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.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
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.
-
5 Ways to Save on a Trip to the 2026 Olympics in ItalyA guide to going to the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics without breaking the bank.
-
The Best (and Worst) Airlines for Flight Delays and CancellationsWhich airlines should you book and which should you avoid if you want to make it to your destination on time?
-
Four Luxury Spa Resorts for Well-Heeled TravelersWe hand-picked these U.S. luxury spa resorts for their serenity, amenities and dedication to the comfort of older travelers.
-
Child-Free Cruises Perfect For Your Retirement CelebrationHow to find a bespoke ocean or river vacation for adults. Many of these options are smaller, charming river cruises, expeditions, or niche experiences.
-
Noctourism: The New Travel Trend For Your Next Trip"Noctourism" is a new trend of building travel and vacations around events and plans that take place at night. Take a look at some inspiring noctourism ideas.
-
My Husband and I Retired at 67 With $3.2 Million, But He's Frugal About Travel. How Can I Convince Him to Loosen Up?We asked financial planning experts for advice.
-
Cruise Lines Sue to Block Hawaii’s New Climate Tourism TaxState Tax Your vacation to the Aloha State could come at a higher price tag next year. Here’s why.
-
How to Find the Best Alternatives to Popular Travel DestinationsYou don’t have to bust your budget or battle big crowds to enjoy pristine natural beauty, rich culture, authentic cuisine and more.
