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BREAKING: Spirit Airlines to charge up to $45 fee for carry-on bags
There's big news in the airline industry today, as Spirit Airlines announced the addition of carry-on baggage fees to their already healthy roster of post-ticketing charges.For those paying online, each carry on bag will cost an additional $30 unless you're in Spirit's subscription-based $9 Fare Club. Those lucky members will only be charged $20 per bag. If paying for the service in-person at the airport, the fee jumps to $45 per bag. Personal items such as purses or briefcases will continue to be free as long as they fit underneath the seat.
Although Spirit Airlines is the first carrier to initiate such a fee, there's broad speculation among the travel community on whether it will be picked up by other carriers -- checked baggage fees, paid snacks and seat selection, after all, have all been nearly universally adopted over the last three years. Perhaps this is the beginning of the end of free carry-on luggage industry wide.
On the bright side, however, there should be plenty more overhead bin space after August 1.
New baggage fees will go into effect on August 1st. You can check out more details and see whether your bag qualifies as a "carry-on" or a "personal item" over at spiritair.com.
Reader Comments (Page 4 of 8)
Denny Apr 7th 2010 9:22AM
The absolute one way to put a stop to this kind of corporate attempt to rip consumers off, is to boycott Spirit Ailines, COMPLETELY! If they get away with it, it'll soon become the standard for all airlines to neatly screw us all.
BOYCOTT SPIRIT AIRLINES TOTALLY, AND EVEN IF THEY RECIND THIS STUPIDITY OF THEIRS, TEACH THEM A LESSON THEY (AND ALL OTHER AIRLINES) WILL NOT EVER FORGET -- NEVER USE THEM AGAIN, PERIOD!
THE REAL POWER IN THIS ECONOMY IS THE CONSUMER-TAXPAYER. DON;T LIKE HIGH TAXES? THEN PEACEFUL REVOLT IS AN ALTERNATIVE FOR ANYONE TO TAKE. VOTE OUT ALL TAX-RAISING POLITICIANS, AT EVERY LEVEL OF GOVERNMENT, EVERY CITY, COUNTY, STATE AND FEDERAL LEVEL MORON.
Scott Apr 7th 2010 9:38AM
Spirit Airlines should enforce the size limit of their carry on luggage. There is a system in place that restricts the SIZE of a carry on bag and how many carry on bags that are allowed. START TO ENFORCE THE POLICIES THEY ALREADY HAVE IN PLACE........
Linnie Apr 7th 2010 9:41AM
THE AIRLINES ARE OUT OF CONTROL. WE SHIP OUR STUFF A WEEK BEFORE WE LEAVE..THEN SHIP IT BACK THE DAY BEFORE I LEAVE... I WILL NOT PAY ...... THE BUSINESS PEOPLE NEED TO FIND ANOTHER WAY.. MY HUBBY WANTS TO DRIVE UP NORTH THIS SUMMER , WON'T BE PAYING ANY EXTRA.
MAYBE WE WILL FLY SOUTHWEST....
Jennifer Apr 7th 2010 9:47AM
Since I'm diabetic, a carry-on bag is a must for me for medical reasons. I don't have an option of taking or not taking a carry-on bag with me when traveling by plane. To that end, I think charging people for carry-on bags - even those that DO fit under a seat - is flat-out discriminatory. Airlines should think twice about implementing such a policy if they want to keep the number of people who do fly at a high level.
chuck Apr 7th 2010 9:47AM
I travel every weel for work. I think this is GREAT! You are stil able to CARRY ON items that fit under your seat. If you have traveled since everyone started charging for checked luggage you know that it has become a joke. It delays the boarding process, causes injury when people can't lift their 50 pound CARRY ON and if lot's of fun when the overhead is full and people start compalining that here is no room left (usually when they board the plane with only minutes to spare but always with a coffee and food in hand. If you can't afford to check your luggage then try taking a bus. Most of you belong on them anyway!
suzanne Apr 7th 2010 9:52AM
Well now, looks to me like it is time for "superman" Obama to get further involved with his governmental take-over-of-everything and start regulating the size of our carry-ons! Yipee!!!
Apparently many of you NEVER FLY ANYWHERE. If you have ever had to wait for the burley attendant to help lift someones carry-on up into the over head bin, or worse had one fall on your head, you might appreciate them adding the fee for these. Maybe you might think twice about checking your luggage, now. I think they charge $45/bag.
We flew Spirit to Puerto Rico (our first time on this airlines), paid extra for the front seats, and enjoyed it very much. So, kuddos to them...
Brad Apr 7th 2010 9:52AM
I am so glad I don't HAVE to fly anymore. I take my car whenever possible. I make a nice road trip out of vacations and I can take my little dog along. No pressures and no time constraints. Flying now is like riding a crappy greyhound bus in the sky.
We bailed these airlines out not too many years ago and they've paid us back by crapping on us. If you MUST fly, send your stuff UPS or some other way and don't bother with their fees. Don't fly unless you absolutely have to.
We also need to support train travel and get our infrastructure back into place so no one has to fly.
deb Apr 7th 2010 9:53AM
I make several trips from Houston texas to southern california every year. I am lucky enough to have the time and ability to drive there. The first day is about 16 hours as we stop in Mesa AZ to visit an elderly relative. We then head to Redondo Beach for a few days then usually to Vegas or Laughlin NV for a few days then head back home. Even though I usually do not like to drive I enjoy all the hours on the road MUCH more than the pain in the rear associated with flying. I can not imagine ever boarding a plane again unless it is a family emergency or for business where someone else is paying.It used to be great, get on a plane and fly for 3-4 hours and get on with your plans. Now it just sucks all the way around. They don't want to EARN my hard earned money so they will not get it!
Brad Apr 7th 2010 9:55AM
And to the idiotic twit who said something about "superman Obama" taking over everything. What a nut you are. These fees and problems with flying are the DIRECT result of de-regulation. Most of the problems faced by middle-America today are the DIRECT result of de-regulation. If you don't know this you are even more stupid than you sound.
Babs Apr 7th 2010 9:57AM
Chuck you hit the nail on the head. I travel monthly and agree with everything you said. I carry my computer on in a bag that easily fits under the seat even in a commuter plane. Its a joke to watch people. No one is asking you to stop carrying on your "medications". They are no doubt talking about the 50 per cent who push to board first with their family size cases that they try to cram into the overhead space that is not sturdy enough to hold the weight. I am tired of having 100 lbs of someone's huge suitcase over my seat when they are sitting five rows back.
I travel every weel for work. I think this is GREAT! You are stil able to CARRY ON items that fit under your seat. If you have traveled since everyone started charging for checked luggage you know that it has become a joke. It delays the boarding process, causes injury when people can't lift their 50 pound CARRY ON and if lot's of fun when the overhead is full and people start compalining that here is no room left (usually when they board the plane with only minutes to spare but always with a coffee and food in hand. If you can't afford to check your luggage then try taking a bus. Most of you belong on them anyway!
Ralph Apr 7th 2010 10:01AM
Air lines start charging 45. dollars for carry on luggage the are going to find people are going to fly less. I know I will.
basketpam Apr 7th 2010 10:04AM
And they expect to keep customers? Just how do they plan to accomplish this? The airlines that overcharge in fees can go take a long hike as far as I'm concerned and I'm sure many other fliers feel the same way. You know folks, all of this mess is actually due to Congress. Years ago, I think it may have been back in the 70s, Congress deregulated the airlines. You know their excuse? It would help make costs lower. Anyone who thinks it's all been worth it, raise their hand. Just like the phone company and now the electric companies. ANYTIME the government tries to do something intelligent, it backfires on them. They should NEVER EVER again try to do something creative and intelligent. It ruins it for the American people.
Paula Apr 7th 2010 11:51AM
I have been travel agent for over 30 years. Yes I remember handwriting tickets and constructing fares from the OAG. I try to only fly Southwest domestically or drive. Southwest does not charge a change fee, you can use your unused credit towards tickets for anybody and they do not charge for the 1st two bags that are checked on, as long as they meet the weight requirement. Internationally? Well you gotta play the game cause you can't drive across the ocean!
bruzbiz Apr 7th 2010 10:12AM
Airlines do not care, ceo's all the way to baggage throwers , talk with your wallet .
nepagal Apr 7th 2010 11:10AM
I love the thought of charging for carry on if they stop charging for checked...
Charging for both feels criminal - feel free to fly but go for more than a day and you have to pay extra just doesn't feel right.
Enjoying the thrill of nonexistant delays due to luggage having to be stored below because there isn't room on board or no longer getting knocked in the head by someone attempting to shove something that is just a little too big into the overhead while I'm boarding is an exciting idea.
james Apr 7th 2010 10:13AM
Simple.. you dont give them business..
Just as you should check labels and buy US and not Chinese (PRC) food or products.
Just as you should buy Ford and not foreign... Built here?? so what? Profits to Tokyo or Berlin... but USA... Ford ...not government operated..
SW Air charges nothing for carry-ons or first two checked bags...
The customer rules policies in long run
Miike Jul 23rd 2010 9:49AM
I used to use Spirit when they were the convienient airline to use. That stopped when I had to buy water. The only way big business will listen is when the buying public stops buying. The loudest way to express your concern is with your wallet. Good luck Spirit, I for one will never fly with you again. If the other airlines follow suit then I guess its back to the good ole road trip.
LIONEL Apr 7th 2010 10:19AM
BESIDES TERRORISTS ALL OVER AMERICA , THE $45. IS ONE MORE REASON TO NEVER FLY AGAIN. TAKE A TRAIN OR BUS , ANYTHING`S
BETTER THAN FLYING .
DJJayito Apr 7th 2010 10:29AM
This is really strange, to me. Next thing you know they are gonna weigh your clothes and the stuff in your pockets and charge you for that. Ya know what... Maybe they should actually start weight people and their carryons! Think about that whole BIG PEOPLE NEED TWO SEATS thing. It is really just a way to discriminate against FAT people. The proof lies in this one time we saw this thin but very muscular body builder. You KNOW they wouldn't make that perfect body person pay for 2 seats, even though his shoulders were way broader than any FAT person I've seen on a plane. btw - I use the word FAT, because I know the airlines wish they could.
DJJayito Apr 7th 2010 10:32AM
and... Yes... I don't buy tickets from airlines that charge crazy fees. I fly southwest, now, because "bags fly free". I used to fly SONG (discount DELTA) because I didn't mind buying food and cocktails on a plane, as long as the food and cocktails are good - and they were. PLUS... SONG airplanes all had keosks with games, trivia and music for every passenger to play. I almost never did work on a SONG flight. When Delta closed Song, Delta lost my business!