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Posted on Tue, Mar. 06, 2007reprint or license print email
Spirit Airlines cuts fares by 10-40%
Spirit Airlines said today it is cutting fares by up to 40 percent, but the low-cost carrier will also begin charging for checked baggage and beverages.

The Miramar-based airline is cutting fares from 10 to 40 percent on domestic and international flights and on last-minute fares as well, the company said in a news release.

The airline also is offering 1-cent fares, plus fees and taxes, to and from select cities in March, April and May. Customers have until Wednesday to book the penny flights.

Spirit will also have a different baggage policy starting June 20. Customers will still be allowed one carry-on bag for free, but one or two checked bags will cost $5 each if passengers make flight reservations on the carrier's website. The fee will be $10 each for one or two bags if passengers don't use the website for reservations. The charge is $100 for the third bag.

The airline currently allows one checked bag for free and $10 for a second checked bag.

''Our customers have called for even lower fares, and we have listened,'' said Barry Biffle, Spirit's chief marketing officer. ``We can offer incredibly low fares by enabling customers to pay for only those options they want.''

Also starting June 20, soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea -- which are now free -- will cost $1. Water will still be free.

Spirit also plans to eliminate first-class service and free alcoholic drinks. The former first-class seats will be called ''big front seats'' and sell at premium prices.

The airline offers service to 33 cities in the United States, Latin America and the Caribbean. Spirit's main hub is Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. It also has a hub in Detroit.