Spirit Airlines Says: "Don't Fly With Us"

[Tara]

I feel relatively safe speaking for my like-minded contingent in saying it's not that we welcome this - or any - new fee, but that we understand the need/basis for it.

The only thing I *welcome* is not having miserable boarding experiences because people try to bring on suitcases that don't fit in bins (and because gate agents don't stop them from doing so). Of course, I'm not sure if I'll get that experience since I don't fly Spirit and I don't know that other carriers will try this.

 

[Jestocost]

I'm starting to think that's the same market that SW is trying to develop; a set of people who automatically book with them, even at higher fares, because bags are "free" and so it must be a "deal". But, even SW is starting down the a la carte road with ECBI, so perhaps they're not sure yet either.

Understanding that this discussion is focused on the issue of fees vs. fares and your point is in that context, I still think it merits noting that there is a lot more that goes into customer choice and the airlines' strategies.

We find ourselves flying SWA almost exclusively from STL to MCO not because of fees, but because of the availability of non-stop flights and the times of flights. Even when AA was running non stops (they are gone by June if not already), their schedule wasn't as good as SWA and prices were comparable. I'm an elite on AA and I don't pay baggage fees, so that doesn't come into play either way. AirTran also offers non stops, but their prices tend to be close to SWA's when baggage fees are taken into account, their times aren't great and their reputation for changing flights is lousy.

As of June, AA will be down to fewer than 40 departures a day out of St. Louis (compared to 400 seven years ago) and most of those are just to feed the hubs at ORD and DFW. Because of that, I will be choosing to fly much less often on AA for factors that may not have anything to do with price. Even on my business travel, where price is much less of a factor due to frequent last-minute bookings, I expect to be on AA much less because AA has made other schedule changes that make the times available on UA, Delta or US Airways better in many cases.

So, SWA has earned my business by offering better and more choices than the other airlines. That is a strategic decision that they have made with regard to the St. Louis market. AA has made a different decision and essentially kissed their market share goodbye.

 

[kaytieeldr]

The only thing I *welcome* is not having miserable boarding experiences because people try to bring on suitcases that don't fit in bins (and because gate agents don't stop them from doing so). Of course, I'm not sure if I'll get that experience since I don't fly Spirit and I don't know that other carriers will try this.

Frankly, it wouldn't affect me even if JetBlue did start charging to use the overhead compartment. Because I can't lift a typically-packed rollaboard high enough over my head to place it, I travel with one specifically designed TO fit under the seat in front of me... it's even smaller than Spirit's maximum measurements, and can get me through a night at my destination!

 

[kaytieeldr]

What? You don't think the rest of us would prefer to pay more rather than less?

Stop putting words in my mouth I know we'd rather all pay less; we just understand the need to pay more. Heck, I just noticed gas at the full-service station I sometimes use went up from $2.79 last night to $2.85 this morning. I need gasoline; I don't need to fly... I'd be perfectly happy taking TWO weeks vacation - one for travel, one actually in Las Vegas (yes, it's a three and a half day train/bus trip) . Never mind that this would take over 76 hours in one direction and over 84 hours in the other - and cost $1,395.60! That'll teach those darned airlines a lesson! For this price, I'll get my own 'room', I can bring TWO bags, and they'll feed me! If I throw in another forty cents - and I'm sure I have that much in the change holder in my car - I can fly four round-trips!

 

[goofy4tink]

The marketplace has spoken on flat-fare pricing. Every time an airline has tried to move in that direction, they have been hammered by passengers fleeing to other airlines. Every time they add an a la carte fee, the press grumbles, but the public pays. Southwest is a very interesting counter-example---they are pricing higher on average, but sprinkling in deals, heavy spending on ads proclaiming themselves a bargain, and trumpeting "free" (really, *included*) luggage.

At first, I was convinced that wasn't going to work. But, now I'm starting to see it in the same light as the "free" dining promotions that Disney runs. In many cases, "free" dining is a *worse* deal than the straight room discount, but people fall all over themselves to book it, because they eat for "free" and they don't even bother to compare the all-in prices for OOP dining (or a paid plan) plus a room discount.

I'm starting to think that's the same market that SW is trying to develop; a set of people who automatically book with them, even at higher fares, because bags are "free" and so it must be a "deal". But, even SW is starting down the a la carte road with ECBI, so perhaps they're not sure yet either.

Yep...as soon as people see 'free' or 'buy 2, get 1 free' they're pushing and shoving to get to it before everyone else. It's just human nature. Very little in life is free!!!


So....I've been sitting here thinking about this. I know, too much time on my hands. But....I would fly the airline that gave me a decent fare from Boston to MCO (anything under $300 pp r/t), and allowed me to bring a bag that goes under the seat, free of charge. Then, I would get the first checked bag free. If I wanted to bring a carryon to store in the overhead bin, it would cost me $10-15. If I wanted to check a second bag, it would cost me $25. I would happily forego the snacks and beverages. I can buy what I want at the gate or bring my own snack from home. Can we talk about the waste that goes along with those drinks???? That's a lot of plastic cups every day per airline!!!

Air travel usually means you are bringing a bag...so we should expect to get one bag free. Of course, if the airlines wanted to charge for bags, then perhaps they could give a rock bottom fare...you don't get to bring a carryon, you have to pay to check a bag, and you don't get to choose a seat..they just put you in an unclaimed seat. But it would cost a lot less. Maybe that's the way to go...just take away all those little 'extras' right down to bare bones and charge accordingly.

 

[brenda1966]

I travel with one specifically designed TO fit under the seat in front of me... QUOTE]

Can you tell me what kind of bag it is? I'm always looking for that perfect carry-on bag that fits under the seat. Right now I have a rolling backpack. I don't like using the overhead bin because I need my bag to get my snacks and dvd player during the flight.

It's interesting to me that when I fly SW people are not having trouble fitting bags in the overhead bin, not fighting for bin space, etc. I guess this is because we are allowed that free checked bag that people are not abusing the carry on rules on SW. Even with people picking their seats, they board fast.

 

[Tara]

We find ourselves flying SWA almost exclusively from STL to MCO not because of fees, but because of the availability of non-stop flights and the times of flights. Even when AA was running non stops (they are gone by June if not already), their schedule wasn't as good as SWA and prices were comparable. I'm an elite on AA and I don't pay baggage fees, so that doesn't come into play either way. AirTran also offers non stops, but their prices tend to be close to SWA's when baggage fees are taken into account, their times aren't great and their reputation for changing flights is lousy.

(snip)
So, SWA has earned my business by offering better and more choices than the other airlines. That is a strategic decision that they have made with regard to the St. Louis market. AA has made a different decision and essentially kissed their market share goodbye.

This is a lot of why I fly SWA to Orlando. It's the only carrier that flies nonstop to MCO. The fares are typically higher than the other choices (Delta, USAir, United) but on average the most desirable flights on the legacy carriers are close to the same price if you include a checked bag or 2. And in addition to not offering nonstops, most of those flights are on regional jets, which I fly a lot, but if I had to choose between a slightly cheaper flight on a connecting pair of CRJs and a slightly more expensive flight on a 737 with decent legroom, I'll gladly pay more. (And I have been paying more.)

 

[kaytieeldr]

Can you tell me what kind of bag it is? I'm always looking for that perfect carry-on bag that fits under the seat. Right now I have a rolling backpack. I don't like using the overhead bin because I need my bag to get my snacks and dvd player during the flight.

Ah, rats - I just checked the website where I got it, and they don't sell it any longer (I would have just given you the link ). It's described as "Travelon Microfiber Rolling Under Seat Carry-onBag Red".

Okay, they DO have the bag I bought, but now it comes with a matching oversized tote http://www.qvc.com/qic/qvcapp.aspx/...Wheeled-Underseat-CarryOn-Bag-with-BackUp-Bag. This is exactly the suitcase I have, without the tote bag - same color, same size - the measurements in the description are for the tote, NOT the rolling bag.

It really DOES fit fully under the seat in front of me, on JetBlue, at least. I don't have a ruler handy. There's a handle on the bottom of the bag so you can get it out from under the seat easily, too.

 

[darrengs]

It's interesting to me that when I fly SW people are not having trouble fitting bags in the overhead bin, not fighting for bin space, etc. I guess this is because we are allowed that free checked bag that people are not abusing the carry on rules on SW. Even with people picking their seats, they board fast.

Honestly didn't the airlines anticipate that by charging to check in the first bag the result would be more people carrying luggage on?

 

[MiaSRN62]

The only thing I *welcome* is not having miserable boarding experiences because people try to bring on suitcases that don't fit in bins (and because gate agents don't stop them from doing so). Of course, I'm not sure if I'll get that experience since I don't fly Spirit and I don't know that other carriers will try this.

But what about airport "approved" carry on bags ? The ones that fit in that little metal rack right before you board ? People like me, who specifically purchased "carry on" size luggage that says "airport approved" right on it for nothing ? Well....unless we want to pay a premium now that is.
Are you referring to those ? Most times the flight attendants stop people from carrying on oversized luggage. I've seen this with SWA.
Would never have purchased such luggage and found creative ways to stuff my week's worth or longer worth of necessities into it if I knew this fee would be the wave of the future.

Tara :This is a lot of why I fly SWA to Orlando. It's the only carrier that flies nonstop to MCO. The fares are typically higher than the other choices (Delta, USAir, United) but on average the most desirable flights

SWA out of PHL to MCO are usually MUCH lower than Delta, US Air etc). So far, SWA is my carrier of choice. I hope they never charge for carry ons but realize that could very well happen one day

kaytieeldr : need gasoline; I don't need to fly...

I, personally, NEED to fly so I can get to Florida and decompress from my stressful job ! It's fly or go insane !
And yes, we can choose to drive to FL (18 hours each way and we've done it).


Maria

 

[Tara]

But what about airport "approved" carry on bags ? The ones that fit in that little metal rack right before you board ? People like me, who specifically purchased "carry on" size luggage that says "airport approved" right on it for nothing ? Well....unless we want to pay a premium now that is.
Are you referring to those ? Most times the flight attendants stop people from carrying on oversized luggage. I've seen this with SWA.
Would never have purchased such luggage and found creative ways to stuff my week's worth or longer worth of necessities into it if I knew this fee would be the wave of the future.

No, I'm talking about the ones that require multiple slamming attempts to get the bin door to shut (sometimes without success), or the ones that will only fit length-wise, meaning there is less space for other bags.

SWA out of PHL to MCO are usually MUCH lower than Delta, US Air etc). So far, SWA is my carrier of choice. I hope they never charge for carry ons but realize that could very well happen one day

My MIL is flying from PHL to join us at Disney in August and USAir actually ended up cheaper because to get home it was either leave early in the morning or get home late at night (which she can't tolerate as easily) - the only midday flight was 2x more expensive - actually, it was more than the USAir roundtrip flight she ended up booking. I was surprised by this (and she was, too).

 

[lllGurulll]

For those posting that SW is still technically charging you for baggage, of course they are. It still doesn't change the fact that SW is still one of the most affordable airlines out there. I have priced pretty much every airline when I was booking my travel and SW had the lowest rates PERIOD. I didn't even have to take into account the baggage fees of the other airlines because SW beat their basic rate.

So it really doesn't matter that SW is charging for baggage in their actual fare. They are still the most affordable for most family travelers.

 

[TiaMaria]

Psssst. Owner's Locker!

 

[TiaMaria]

Understanding that this discussion is focused on the issue of fees vs. fares and your point is in that context, I still think it merits noting that there is a lot more that goes into customer choice and the airlines' strategies.

We find ourselves flying SWA almost exclusively from STL to MCO not because of fees, but because of the availability of non-stop flights and the times of flights. Even when AA was running non stops (they are gone by June if not already), their schedule wasn't as good as SWA and prices were comparable. I'm an elite on AA and I don't pay baggage fees, so that doesn't come into play either way. AirTran also offers non stops, but their prices tend to be close to SWA's when baggage fees are taken into account, their times aren't great and their reputation for changing flights is lousy.

As of June, AA will be down to fewer than 40 departures a day out of St. Louis (compared to 400 seven years ago) and most of those are just to feed the hubs at ORD and DFW. Because of that, I will be choosing to fly much less often on AA for factors that may not have anything to do with price. Even on my business travel, where price is much less of a factor due to frequent last-minute bookings, I expect to be on AA much less because AA has made other schedule changes that make the times available on UA, Delta or US Airways better in many cases.

So, SWA has earned my business by offering better and more choices than the other airlines. That is a strategic decision that they have made with regard to the St. Louis market. AA has made a different decision and essentially kissed their market share goodbye.

I am right here with you and agree 100%.

AA threw away my business. SWA earned it.

I don't even take bag fees or early bird fees into consideration when booking. Rarely do I feel the need to fare-shop another airline.

 

[MiaSRN62]

Tara :No, I'm talking about the ones that require multiple slamming attempts to get the bin door to shut (sometimes without success), or the ones that will only fit length-wise, meaning there is less space for other bags.

Well agreed on that Those people should be the ones paying the fees....not those of us who abide by the luggage size policies. But oh well....that's falling on deaf ears I'm sure.........

Tara: actually, it was more than the USAir roundtrip flight she ended up booking. I was surprised by this (and she was, too).

Really surprises me as well. I've never encountered this. Occasionally Air Tran was cheaper..........

I have been checking for July 27 to Aug 10.
SWA is $98 EACH WAY
US AIR is $168 PHL to MCO and $108 MCO back to PHL on Aug 10.
SWA (as always for my trips), blew them out of the water.


Maria

 

[MiaSRN62]

For those posting that SW is still technically charging you for baggage, of course they are. It still doesn't change the fact that SW is still one of the most affordable airlines out there. I have priced pretty much every airline when I was booking my travel and SW had the lowest rates PERIOD. I didn't even have to take into account the baggage fees of the other airlines because SW beat their basic rate.

So it really doesn't matter that SW is charging for baggage in their actual fare. They are still the most affordable for most family travelers.

Maria

 

[Tara]

Well agreed on that Those people should be the ones paying the fees....not those of us who abide by the luggage size policies. But oh well....that's falling on deaf ears I'm sure.........




Really surprises me as well. I've never encountered this. Occasionally Air Tran was cheaper..........

I have been checking for July 27 to Aug 10.
SWA is $98 EACH WAY
US AIR is $168 PHL to MCO and $108 MCO back to PHL on Aug 10.
SWA (as always for my trips), blew them out of the water.


Maria

For the times she wanted, SWA was $98 down but $198 or $196 back, but US was $237 total with tax.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Realistically, Bob - read the threads on the Transportation and Budget forums. Most of the people here AREN'T going to pay the fares necessary for the airlines to profit. Many are horrified at having to pay over $200 to fly between the Northeast and Orlando. Can you imagine the outrage if the airlines tried charging a profitable fare?

I agree. But I find it ironic that the same people who are complaining that fares are too high right now are excited and giddy about paying Spirit a new gouging fee.....because they think that will allow Spirit to offer lower fares. That is absolutely not how fares are set.

BobK/Orlando

 

[kaytieeldr]

Nope, we're neither excited nor giddy about it. We simply understand why Spirit is doing it. I'm relatively certain most of us don't even fly Spirit. I know I'd only use that airline if I were going to ACY - and then, of course, only if they're currently flying there from Boston . But if I were going more than overnight (when my under-seat bag would suffice), I would check a suitcase.

 

[pooch]

For those posting that SW is still technically charging you for baggage, of course they are. It still doesn't change the fact that SW is still one of the most affordable airlines out there. I have priced pretty much every airline when I was booking my travel and SW had the lowest rates PERIOD. I didn't even have to take into account the baggage fees of the other airlines because SW beat their basic rate.

So it really doesn't matter that SW is charging for baggage in their actual fare. They are still the most affordable for most family travelers.

in the past but last year I found Delta out of BDL (Htfd, CT) $10 cheaper than SW. I had to pay 1 bag fee of $15 (DD and I pack light) so it came to $5 cheaper the 2 of us, not really any difference at all but the first time Delta was competitive. This year, SW has cancelled ALL the good non-stops out of BDL and Delta is matching fares at least for now. So now SWA has lost my business. They just aren't competitive in the Hartford market IMHO. My point is there are MANY factors involved in chosing an airline. I'm willing to pay bag fees in order to get the flight times I want. Others may not. And what works for someone this trip may not for the next. The most important thing here? An informed consumer.