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Spirit Airlines Is Letting You Book Flights by Text — But It Will Cost You $25

Aug. 28, 2019
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3 min read
Operations At The Spirit Airlines Inc. Terminal
Spirit Airlines Is Letting You Book Flights by Text — But It Will Cost You $25
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Spirit Airlines is known for nickel-and-diming its passengers, and its latest update is no exception. America's most notorious budget airline is introducing a convenient new feature — but at a price. $25, to be exact.

The Washington Post reports that starting Sept. 1, you'll be able to text the airline via WhatsApp and ask all of your most pressing questions about flight reservations, travel modifications and other items in both English and Spanish. Similar to a regular phone call, you'll first be connected to a chatbot to help with any basic questions you might have. Then a Spirit agent will take over, reports CNBC. From there, the agent will send you an external link via the app to complete your reservation. You'll have to be in the United States, the Caribbean or Latin America to take advantage of the service.

Reactions to the news on social media so far have been pretty negative. For many people, it reinforces their disdain of the airline due to the lack of passenger-friendly customer service practices.


While this may sound outrageous to some, it's actually no different than what the airline charges over the phone. Instead, you just have the convenience of not having to speak to another person — and you also may avoid long hold times on the phone while your request is processed by chat. And, for comparison's sake, other airlines — including United and American — also charge non-elite customers anywhere from $25 to $35 to book reservations over the phone.

Related: Here’s Which US Airline Cuts More Routes Than Any Other

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Meanwhile, Spirit sees the development as a way to "better connect with guests," according to Bobby Schroeter, the airline’s vice president of sales and marketing. He continues: "We know WhatsApp is incredibly popular in the United States, but also in the more than two dozen destinations we serve in the Caribbean and Latin America. From travel updates to adding a bag to your reservation, this new messaging service allows Guests to communicate with us in English and Spanish and to opt in to WhatsApp messaging. It is all part of our goal to elevate and improve our Guest experience."

While this could be a convenient development for some Spirit Airlines flyers, the airline has a long way to go in terms overall customer service. It ranked #9 out of 10 on our list of the Best and Worst Airlines in the US this year. It has the second-worst frequent-flyer program and room for improvement in the cabin comfort department. That said, you get what you pay for — so don't expect any bells and whistles.

Related: The Best Credit Cards for Airline Lounge Access

Featured image by Bloomberg via Getty Images

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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)

Pros

  • 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
  • 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
  • Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
  • Solid welcome bonus

Cons

  • Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
  • Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
  • You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
  • Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
  • Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
  • $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
  • $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
  • $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
  • $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
  • Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
  • No Foreign Transaction Fees.
  • Annual Fee is $325.
  • Terms Apply.