IE 11 is not supported. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser.

Spirit Airlines starts offering vacation packages

Spirit Airlines Inc. started offering vacation packages on its website Wednesday, a move aimed at bringing the discount airline more revenue from sources other than airfare.
/ Source: The Associated Press

Spirit Airlines Inc. started offering vacation packages on its website Wednesday, a move aimed at bringing the discount airline more revenue from sources other than airfare.

Spirit, based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., already makes about a third of its revenue from fees. Spirit charges extra for checked baggage, luggage placed in the overhead bin, assigned seats and even water on its flights.

The decision to sell travel packages including hotel rooms and car rentals as part of online bookings was announced by Barry Biffle, Spirit's chief marketing officer, at an investors' conference in New York.

The move mirrors the business strategy adopted by another discount airline, Allegiant Travel Co., which derives about 30 percent of its revenue from selling hotel packages in destinations such as its home city Las Vegas.

To promote the hotel offerings, Spirit is including some lower-end hotels for free with tickets purchased through Thursday for some travel dates in October.