Spirit vs. U.S. – It’s War

‘Linsanely’ Low Fares Ad

A new advertisement on the low-cost carrier’s website now touts “Linsanely low fares” adding that they’ve arrived “just in the Knick of time.”

The ad continues, “Score BIG with fares so Linsanely low, you can afford them even if you’re living on your brother’s couch! Book now with slam dunk fares that will put your bench-warming days behind you!” Airfare prices are not listed alongside the ad.

Other Celebrities in Spirit Ads

Spirit has famously used other icons in the news to tout its cheap airfares but usually these celebrities are in the midst of scandal such as Tiger Woods during his marital difficulties (“Eye of the Tiger” sale) and more often than not, the ads border on the tasteless or plunge right into muddy waters.

Spirit Adds Another New Fee

Sex and Scandal in Spirit Ads

Politicians have been particular targets: Spirit highlighted the allegedly overzealous texting problems of former Rep. Anthony Weiner (“Have You Seen Our Weiner?” sale) and the conviction of former Illinois governor Rod Blagojevich (“Slammer Sale”).

As airfare analyst Rick Seaney put it, “Spirit really plays to their crowd,” adding “They sort of remind me of watching an episode of Benny Hill – nothing is off limits.”

Lin, in the midst of an incredible season on the court, is one of the rare instances of Spirit latching onto a celebrity on the way up.

Did Spirit Pay Lin?

One question being asked in the media is, did Spirit pay for the use of Lin’s name? The 23-year-old NBA star is no doubt being besieged with endorsement offers that will pay very big bucks for use of his name and likeness, and Spirit is not known for opening its wallet – after all, this is the only U.S. airline that charges a fee for a carryon bag – but Spirit has so far not responded to an email on this topic.

Rising Prices at Pump, Rising Prices on Airlines

This comes amid reports that average prices at U.S. pumps are nearing the $4 a gallon mark and at some stations in Los Angeles premium gas has already topped $5. As airfare analyst Rick Seaney noted last year in his column for USA Today, oil and airfare prices are joined at the hip: “As the price at the pump goes,” he added, “so goeth airfares.”

While Seaney points out this is perfectly logical, he also notes that the price of refining jet fuel has been rising too and this fuel now accounts for about 30 percent-plus of airline operating expenses, as opposed to about 20 percent just a few years before. Airlines recoup these costs from passengers with fees and rising airfares – and sometimes even fuel surcharges.

Exclusive: Inside Story of an Airfare Hike

Already this year, Seaney isolated and analyzed three separate airfare hike attempts - two of which were successful – and he expects to see “regular attempts” at raising fares in the months to come.

Similarities to 2008′s Near-$150 per Barrel Oil Prices

In early 2008, oil prices began climbing to an eventual high in July of well over $140 per barrel, and the airfare hiking activity that accompanied the rise during the first quarter of the year “eerily resembled” what we’re seeing now, according to Seaney.

However, he also notes big differences in today’s environment – including fees for checked-bags – which were just getting underway four years ago.

JetBlue Hikes 2^nd Checked-Bag Fee, but First Bag is Still Free

Summer Airfare Forecast: Rising Prices

What will ultimately happen this year, in terms of pricing, will ultimately depend on passengers and their appetite for air travel. At the moment, says Seaney, this shows no signs of slowing down and the analyst has forecast higher summer airfare prices but not “too high” because the airlines will know when they gone too far. “Travelers will let the airlines know when they’ve reached the breaking point,” said Seaney. “They’ll stay home.”

American Dumps Routes (and adds a few)

Spirit Adds Non-stop Flights to Denver

Starting May 3, Spirit launches daily non-stops to Denver from its home-hub in Ft. Lauderdale to compete against other daily Denver service providers: Frontier, Southwest and United.

Why is Spirit at War with the United States?

As The Miami Herald reports, 2011 was a very good year for the ultra-discount airline (which used to be famous for its $9 airfares); in the fourth quarter of the year, “Spirit said its profit more than doubled to $23.9 million, partly from higher non-ticket revenue from such fees as baggage.” These baggage fees include Spirit’s controversial carryon bag fee – it is the only airline to charge for onboard totes.

Frontier Adds Six New Destinations

On May 17, Frontier Airlines begins five weekly non-stops from Denver to Bismarck, ND. This is in addition to five other new non-stops added this month: Bloomington/Normal (BMI) and Cedar Rapids (CID), plus seasonal service to Bellingham (BLI), Great Falls (GTF) and Harrisburg (MDT). With these new additions, Frontier now flies to 67 cities.

See the Top ‘Hassle-Free’ Airlines

Two Airlines Make ‘Most Desired’ Brand List

The low-cost carrier ranked No. 1 for men and women because Southwest was seen as offering “accessible, affordable memories.”

JetBlue also made the cut on the women’s list. The fact that these are the only two U.S. airlines to offer free checked-bags may have something to do with it.

See What You’ll Pay for Bags on All the Airlines

More than 4,000 consumers took part in this research involving more than 220 brands. [Editor's note: please tell us your favorite airline, and why your rank it so high].

Top 10 Brands for Men and Women

How this Mess Got Started

Airports with Worst Delays

According to FlightStats, both Frankfurt and Madrid airports are posting excessive delays meaning “severe disruptions” of hours duration.

Lisbon and Paris Orly are also now showing moderate delays. Note that the picture can change at any moment and the best advice is to stay in touch with your airline.

In fact, any traveler to Europe would be wise to check if his or her airline is dealing with delays or cancelations due to the very real domino effect that one problem area can have on another.

U.S. Airlines have Fewest Delays in Years – How’d They Do That?

Labor Trouble at Lufthansa, Iberia Blamed for Delays

As FareCompare reported last week, delays began last week with a ground workers strike in Frankfurt and according to the Lufthansa website, air traffic controllers are now on strike at least through Wednesday (Feb. 22).

Iberia Airlines is also dealing with labor strife – as it says on its the Iberia website, Iberia pilots have called for a strike for today, Feb. 24 and Feb. 29.

What Passengers Can Do

Both carriers are offering flyers a range of options including waiving fees to cancel or reschedule flights. In such cases, the quicker a traveler acts, the better chance of getting the most attractive alternative flight.