Spirit Airlines is a low-budget carrier that has stayed in business by offering cheap flights across the U.S., Central and South America, and the Caribbean.
The reason they can offer fares so low is because these fares literally cover the seat and space for a few essentials on board, otherwise known as the overhead carry-on bin.
Well, now Spirit has decided to start charging for that compartment space.
The New Spirit Carry-On Fees
As of August 1, 2010, Spirit will levy a new charge for carry-on luggage.
For all flights on this date and beyond, the airline will charge $45 for these bags at the gate and $30 when paid in advance. Members of Spirit's frequent flier program will be charged $20 for carry-on bags if paid in advance.
Exceptions to the carry-on fees include medicine, food for immediate consumption, and medically-needed mobility devices (walkers, crutches, etc.). The fees also don't apply to any baggage that can fit under the seat in front of the ticket holder, such as a purse or laptop bag. It only applies to carry-on luggage that has to go in the overhead bins.
Why This New Fee?
“In addition to lowering fares even further, this will reduce the number of carry-on bags, which will improve inflight safety and efficiency by speeding up the boarding and deplaning process, all of which ultimately improve the overall customer experience,” Spirit's Chief Operating Officer Ken McKenzie said in a press statement.
It's true that since airlines started charging for check-in bags, carry-ons have gotten larger and more overstuffed in an attempt to avoid these fees.
But instead of having their employees strictly enforce the size of carry-ons and make it mandatory that anything that doesn't fit these regulated sizes needs to be checked, Spirit has decided to turn it into another way to make money.
Is It Possible to Avoid This New Carry-On Fee?
"Bring less; pay less. It's simple," McKenzie also said in the press release.
While that's true, it isn't always that simple. Ever flown with children? One can't condense everything needed into a bag that fits under the seat.
A single traveler on a weekend getaway may be able to travel with just a carry-on by layering on an extra shirt or two, forgoing extra shoes, using hotel toiletries and limiting the tech toys to an iPhone. But for the average traveler, this new fee is going to be unavoidable.
Realistically, the only way to avoid this fee is to simply not fly Spirit Airlines.
There are plenty of discount airlines, including JetBlue, Virgin America and Southwest (which also includes two free checked bags), that fly most of the same routes. Choose to buy tickets with airlines like these.
Vote with the wallet and Spirit may change their mind. It's important that travelers stop accepting fee after fee being levied. Otherwise other airlines will follow and it will soon become just another standard practice.
Michelle Snow - Michelle Snow been a freelance journalist and photographer for over twenty years, specializing in travel and entertainment. She got her ...
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