Tuesday, April 13, 2010

Spirit Airlines: Not even your carry-on bags are free anymore

From 2008 on, many major airlines have started charging fees for checked baggage – now Spirit Airlines is taking those checked bag fees one step further Spirit Airlines can be taking the two year old checked baggage fee one step further. Spirit Airlines is making headlines by planning to charge customers for carry-on bags. There has been no word if the airline is going to also offer cheap payday loans to cover the new fees.

Spirit Airlines focuses on no-frills service

The airline service offered by Spirit Airlines is decidedly no-frills. With a $ 40 yearly membership, some customers can get Spirit airline fares for as little as $ 9 each way. Average Spirit airline fares range from $ 50 to $ 150 each way. Spirit Airlines charges $ 25 for one checked bag, and $ 70 for two. Spirit Airlines claims that at the exact same time the bag fee is instituted, they will drop their average fare by $ 40, saving some customers from getting no faxing payday loans to pay for their travel.

Spirit Airlines will charge carry-on fees

Checked baggage fees have led to more people carrying on luggage. On the first of August, Spirit Airlines will charge for those bags also. Spirit Airline “members” will be charged $ 20. Pre-registering the carry-on bag will price $ 30. At the gate, passengers could be charged $ 45 for their one allowed carry-on bag. Spirit Airlines is also considering replacing front counter service with self-service kiosks. ”Personal items” that will fit in the space under the seat in front of you will not be charged.

Will major airlines follow the example of Spirit Airlines?

No major air carrier has yet said they may also use these fees. Only two carriers have avoided checked bag fees – Southwest and JetBlue. Airlines received $ 700 million for checked baggage within the third quarter of last year. Average ticket prices dropped by 14% in that same period of time.

Resources:

Market Watch

Chron



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