As if paying the airlines to check your bag after you’ve paid numerous other fees and ticket charges isn’t enough, Spirit Airlines announced today that effective August 1, they will charge up to $45 to carry on and stow your bag in overhead storage. The charge is $30 if paid in advance.
In the spirit of being flier friendly, Spirit Airlines noted that if you bring a carry on and cram it in the under-seat storage, this fee will not apply. But, if you lose feeling in your legs and can’t leave the plane upon landing, you’ll be charged for sitting in the chair. Spirit will now delay all boarding by measuring all bags as their brought onto the plane, charging your credit card (as they probably won’t take cash) and will have to listen to people lose their cool.
Spirit Airlines is taking this measure to ensure that the weight of the planes will be reduced so you can get to your destination faster. Which is a plus if you’ve ever taken a flight on Spirit.
The upside – Spirit will reduce their lowest fares by $40, so it’s not like you’d see an increase. Just think of those tickets they sell for $9 today – Spirit is going pay you $31 to fly from DTW to FLL – AWESOME!
The downside – something will come along that will cause Spirit to increase the flight cost anyway so, it’s likely you’ll see an increase. And, don’t think that this will only stop with Spirit Airlines – the big boys in the sky will soon follow.
HTG is against any more fees being added and thinks this move is stupid. Really how much weight is going to be saved? You’re not going to arrive at your destination any faster nor will fuel be saved. It’s only a matter of time that charges will be incurred for using the overhead personal air & lighting on the plane.
