Spirit Airlines to charge for carry-ons...Hope Delta doesn't make that move
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Posts: 190
Spirit Airlines to charge for carry-ons...Hope Delta doesn't make that move
From the Atlanta Journal-Constitution (http://www.ajc.com/business/spirit-a...ge-439847.html)
MINNEAPOLIS — A small airline based in Florida is going to try charging as much as $30 for carry-on bags. Spirit Airlines says the charge will apply to bags in the overhead bin. Personal items that fit under the seat will still be free.
The new charge begins on Aug. 1. Spirit says the charge should reduce the number of carry-on bags, which will help empty the plane faster after flights. It also charges to check luggage.
Spirit is a discount airline that mostly flies out of Florida to Latin America. Even though it's a minor player, bigger airlines are likely to watch to see whether customers are willing to pay for carry-ons.
MINNEAPOLIS — A small airline based in Florida is going to try charging as much as $30 for carry-on bags. Spirit Airlines says the charge will apply to bags in the overhead bin. Personal items that fit under the seat will still be free.
The new charge begins on Aug. 1. Spirit says the charge should reduce the number of carry-on bags, which will help empty the plane faster after flights. It also charges to check luggage.
Spirit is a discount airline that mostly flies out of Florida to Latin America. Even though it's a minor player, bigger airlines are likely to watch to see whether customers are willing to pay for carry-ons.
#2
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Dallas, TX USA
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My bet is that this is going to be both a logistical and a PR nightmare for Spririt and if it does actually get implemented, it won't last long. Whatever time savings they might see on deplaning are going to be more than offset during the boarding process (Passengers and boarding agents arguing over what will and won't fit under the seat.)
#3
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Hope they fail miserably at that and the backlash hurts them... as mentioned its going to an even bigger nightmare than charging for checked bags. I don't think people are going to go for another bogus fee just to bring a personal bag or some clothes for a short trip.
#4
Join Date: Mar 2007
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Spirit is out front with these sorts of charges...and given their target audience and longstanding fees for everything approach, they may get away with it. This isn't a traditional carrier.
Given some of the carry ons I've seen lately, perhaps a carry-on fee without a checked bag fee (and where they really NAIL you for a gate check) is the way to clear up some space in the cabin. I don't see that happening though as Bag fees are a huge cash cow
Given some of the carry ons I've seen lately, perhaps a carry-on fee without a checked bag fee (and where they really NAIL you for a gate check) is the way to clear up some space in the cabin. I don't see that happening though as Bag fees are a huge cash cow
#6
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: LAX
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Wow, this unbundling ala carte pricing model the airlines are going after is getting senseless.
Let's see what's been charged by airlines:
Pillows
"Select" seats
Priority Boarding
Checked luggage
Headsets
Movies
Meals
Anything else they can "unbundle"?
Let's see what's been charged by airlines:
Pillows
"Select" seats
Priority Boarding
Checked luggage
Headsets
Movies
Meals
Anything else they can "unbundle"?
#7
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Honestly, I would be surprised if Delta did *not* start this fee. Look at the latest test:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...g-5-4-2-a.html
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/delta...g-5-4-2-a.html
#9
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#10
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The really amazing part is that they're actually going to charge more for carry-on bags, as much as $40, compared with $25 for the first checked bag.
I guess this is what you should expect for a $9 fare.
I guess this is what you should expect for a $9 fare.
#11
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My bet is that this is going to be both a logistical and a PR nightmare for Spririt and if it does actually get implemented, it won't last long. Whatever time savings they might see on deplaning are going to be more than offset during the boarding process (Passengers and boarding agents arguing over what will and won't fit under the seat.)
Just allow these pax to stow their bags in the overheads anyway? Are the FA's going to check to see that all overhead bags have some kind of special tag?
And I wonder how Spirit (or DL or anyone else) will handle bulkhead seating?
Of course, I think it's going to happen anyway.
#12
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Just allow these pax to stow their bags in the overheads anyway? Are the FA's going to check to see that all overhead bags have some kind of special tag?
And I wonder how Spirit (or DL or anyone else) will handle bulkhead seating?
Of course, I think it's going to happen anyway.
#14
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: USA
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Doubt it. Like I said in AA's forum, DL is a legacy, full-service carrier. Checking for bags DO make sense because they need to pay baggage handlers, but carryons... nah. If they do implement carry-on fees then I guarantee you people will stop flying. Period. Full stop. Many are miserable with the checked bag fees as it is - but it's tolerable because at least they can carry on stuff, and the carry-on policies are quite reasonable. If carry-on fees are implemented, it's game over.
Also, in this economy... it won't fly. Food is shrinking, things are becoming cheaper and lousy quality, and the dollar is generally going down. Add all those fees and customers won't be happy.
Also, in this economy... it won't fly. Food is shrinking, things are becoming cheaper and lousy quality, and the dollar is generally going down. Add all those fees and customers won't be happy.