Spirit Airlines dumps toll-free number "to better assist you"

[KamaAina]

http://travel.yahoo.com/ideas/spirit-airlines-dumps-toll-free-number--to-better-assist-you--203237592.html

You'll search long and hard on the airline's website to find a phone number. And when you do—I finally tracked it down by following the links to "How do I change a reservation?"—you probably won't recognize the initial three numbers in 801-401-2222.

Is that yet another variant of the 800 code used for toll-free numbers?

There's nothing toll-free about it—801 is the area code for the Wasatch Front in northern Utah, specifically Davis, Morgan, Salt Lake, and Weber counties.

That's right. Spirit has replaced its toll-free number with a toll-charge number. (Call the old number, 800-772-7117, and you'll be greeted by a chirpy recording advising that "we recently updated our phone number to better assist you.&quot

[itsrobert]

1. Most people have free long distance nowadays

Especially travelers with cell phone.

Why should Spirit pay for a toll free number when it really isn't necessary anymore?

However, it might start a trend (credit card services, mortgage company, government numbers) and people who don't have free/included long distance may be hurt the most here. People on lifeline phone service that only includes local calls.

[KamaAina]

2. Spirit is a low-cost airline

such people might be more likely to fly with them.

[itsrobert]

3. Yup, younger people with cell phones

However, Spirit nickle and dimes you on everything. I think they even charge for carry on bags.

[Mr. David]

4. Yes they do.

And I believe that they also charge for using the loo.

[thelordofhell]

5. Friends did it first.............

[tabbycat31]

6. For cell phone users it does not matter if the # is toll free

If I call during the daytime weekdays, a minute used is a minute used no matter if it is an 800# or not.

If Spirit really wanted to nickel and dime its customers, they'd make the CS line a 900#.