ECONOMIC ISSUES
By Stephen Odell
At this point, I can’t stop the sweat dripping from my brow. Zippers and I have never seen eye to eye, but this particular piece of luggage is refusing my every attempt to zip it shut.
I’m attempting to jam all of my necessary belongings for my upcoming trip into my carry-on bag so I can escape those pesky checked baggage fees; thus far, it isn’t going well.
Of course, if I were flying with Spirit Airlines, my efforts would be pointless.
That’s right, not even your carry-ons are safe from extra fees.
Spirit Airlines, an American budget carrier, has recently announced it will charge travelers $20 to $45 for items placed in overhead bins, though the exact price will vary.
For example, Spirit’s frequent fliers will be charged $20 and customers who pay in advance will pay $30. All other passengers must pay $45 at the gate upon boarding.
Oh, and double those prices for round-trip excursions.
Personal items that fit beneath the seat will not be charged. Other articles that escape fines include “umbrellas, coats, cameras, car seats, strollers, medicine, reading material and food for immediate consumption.”
Spirit warns passengers to not try cheating the system. Passengers will be loaded in zones, and it will be assumed that any traveler boarding after zone one has not yet paid for carry-ons. Since all pre-registered carry-on passengers will be zone one customers.
If you are loaded in after zone one, you’ll be asked to present your credit card for any bags that do not qualify as personal items.
The change in policy takes effect for flights on and after August 1.
The company will be the first domestic airline to levy fees for carry-on luggage.
Checked bags already cost extra, too. In fact, a majority of domestic airlines now charge for checked luggage.
Spirit Airlines claims the additional charge should not affect overall prices, as it plans on decreasing ticket fares.
Spirt Airlines advises people to simply travel with less.
“Bring less; pay less. It’s simple,” Spirit’s Chief Operating Officer Ken McKenzie said in a statement.
However, it is unrealistic to expect any passenger to fly without checked or carry-on baggage, nullifying decreased ticket prices.
Many travelers are already displeased with Spirit’s change in protocol.
“I personally think that would spark a major customer backlash,” said S&P analyst Jim Corridore. “The general public is sick and tired of fees. They pay them because they have to.”
But if you’re a passenger who is sick of extra fees, you can send Spirit Airlines a message: you won’t fly with the company.
Other U.S. airline companies will be monitoring passengers’ reactions to the bold move, giving you an opportunity to discourage similar charges from other airlines.
But you must purchase airline tickets carefully.
Many companies promote cheap airfare prices, and passengers are fooled into thinking they saved money— only to realize that they’re bombarded with additional fees upon checkout.
Therefore, shop cautiously, refuse to pay for carry-on luggage and continue stuffing those carry-ons for companies that charge for checked bags.
Sure, you may break out in sweat, but it will be worth it.
Spirit Airlines Baggage Policy
Edited By Christine Mahar
