SPIRIT AIRLINES OFFERS $35 COUPON - BUT IS IT WORTH IT?

Spirit Airlines is offering a $35 coupon for its flights:





And you don't even need the coupon. Just  type '35OFF' (all CAPS) in the Spirit promotion code box & 3 tens + a 5 stay in your wallet.


This works as long as all flights are booked by 11:59 PM ET on January 9, 2012 for travel starting from February 1, 2012 through March 27, 2012.


Yahoo, right?


Maybe. 


But before you book, make sure you read all of the fine print involved.


1st, it's $35 off only for a roundtrip & not for a one way flight. So you'll actually save $17.50 per leg. A slightly diminished 'yahoo'.


Also coupon usage excludes travel into or out of the following markets: Armenia, Bogota, Medellín & Cartagena - all in Colombia.


Hey, who besides drug lords want to go there anyway, right?


But then - the coupon also can't be used on flights between (in both directions): Detroit to/from Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers & Orlando or Dallas/Fort Worth to/from Orlando.


Ok, but it's still a $35 savings on the other flights, right?


Yes, but Spirit does charge for bags. That price at the Airport Counter/Kiosk is:


Carry-On Bag - $40 Domestic $40 International
First Checked Bag - $38 (D) $43 (I)
Second Checked Bag - $45 (D) $50 (I)
Third, Fourth, Fifth Checked Bag - $95 (D) $100 (I)


Plus you have to add all taxes and fees.


So my beef with Spirit is 'Where's the savings?'


Instead of falling for this 'not so great' pseudo savings coupon, you'd be better off checking a website like Kayak.com (or giving me a call) 1st to see if you can do better.


Often you can.


But whatever deal you choose - always read all of the fine print.


No matter how small it may be.