First time Spirit flyer here. Went to the airport in Orlando (MCO) today and bought four one-way tickets MCO-MSP for Christmas Eve. The online price was $88 per person all inclusive, but in person it was $65, for a savings of $23 per person or $92 overall. Flying four people to the Midwest for Christmas for $260 one way is not a bad deal.
I did not think to ask for seat assignments and they were not offered. The Spirit agent could not have been nicer or more efficient - I think we were done in five minutes, despite me booking four tickets and paying cash. She acted like people plunk down 13 $20 bills in front of her every day. It was technically $260.40 and I gave her $261 - she had 60 cents back to me immediately. I expected a help desk call.
I got into line just at the right time - about a dozen families traveling same day queued up behind me. I was in and out in an hour. Airport parking is $2.
Thanks to everyone who has posted in this thread. It gave me the confidence to make the trip to the airport (30 min each way) and try my luck.