Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Spirit Airlines CEO stuffs himself in an overhead bin to justify paid carry-on fees
Spirit Airlines president and CEO, Ben Baldanza took some time out of his busy schedule to try and calm the masses about their upcoming paid carry-on baggage fees.
In his video clip, he claims passengers are annoyed by full overhead bins, and long lines to board the plane. He tells people that Spirit has lowered ticket prices, and lowered checked bag fees. In his logic, by introducing these new carry-on bag fees, the entire experience of flying Spirit Airlines will improve.
Now, lets take a look at his logic - too many people bring too much stuff on the plane. They crowd the overhead bins, and they create long lines for boarding. Why do people bring stuff on the plane? Because Spirit Airlines is one of a long list of airlines that charges for checked luggage ($25 for the first two bags when paid at the airport).
So, instead of removing that fee, and making the experience nicer for everyone, the airline earned itself the ridicule of the airline world by introducing the carry-on bag fee.
And seriously, even though the CEO thought he could be cool by trying to spin this with a funny video, the fact remains that the move to paid carry-on bags will probably cause the airline more than they'll ever make off their new scheme.
Assuming Mr. Baldanza reads Gadling, I'll explain why his scheme sucks from the perspective of a traveler:
- People carry bags on board because they don't want to pay the checked bag fee - they also want to prevent the airline from losing their bag, setting it on fire or having someone steal the contents.
- Telling people that their carry-on bag fee is offset by really low price of their ticket doesn't make the situation any better - people have a built in distrust of anything an airline tells them. A family of three may be forced to pay for three carry-on bags (each way). I suspect Spirit Airlines won't be able to show that these tickets will be $270 cheaper when the carry-on fee is introduced.
- People will vote with their wallets - there are still airlines out there that don't charge for checked bags, and as of right now, Spirit is the only one with a carry-on bag fee.
We did an entirely non scientific test to check that. On aSprit has reduced fares "by at least as much, or even more than the amount of the carry-on fee", says Baldanza. "Southwest makes you pay for checked bags even if you don't check bags, since they have to cover those costs but give you no break if you don't use the infrastructure. At Spirit, you spend only for what you use and don't pay for what you don't use."
Spirit Airlines: $195.40 total
Southwest Airlines: $220.80
Both flights are priced after the new carry-on fee goes into effect. As you can see - Spirit really is cheaper (by just over $25). This means that a passenger on Southwest Airlines will pay more than on Spirit Airlines.
Assuming of course that the passenger on Spirit is able to pack a weeks worth of luggage into a bag that will fit under their seat.
In reality, nobody is able to do that (unless they ship their bags), so a family of three will end up saving $76.20 on the ticket, but will have to pay a minimum of $90 for three carry-on bags (if they pre-pay online, $135 if paid at the airport).
Goodbye savings.
To me, the fact that the CEO of the airline had to resort to filming a stupid video means the PR backlash from this idea has hit them a little harder than they expected. At least Ben Baldanza is no stranger to bad PR (though he is no Michael O'Leary).
In the end, I'm sure the new measure will take place no matter how much we complain, though I doubt it'll create the "soaring sales" claimed by Mr. Baldanza, as I really can't think of a single kind of traveler that saw the new fee and thought "hey, that is really smart - let me start flying this low cost carrier with all the fees".
What is your opinion? Do you think the idea is smart? Or more importantly - why do you think it is smart (or not)?
| Smart - it forces people to pack lightly (and I don't mind paying for it) | |
|---|---|
| Smart - I never carry luggage when I travel, so I will save money | |
| Stupid - I need to carry at least some baggage, so this will make me fly someone else | |
| Stupid - I hate all fees |
UPDATE: See the results of the poll here. A surprising number of folks actually like the new fee.
Filed under: Airlines
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 4)
Jimmy Apr 14th 2010 2:35PM
How do I carry my computer for work? Computer is my lifeline and I must take it with me everywhere I go and be subject to these expensive fee? I own my own business and this is totally obsurd for someone who is business travelers like myself which brings the most revenue for the airlines business, this is a slap in the face unless Spirit provides significantly superior product than their competitors. Being thrify is the norm of all the US companies now including my own and we will definitely shy away from Spirit and any airlines who take that kind of approach towards their customers.
Keith J. Mohrhoff Apr 14th 2010 2:37PM
So what exactly was the point of stuffing himself into an overhead bin? Are they really going to let passengers stuff their children or travel companions in there? If so, then, it might be worth it...charge away!
Derrel Apr 14th 2010 3:01PM
Are you really that slow?
The point of stuffing himself into the overhead compartment is to show what a lot of travelers try and get away with.
He could have tried to stuff livestock, a grand piano or maybe a motorcycle, but that totally would have confused you.
IDIOT.
Robert Apr 14th 2010 2:55PM
I had the worst experience with Spirit and would NEVER fly them again- Even if you follow all of the guidelines they leave their passengers stranded. It was funny we did not make our flight connection, but one of our bags did and the other didn't. We were stuck paying for a hotel, waiting for over 4 hours for them to find out where our 2nd bag was. We had to wait until late the next night and lost an entire day in Puerto Rico. Oh and do not get me started how they changed our two leg flight to 3- legs each way- through Detroit during winter. We then had to get around the call center to pick our "new" seats so we didnt have to sit in middle seats seperated, to go to and from Detroit when we booked our flights to avoid the airports with possible winter snow. So much for booking early.
Ben should stay in the overhead where he belongs- Maybe he needs to be the next undercover boss or undercover passanger to see how his company really works.
Thanks again to Cuustomer service who did not even respond to my letter!
mike Apr 14th 2010 2:54PM
As a frequent business traveler. I love this idea. I am sick of people bringing mulitiple bags on board. Teenagers with backpacks and computer cases. Women with a huge purse then a shopping bag along with a carry on.
Men with garment bags and a carry on.
I am over it. Then you have the people that put their carryons toward the front of the cabin if they are sitting in back. Too lazy to carry it all the way down the isle.
Three cheers Spirit. Maybe these unsophisticated travelers will learn learn its about getting there and getting off the plane quickly. I am over this. Its a pain to travel now. JUST CHEK IT IN. And a womens huge purse should count as a carry. on. Personally all I carry on now is my laptop bag. I can fit in front of my seat. Its really not a big deal to wait for my luggage.
Derrel Apr 14th 2010 3:00PM
hey "Scott Carmichael" I can tell you are one of "those" people...
First you are nearing too FAT to fly, second you are the type of flyer that brings a carry on, backpack, briefcase, plastic bags of food/sodas and probably a Coleman cooler.
Royce Apr 14th 2010 3:09PM
Discussed this issue on a flight yesterday on Southwest Airliines....the best words I have heard on this issue were: "Let the market place decide on these fees" rather than some government intervention. I think this airline will definitely decide to regroup on this absurb fee situation.......
Bill Apr 14th 2010 3:18PM
I was looking for a round trip flight between Orlando and Detroit within the next couple of weeks. I naturally checked Spirit because I used to get excellent fares and I'm a $9 Club member. Guess what? I got a cheaper flight on Air Tran by $30 for two of us. Not a big deal, but if we had to pay for carry-ons, it would be an additional $80 r.t.......$120 for non-Club members.
I only wish Jet Blue serviced Detroit. I've flown them twice and loved it. They have roomy leather seats with more leg room. All passengers get Direct TV and there's a large list of complimentary snacks and drinks. One carry-on bag and one personal item is free. There is also no charge for the first checked bag.
Spirit should realize that very few people travel with NO luggage, so just roll the cost into the ticket price and STRICTLY ENFORCE your own carry-on rules.
John Apr 14th 2010 3:18PM
Why anyone would pay for checking anything, or carrying anything on is beyond me. Southwest flies every where all the major airlines fly domestically, and they are about to go international BTW, their fares are much cheaper and their are no costs involved with baggage. Why not fly SWA? If your that concerned about the people around you and the space of your seat by all means pay the exta fees the other airlines throw at you, but then you have no room to gripe.
Willx34 Apr 14th 2010 3:30PM
Up the charge for carry-ons to $100 per item. Maybe this will help prevent the inconsiderate idiots who block the aisles while loading all the crap that should have been placed in the baggage hold of the aircraft, resulting in delayed take-offs and deboarding.
Dorothy Apr 14th 2010 3:32PM
If the airlines would just DO THEIR JOB>>>>>>Insist that passengers have only ONE small bag for the overhead, park purses and small items UNDER the seat, then EVERYONE could board sooner, spend less time in the aisles, and have a better flight. Right now, BIG bags are stuffed into the overheads, taking up one or two passenger spots, and some passengers pack lots of stuff, take up lots of space, while others have NO space! Flying USED to be a great way to travel, but now everything gets put in the overhead! (Even chickens)
confusedinLA Apr 14th 2010 3:40PM
Boston to Tampa example? Why do the tickets listed show Detroit to Tampa fares?
howlar2 Apr 14th 2010 3:39PM
Can I buy a round trip ticket in the overhead at a discount. How did this a**hole get to be a CEO. (from a former, and sane, company president)
mr Juan Jose Gonzalez Smith Apr 14th 2010 3:40PM
Airlines just don't know how to treat customers. Customer service is usually bad and they now charge for food. I paid on an airline about $5 for a lousy sandwich. I also heard of an airline that wants to charge for going to the restroom???
How dumb is that????? BAD!!! BAD!!! BAD !!!
PST OFF Apr 14th 2010 3:39PM
If all people woiuld take responsibility for theiir own actions and where reasonable we would have less problems in this country. To much entitlement mentality is ruining this country period. Why do we even instill rules and regulations laws if everyon thinks that it does not apply to them or they use discrimination to get their way. If you do not want to comply to the rules or laws leave and live somewere else or go back to where you come from if its so beneath you to abilde by the regulations in place. PEOPLE ARE JUST PLANE SELFISH. We all have choices in the US just go to another airline or take the train or bus. People are just in a big hurry to go knowwere?
Ian Apr 14th 2010 11:37PM
Next fee on the horizon: "In the event of sudden loss of pressure, gold masks like the one being demonstrated will drop from the panel above your head. Should this happen, grasp a cup, pull to the full extent of the tubing, place the gold cup over your nose and mouth. Slide your Visa, Mastercard or American Express card (sorry no Discover) down the slot on the side of the gold cup. Once your credit card has been approved, oxygen will begin flowing. In the event your credit card would be declined, we would like to take this opportunity now to thank you for choosing our airline. We know there are a lot of choices out there, but we are glad you decided to get screwed over by us!"
Russ Duncan Apr 14th 2010 3:56PM
Seems like everyone in the airlines have lost sight of their mission statements. They are to provide affordable airline travel to the public. The planes are designed to carry passengers and freight. Why not get back to the basics of putting baggage in the plane's belly and passengers in seats.
Create a cost structure that is reflected in the ticket. All these add on costs have created a nasty atmosphere of percieved greed, hate and discontent. Price your tickets to make a profit, provide routes and schedules that meet the need of the passenger, kick up the quality of the service and those who can afford to fly will fly.
Then you look at your empty seats and develop programs to fill them that are clear and devoid of gimmics. Not too many passengers are afraid of costs of travel but they are afraid of the hidden costs of travel
Think about it.
lvn83 Apr 14th 2010 4:08PM
GLAD TO SEE HE FOUND A SEAT THAT FITS HIS BUTT! THE OVERHEAD BIN I AM SURE HAS MORE SPACE THAN THE SEATS ON THAT AIRLINE. AS LONG AS PASSENGERS PAY THE OUTRAGEOUS ADDITIONAL CHARGES THE AIRLINES WILL BE MAKING MORE. AND THERE ARE SO MANY MORE THEY CAN CHARGE YOU FOR.
TOILETS OF COURSE
CHARGES YOU MIGHT SEE IN THE FUTURE TO:
TO LOOK OUT THE WINDOW
TO HAVE A SOBER CAPTAIN AT THE CONTROLS
TO HAVE ATTENDENTS WEIGHING LESS THAN 400 POUNDS AND USING DEODERANT
TO HAVE ALL THE ENGINES WORKING
TO HAVE ATTENDENTS DO CPR IF NEEDED
TO PROVIDE SEAT BELTS INSTEAD OF A STURDY ROPE
TO HAVE OXYGEN MASK DROP DOWN IF NEEDED.
TO NOT THATS NOT HAVE ATTENDENT STAND AT THE DOORWAY SAYING BU BYE BU BYE BU BYE BYE
TOILET CHARGE
TO PAY $1.00 FOR #1
TO PAY $2.00 FOR #2
TO PAY $5.00 IF YOU USE THE TOILET MORE THEN 2 TIMES ON A 16 HOUR FLIGHT
Al Apr 14th 2010 4:25PM
I guess the cheapest way to fly is to stuff yourself in and overhead bin for only $45. Don't use a seat.
Mike Apr 14th 2010 4:30PM
I don't take a carry-on bag to avoid fees for checked luggage - I take a carry-on bag because I usually only travel for two or threes days at a time and I want to avoid the hassle of waiting to get my bags and the resulting delay in getting to my final destination. Case in point, I recently flew into Denver for work. Because I was going to be there for five days and it was still winter, I decided to check a larger suitcase. I was a little hesitant to do this as my flight arrived late in the day and I was going to have to scramble to get to my meeting on time. My flight ended up being 15-20 minutes late and then I waited at the baggage carousel for another 45 minutes. Well, as you can imagine, after waiting for the rental car shuttle and driving to the hotel, I missed my meeting. Who needs that kind aggravation?