Kip Tips
Watch Out for This New Airline Fee
Spirit Airlines will starting charging for carry-on bags this summer.
By Cameron Huddleston, Contributing Editor, Kiplinger.com
April 6, 2010
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Spirit Airlines announced April 6 that it will charge passengers for carry-on bags starting August 1. Several airlines have started charging for all checked bags, but Spirit will be the first to make passengers pay to bring luggage on board. The question is whether other airlines will follow.
Airfarewatchdog.com president George Hobica says Spirit's planes will load faster if people don't bring carry-ons. "The carry-on fees are actually higher than checked bag fees now on Spirit, so apparently Spirit is trying to get people not to bring carry-ons," he says.
Spirit will charge $45 for carry-ons, or $30 if you register your bag online or by phone. Spirit charges $25 for the first checked bag and raised the fee on a second checked bag to $45 from $25.
If you frequently fly on Spirit Airlines -- or if other airlines start charging for carry-ons -- consider shipping your luggage to save money. In some cases it costs less to send your bags to your destination by FedEx or UPS. See Save Money by Shipping Your Luggage for details.
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Reader Comments (15)
Posted by: Jerry T at 04/06/2010 10:03:46 PM
The airlines are doing everything possible to give someone reason not to fly. They are concerned about loading the plane fast, but no one cares we spend hours waiting and going through lines at the airport. In my opinion, the airlines is just about the most customer unfriendly service in the country. This is just one more way the airlines can get more money and cause more delays in determining whether or not a person bringing a coke and sandwich on board should be charged another $25.
Posted by: Alan at 04/07/2010 12:15:36 PM
I'm about fed up with flying. It hasn't been comfortable for decades. It hasn't been fun for years and I hope Spirit is able to sell the seat I will NOT occupy on their planes. The airlines industry is not inflicting death by a thousand cuts, but rather by plunging the knife into their primary sources of revenue. Since US Mail volume is dropping and they are driving passengers away, what are they going to do with their overhead bins, planes and employees when they finish the job and nobody stands up to board? There is no sound economic reason for this -- it is just another irritation.
Posted by: Teresa at 04/07/2010 12:24:46 PM
People need clothes. Come on - be fair!
Posted by: jim at 04/07/2010 01:52:28 PM
This fee is ridiculous! We use carry on because of the time wasted waiting for bags and we prefer not to pay for the opportunity for the airlines to lose our bags. If they are going to charge for carry-on, they should also charge us by our total weight (personal + luggage) Might as well complete the transformation to treating us like freight. Boycott Spirit when this fee is activated!
Posted by: HS at 04/07/2010 02:03:37 PM
I think it's a great idea. It makes much more sense to charge more for carry-on. I hope it discourages people from bringing so much stuff with them.
Posted by: Vicky at 04/07/2010 04:00:04 PM
Let's hope other airlines don't follow.
Posted by: Jack at 04/07/2010 04:26:46 PM
Good! All the carryons banging you in the head, arms, etc. are a big pain!
Posted by: Sharon at 04/07/2010 04:50:42 PM
Which is why I plan to fly Southwest Airlines this summer. We are the consumer. Stop buying on the airline that charges for every little thing and to pay for a carry on in addition to your luggage, well that's not very smart.
Posted by: Rob at 04/07/2010 05:57:05 PM
Great idea! I always thought the airlines had it backwards. Charge for carry-on not checked bags. Planes might even leave on time after all those people get their bags stowed.
Posted by: Scott M at 04/07/2010 11:21:46 PM
Nickel and diming the airline traveller is extremely poor and deplorable customer service. (Did I say customer service, I meant to say "customer dis-service.")
Posted by: Sharon at 04/08/2010 12:29:58 AM
I believe carry-on luggage should have been monitored years ago. Too many people brought on pieces that were way beyond the size allowed (kind of like a refrigerator with a handle!) now we have to pay the price because they want people to be able to get off the plane quickly. For now I would say avoid any airline with those charges. I'm sure eventually they will all get on the bandwagon.
Posted by: Vicky at 04/08/2010 09:26:10 AM
How about charging for people that require two seats and only pay for one! Why should I have to pay $25 dollars because my baggage is 5lbs overwieght when so many people on the same flight weigh 50 or a hundred pounds more than I.
Posted by: David at 04/11/2010 03:07:02 PM
Just another reason not to fly. Airlines...are you listening?
Posted by: Gina Rubel at 04/13/2010 01:50:41 PM
So what will happen to passangers who have to carry on medical equipment such as oxygen, personal medical supplies, etc.? Or those with dietary restrictions who need to bring their own food. Will they be charged extra? How are they defining "carry-on luggage" - does that include purses, laptop bags, briefcases and diaper bags? Yes, airlines are businesses that need to make a profit - however, there must be better ways than causing travelers to have to spend more time in airports waiting for luggage (and if you're in my hometown national airport you can expect lost luggage on a regular basis). This is just more bad PR for the airlines and more fodder for good marketing and public relations campaigns for trains, busses, auto rental companies and staycations.
Posted by: Barbara W at 04/13/2010 04:30:44 PM
The airlines should allow one and only one bag that fits in the overhead compartment as carry on (put your purse, computer and camera in it) and be strict about its size and weight. Allow one checked bag under 50lbs free and all other bags should be charged by the pound at a high price. No one needs to travel with their whole wardrobe. If it's the holidays, ship it with insurance and assurance that it will get there. If it's freight, it's freight. People could always use FEDEX.