Spirit Airlines could charge $100 for carryon

[NYDisneyKid]

YIKES!!!! did anyone see this??

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/05/02/spirit-airlines-carry-on-fee_n_1472508.html?ref=travel

 

[jlewisinsyr]

I have no issues with this at all.

Spirit's own CEO has admitted they are not in the business to make people love their policies, they are in the business to make money and further that people are more price loyal then brand loyal when it comes to travel. I agree with him, if you don't like their policies there are other options, it's a free market (outside of all the government regulation) and they can charge whatever they want and likewise the market will accept or push back.

So far, it doesn't seem like people are pushing back too hard though because they are still in business and still have some of the least competitive policies (carry-on bag fee, seat selection fee, smallest amount of pitch, etc.).

Also, note, I don't have an issue with them not refunding the veteran. They have a policy, sure things happen and they could have been more customer centric, but they stuck to their policy, which whether you like it or not, was agreed to as part of the purchase.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I don't see anything wrong with it, either. The current gate fee for overhead compartmen use apparently wasn't deterring enough people; maybe raising it to $100 will either get Spirit passengers to pay in advance, or stop them from abusing the overhead space. Now it'll be immensely cheaper to check luggage than to carry on.

 

[aubriee]

I don't like it, but can see why they are doing it. I'm flying Spirit for the first time this coming Saturday. I am doing carry on only. I know it's a couple of bucks cheaper to check a bag, but prefer to have my stuff with me. I have not yet prepaid for my carry on, but will in the next couple of days. (I have been waiting hoping the 'Big Front Seats' go down from $50.00). Even if they don't, I'll still be upgrading to those 'Big Front Seats'. Even paying $100 r/t for the bigger seats and $60.00 r/t for my carry on, the $148.00 I paid for the ticket is still alot cheaper than the over $400.00 all the other airlines were at the time I booked. Other than Southwest most other airlines charge for checked bags now, so luggage fees are nothing new to me. It was my choice to do carry on. With Spirit charging for carry ons, maybe now I won't have to worry about having space in the overhead bins. The last several flights I've flown with Air Tran and American, people were having to gate check their carryons, because all the bins were full. As long as Spirit can get me from point A to point B with the total price being cheaper than the competitors, I don't care how the fees are being broken down. Southwest may allow a free carryon and two free checked bags, but they are usually ALOT higher than any other airline around here, even with the other airlines baggage fees added in. I'll go with the one that has the total cheaper price and just add in the luggage fees to figure the total price.

 

[Lewisc]

I don't see anything wrong with it, either. The current gate fee for overhead compartmen use apparently wasn't deterring enough people; maybe raising it to $100 will either get Spirit passengers to pay in advance, or stop them from abusing the overhead space. Now it'll be immensely cheaper to check luggage than to carry on.

Spirit promotes low fares. Unprofitable fares designed to look good when casual fliers shop. Spirit generates profit from fees and policies which deviate from industry norms. That takes advantage of people who don't read the fine print.

I don't think the issue is passengers who abuse the overhead space. I think the issue was passengers who "cheated" Spirit out of checked bag fees by going with carryon bags. Spirit has already gone after passengers who "cheat" Sprint out of one checked bag per passenger by checking one bag for one or more passengers. The 40lb limit makes it harder to pack for more then one passenger in a checked bag.

edited to add There is a proposal to require the fare displayed to include any charges by the airline for carryon bags. Not sure what would happen if an airline like Spirit decided to just get rid of the overhead bins.

 

[rwdavis2]

I can see the logic. I fly United to LAX about every month and the competition for overhead space is fierce. Since they charge to check bags everyone wants to avoid it. Thus the boarding chaos. It would make boarding quicker.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I have been traveling on business for over 20 years. Overhead space has always been a premium.

 

[LBIJim]

Spirit already charges a fee for carry-on bags. A certain amount when purchased in advance, somewhat more when checking in at the airport counter or kiosk. So apparently there were passengers who were hoping to avoid both checked bag AND carry-on fees by sneaking on luggage as free "personal items"? Good for Spirit for socking it to those cheapskates who abused their policies. Don't like it? Fly a different airline or stay home.

I also don't have a problem with Spirit not refunding the fare to the veteran. It clearly states that all Spirit fares are non-refundable. Most cheap fares on all airlines are the same.

Jim

 

[CozumelDisneyFan]

I have flown spirit in the past CUN to FLL, CUN to MCO. I love the low price to FLL because of how we travel. We travel to FLL with NOTHING, just a personal item under the seat carry on, and pre pay for suitcases on the return. Works for us....

I understand the policy.... BUT.... I really feel that, long before this hit the presses, they should have refunded the 200 bucks.... Dr's note and Vietnam vet? 200 bucks, should have been an exception.... and before I get flamed... one of either of these should have been eligible for an exception... BUT BOTH???

I should clarify that I believe that someone's willingness to put their lives on the line for our freedom earns them some special priveledges.... flame away....

 

[seashoreCM]

deleted.

 

[Hannathy]

I love ala carte airlines. You pay for exactly what you need/want.

Gate time is extremely limited (because they won't let them build anymore airports-but we won't get into that, lol) and if it helps them turn planes around and out of the gate more power to them.

It is another thing that people have brought on themselves, abusing and stretching the carry on rules as far as they can get away with. I have seen some bags that are ridiculous and not a carry on in any stretch of the imagination. It is also dangerous to have so many heavy bags overhead.

 

[davmill]

It is a never ending circle of businesses trying to remain profitable, and consumers trying to save money. Like others have said, it is a free market and everyone can shop around.

 

[CozumelDisneyFan]

I love ala carte airlines. You pay for exactly what you need/want.

Gate time is extremely limited (because they won't let them build anymore airports-but we won't get into that, lol) and if it helps them turn planes around and out of the gate more power to them.

It is another thing that people have brought on themselves, abusing and stretching the carry on rules as far as they can get away with. I have seen some bags that are ridiculous and not a carry on in any stretch of the imagination. It is also dangerous to have so many heavy bags overhead.

Many moons ago I worked for TWA, you would not BELIEVE what folks insisted would fit in an over head bin! (I swear to God sometimes they were like bodybags, with the pax INSISTING it would fit ) After years of non revving, I think that we have it down to a science, at least for our family.

When we go to the states - WDW, we each have a backpack, that fits under the seat, it contains a change of clothes, and a "ditty bag". We check one empty suitcase, that has inside another empty suitcase, and an empty duffle bag. Prior to travel, I pre pay for 3 checked bags (one each) on the return flight.

In August, when all of the summer sales are on, I shop Gap, Kohls, Old Navy, etc. and have everything shipped to the hotel. I love POFQ cuz it is not a convention hotel, and they do not charge to hold boxes. Bras, undies, Crocs, shorts, t's, etc.

We arrive late afternoon, and when we return from the park the first day, bell services delivers everything (and we tip well - mousekeeping too, as they take away the empty boxes afterwards) And Voila! Clothes for the trip, and for home.

For our return, we fill the 2 suitcases and dufflebag that we have pre paid, check'em in and head out!

This saves us TIME, as I have no desire to waste a Disney Day shopping.

We dont have shops like these in Cozumel, or even on the mainland, so it is our way of clotheshopping!

 

[SaraJayne]

It is Spirit's choice to charge a ridiculous amount for carrying a bag onboard an aircraft.

It's also my choice to take my business elsewhere.

 

[SaraJayne]

Many moons ago I worked for TWA, you would not BELIEVE what folks insisted would fit in an over head bin! (I swear to God sometimes they were like bodybags, with the pax INSISTING it would fit ) After years of non revving, I think that we have it down to a science, at least for our family.

When we go to the states - WDW, we each have a backpack, that fits under the seat, it contains a change of clothes, and a "ditty bag". We check one empty suitcase, that has inside another empty suitcase, and an empty duffle bag. Prior to travel, I pre pay for 3 checked bags (one each) on the return flight.

In August, when all of the summer sales are on, I shop Gap, Kohls, Old Navy, etc. and have everything shipped to the hotel. I love POFQ cuz it is not a convention hotel, and they do not charge to hold boxes. Bras, undies, Crocs, shorts, t's, etc.

We arrive late afternoon, and when we return from the park the first day, bell services delivers everything (and we tip well - mousekeeping too, as they take away the empty boxes afterwards) And Voila! Clothes for the trip, and for home.

For our return, we fill the 2 suitcases and dufflebag that we have pre paid, check'em in and head out!

This saves us TIME, as I have no desire to waste a Disney Day shopping.

We dont have shops like these in Cozumel, or even on the mainland, so it is our way of clotheshopping!

Plus, you get a trip to Disney in the meantime! Win win!

Though if I lived on Cozumel, I'd never leave. Most beautiful place on Earth, IMO.

 

[EMAW_KSU]

$65 seems like a very good incentive to prepay for your carry on.

 

[doris1976]

We all hate the extra fees, but what are you going to do, drive?

 

[kaytieeldr]

Spirit promotes low fares. Unprofitable fares designed to look good when casual fliers shop. Spirit generates profit from fees and policies which deviate from industry norms. That takes advantage of people who don't read the fine print.

I disagree that it's fine print. They indicate pretty blatantly when you get to the selection page that there are additional charges, and for what: "Fares listed are per person, are non-refundable and include all taxes and fees. Additional fees for baggage, advance seat assignments and any changes may apply. " is right at the top of the page.

 

[jodifla]

Only on the DIS boards would you find people defending the indefensible Spirit airlines.

Can't stand them, stopped flying them years ago.

 

[Lewisc]

they should have refunded the 200 bucks.... Dr's note and Vietnam vet? 200 bucks, should have been an exception.... and before I get flamed... one of either of these should have been eligible for an exception... BUT BOTH???

I should clarify that I believe that someone's willingness to put their lives on the line for our freedom earns them some special priveledges.... flame away....

+1 Blame Spirit if the government decides to specify under what circumstances customers are entitled to a refund on non-refundable ticket.

Should the estate be entitled to a refund if the customer dies? A terminal patient, who isn't clear medically to fly? A reservist who has to cancel a vacation because he was activated?

Gate time is extremely limited (because they won't let them build anymore airports-but we won't get into that, lol) and if it helps them turn planes around and out of the gate more power to them.

It is another thing that people have brought on themselves, abusing and stretching the carry on rules as far as they can get away with. I have seen some bags that are ridiculous and not a carry on in any stretch of the imagination. It is also dangerous to have so many heavy bags overhead.

There is absolutely nothing which suggests Spirit's policy is motivated by delays in pushing back. We're not talking about enforcing size restrictions. We're talking about charging a huge penalty to those passengers who don't realize Spirit charges for bin bags and wind up having to pay at the gate.