Well, hey there! It’s been a hot minute since I’ve posted, and it’s partially due to taking a step back during the pandemic, moving permanently from New Jersey to Tampa, and other business ventures consuming my time. Either way, I’ve still silently kept up with the miles and points world during my posting hiatus and missed each and every one of you!
our one way flight from EWR – TPA to our new home was just $25 per person on Spirit Airlines
I’m here to share with you that Spirit Airlines offers members-only exclusive savings with Spirit Saver$ Club that are substantial enough to be excited about.
Just like everyone else, I love all of the perks that come with airline status, including upgrades and bonus miles. Ironically, since relocating to Tampa, I’ve found myself flying with Spirit, Allegiant, and Frontier far more than any of the “big 3”. I’ve traded my status-chasing dreams in for unbeatable savings (we’re talking less than $25 per ticket between Newark and Tampa).
It’s simply hard to ignore the fact that low cost carriers provide incredible opportunities to travel between point A and point B or less than a tank of gas.
After dwelling over the fact that United TravelBank purchases no longer satisfy the American Express airline incidental credits (a short window of opportunity for many), I decided it was time to change my airline preference on my American Express Gold Card (my referral link).
Previously, when United’s TravelBank was not an option, I was able to satisfy my airline incidental credits by purchasing monthly United wifi subscriptions, which I used handsomely in the pre-COVID-19 “golden days” of travel. But with pandemic and other factors, I just had to face the reality of not flying United as much, so it was time to think outside the box for 2021.
While browsing flights from Tampa to St. Thomas, I noticed Spirit had a daily nonstop between Orlando (MCO) to St. Thomas (STT). The price was right at $147 round trip, and I was ready to book.
Before moving forward, I had a lightbulb moment when I thought to myself, “Why don’t I just buy the Spirit Airlines discount membership for a year and see if that provides savings?” Regardless, I was curious interested in the experimental factor more than anything.
Immediately after my impulsive epiphany, I logged into American Express and changed my selected airline on my American Express Gold Card (referral), which comes with a yearly $100 airline incidental credit, from United to Spirit Airlines. Hear me out before you gasp in horror…
All About Spirit Saver$ Club
Similar to Frontier’s Discount Den, Spirit Airline’s Spirit Saver$ Club (formally referred to as $9 Fare Club before today, January 21, 2021) is a yearly membership for $59.95 ($69.95 after the first year and thereafter) that gives members access to exclusive fare savings not available to the general public.
The discounted fares are generous and valid for up to 8 people on the same reservation. Another great perk is the 50% savings on checked and carry-on bag fees, though the real Spirit pros try to manage with just a personal item. There are also savings on seat selection, priority boarding, etc. if that might interest you.
Putting My Membership to the Test
Before booking my flight to St. Thomas, I logged into my Free Spirit account and paid $59.95 for the annual membership for Spirit Saver$ Club (still getting used to that name). That $59.95 statement credit should appear on my account in just a few days.
I was expecting to save maybe $10 per ticket, each way, until I was pleasantly surprised… to see a substantial savings of $116.40 on two round trip tickets. Just like that my annual membership paid for itself and some!
Bottom Line
It’s the little victories of surprise savings and finding unique uses of credit card airline incidental benefits like these that make me smile, and it’s contagious enough to want to share because there’s still time (until 1/31/2021) to change your airline preference on your eligible American Express cards that offer the airline incidental benefit. Thanks for listening to my TED Talk.
Have you used saved money with $9 Fare Club Spirit Saver$ Club before? If so, feel free to share your thoughts and how it has worked out for your travels!
Hi there, I was wondering what the price range is for the discounted seats with the membership?