Spirit Airlines, which is known for its affordable flights, announces that all travel will cease immediately following the rising cost of jet fuel in the United States. The large increase in fuel prices, due to the U.S. and Israel’s conflict with Iran, is ultimately what the airline claims to be the cause of their demise. NBC News mentions how Spirit has been struggling with ticket sales remaining inconsistent since the COVID-19 pandemic. Now the abrupt shutdown has left over 17,000 employees without a job.
I remember last year, I flew from ORD-MIA on Spirit Airlines both ways for only $60! This price included my carry-on and personal bag. Similarly, in Europe, when I did a study abroad in 2023, primarily in Dublin, Ryanair was able to accommodate our travels to neighboring countries for even less! Travel, which is not only essential to many but a great experience for most, is becoming inaccessible to those who are not able to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Is the brief apology issued by the airline enough to comfort thousands of workers and stranded customers? Let’s learn how to search for affordable alternatives amidst growing travel costs in the United States. As someone who loves a good little getaway, I’m not ready to put my suitcase into storage just yet!
The Public Reaction
A loss of travel accessibility is not the only thing we are lacking due to the end of Spirit Airlines. Their employees are now forced to rebuild their work status with another company or to pursue a different career entirely. This Spirit pilot, who has been flying with the company for 14 years, says he “doesn’t remember the bad times, just the good ones.” His emotions are on display as he thanks customers for their loyalty to Spirit and for an amazing career that he was able to dedicate a large portion of his life to. The pilot’s speech closes with a hopeful sentiment that reaches beyond the confines of the plane, emphasizing a new reality for many: “onward, and upward.”
Affordable Travel Hacks
A group travel company aimed at young adults, called Under30Experiences, releases flight hacks for anyone looking to fly for less! The author of their blog, Matt Wilson, who is also the co-founder and CEO of the company, has written a guide for travelers to follow that will not only enhance their travel expectations but also make it cheaper. Wilson is also the author of The Millennial Travel Guidebook: Escape More, Spend Less, & Make Travel a Priority in Your Life.
Here is a list of his most notable hacks and tips for cheaper travel:
- Book in Advance. Wilson breaks the myth that there is a “best day of the week” to book a flight. The reality is that prices are based on demand. The sooner you book the flight the better. A good 1 to 3 months before your domestic flight, and 2 to 8 months before your international flight is were tickets are cheapest.
- Buy your connecting flight separate. Major hubs typically have cheaper flights compared to smaller airports. From the hub, book a separate flight from a regional carrier to your final destination!
- Utilize price predictors. Google Flights uses historical data to predict when flight prices will be the cheapest. It will tell you whether a plane ticket is “low”, “typical”, or “high” for that route. This way you can make a more informed buying decision.
- Set up price alerts. Price predictors often offer the option to send notifications when the price for your selected route drops! This is super useful in situations where your travel dates are flexible.
It’s time to buy the tickets for that summer vacation, N Crowd! Remember the best method for saving money on travel is to compound these hacks together, and always stay curious.
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