Snagging Bargain Fares Aboard Ultra Low Cost Carriers' Spirit & Skybus

In the last year, the United States has been introduced to a new type of airline, The "Ultra Low-Cost Carrier". There are currently two ULCC in the US, Spirit and Skybus. While many people say that getting a ticket $10 and under is impossible, they are incorrect. Although the highly discounted fares are not plentiful, they are no where near impossible to find. In fact, anybody who can devote 10 minutes a day for two weeks is almost guaranteed to find one of those "bargain" fares.

Spirit Airlines

Out of the two ULCC's, it is easier to snag a fare $10 or under on Spirit Airlines. They have sales multiple times per week. You must take caution though as many of their sales' only offer slightly discounted airfare. The best way to find that "bargain" fare on Spirit Airlines is to:

1.Start Looking 2 ½ Months in advance
2.Sign up for their $9 Fare Club, Which gives you Member-Only Sales.
3.Be flexible with your dates, As their best sales only offer deals on a limited amount of travel dates.

Once you snag your "bargain" fare on Spirit Airlines, be proud of yourself. You have done what many people say is "impossible". However, you must remember your "bargain" fare comes with a few conditions:

1. Each bag you check is $5 online or $10 at the airport.
2. Starting 2/20/2008, Each bag you check is $10 or $20 at the airport.
3. Beverages cost $2 each and Alcoholic Beverages cost $5 each.
4. Snacks cost between $1-$4 each.
5. Itinerary changes cost $60 online or $70 by the phone.

Skybus

Skybus, Spirit's rival, sells all of their "bargain" fares entirely different than Spirit. Sales are scarce on Skybus. The fares that you see today won't ever decrease, they will only increase. Skybus fares' reflect the number of passengers on the flights. The more passengers on a flight, the more expensive the flight will be. Skybus won't sell fares two weeks in advance at $50 and then lower the fares to $10 two days before the departure to fill their aircraft. No crazy fare sales. A plain and simple fare structure. Some of the best ways to get "bargain" fares on Skybus are:

1. Plan 3 or more months ahead of time.
2. Fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays.
3. Sign up for their email specials. (Who Knows, They might start having fare sales?)

If you score a Skybus "bargain" fare, don't forget to boast to all of your friends. You've attained something they said was "unattainable". Before departure day, you should be well informed of some important facts of Skybus:

1. There is a $40 change fee per person each way.
2. $5 for the first two bags you check, $50 for any additional bags you check.
3. Food and beverages range from $2-$10.
4. Skybus has no telephone number.

In conclusion, The "bargain" fare most people laugh at is can be easily purchased with a little determination. Don't let nonbelievers guide you away from saving money on America's two best airlines, Sprit and Skybus.