Spirit Airlines launches $45 carry-on fee

[derf]

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-spirit7-2010apr07,0,5945292.story


I think I might send my luggage ups before I leave and just get it when I get there.


Spirit Airlines Inc., the low-cost carrier based in Miramar, Fla., announced Tuesday that it would charge passengers as much as $45 for each piece of carry-on luggage.

The move is a departure from other airlines that have added or increased fees to check luggage into the cargo bay. Most airlines have added such fees in the last two years to help make up for declining demand.

Airline watchdog groups wonder whether the move by Spirit will prompt other airlines to do the same.

"The real question is will other airlines follow, and will this actually be good for air travel?" said George Hobica, president of Airfarewatchdog.com, an air fare comparison, alert and listing site.

Spirit, which flies to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Central and Latin America, offers a daily flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Florida. The airline introduced the new fee while announcing new lower fares and bag fees for its $9 Fare Club members.

Carry-ons that fit in the overhead bin will cost fliers $45 -- $30 if paid online. Fare club members pay $20 for each carry-on bag.

There is no charge for carry-on items that fit under the seat.

The carry-on bag fee is in effect for reservations made after Monday for travel on or after Aug. 1.

[Rangerscott]

Southwest FTW. Two free carry on and I believe storage luggage is free. $49 web tickets

[Particle Man]

screw that. I've just scratched that airline off my list of carriers.

[azoomm]

screw that. I've just scratched that airline off my list of carriers.

Yup. I travel with my helmet. No way would I check it, or pay $45???! That's crazy.

[Particle Man]

Yup. I travel with my helmet. No way would I check it, or pay $45???! That's crazy.

wear the thing on the plane and see what they say :lol:

[azoomm]

wear the thing on the plane and see what they say :lol:

On a flight from NC last year, the flight attendant told me the case had to fit completely under the seat, which it didn't. When I asked her why, the reason was that in an emergency it could fly around the cabin. I told her, in an emergency it will be on my head. She let me keep it where it was. :lol:

[Homeslice]

Carry-on hogs and abusers = :zowned:

[unknownroad]

"will this actually be good for air travel?" Are you shitting me?

Speaking of which, i'm honestly amazed that the pay toilet idea didn't catch on. i figured that would be industry standard by now.

[Particle Man]

Carry-on hogs and abusers = :zowned:

ever lost a bag when flying? I've lost 8.

I never check bags anymore.

Eff them.

[Homeslice]

ever lost a bag when flying? I've lost 8.
.

Never. What kind of bags are these that you're losing, and who are you flying with?

[Particle Man]

Never. What kind of bags are these that you're losing, and who are you flying with?

I fly whoever has flights where I'm going (United, US Air, Delta, American).

It's mostly rollerboard bags (the kinds with the wheels and an extendable handle).

[sherri_chickie]

My hubby is a pilot and we never check luggage if we can help it. He sees what the luggage handlers do to luggage. They are brutal!

[azoomm]

ever lost a bag when flying? I've lost 8.

I never check bags anymore.

Eff them.

I had one lost, now never check if I can help it. Good for me I travel light.

[Cutty72]

I have never been able to put something in the overhead bins and NOT have it fit under the seat. Usually the underseat is more spacious, and I prefer it because I have easier access to my shit when I want it, without disturbing everyone else.

Then again, I prefer driving if possible anyway. I can do what I want, when I want, where I want. yes it takes longer, but I really don't care.

[Homeslice]

I fly whoever has flights where I'm going (United, US Air, Delta, American).

It's mostly rollerboard bags (the kinds with the wheels and an extendable handle).

And you filed claims?

[Particle Man]

And you filed claims?

Yep. But that doesn't help when you're at a meeting for a multi-million dollar client and your suits are somewhere in the luggage system.

[anthonyk]

Yeah, I've never had luggage go permanently missing, but the hassle involved with getting it back (especially overseas) makes carrying on very appealing.

[Smittie61984]

I think they should charge fat people more before they charge more for luggage. And if you stick your luggage (in my case a guitar) in my overhead ben then I should be able to beat you with it.

$45 overhead better come with some free drinks so I can forget that I paid $45 to stick shit over my head.

[goof2]

Speaking of which, i'm honestly amazed that the pay toilet idea didn't catch on. i figured that would be industry standard by now.

Here you go.

http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/04/07/ryanair.lavatory.fee/index.html?hpt=T2