Originally Posted by gatorbird

JetBlue has a very different spending and capacity growth strategy than Spirit- and it's one that some investors don't like much. In addition to the "frivolous" expenses (remember the Taylor Swift performance at T5 in JFK? Me either...), JB has engaged into some capacity increase practices that some scratch their head at, especially Mike Boyd...namely the "100 departures out of FLL" campaign. Some don't see the demand for it.

Maybe it works for them as they're much more concerned with branding/image, but it certainly doesn't fit well in the ULCC model. Even though Spirit is growing at a 15-20% YOY clip, we're still focusing wisely on the low-hanging fruit. JB likes to make a "splash", Spirit likes to focus on cost management. For example, it sounds like JB has already made a play at the new T4 in FLL; Spirit will gladly relocate to T3 and let JB eat the higher cost. With the new bridge between the two terminals international flow will be possible in/out of T3, albeit with a little greater walk. Cost is the focus here, not image and passenger convenience...if the passenger wants that they can pay the higher cost and ride on JB.

That said, Spirit will spend the money if it makes good sense; like them or not, these guys haven't gotten this far with us without some forward-thinking savvy. If it benefits the growth plan then they'll make a play at some of the gates/slots- but don't expect to see us in a bidding war with JB/VA. We'll chug along and wait for the next opportunity.