November 12, 2002

So far, it has been a tough 2002 for most of the major airlines. Revenue is down and costs, particularly labor and jet fuel, are high. However, the newly evolving low-fare carriers have weathered the storm far better than most analysts originally predicted. The low-fare carriers remain profitable and are starting to pick up major slices of traffic from larger, more established carriers.

Using these low fare carriers is a viable option for cost-conscious travelers. Over the next few weeks, NTM will give an overview of who these low fare carriers are and what they offer.

This week, we feature Spirit Airlines.

Next week, we’ll take a look at:

• Southwest Airlines

Previous carriers reviewed:

• AirTran Airways
• JetBlue Airways Corp.

Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines is the largest privately-held airline in the U.S. With a fleet of modern aircraft for scheduled and charter service From inception, Spirit Airlines has insisted on providing our customers with the absolutely lowest possible fares to many popular destinations. They provide fares that are not only attractive to leisure travelers, but to the budget conscious business traveler as well.

Spirit's offers low round-trip and one-way fares, that require no Saturday night stay or advance purchase.

Headquarters: Ft. Lauderdale, Fl
Total Departures: 104 daily flight departures
Cities Served:

* Seasonal service November 14, 2002 - April 30, 2003

Additional Info: Spirit Airlines recently announced Spirit Plus, an upgraded coach class of service, including wide leather seats in two by two seating, dedicated check-in, complimentary cocktails and snacks, priority boarding and more, all without sacrificing low fares. The upgrade fee, available day of departure at any Spirit Airlines ticket counter, is $40 per segment. Spirit Plus seats are also available in advance on a non-refundable or refundable basis.

NTM's top five Spirit flights are: