Problems keep piling up for budget airlines like Spirit Airlines — so get set to pay more

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A Spirit Airlines Airbus A320 departs at Los Angeles International Airport en route to Pittsburgh on September 19, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Spirit Airlines posted a net loss of $192 million in the second quarter.

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I traveled from New York City to Disney World and back in 24 hours. It was exhausting, but I saved hundreds of dollars.

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Photocollage of Micky and Minnie Mouse alongside a map of Florida, the Disney Castle, an airplane, a suitcase, and decorative star stickers
Getting to the "most magical place on Earth" is getting more expensive.

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Budget airlines like Spirit and Southwest are getting more desperate. You're going to hate it.

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Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-8 arrives at Los Angeles International Airport during Memorial Day weekend on May 24, 2024 in Los Angeles, California.
Southwest Airlines will soon roll out assigned seating on all of its flights as the industry faces high costs and falling profits.

AaronP/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Spirit Airlines is making big changes to how it sells tickets

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Spirit Airlines Airbus
A new Spirit Airlines Airbus A320neo.

Spirit

It's the end of budget airlines as we know them

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
seats getting more expensive

Getty Images; Chelsea Jia Feng/BI

Spirit passengers are getting fed up of the ultra-low-cost airline's extra fees

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Spirit Airlines jetliners on the tarmac at Fort Lauderdale Hollywood International Airport.
Spirit Airlines jets at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport.

Joe Cavaretta/South Florida Sun Sentinel/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

I flew United's basic economy. The fare is restrictive, but I'd book again if the price were right.

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The United Next cabin with a flight attendant in the aisle serving drinks.
The "United Next" cabin on a Boeing 737 Max 8 in full view.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

Airlines got too confident, and now they are paying the price despite record-breaking travel

Tech Insider : Travel
American Airlines and Southwest Airlines planed lines at gates at an airport.
Southwest and American have recently announced profit outlook adjustments despite travel booming.

Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images

I've been flying ultra-low-cost airlines for years and have never been charged extra — these are my 4 tips for avoiding fees

Tech Insider : Travel, Travel
Spirit Airlines bag check
Spirit and Frontier have size checks stationed at the check-in desk and boarding gates.

Eric Glenn/Shutterstock

I used to regularly fly on ultra-low-cost airlines to save money, but the cheap tickets aren't worth the headache anymore

Tech Insider : Travel
Delta A220 cabin with seatback screens.
I prefer basic economy on mainlines because they come with the cabin perks at a cheaper price.

Taylor Rains/Business Insider

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