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Gadling readers have spoken - Spirit Airlines carry-on bag fee is a bad idea
Several days ago, we asked you for your opinion on the Spirit Airlines carry-on bag fee. As a quick refresher - the airline is planning to charge up to $45 for each carry-on bag that does not fit under the seat in front of you. This is in addition to their checked bag fee.
The whole plan has triggered a lot of responses, from both sides. Some people are (justifiably) annoyed that airlines don't pay much attention to oversized bags from passengers that take up too much space. Others (correctly) point out that when airlines started to charge for checked bags, passengers had no choice but to carry stuff on board.
Still, nothing makes a point better than some cold hard numbers in the form of a survey - a whopping 5,425 of you took the time to respond (thanks!). The results are pretty clear - 93.2% are against the fee and a mere 6.8% think it is smart.
Of course, 5,425 Gadling readers won't be enough to convince Spirit Airlines that they making a stupid mistake, but if enough passengers do indeed decide to fly someone else, the message will eventually get through to them.
Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
James Apr 18th 2010 10:05AM
Forget about the lower overall prices, or the carry-on fee. Their onboard passenger service and courtesy is soooooo poor that I will never fly them again!
dave Apr 18th 2010 9:44PM
Ten years ago, every airline charged people the exact same amount to check a bag as they did to carry one on. Then one airline (and then all but two more) decided to charge extra to check a bag. First of all, before this checked bag charge, delays caused by carry on were virtually non-existent; people did not try to overstuff luggage with a week's worth of clothing, etc. Second, where were the politicians when airlines decided to impose this extra charge a few years ago. All Spirit is doing is offering people the choice of where they want their paid-for baggage to go--underneath or overhead. It's a rather simple proposition.
You said that 6.9% of your readers like the idea? I'll bet my last dollar that Spirit Air would love to have have a 6.9% market share. Trust me, if people don't like the ultimate unbundled fare Spirit charges for its "service," they'll stop flying the airline. The government has far more important things to do.