Carry-on fee can cost more than flight

Spirit Airlines -- 1 of 2 carriers charging for carry-on bags -- will raise its fees to as much as $100.

By Giselle Smith May 3, 2012 3:10PM

Passengers on Spirit Airlines may soon pay as much as $100 for a spot in the overhead bin, The Associated Press reports. That's more than some flights on the ultralow-cost carrier, which is currently advertising $19.80 one-way fares on new routes.

Spirit currently charges $20 to $45 for carry-on bags that don't fit under the seat, and is one of two airlines that charge carry-on fees. The other is Allegiant Air. (Post continues below.)

The $100 fee, which takes effect Nov. 6, will apply to passengers who opt to pay the carry-on fee at the gate. Fliers will still get a discount for paying at an airport kiosk, which will cost $50, or prepaying online when booking, which will cost $25 to $35. Carry-on bags are those that must be stowed in the overhead compartments; small bags that can fit under the seats are not subject to fees.

The fee is designed more as a deterrent for putting off payment than punishment for late payers. Spirit wants passengers to pay early, not more. After all, how many people have no idea whether they'll be traveling with luggage until they get to the gate?

Meanwhile, Spirit Airlines is under fire for its hard line on denying a $197 refund request from a dying former Marine. The strict adherence to policy prompted a Facebook campaign against the airline, Fox News reports. The "Boycott Spirit Airlines" Facebook page had more than 20,000 "likes" as of Thursday.

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Spirit is also raising other fees by between $2 and $10, AP reports. Under the new fee structure, international and domestic passengers will pay the same bag fees.

What's next? Will airlines institute a per-pound charge for luggage? Will we have an option to purchase cocktail peanuts one at a time? How are you handling the rising cost of air travel?

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8Comments

Best

May 3, 2012 4:42PM

SPIRIT IS THE NO SERVICE GREEDY AIRLINE. I HAVE TRIED TO USE THEM ONCE, WHEN YOU PAY ONLINE FOR A BAG AND A FLIGHT, BUT SOMETHING HAPPENS AND YOU DONT MAKE THE FLIGHT, THEY REFUSE TO GIVE BACK ANY TYPE OF REFUND AND CANCEL YOUR TICKET BOTH WAYS AND KEEP YOUR MONEY. THEY ARE GREEDY GREEDY GREEDY. THERE CUSTOMER SERVICE IS RUDE AS WELL. I BELIEVE A BOYCOTT OF THERE SERVICES IS JUST WHAT THEY NEED. THEY NEED TO GO OUT OFBUSINESS. THERE STANDARD OF PRACTICE IS NOT CUSTOMER SERVICE BUT OBTAINING THE MOST AMOUNT OF MONEY THEY CAN.

Previous replies

garry machette

May 3, 2012 7:37PM

Spirit Airlines should be boycotted into bankrupcy for their greed...

Previous replies

independentvoter999

May 3, 2012 8:00PM

Not a problem if they don't charge for check bags. They can **** themselves if they charge for both.

Previous replies

Mister Manners

May 4, 2012 11:22AM

They are doing this because they can - people will just bend over, grimace while the airline rams it up their holes, and then continue flying.

Previous replies

Someone

May 4, 2012 10:43AM

Flying on any airline has become a test of strength and patience for consumers. The cost with additional fees makes driving or taking the train a more desirable and less expensive option in many cases. Throw in the Homeland Security folks and you'll spend a chunk of your vacation or business trip in the airport.

This is one frequent flyer who no longer flys anywhere if an alternative is possible.

Previous replies

Anarchronia

May 4, 2012 12:43AM

so why is spirit still in bussiness if they are always charging all these prices for jack sh!t. boycott spirit and make them either shut down or drop all their stupid fees

Previous replies

sharriannie1234

May 4, 2012 1:50PM

might be cheaper to UPS your stuff to your destination. sprint needs to take a lesson from netflix.

Previous replies

Lark54

May 3, 2012 9:28PM

NO f'ing way.

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