Spirit Airlines launches $45 carry-on fee

[derf]

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-f...,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]

Originally Posted by Particle Man

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]

Originally Posted by azoomm

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

[azoomm]

Originally Posted by Particle Man

wear the thing on the plane and see what they say

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.

[Homeslice]

Carry-on hogs and abusers =

[Particle Man]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

Carry-on hogs and abusers =

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

I never check bags anymore.

Eff them.

[Homeslice]

Originally Posted by Particle Man

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]

Originally Posted by Homeslice

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).