Nothing draws attention like a “Buy One, Get One” free offer from an airline. Recently, Spirit Airlines ran a two and a half day sale, from December 22 -24, promising just that.
The asterisk leads to the inevitable phrase:
*MOUSE PRINT: “Additional terms and conditions apply.”
One expects there to be rules such as registering for the promotion on their website, being a member of their frequent flier program, etc. What travelers may not have expected was lurking in the fine print.
*MOUSE PRINT:
On or about 7/15/2009 Spirit will e-mail qualified vouchers.
[Spririt will] issue a voucher in the name of the passenger that traveled in the amount of the reservation purchased less taxes and fees (please note that for domestic tickets the base fare includes 7 ½% Federal Excise Tax which will also not be included in the created voucher).Â
Translation: You have to wait until seven months from purchase — next July 15th — to get your voucher! It is not for the full price you paid. And further down in the fine print is the notation that the “free trip” is only good Sept 9, 2009 through November 18, 2009 — nine to eleven months after purchase. The voucher will also be sent in your name and is not transferable.
Who knows if Spirit Airlines will even be in business next fall?
I stopped flying Spirit long time ago. I always purchase a ticket 2-3 months in advanced and they always kept changing the itinerary on me. They are cheaper than most other airlines so I guess you get what you pay for.
Spirit airlines offered this same promotion 2 years ago. My family of 4 took advantage of it. We received our vouchers as advertised, and used them without difficulty. The only question that I have at this time (as do you) is whether or not they will be in business next fall.
As a teenager I worked for a magazine that was nothing but ads. The owner of the rag told me that in his experience businesses offer steep discounts at two times; when going into business and going out of business. This airlines is scrambling to stay aloft–IMHO.