Spirit's position isn't the same as it was in 2008. In 2008, the payments for all the new aircraft orders were due, debt was high, and Spirit's economic model was not fully developed. Fuel crippled the airlines' cash flow.

Now, with virtually only daily operating costs, aircraft deliveries until 2015 paid, a nice nest egg in the bank and no debt, Spirit distributes the fuel costs over every seat in the aircraft. This accomplishes two things: It keeps Spirit's ticket prices lower comparatively among other airlines because Spirit aircraft contain more seats (to spread the fuel), which offsets the cost to the airline.

When the price of fuel goes up, Spirit's prices will (as will other airlines) go up but be more affordable to the general public, and I think business will increase when these travelers cannot afford legacy pricing as the economy tanks again.

Hell, I don't know. We will find out by the end of summer.