirit Saver$ Club aims to provide savings for those who fly Spirit Airlines frequently. Its main draw is the discounted fares.
- Sign Up: Enroll in the Saver$ Club program for an annual fee of $69.95.
- Book Online: To get the discount, you must book your flights through the Spirit Airlines website while logged in with your Saver$ Club account.
- Apply Discounts: The discounted rates for flights, bags, and seats will be automatically applied during the booking process.
- Travel and Save: Enjoy the savings every time you fly with Spirit, as long as you book online and are logged into your Saver$ Club account.
2. Airport Ticket Counter vs. Saver$ Club
One of the unique aspects of Spirit Airlines is that tickets purchased at the airport ticket counter are often cheaper than those bought online. This is due to the avoidance of a “passenger usage fee.” However, the Saver$ Club discount is only applicable for online bookings.
- Passenger Usage Fee: Spirit charges approximately $23 each way as a passenger usage fee for online bookings.
- Airport Savings: Buying tickets at the airport avoids this fee, potentially saving you money.
- Saver$ Club Exclusion: The Saver$ Club discount cannot be combined with airport ticket counter purchases.
2.1. A Real-World Example: Comparing Costs
To illustrate, consider a hypothetical scenario:
- Full Online Price: $60 each way
- Saver$ Club Fare: $49 each way
- Airport Price: $37 each way (Full price minus the $23 passenger usage fee)
In this scenario, buying at the airport saves $12 per passenger each way compared to the Saver$ Club fare. For a family of four, that’s a savings of $92 round trip.
Spirit Airlines plane on the tarmac, showcasing the airline's brand and logo
2.2. When Does the Airport Option Win?
Booking at the airport can be advantageous, but it depends on several factors:
- Saver$ Club Discount Size: If the Saver$ Club discount is smaller than the $23 passenger usage fee, the airport option is likely cheaper.
- Convenience: Driving to the airport and paying for parking may outweigh the savings if the difference is minimal.
- Ticket Counter Hours: Check the airport ticket counter hours, as some locations may have limited availability.
2.3. When Is the Saver$ Club a Better Deal?
In some situations, the Saver$ Club membership is more beneficial:
- Larger Discounts: If the Saver$ Club discount is significant, it may offset the passenger usage fee.
- Inconvenient Airport: If the airport is far away or difficult to access, the Saver$ Club offers a convenient alternative.
- Expensive Routes: On more expensive routes, the Saver$ Club discount may be more substantial.
2.4. The Hassle Factor: Airport Ticket Counter Limitations
Purchasing tickets at the airport isn’t always convenient.
- Limited Hours: Some Spirit ticket counters have limited operating hours. You may not be able to purchase tickets outside of the 8am to 4pm window from Monday through Friday.
- Travel Time: The time and cost of traveling to the airport must be considered.
- Potential Lines: Waiting in line at the ticket counter can be time-consuming.
3. Maximizing Free Spirit Points
Spirit Airlines also has a loyalty program called Free Spirit, which allows you to earn and redeem points for flights and other rewards. Understanding how to maximize the value of these points is essential for frequent Spirit flyers.
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Value Variation: The value of Spirit points can vary significantly, depending on several factors.
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Booking Window: Whether you book more than 28 days in advance or less than 28 days in advance dramatically affects point value.
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Elite Status: Having the Free Spirit Mastercard or Spirit Elite status unlocks better redemption rates.
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Saver$ Club: Being a Saver$ Club member can influence the number of points required for redemption.
3.1. The Impact of Booking in Advance
Booking your flight well in advance can significantly increase the value of your Spirit points.
- Advance Booking (28+ Days): When booking more than 28 days in advance, you typically avoid redemption fees.
- Close-In Booking (0-28 Days): Booking within 28 days of departure incurs a $50 booking fee to use Free Spirit points.
3.2. Redemption Fees: A Major Factor
The $50 redemption fee for close-in bookings can drastically reduce the value of your points.
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Avoiding the Fee: To avoid the fee, book at least 28 days in advance or hold the Free Spirit Mastercard or Spirit Elite status.
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Negative Value: In some cases, using points with the redemption fee can cost you more than paying cash.
3.3. Point Valuation Examples
Let’s look at a few examples to illustrate the potential value of Spirit points:
3.3.1. Example 1: Close-In Booking with Redemption Fee
- Cash Price (Saver$ Club): $47
- Points Required (Saver$ Club): 3,500 points + $55.60
In this scenario, using points would cost $8 more than paying cash, resulting in a negative point value of approximately -0.2 cents per point.
3.3.2. Example 2: Close-In Booking without Saver$ Club
- Cash Price (Standard): $66
- Points Required (Standard): 5,000 points + $55.60
Here, the 5,000 points save you $11, valuing each point at about 0.2 cents – positive, but not very significant.
3.3.3. Example 3: Advance Booking with Saver$ Club
- Cash Price (Saver$ Club): $47
- Points Required (Saver$ Club): 3,000 points + $5.60
In this instance, the value of Spirit points is considerably higher:
$47 – $5.60 = $41.40 / 3,000 points = 1.38 cents per point
3.4. Additional Ways to Enhance Point Value
Besides booking in advance, there are other strategies to maximize the value of Free Spirit points:
- Free Spirit Mastercard: Cardholders avoid redemption fees, regardless of booking date.
- Elite Status: Free Spirit Silver and Gold members also bypass redemption fees.
- Points Pooling: Cardholders and elite members can create a points pool, combining points for larger redemptions.
4. Practical Tips for Spirit Airlines Travelers
Here are some tips for those considering flying with Spirit Airlines, aimed at optimizing costs and experiences:
- Compare All Options: Always compare the cost of Saver$ Club fares, standard fares, and airport ticket counter prices before booking.
- Plan Ahead: Book your flights more than 28 days in advance to avoid redemption fees when using Free Spirit points.
- Consider the Credit Card: If you fly Spirit frequently, consider getting the Free Spirit Mastercard to avoid redemption fees and access other benefits.
- Check Ticket Counter Hours: If you plan to purchase tickets at the airport, verify the ticket counter’s operating hours.
- Factor in Convenience: Evaluate the convenience of driving to the airport versus booking online, considering time, travel costs, and potential lines.
4.1. Free Spirit Mastercard Benefits
The Free Spirit Mastercard offers several valuable perks for frequent Spirit flyers:
- No Redemption Fees: Cardholders avoid the $50 redemption fee for close-in bookings.
- Points Pooling: The ability to pool points with family and friends.
- Welcome Bonus: New cardholders can earn a welcome bonus after meeting spending requirements.
4.2. Elite Status Advantages
Achieving Free Spirit Elite status (Silver or Gold) also comes with significant benefits:
- No Redemption Fees: Similar to cardholders, elite members avoid redemption fees.
- Additional Perks: Elite members may receive priority boarding, free seat selection, and other benefits.
4.3. Maximizing Baggage Savings
Baggage fees can add up quickly on Spirit Airlines. Here are a few tips to save on baggage costs:
- Pack Light: Try to pack as lightly as possible to avoid checked baggage fees.
- Personal Item: Utilize the free personal item allowance, ensuring it meets Spirit’s size restrictions.
- Consider a Bundle: If you need to check a bag and select a seat, consider purchasing a bundle for potential savings.
5. Is the Saver$ Club Worth It? A Summary
The Spirit Saver$ Club can be a good deal, but it depends on your travel habits and preferences.
- Frequent Flyers: If you fly Spirit frequently, the Saver$ Club can pay for itself through discounted fares, baggage fees, and seat selection.
- Advance Planners: If you book your flights well in advance and use Free Spirit points, the Saver$ Club can enhance the value of your redemptions.
- Airport Access: If you live close to an airport and don’t mind purchasing tickets at the ticket counter, you may not need the Saver$ Club.
Ultimately, the decision to join the Saver$ Club depends on whether the potential savings outweigh the annual membership fee.
5.1. Weighing the Pros and Cons
To make an informed decision, consider the following pros and cons of the Spirit Saver$ Club:
5.1.1. Pros
- Discounted fares
- Savings on baggage and seat selection
- Convenience of booking online
5.1.2. Cons
- Annual membership fee
- Discounts only apply to online bookings
- Airport ticket counter prices may be lower
5.2. Final Thoughts
The Spirit Saver$ Club and Free Spirit points program offer opportunities to save money on Spirit Airlines flights. However, it’s crucial to understand the nuances of each program and compare all available options before making a booking. By planning ahead, maximizing point value, and considering the convenience of airport ticket counter purchases, you can make the most of your Spirit Airlines travel experience.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Spirit Saver$ Club
To provide a comprehensive understanding of the Spirit Saver$ Club, here are some frequently asked questions:
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the Spirit Saver$ Club? | It is a membership program offered by Spirit Airlines that provides discounts on flights, bags, seats, and other options. |
| How much does the Saver$ Club membership cost? | The annual membership fee is $69.95. |
| What discounts do Saver$ Club members receive? | Members get discounted fares, reduced prices on baggage, seat selection, priority boarding, and security. |
| Can I use the Saver$ Club discount for airport ticket purchases? | No, the Saver$ Club discount only applies to online bookings. |
| How can I maximize the value of Free Spirit points? | Book more than 28 days in advance to avoid redemption fees, consider getting the Free Spirit Mastercard, or attain Spirit Elite status. |
| Is the Saver$ Club worth it for occasional flyers? | It depends on whether the potential savings outweigh the annual membership fee. Compare the costs of different options before deciding. |
| What is the passenger usage fee? | It is a fee of approximately $23 each way that Spirit charges for online bookings but not for airport ticket counter purchases. |
| How do I avoid the $50 redemption fee for Free Spirit points? | Book more than 28 days in advance, hold the Free Spirit Mastercard, or have Spirit Elite status. |
| Can I pool Free Spirit points with family members? | Yes, cardholders and elite members can create a points pool to combine points for larger redemptions. |
| Are there any limitations to purchasing tickets at the airport? | Some Spirit ticket counters have limited operating hours, so check the schedule before heading to the airport. |
7. Deep Dive into the Free Spirit Program
The Free Spirit loyalty program is Spirit Airlines’ way of rewarding its frequent flyers. It allows members to earn points on flights and redeem them for future travel. But how does it really work?
7.1 Earning Free Spirit Points
Earning points is the first step in benefiting from the program.
- Flying: You earn points based on how much you spend on Spirit flights, not necessarily the distance you fly.
- Spending on the Free Spirit Credit Card: Purchases made with the Free Spirit credit card also accrue points.
- Promotional Offers: Keep an eye out for special promotions that offer bonus points.
7.2 Redeeming Free Spirit Points
Redeeming points can offer significant value if done strategically.
- Flights: The most common redemption is for flights. Point values vary depending on the flight and booking date.
- Other Rewards: Occasionally, points can be redeemed for other perks, such as baggage fees or seat selection, but this isn’t always the best value.
7.3 Understanding Redemption Tiers
Spirit operates on a dynamic pricing model for award flights.
- Off-Peak: These dates offer the lowest point redemptions.
- Standard: Most dates fall into this category.
- Peak: Expect to pay the most points during popular travel times.
7.4 Free Spirit Elite Status
Elite status can enhance your benefits within the program.
- Silver: Achieved after spending a certain amount or flying a specific number of segments. Benefits include free shortcut security and priority boarding.
- Gold: Requires even more spending or flying. Offers the most perks, including free baggage and seat selection.
8. Spirit Airlines: A Brief Overview
Spirit Airlines is known for its ultra-low-cost carrier (ULCC) model, focusing on providing base fares and charging extra for everything else.
8.1 The ULCC Model
Understanding this model is crucial.
- Base Fare: The initial ticket price covers just transportation.
- Ancillary Fees: Fees are charged for everything from baggage to seat selection.
- Customization: You only pay for what you need.
8.2 Managing Expectations
Knowing what to expect can enhance your experience.
- No Frills: Don’t expect complimentary snacks or drinks.
- Basic Seating: Seats are pre-reclined, offering minimal comfort.
- Strict Policies: Be aware of baggage size and weight limits.
8.3 Booking Strategies
Here are a few ways to make the most of booking with Spirit.
- Travel Light: Avoid baggage fees by packing minimally.
- Bring Your Own: Pack snacks and drinks.
- Read the Fine Print: Understand all fees and policies.
9. Alternatives to Spirit Saver$ Club
Not sure if the Saver$ Club is right for you? Here are some alternatives.
9.1 Other Discount Airlines
Explore other budget airlines.
- Frontier: Similar to Spirit, offering low fares with extra fees.
- Allegiant: Focuses on smaller airports and leisure destinations.
9.2 General Travel Strategies
Consider broader approaches.
- Travel During Off-Peak Times: Prices are generally lower.
- Be Flexible with Dates: Adjust your travel dates to find better deals.
- Use Travel Rewards Cards: Earn points on all purchases.
9.3 Price Comparison Tools
Always compare prices.
- Google Flights: Track flight prices and find deals.
- Skyscanner: Compare prices across multiple airlines.
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