Spirit Airlines is attempting to cash in on the media frenzy surrounding Tiger Woods by running a 10-second online ad promoting its “Eye of the Tiger Sale” – which features a tiger that crashes an SUV into a fire hydrant.
It seems a little disconcerting (and tasteless) that an airline would be touting a fare sale with the depiction of a crash scene. However, the ads are drawing some attention online and from a number of media outlets, including The Huffington Post, the Orlando Sentinel and E! Online – so perhaps it’s “mission accomplished” by the airline?
The USA Today reports that, “this is certainly not the first time Spirit has courted controversy with its advertisements. Just last week, a Spirit press release touted a ‘We’re no Virgin’ fare sale, clearly aimed at rival Virgin America’s new service from Spirit’s Ft. Lauderdale base.”
And in case you’re wondering, the Eye of the Tiger Sale is offering fares from $9 each way.
Here’s some more travel news you can use:
- The first plane designed to fly day and night without fuel, the Solar Impulse HB-SIA, lifted off for the first time today in Switzerland. Test pilot Markus Scherdel flew 350 meters down an icy runway at an altitude of one meter in a flight lasting 28 seconds. The Impulse is as wide as a Boeing 747, but weighs only about 1.7 tons. The 12,000 solar cells mounted on the wing are designed to provide renewal solar power to the plane’s 4 electric motors.
- With wintry conditions expected throughout Southeast Texas this weekend, Continental Airlines is offering passengers the chance to change flight reservations at no charge. Passengers with reservations to or from George Bush Intercontinental Airport on Dec. 4 and Dec. 5 will be allowed to make the penalty-free switch provided the rescheduled travel begins by Dec. 20. Refunds may also be requested for canceled flights.
- Just in time for the holiday season, Wyndham Hotels and Resorts, an official sponsor of Cirque du Soleil touring shows, today announced exclusive discounts for Wintuk — the seasonal family show performing in New York — as well as stays at its Wyndham hotels in the city. Wyndham is celebrating the return of the winter adventure to Manhattan with a double discount: 30% off the regular ticket price of any Wintuk show and a special 15% discount when booking at its participating NYC hotels.
BTW – If you’re planning to stay at a NYC hotel (or any hotel) you should be tracking prices with Yapta before you book. That way you’ll know when prices drop and you can save big!