Looking at Spirit Airlines' financials, you might think the low-cost carrier is a smart buy. But don't be fooled by the balance sheets: The Spirit business model that generates profits carries the seeds of its own destruction by generating toxic ill will with its passengers.
Finding a good airfare can be tough, and if you've ever sacrificed convenience for a cheaper ticket, you may have been surprised at the hidden costs that jacked up your overall price. But those fees don't have to be a mystery -- and they're not unavoidable.
If you're one of the many people taking to the not-so-friendly skies this summer, you'll pay extra for nearly everything but the security pat down. Hoping to glide past some of that nickel and diming? Here are five foolproof tips:
Airline prices may appear to be at a historic low, but that's just a flight of fancy. In fact, the major carriers have just shifted their costs to extra fees, and the ugliest one of all is the one you pay to check luggage. At $20 a bag, a family of four will pay $80 each way, or $160 round-trip. You can save $40 if you reserve space ahead of time, but don't even think about adding a second checked bag, which adds another $60 round-trip, per bag.
