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Spirit of Tasmania

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The Spirit of Tasmania is a large passenger and car ferry that travels between Melbourne and Devonport, Tasmania.

The journey between the two locations takes between 9-11 hours, and there are typically two trips per day one day trip and one evening trip.

Spirit of Tasmania Ferry, Booking, Travel Time, Ticket Fares & Pricing

Tickets must be booked ahead of time and can be booked up to 11 months in advance. To book a ticket, you must know the following details: Car type (including make, model and registration), names of all people travelling and the date of birth of all people travelling. Caravans, motorhomes and motorbikes are permitted on the ferry and are priced in different price brackets. The price for your vehicle will depend on the vehicle type, length and height.

There are many ticket choices available, including 222 private cabins , shared cabins or comfortable recliner chairs. The cabins come with a bed and private shower and are the best way to travel on the Spirit of Tasmania. During the summer, you can sail by day or by night with the day sailing departing at 9am and arriving in Tasmania at 6pm the same day. Night sailing is generally scheduled for 7:30pm departure from Melbourne with the arrival time of 6:30am.

Pets are permitted to travel on the ferry and must be booked in advance. Once your pet is safely stored, you cannot visit your pet on the ferry until arrival as they will be located in a secure area. They will travel on a ventilated deck and provided with fresh water throughout the journey. They will also be checked on regularly by ferry staff. Make sure to check Tasmanian quarantine laws before booking your pet’s trip.

Check-in opens 2.5 hours and closes 60 minutes before departure. There are routine quarantine checks before you board the ferry, so please note that fruits and vegetables are not permitted to be taken on the boat. Photo identification is also required.

You don’t need to check in any bags if you are taking your car. Take a personal bag with you and leave the rest of your luggage in your vehicle. Just make sure you take what you need as your car cannot be accessed during the voyage.

Once you are on the ferry, relax by getting something to eat or drink at the many restaurants and bars, catch a film at the onsite cinema, play the pokies, listen to some live music or read in the quiet room. WiFi is also available onboard for a fee.

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We have booked to travel to Tasmania on Sat 17 Feb. We have an 8.5-meter motorhome with which we tow a Suzuki Grand Vitara. The overall length of the combination is 13.5 meters. It is not possible to reverse the two vehicles and I am not familiar with the Spirit Terminal area. Can you please provide me with a map showing where we have to check in and where we can legally park prior to check in? Also where we go after check-in when boarding? This will help me plan my maneuvering during the check-in and boarding procedure and thus avoid a situation that might require the disconnection of the car which can take a little time and cause me some embarrassment!

Lots of questions in your submission, so I suggest you contact the Spirit of Tasmania directly to discuss the boarding information. They will be able to give you some advice about parking for your particular circumstances.

Best regards, Jess

Frequently Asked Questions About Spirit of Tasmania

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Spirit of Tasmania Travel Guide: 2023 Edition

• July 31, 2023
• Travel Guides

Growing up my family would visit our Tasmanian relatives over the summer holidays. This would mean a trip on the Spirit of Tasmania. Over the years the Spirit of Tasmania has continued to evolve. I’ve put together a travel guide on the Spirit of Tasmania to give you an idea of what to expect.

Where Does the Spirit of Tasmania Leave From Now

The Spirit of Tasmania departs the mainland from a new terminal in Geelong. The Spirit of Tasmania used to leave from Port Melbourne but they moved to a purpose built terminal in Geelong.

The Geelong terminal is around a 1 hours drive from the City of Melbourne.

The old terminal was quite cramped which meant queues of traffic would form in Port Melbourne. The new terminal is more spacious and has plenty of parking for those waiting to board the ship.

Spirit of Tasmania Route

The Spirit of Tasmania travels between Geelong in Victoria and Devenport in Tasmania. Devenport is located in the very north of Tasmania and is around 3 hour drive to Hobart.

How Long Does the Spirit of Tasmania Take

The journey on The Spirit of Tasmania takes between 9.5-11.5 hours. The sailing time depends on the weather.

Sailing Times for the Spirit of Tasmania

The Spirit of Tasmania has both night crossings and day crossings. During winter, Spirit of Tasmania only runs Night Crossings. Day crossings are operated between September and April with daily day crossings happening during peak periods.

The night crossings leave at 6:45pm, 9:30pm or 11:30pm depending on the day. A departure at 6:45pm will get you to your destination around 5:30-6am.

Spirit of Tasmania operates two ships. This means that ships can leave each evening from both Geelong and Davenport.

How Much Does The Spirit of Tasmania Cost

The Spirit of Tasmania has a dynamic pricing system. So fares do change and will depend on demand and when you’re booking.

If you’re looking to book a crossing for 2 people, with a car and cabin it will cost around ~$600. However this price will depend on the number of people you are travelling with, the car you have and the cabin you choose. The time of year will also have a big impact on price. Expect to pay more during peak periods.

If you can handle sitting in a recliner (similar to an airline seat) overnight the price would be around ~$400 with a car.

If you’re travelling with a family it’s most likely cheaper than flying to Tasmania. For my family it was always a more cost effective option. And of course you won’t need to hire a car at the other end. Each Cabin can sleep 4 people so it’s more economical for a family.

How Many Spirit of Tasmania Ships are There

There are currently two Spirit of Tasmania Ships. These are the Spirit of Tasmania 1 and Spirit of Tasmania 2. Spirit of Tasmania III used to operate from Sydney to Devenport. The Spirit of Tasmania I and II have identical features.

In 2024 two new Spirit of Tasmania Ships will replace the current fleet. Unlike the current ships, the Spirit of Tasmania IV and Spirit of Tasmania V are purpose built for TT line. The new Spirit of Tasmania ships will have an increase vehicle capacity and carry 1800 passengers. You can find out more about the new ships here .

Is it Easy to Sleep on the Spirit of Tasmania

One of the advantages of travelling on the Spirit of Tasmania overnight is you go to sleep and arrive in your destination. For overnight voyagers you can choose either a Cabin or Recliner. I highly recommend the Cabin over the recliner. I have slept in both and found the recliner to be quite difficult for sleeping. The cabin on the other hand has a proper bed. You don’t need to bring any bedding or pillows – it’s just like a hotel room with everything provided.

I find it quite easy to sleep on the Spirit of Tasmania.

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One comment

Last year we travelled from Tasmania to Geelong on ship and after disembarking headed to Sydney however we encountered huge early morning traffic back up whilst driving towards Melbourneto get on the Western ring road.Is there a better suggestion re route to take instead of being held up with very slow moving cars heading into Melbourne

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Spirit of Tasmania – Top Questions Answered

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Planning a Tasmanian getaway? One of the most popular ways to reach the island is the Spirit of Tasmania ferry. The ferry has been helping passengers since 2002 and is a unique experience worth trying at least once. It’s also a handy way to reach Tasmania with your vehicle. In addition to our top ten tips , we thought we would put together an FAQ to help you plan your next Tasmanian adventure. Read on to discover the answers to some of the most common questions and make the most of your upcoming holiday.

How long does the trip take on the Spirit of Tasmania?

The total travel time on the Spirit of Tasmania is between nine to eleven hours. The exact time can vary depending on a few factors such as the weather and amount of sailings happening that day.

Where does the Ferry leave from?

The Spirit of Tasmania travels between Melbourne and Devonport and operates out of the port in each of those cities. Beginning on the 23rd of October 2022, the ferry will move its operations from Melbourne to Geelong. All sailings on or after Sunday 23 October 2022 will then depart from the Spirit of Tasmania Quay in Geelong.

How much does a fare cost on the Spirit of Tasmania?

Fares can vary from approximately $160 up to over $1000. The exact price can change depending on the time of year, whether or not you bring a vehicle and the type of cabin/accommodation you select. For the most up-to-date pricing, see the Spirit of Tasmania website .

Can I take my vehicle on the Boat?

Absolutely! One of the major advantages of travelling on the ferry is the ability to take your own vehicle with you. The ferry has options for cars, motorbikes, trailers and even motorhomes. There is an additional fee to take a vehicle with you and this can vary depending on the type and size. See the official website for up-to-date pricing.

Can I take my dog on the Spirit of Tasmania?

Yes, the Spirit of Tasmania is pet friendly. When travelling with a pet it is strongly recommended to book a kennel. For further information about which animals are allowed and pricing, see the Spirit of Tasmania website.

Tasmania is a fantastic destination for a family getaway and the ferry is one of the best ways to see what the island state has to offer. For more information about the Spirit of Tasmania, check out our top ten tips and follow our Lap Around Tasmania series on youtube.

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Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.

Very Good Article.

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Geelong to Devonport (GEX to DPO)

Devonport to geelong (dpo to gex).

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Adult fares from $69*

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Spirited travellers pack a sense of adventure along with their suitcase. They journey on four wheels, two, or none at all. They don’t see the sights; they devour them. And as for making plans? Well, sometimes they just go where the wind takes them.

And with adult fares starting from $69*, it is your time to set sail!

Whether you’re travelling with friends, family, or even going solo, the perfect adventure awaits on board Spirit of Tasmania.

Terms and conditions: $69* applies to an adult passenger fare on selected sailings during low demand travel periods. Recliner included on PM sailings. Cabins, food and drink excluded. Payment fees may apply. Booking fees apply to non-internet bookings.

Any questions?

I have tried to book this fare, but the advertised price is not appearing. why.

This can be due to the following reason:

a) The fare has already sold out on the sailing you have selected.

b) The fare is not within our low demand travel period.

Can I book this fare over the phone or in person?

Bookings can be made online or by calling the Customer Contact Centre or in person at the Reservations Counter, however a booking fee of $10 per person each way will apply to in-person and phone bookings.

Spirit of Tasmania Guide: All You Need To Know

Spirit of Tasmania is the ideal transportation mode when travelling with family and kids, this guide covers all you need to know. The ship is the link between Tasmania and the rest of mainland Australia. It is an enormous passenger ferry equipped with all the latest mod-cons and facilities to ensure a smooth and enjoyable ride. We travelled with Oliver when he was eleven months old who surprisingly had a blast on the ship, albeit it did take him a bit longer to fall asleep being in such a different environment. We sailed overnight, which in our opinion is ideal and gives the best of both worlds, enjoying the ship and arriving well rested in the morning. Yes, you could fly, but where’s the fun in that. Also this way you can bring absolutely everything you will need for an awesome roadtrip, with no mucking around with airports, car rentals and hire places.

Table of Contents

Our Guide to Sailing With Spirit Of Tasmania

Spirit of Tasmania sails both directions between Port Melbourne, Victoria and Devonport, Tasmania. With no road between the two states, the ferry is the only option for land-based transit of passengers, vehicles and goods. Being the only option, the cost is actually subsidised by the Australian government, slightly reducing the fare.

The ship sails through Port Phillip Bay and crosses the narrow strip of sea between the two states, Bass Strait. The total journey measures 429km, or for the keen sailor, 232 nautical miles.

Travel Time

The travel time of the crossing is between 9 and 11 hours. This difference in travel time is on account of maintaining a comfortable crossing in varying weather conditions.

You will also need to check-in at least 45 minutes before departure time whilst disembarking could take up to 30 minutes.

Benefits of Sailing vs Flying

Travelling on Spirit of Tasmania holds many benefits over the faster flying option.

• You can bring everything, including the kitchen sink. Seriously with no ‘luggage restrictions’ and the ability to bring your own vehicle and caravan you don’t have to worry about having to sacrifice bringing certain things. That means no parking or hire car costs and also no hire fees for all your hiking & camping gear, bikes, golf clubs, surfboards or even kayaks. We may have slightly overpacked because of this haha!
• You can bring your pet along with you to enjoy the holiday as well!
• The sail itself is part of the experience of the holiday, with so much fun and activities onboard, sailing most certainly is not a bore and will definitely be memorable for all! After all, travel is all about the journey as much as the destination.
• There is an onboard Tourism Hub to get your knowledge of and Tasmania and Victoria fully up to scratch, you can also purchase National Parks passes there.

Spirit of Tasmania

Spirit of Tasmania is reminiscent of a cruise ship, there are that many facilities and features! With gaming lounges to cinemas and restaurants, there is not much else you could want on board for the interstate journey. There are actually two identical ships, Spirit of Tasmania I & Spirit of Tasmania II. Both measuring an impressive 194m and being comprised of 11 decks and 222 cabins, they are able to take up to 1,400 passengers and 500 vehicles.

Day Sail Vs Night Sail

There are two journey types dependant on the time of year, a Day Sail or  Night Sail .

The ‘Night Sails ‘ operate year-round from both Melbourne and Devonport, leaving at varying times between 7:30pm and 10:30pm.

The ‘Day Sails’ operate most of the year, however, they sometimes do not operate throughout winter. These leave ateither 8:30am.

Both options have their own pro’s and con’s, however in our opinion the night crossing win’s hands down. You can still enjoy the benefits of the ship’s facilities, but then when you tire, you can retire to a cabin or recliner and sleep through the rest of the journey with ease. This is especially handy if travelling with children. Not only does this make the time pass quickly, but it also saves you a nights accommodation that you would otherwise be spending. Additionally, you arrive fresh and ready to start your road trip from the crack of dawn, much better than arriving only to have to retire for the night without seeing anything!

Then again, at night time you don’t get to enjoy the views from the deck, although to be honest there’s only so much looking out the window that we would be able to enjoy without having boredom set in!

Accommodation Options

Being an enormous vessel, you have a wide range of choices regarding how you spend your time onboard suited to all budgets and travellers.

The recliners are located in their own room and resemble a chair you’d find in business class of an aeroplane. On the night sails, they are free to use to get a nights sleep, whilst if you want to rest in one on the day sails they will set you back $39. Blankets are also provided on the night sails. The recliners are located in their own section of the ship and look out over the constantly changing view through floor to ceiling windows. If travelling an infant you won’t be able to use a recliner, which to be honest is probably for the best for everyone!!

Of the 222 cabins onboard, there are various categories of room available:

All cabins have been completely refurbished and feature elegant furnishings with a bold new colour scheme. In addition, they have air-conditioning/heating with adjustable controls, a powerpoint, wall-mounted reading lights, hanging space, a desk with a chair and a wall mirror. Bedding, towels and soap are provided.

• Deluxe Cabin  – These are the premium cabins and feature a Queen bed, ensuite, TV, twin windows, table and chairs, heaps of room
• Twin Bed Private Porthole Cabin  – Two single beds, ensuite, window
• Four Bed Private Porthole Cabin   – Two bunk beds, ensuite, window
• Four Bed Inside Cabin   – Two bunk beds, ensuite
• Female or Male Shared Cabin   – As above, but shared with other passengers of the same sex if travelling solo.

If you book an infant, a cot will be placed in your room. However, to be honest we recommend you bring your own portacot so they have a bit of familiarity (as long as it is a small one, we have the Babybjorn one and it fit fine). Having a cabin makes a world of difference in waking up feeling fresh and being able to have a shower before starting the day. Or on a day sail its simply a good place to relax!

Prices vary between day and night sails and time of year so best to check through the booking page to get an idea for when you want to go.

Booking Tickets

As a guide it’s advised to book Spirit of Tasmania 4-6 months in advance to ensure availability and get the best price. In peak periods spaces do fill up early, especially for higher vehicles.

You will then need to advise Spirit of Tasmania of passenger and vehicle details. It is critical to input the right vehicle details as different sized vehicles are stowed in different areas of the ship dependent on size. If bringing a caravan or trailer you will need to measure the total length to ensure you have an appropriate parking space reserved.

Then choose whether you want to do a day or night sail, your accommodation choice and you are all set!

Click Here for the Spirit of Tasmania Booking Page

Boarding Process & Checking In

Port Melbourne is smack bang in the middle of the CBD, so make sure you account for any traffic you may encounter. Devonport, on the other hand, is super quiet.

Check-in opens 2.5 hours prior to sailing and closes 45 minutes before departure. On both sails, we gave ourselves plenty of time and arrived when check-in opened. This allowed us to settle into our cabins, explore and start our meals before setting off on our journey, making sure that Ollie would be able to keep to his usual bedtime routine.

The whole check-in process went super smoothly. First, you will drive through a quarantine check-point where they check your vehicle for any fresh fruit or vegetables, as well as check-in any portable butane/LPG canisters and guns. Tasmania has really strict biosecurity laws restricting fresh items being brought in so as to protect the natural ecosystem. Your car will be tagged as passing the inspection.

Then you will continue on to the check-in counter where you will hand over the quarantine tag e-ticket. You will be handed over your boarding passes and key cards to your cabin and told where to head next! After driving onto the ship you will be instructed where to park, after which grab your overnight bag and head up to the decks to explore.

Make sure to grab everything you need for the trip as once the ship departs, you are unable to access your car.

Also, grab one of the flyers in the stairway as you leave the car that tells you where your car is parked. We didn’t on our first trip and struggled to find out the car again in the morning haha!

From there it was up to find our cabin. We were surprised as we walked the corridor how much we felt like we were on land in a hotel. A quick swipe of our keycard and we were in our private cabin, with the window overlooking the sun setting over Port Phillip Bay.

If travelling without a cabin, there are loads of seats around the ship, but it would be best to find a good area of the ship to claim before all the good spots get taken!

Keeping Yourself & The Kids Occupied Onboard

It’s no surprise a big ship like Spirit of Tasmania has loads to do onboard, and the journey will seriously sail by! Here are just a few of the facilities to keep you occupied:

There are two cinemas featuring comfy seats and offering up the latest kids and adult movies. This is a great way to kill a couple of hours, especially on the day sail. You have to buy your tickets once onboard from the kiosk, but be warned seat’s book out quickly, so try get yours asap. We recommend if travelling with kids to try and save watching a movie until the second half of your trip once they have already fully explored the ship.

Kids Game Zone

Ollie may not even be one yet but the second he saw the games room he was clawing at our arms trying to get us to turn there! The Galactica Games room is complete the classic arcade games you love such as car racing, pinball and the usual claw machine! James and Ollie rode on the motorbike game together and kept winning over and over, and clearly Ollie is now a motorbike fan haha! Make sure to bring a few spare gold coins along to have a bit of fun in here!

Gaming Consoles

In another part of the ship, you will find four separate tv and Xbox setups! Whenever we walked past they were all always in use, so clearly quite popular!

You’ll find a decent-sized jungle gym style playground complete with slide, ramp and soft play pyramids. Oliver was the only kid in there when we visited so he had free reign!

To our surprise when walking the corridors we found a cosy area where you could hang out and listen to some live music in some comfy chairs, with a drink in hand.

Tourism Hub

The Tourism Hub contains all the knowledge you need to know about where you are headed. You’ll find friendly staff and more pamphlets then you could bring with you. You can also purchase Tasmanian National Parks & Fishing passes from here. Staff can even make tour or accommodation bookings for you, so it’s all ready to go when you arrive in Tasmania!

Reading Room

This cosy nook is the perfect spot to chill out and get your read on. In the 48 hours prior to boarding, you can download as many premium magazines and newspapers as you like using the PressReader app, for later offline reading on your cruise or as you travel around Tasmania.

Public TV’s

Scattered around the ship you will find various TV’s playing the usual stations, so don’t worry you won’t miss that game that you have to see!

School Holiday Entertainment

During school holidays (December to April) the whole family will be kept entertained with local entertainers on hand, including face painting, singers and a roaming entertainment host

Free Media Streaming Free media streaming is available in all public areas (excluding cabins). Stream free-to-air TV on your own device.

Wifi Available

Wifi is available in public areas for a fee, just in case you can’t cope with the forced digital detox. We found that our Telstra phone reception stayed in range until we went to sleep for the night so we were able to ensure Oliver’s sleep music could stream hah!

Dining options on Spirit of Tasmania

There are loads of meal and drink options onboard to suit all tastes and hunger levels

Tasmanian Market Kitchen (TMK)

This self-service buffet was our first port of call, and boy did it deliver. The buffet serves up a huge range of Tasmanian inspired marketplace favourites and has all tastes catered for from salad to roast dinner and dessert. Especially yummy was the roast pork and unlimited crackling (I know super-naughty!). Depending on the time of day the TMK serves up Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner so you can well and truly eat your heart out. It will set you back $28.50 for adults, $15 for 15 and under, $10 for 10 and under and free for under 5’s. Ollie actually got a half-decent feed for free as a little person haha! When we woke up in the morning we were still full from dinner, a great success. They also have high chairs for your little ones.

The Terrace Lounge Bar

A bit more relaxed dining is the Terrace Lounge Bar, a bright lounge area with comfy chairs and TV’s throughout. You’ll be able to grab decent pizzas and paninis as well as a range of bar snacks.

The Pantry offers the convenience of delicious coffees, freshly prepared sandwiches, snacks and breakfast items. For a lighter bite to eat The Pantry has you covered.  

How rough is the journey?

Spirit of Tasmania is equipped with some serious stabilisers and is massive, however, it can still get quite choppy out in the open waters of Bass Strait. Us oldies were in bed before getting out of Port Philip Bay, at which point it was dead flat. During the night when Ollie woke up, we were at a steady rock, enough that it was a bit of an effort to walk to the bathroom. Although we didn’t need them, it might be a good idea to take seasickness tablets if you get prone to being sick, and especially for kids. Our return journey was probably as rough as it could ever get due to an enormous wintery storm passing through much of the country. The ship was going up and down the waves like in a movie, however, it was still gentle in the way it was happening and we felt completely safe, although it did make sleep a bit harder..especially for Ollie who ended up sleeping in the single bed with Paige!

Disembarking

If you’re not awake already, you will be awoken 45 minutes prior to arrival through the ships speaker system. Disembarking is super straight forward, as long as you remember where your car is! Remember that card we told you to grab when leaving your car, this is the time to bring it out and check what floor you were on. We forgot to grab the card the first time and kept going from level to level as the doors opened.

The different levels disembark one after the other with each level getting access as the previous one clears. We drove straight off and out into Devonport. Often there is a quarantine checkpoint set up to check for fresh food items, however, on that morning, there was nothing. So we just had to patiently wait for all the cars to disperse before being able to jet into town to watch the sunrise over the Mersey Bluff Lighthouse!

Good for families?

In our opinion, a big YES. There is just so much to keep them occupied from the view to the arcades, cinemas and consoles. In fact there’s so much fun stuff that if you’re on a night sail you may have trouble getting them to bed! Much better than being cooped up in airports and aeroplanes.

Oliver was 11 months old and between teething, the ships rocking and a new portacot, the only way he would sleep was in the single bed cuddled up with Paige. This worked out fine though and they both managed to get a good sleep.

A cabin is probably a pretty critical purchase if travelling with small children just to give yourself some of your own space, day or night.

Even though Ollie is just a young tacker, you can tell he loved the whole experience and loved staring out the window.

What we thought

For us, sailing Spirit of Tasmania was as much about the experience as it was the journey. We had a blast, ate some great food and had a decent night’s sleep. What more could you ask for? You definitely don’t get any of that when you fly on an aeroplane.

The simplicity of it all makes everything so easy, especially when travelling with loads of luggage and little ones in tow. Not having to mess around at the other end trying to sort out a rental car and having all of your own stuff makes it a very attractive option.

Our cabin was spotless and the ensuite was oh so handy in the morning to have a hot shower. Although we were both in single beds we still were comfy, had a great sleep and woke up relatively fresh for 6 am. Although these days 6 am tends to be Olivers latest wake up time anyway haha!

Spirit of Tasmania is the ideal kickstart to your road trip to Tassie and in seriousness, we only have positives to say about it.

Hopefully, this guide about Spirit of Tasmania has come in helpful, but as always, if you have any questions, comment below!

Also, if you are off roadtripping with your little one, be sure to check out our blog on ‘ Road tripping with a baby ‘.

Looks like a wonderful adventure your little family had. We regularly sailed with the Spirit of Tasmania in the past, we will have to make a return some time.

Thank you so much I’m doing this alone with small car and caravan and I’m so frightened but I’ll have to suck it up and thank you for all your advice Lyn Horton

So glad you enjoyed our blog! Seriously sailing with Spirit was a total breeze and we know you can do it! The staff are all super helpful as well 🙂

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• December 16, 2019

Spirit Of Tasmania – Cost

This is our first of two post on The Spirit Of Tasmania (SOT) as there is so much information.

In this post I will cover the cost, why’s, wherefores of “Our” trip. Two adults, no children, no pets. The next post will be about the actual SOT journey and what it’s like on board.

Deciding When To Go

We headed over on the The Spirit Of Tasmania in early December 2019 for three months. Booking us on the boat for a Sunday morning. After reading other travellers posts about the Tazzy weather, rough seas and travelling on the SOT we wanted to get it right.

We chose December as this is when the warmer weather is meant to start. The week before we arrived it had been snowing. Luckily, our first week was sunny. It was still a bit windy which had that chill factor but we were expecting that.

Please Note: Since writing this, the Spirit Of Tasmania is now arriving and departing in Geelong! So please disregard instructions on catching the boat below.

Catching the boat on a Sunday morning was a good decision. The streets were empty and we had a perfect run to the boat from our stay at Discovery Park Melbourne, taking around 30 minutes.

On the day before we had done a dry run. Of course the GPS took us down a residential road with multiple speed humps and rundabouts. Not a problem, this is why we did it! On our actual drive to the ship it was a piece of cake.

We booked our trip on the Spirit Of Tasmania in August. Knowing that the closer we got to our departure date the more expensive it would be. The fact that our mates at Not Grey Nomads had also booked helped our decision. Maybe a little bit stalker’ish 😉

After choosing December to travel (which is a more expensive month to travel to Tasmania) we then had to decide on night or day sail. Then if we wanted to pay for a cabin, a recliner chair or just use the general chairs on the decks. Of course the choice for all of these things are up to the individual and the cost changes depending on your preferences.

The cost also depends on the length of your set up. We have a total length of around 14 meters. So our cost was probably a little more than some.

Cost Of The Spirit Of Tasmania

People have asked how much it cost us to travel on the SOT. As so many factors are involved it was hard to give a blanket statement of cost. It really is an individual thing.

For instance, we chose the day sail going to Tasmania as we didn’t want to be stressed in the busy afternoon Melbourne traffic. Also, as we didn’t know the streets and dock area we booked in to Discovery Parks Melbourne for a couple of nights. That way we could put the SOT into our GPS and drive the route without the van. Also, paying a visit to the boats docking area for a visual on what we were up against.

Our caravan & Ute is Totalling 14.02m & Over 2.1m High. Our cost for just taking our caravan and ute was $1,795 return. This dose not include our options or lounge chair and cabin.

These are our costs and why we chose these options.

The only way this could have been cheaper for “us” would have been to book in for the winter months. Maybe even booking further in advance could help. If you have only a car or a smaller set up, it will be less for you. If you don’t have a vehicle and are just a foot passenger the cost can be as little as $100 one way.

Booking recliner chairs $39 Each

After choosing a day sail going to Tasmania, we then decided it was worth paying for the recliners. That way one of us didn’t have to stay and watch the chairs if we went for a walk. We also didn’t need to look for another if the boat was full.

If you have anxiety like me they are worth the price. If you’re happy to do as most others do and find a spare chair around the ship then there are some lovely areas and chairs to sit on. Just like a cruise ship.

Recliner Lounge

Entry to the recliner room is by swipe card so only those that have booked can enter. This is great as it’s not full on busy with people as the decks can be. Maybe because we booked early? But we got a window seat which was perfect.

Each chair has a USB port, night light and little table. My USB didn’t work which was not good as I had a heap of movies to watch. Thankfully I used Larry’s USB to charge my phone when he wasn’t using it.

At night I believe you get a small pillow and blanket with your chair. There are also toilets in this area so no need to hunt them down. There’s also storage space for cases and trolleys.

Booking A Cabin – $180

On our return trip we are doing a night sail so chose the cabin option. Frannie, from Not Grey Nomads told us that if your doing a night sail you have to have a cabin or a recliner. The recliners are free on a night sail. You can also share a cabin for as little as $30 per bed. That’s for a 4 person share or $70 per bed for 2 in a cabin. It all depends on the time of booking.

We had decided on a cabin anyway as there is no way I could sleep in a chair and not wake up sore. Either because of my autoimmune disorder or because someone would be hitting me over the head with a pillow for snoring so loud (I wouldn’t blame them) We are yet to travel back so I’ll let you know how the cabin experience goes.

Total cost of “Our” return trip on the Spirit Of Tasmania including 2x recliner chairs going and a cabin on our return trip was = $2.055.46

• To find out how much it would cost “You” to travel on the Spirit Of Tasmania follow the link to www.spiritoftasmania.com.au and enter your information as if you were booking. This will give you a more realistic view of what it will cost you specifically.
• See our next post on “our Spirit Of Tasmania experience” . It covers all your that’s on board.
• N ow we are back from our three months trip, you can see all our free and cheap Tasmanian camps here 😀

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1 thought on “ Spirit Of Tasmania – Cost ”

“Ahoy” there sailors. All I can say is Ditto Ditto with my previous comments of thanks……once again, well done.

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Tasmania Holiday Cost Calculator: Fly or ferry? Car or campervan?

Are you trying to work out the most cost-effective way of planning your Tasmania holiday?

Fly or ferry, car or campervan – my FREE cost calculator will help you come to the right answer!

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Tasmania Holiday Cost Calculator – Fly or ferry? Car or campervan?

One of the best things about a holiday in Tasmania is the number of ways in which you can experience this beautiful island.

But at the same time, choosing the best transport combination can be confusing.

Drive to Geelong and catch the ferry to Devonport? Or keep it simple and fly straight to Hobart or Launceston?

And once you get here, do you rent a regular car or SUV to get around and stay in B&Bs, apartments and hotels? Or are you better off with a combination of caravan parks and free-camping?

eeek…!! Too many choices 🥺

The first thing I want to say to you is, don’t stress!

These are really common questions that I get all the time over in my Lap of Tasmania Facebook Group, and I haven’t been able to answer with a whole lot of confidence…until now.

You’d think it would be easy, but it is only when you start digging into all the variables that you realise just how many combinations there are – ranging from the time of year you want to visit, to the length of your holiday, to the size and type of vehicle you would like to drive around in (or spend the night).

It has given me more than a couple of headaches, but I think I’ve cracked it – and as I suspected there is no ‘one size fits all’ answer.

Don’t worry, you won’t need a degree in nuclear physics to get my Tasmania holiday cost calculator to work as I have made sure the spreadsheet is super simple to use. All you need to do is to fill in the green cells and it will do the rest for you – easy peasy!

The short answer?

Don’t hold me to this, because everyone will have different preferences, but I suspect that most visitors will find the following scenarios to hold true when looking at cost, timing, and comfort:

✔️ = Good value, with enough time enjoy yourself ❔ = Doable, but you will compromise on either time or cost ❌ = Not enough time to make the most of it

IMPORTANT – Please keep in mind that this is not a comprehensive cost calculator for your holiday in Tasmania. There are many costs I haven’t included here – not because they aren’t important to your budget, but because they don’t affect the calculations for working out the most cost effective way of getting to, and travelling around Tasmania. If you need advice, please don’t hesitate to ask us over at the Lap of Tasmania Facebook Group, or you can also find all the info – plus heaps of other travel planning tips – in my eBook and Holiday Planner .

My assumptions – Have I got it right?

Considering all the different options available to travellers, I have had to make some assumptions in building this calculator.

I thought it would be good to share them with you, so you know how it is working ‘ under the hood ‘.

If you have any feedback at all please don’t hesitate to send it through to my email address here . It is only by hearing back from travellers like you that I can ensure the numbers are as accurate as possible.

Number of People

For simplicity, the calculator assumes that two adults are travelling together. Despite this, I suspect that even if I factored the extra cost for children into the calculator, it wouldn’t change how the four options compare against each other.

Total Driving Distance

I have pre-populated this field with the approximate length of the official ‘Lap of Tasmania’ route (1,500km) but you can adjust this up or down depending on your route and how you plan to explore Tasmania.

I have assumed that you spend the same amount on food, regardless of whether you decide to camp or to stay in B&Bs and apartments.

Spirit of Tasmania Ferry

In all ferry ticket combinations I have included the cheapest room type, which is a ‘ 4-Bed Inside Private Cabin ‘. You can save money by not including this, or you could spend more on a fancier room if you wanted.

These are the rates I have used for ferry tickets (two adults, return) in the calculator:

I have assumed the following details for the different vehicles that are taken on the ferry:

• Car – Toyota Camry
• 4WD – Toyota Landcruiser
• All vehicles are less than 2.1m high
• Campervans are 6m long
• Motorhomes are 8m long
• 4WD + Caravan combination is 12m long

Once you go over 2.1m, or have a very long caravan combo, you are going to find prices increasing significantly compared to those used above – so please check this doing a test booking on the Spirit of Tasmania website.

I have also assumed you are booking your ferry tickets 6 months or more ahead.

Vehicle Rental – Car / Campervan / Motorhome

Rental prices vary significantly between companies, the time of year, the type of vehicle, and how far in advance you are booking. The prices I have used are an average – but I feel that they are close enough for the purposes of comparing options.

You will be able to find cheaper prices – especially when you use my LAPOFTAS code for a 5% discount on your car, campervan or motorhome rental at LeisureRent – but you will also find some rentals to be more expensive than the value I have used.

These are the daily rental rates, and fuel consumption figures per vehicle, that I have used in the calculator:

You will notice that I have used the same rental rate for all car sizes. This isn’t as accurate as it could be, but due to the significant variation in rates between companies and between different types of cars I decided to keep things simple.

I have not included any costs for liability/excess reduction.

The campervan does not include shower/toilet, however the motorhome does.

These rates also assume that you are booking at least 6 months before arrival.

Getting to Geelong

I have not allowed for any accommodation costs needed to get yourself to the Spirit of Tasmania ferry terminal in Geelong (fuel is covered though).

Flights to Tasmania

You will need to plug in your own estimate for this, as ticket prices (return) vary a lot. If it was me, I would allow around $150 per person ie. $300 total for two adults.

Accommodation

These are the nightly rates I have used:

You will notice I have used the same rates for hotels/B&Bs for high and low season. What I have found is that they don’t vary enough for me to try and model it in my spreadsheet.

However…if you are planning on visiting at Christmas, New Years, other public holidays or during major festivals, then there will be a sharp spike in accommodation costs – often twice as much or even more.

Weighing up your options

The calculator is going to give you a feel for the cheapest option for your itinerary and style of travel.

However, cost isn’t everything!

There are pros and cons to each of the combinations that aren’t related to dollars – so I thought I’d also give you a quick overview so you can weigh them all up and make the best choice for your holiday.

‘Spirit of Tasmania’ Ferry

Catching the ferry with your own car is expensive up front, but it only takes three or four days in Tasmania for the price of a car rental to catch up.

However, unless you live near Geelong, by taking the ferry you are going to lose at least half a day getting to the ferry terminal (if not a day or more if you’re driving from interstate), and if you do a ‘day sail’ you will lose another day on the ferry itself. Repeat this for your return journey and you can see that you can lose two or three days simply managing ferry logistics – not a problem if you have weeks available for your road trip, but a big issue if you have less than a week.

Another good thing about catching the ferry with your own car is that you don’t have any baggage limitations – unlike a flight.

One down side of the ferry is that it can book out a long time in advance – especially for the return journey in autumn when a lot of ‘grey nomads’ return to the mainland to escape the cold. I am not joking when I say that some travellers have been caught for weeks waiting for a vacancy to get back home, so I recommend trying to book the ferry at least 6 months ahead.

Oh… and seasickness anyone? Bass Strait is notorious for its rough waters, so this can be a big consideration if you are susceptible to motion sickness.

Flying to Tasmania

There are a couple of big benefits of flying to Tasmania.

First of all, it’s a lot cheaper up front.

Second, it is so much quicker to get here by plane, meaning you can squeeze in as much time as possible exploring Tasmania. For those of us with limited annual leave, this is a really important, if not the most important factor of all.

The downside though is that you will need a rental vehicle to get around, which will increase your costs very quickly.

Bring Your Own Car

Here is a summary of the pros and cons of bringing your own car on the ferry:

✔️ Cheaper than a rental

✔️ Safer – assuming your car is in good condition – because you will be driving a vehicle you are familiar with

✔️ More convenient when managing things like securing booster seats or packing your luggage as efficiently as possible

❌ Wear and tear on your vehicle

❌ Your older vehicle is likely less fuel efficient than a new rental

❌ If something goes wrong, like a broken windshield, it will be more time-consuming to get it back on the road

Here is a summary of the pros and cons of renting a car on arrival.

For more information about the options, see my Car Rental Guide .

✔️ Chance to upgrade from your everyday car (more fun, luxury, features, more space/storage, power, comfort, 4WD etc.)

✔️ Easier to deal with something going wrong (eg. breakdown or vandalism) and no need to worry about organising repairs

✔️ No wear and tear on your own car

❌ Higher cost (bond/rental rate/insurance)

❌ You may need to look after it better than your own vehicle (cleanliness and heightened awareness while driving)

❌ Unfamiliarity with strange vehicle

❌ Need to allow time to pick-up and drop-off car

Campervan or Motorhome Rental

Here is a summary of the pros and cons of renting a campervan or motorhome on arrival in Tasmania.

For more information about the options, see my Campervan/Motorhome Rental Guide .

✔️ Fun, fun, fun!

✔️ Freedom to choose where to stay the night, whether that’s by the beach or in a caravan park

✔️ Less backtracking because you don’t need to get back to your accommodation

✔️ More space to store your baggage while on the move

✔️ More opportunities to self-cater (healthier and cheaper)

✔️ Chance to meet with like-minded travellers at caravan parks and campgrounds

✔️ Cheaper nightly rates, or even free when free-camping

✔️ No early hotel checkouts

✔️ You can have a campfire!

❌ More expensive rental rate, especially for 4 or more adults

❌ Higher fuel consumption

❌ Lack of familiarity and therefore less safe

❌ Slower than a car, especially on Tasmania’s hilly, winding roads

❌ Larger, and harder to drive around in Hobart and Launceston city centres – especially parking

❌ Colder at night compared to a heated hotel or apartment room

❌ Pressure of holding up traffic

❌ More things to learn/do (eg. waste dumping, grey water disposal, electricity, configuring the van for sleeping of an evening etc.)

❌ More complex than a car – more likely for something to break or need maintenance

Final thoughts

I hope my calculator, and the accompanying pros and cons for each option, have been useful in helping you decide how to enjoy your time in Tasmania.

As I’m sure you already realise, there are a lot of considerations at play and I can only hope that this information has simplified things for you – even if it’s only a little bit.

If you still have questions, or would like to provide any feedback at all, please don’t hesitate to let me know over in the Lap of Tasmania Facebook group , or you can email me here .

Thanks for reading, and happy travels!

Andrew Strikis

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Spirit of Tasmania

Sail to devonport with spirit of tasmania.

It’s time to take the Tassie road trip you’ve been dreaming of.

RACV Members receive 10% off* all Spirit and Flexi passenger fares. 

With modern facilities, onboard activities and delicious Tassie produce, Spirit of Tasmania is the best way to start your holiday. Cross Bass Strait in style and hit the road once you arrive in Devonport.

Spirit of Tasmania's Geelong-Devonport service departs nightly with additional day sailings in high season.

Spirit of Tasmania have implemented a number of precautionary measures on board their ships and in their terminals to ensure you  sail safe . 

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Options include Deluxe Cabins, Twin and Four-bed Cabins and comfy Recliners for budget travellers. Day tickets give travellers the freedom to wander through the ship without an allocated cabin.

Wine, dine and more

The ships feature three bars showcasing the best Tasmanian wines, ciders and beers. TMK – the Tasmanian Market Kitchen restaurant – offers a selection of seasonal produce.

The Pantry stocks freshly prepared sandwiches and snacks as well as specialty food products and souvenirs.

Entertainment

There is lots to do on board including two cinemas showing the latest movie releases. Look out for the teen zone and children’s play area on the upper decks. If you’re after peace and quiet, retreat to the Reading Room.

Members get more in Tasmania

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RACV Members save 25% off standard room only and bed and breakfast accommodation rates when booking direct.

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Save on ticket prices for Tasmania’s top attractions and experiences as an RACV Member. 

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*Terms and conditions apply. Offer applies to new bookings only. RACV Members must book these fares direct with Spirit of Tasmania by using this page . Discount excludes Deluxe Cabins and vehicle fares. To qualify for this discount you must be a current RACV member. Members of Auto Clubs other than RACV are not eligible. A valid RACV membership card must be presented at the time of check-in. Discount cannot be used in conjunction with another special offer or Red Hot Deal.

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Passenger Fares

Quick links, stay connected, popular news, best bakeries in tasmania , ferry to tasmania, best mountain bike tracks in tasmania, best camping spots in tasmania.

Standard Car Fares (each way)

Take your car on holiday with you and turn your holiday into a touring adventure. Load up the car with extra suitcases, fishing rods, golf clubs – whatever you like!

A ‘standard car’ is a normal passenger car, people mover, 4 wheel drive or use up to a maximum overall length of 5 metres long and no wider than 2 metres (Holden Commodore, Ford Falcon, Tarago, Toyota Landcruiser or similar style of vehicles are the largest that may be booked under this classification). Vehicles with a height of more than 2.1 metres cannot be booked online.

The prices listed include the deduction of the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme rebate of $188 for a standard car.

Terms and conditions for vehicle carriage;

• Fares are in $AUD and include GST.
• Only licensed drivers are eligible for the accompanied vehicle rate.
• Vehicle fares indicated apply to motor vehicles registered for use on public roads and are designed primarily for the carriage for passengers.
• Vehicles not registered as a campervan or motorhome and have a width greater than 2.0 metres and/or registered gross vehicle weight of greater than 2900kg will be subject to classification and freight rates may apply.
• Additional metre surcharge applied to each excess metre or part thereof. Enquire at time of booking.
• Vehicles travelling on a permit are to comply with the above and a certificate of roadworthiness must be provided at the time of check-in.
• Towed vehicle rate is determined by the total overall length of both units. Please refer to non-standard car rates.
• Conditions apply to trailers that are not registered as a campervan or caravan and carriage of LPG Cylinder bottles.

Prices include GST. *Conditions apply.

Non Standard Car Fares (each way)

Non-standard vehicles are those that have a width greater than 2 metres and/or a length greater than 6 metres. This includes vehicles towing caravans, motorhomes and vehicles towing trailers. The maximum height allowed is 4.2 metres and the maximum width is 2.4 metres.

How to measure your car and caravan/trailer… The total cost for your car and caravan or trailer is determined by measuring the overall length of both units. To work out the cost, measure the distance from the front of the car (including the bulbar) to the back of your caravan or trailer. Vehicle lengths are rounded up to the next whole metre. For example, if your car and caravan or motorhome equal a total of 10.1 metres, it would be classed as 11 metres.

The prices listed include the deduction of the Bass Strait Passenger Vehicle Equalisation Scheme rebate of $188 for a standard car and trailer and $374 for a standard car towing a caravan or a motorhome / campervan.

• Definition of a caravan – A caravan is defined as a vehicle towed by an eligible passenger vehicle and designed and constructed primarily to provide sleeping accommodation.
• Definition of a motorhome / campervan – A motorhome / campervan is defined as a road vehicle designed and constructed primarily to provide sleeping accommodation for the number of occupants that the vehicle is designed to carry.
• Trailers over 2.25 metres high and/or 2.4 metres wide are subject to classification at the time of booking.

Fares are in $AUD and include GST. Passenger fares are additional.

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Liberty & Wealth

JetBlue-Spirit Merger Blocked: Victory for Budget Travelers

Posted: April 30, 2024 | Last updated: April 30, 2024

In a recent development that has significant implications for the airline industry and travelers, a US judge has halted the proposed merger between JetBlue Airways and Spirit Airlines, citing antitrust concerns. This decision not only affects the two airlines involved but is a win for low-cost air travel in the United States.

Legal Hurdle for Airline Merger

A federal judge in Boston, William Young, has made a decisive move by blocking the $3.8 billion acquisition of Spirit Airlines by JetBlue Airways. This decision came after the U.S. Department of Justice raised concerns that the merger would lead to higher airfares and fewer choices for consumers, especially those relying on low-cost flights.

Impact on Airline Industry

The judge’s ruling represents a significant victory for the Biden administration, which has been actively working to prevent further consolidation in the U.S. airline industry. The decision could set a precedent, affecting other potential mergers in the sector, such as the proposed acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines by Alaska Air.

Spirit Airlines’ Uncertain Future

Spirit Airlines, known for its ultra-low-cost model, faces an uncertain future following the ruling. The carrier has struggled with profitability issues amidst rising operational costs and supply chain challenges. The blocked merger raises questions about its sustainability and potential next steps.

Market Reaction

The financial markets reacted swiftly to the news, with Spirit Airlines’ shares plummeting by 52%. In contrast, JetBlue shares experienced a modest rise of 2.5%. This divergence highlights the differing impacts of the court’s decision on the two companies involved.

Potential for Appeal

JetBlue, adversely affected by the ruling, stated that it is reviewing the court’s decision. There remains a possibility that the companies might appeal the ruling, although the specifics of any potential appeal are yet to be clarified.

Judge’s Rationale

In his ruling, Judge Young emphasized somewhat dramatically that the proposed merger “does violence to the core principle of antitrust law: to protect the United States’ markets – and its market participants – from anticompetitive harm.”

Focus on Consumer Harm

More specifically, the court’s decision hinged on the belief that the merger would harm consumers by reducing the availability of low-cost airfares. This would particularly affect those routes where Spirit has been a significant player in providing budget-friendly options.

States’ Support for DOJ Stance

The Justice Department’s stance against the merger was bolstered by the support of Democratic state attorneys general from six states and the District of Columbia. They argued that the merger would adversely affect millions of American travelers by leading to fewer flights and higher prices.

A Challenge to Competitive Disruption

The attorneys general contended that the merger would eliminate a key source of competitive disruption in the airline industry. They estimated that the merger could cause nearly $1 billion of annual net harm to consumers by eliminating Spirit’s role as a low-cost disruptor.

JetBlue’s Defense

JetBlue’s legal team argued that the lawsuit was a misguided challenge against a merger between the nation’s sixth- and seventh-largest airlines. They highlighted that, combined, the two airlines control less than 8% of the domestic market, which is dominated by larger carriers.

Dominance of Major Airlines

The current airline market in the U.S. is heavily dominated by four major carriers: United Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and Southwest Airlines. These airlines collectively control 80% of the market, a situation shaped by previous mergers that received government approval.

A Victory for Consumers and Workers

William McGee, a senior fellow at the American Economic Liberties Project, hailed the decision as a massive win for travelers, employees, and local communities. He emphasized the importance of maintaining competition in the airline industry for the benefit of consumers.

Spirit’s Innovative Model

Spirit Airlines has been a pioneer in the U.S. domestic airline industry, being the first to offer a model where passengers only pay for the specific features they use, such as checked bags and onboard services. This approach has forced other airlines to lower their prices to compete.

JetBlue’s Position in the Market

Despite being a higher-cost carrier compared to Spirit, JetBlue has maintained a competitive edge by offering low-cost services compared to larger airlines. Its entry into new routes has historically pressured major airlines to reduce their prices.

Attempt to Address Regulatory Concerns

In an effort to alleviate regulatory concerns, JetBlue had agreed to divest certain assets, including gates and slots at key airports in New York City, Boston, Newark, and Fort Lauderdale. However, these concessions were not sufficient to sway the court’s decision.

Broader Antitrust Initiative

The blocking of the JetBlue-Spirit merger aligns with the Biden administration’s broader strategy of intensifying antitrust enforcement. This approach aims to ensure fair competition and prevent market monopolies, although its effectiveness has seen mixed results in court.

Implications for American Travelers

The court’s decision to block the JetBlue-Spirit merger has substantial implications for American travelers, particularly those who rely on low-cost air travel. The ruling safeguards the competitive landscape, ensuring that budget-friendly options remain accessible.

Growth of Low-Cost Travel Market

This legal development comes at a time when the low-cost travel market is experiencing significant growth. Consumers increasingly seek affordable travel options, and airlines are responding by introducing more budget-friendly routes and services.

The post JetBlue-Spirit Merger Blocked: Victory for Budget Travelers  first appeared on  Liberty & Wealth .

Featured Image Credit: Shutterstock / Minh K Tran.

The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute or replace professional financial advice.

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Study names discount carrier Spirit as Safest Airline of 2024

UNDATED (WKRC) - Ultra-low cost carrier Spirit was named the safest airline of 2024 by WalletHub .

The personal finance company ranked the nine largest carriers in the United States, as well as one reginal airline. The company compared the carriers across several metrics in these five categories:

• Best Airline Overall - Alaska Airlines
• Most Affordable Airline - Spirit Airlines
• Most Reliable Airline - Delta Air Lines
• Most Comfortable Airline - Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways
• Safest Airline - Spirit Airlines

The Florida-based airline topped two categories, coming in third overall, behind Alaska Airlines and Skywest.

In deciding the safest airline, WalletHub examined the following metrics:

• The number of fatalities from 2018 to 2023
• The number of injuries in aviation incidents and accidents from 2018 to 2023
• Average fleet age

"For each airline, we divided the number of incidents and accidents by the total number of flight operations," WalletHub wrote.

Spirit also secured the number one spot for WalletHub's Most Affordable Airline, with rival Frontier placing second.