Spirit follows Ryanair, now charging for drinks, ALL checked baggage

[bicker]

It's not really a matter of leaving behind or not -- it's more a matter of budgeting for the necessary ("legally required") expense.

 

[Disneyolic]

I see a lot of unhappy customers, and potential for lawsuits against Spirit Airlines....what happens if you get in an accident and don't have your car seat, because Spirit wouldn't put it on the plane?

I would think it ultimately is up to the parent to provide the safety for your child. If you are unable to bring aboard the carseat, certainly you would rent one from the rental car company. That is a decision you have to make when you decide which airline to choose.

 

[jodifla]

I would think it ultimately is up to the parent to provide the safety for your child. If you are unable to bring aboard the carseat, certainly you would rent one from the rental car company. That is a decision you have to make when you decide which airline to choose.

Parents who check car and booster seats are trying to provide for their children's safety. But if they are booted at the curbside check-in, Spirit is culpable.

Let's say someone has three bags to check, and another person has a booster and a bag, but there's only room for 4 bags.

Think Spirit will take the third bag for $100 or second bag for $5 or $10.

 

[Lewisc]

Some of us take the time to go to the airline's website and read the travel policies. A few of us even take the time to read at least part of the contract of carriage. Others think people like us are "weird" for taking the time to read the CoC. Many passengers only fly every few years and don't realize polices change.

JMO but a passenger who brings an extra bag might be willing to pay the extra few dollars. Some passengers may have budgeted the money and others might not realize there is a charge but will pay it.

Spirit reserves the right to refuse a second bag even if a passenger is willing to pay:

Spirit Airlines can only guarantee the transportation of one (1) item as checked luggage per fare paying customer. Additional bags can be purchased on a first-served basis; but Spirit cannot guarantee that there will be space for extra bags, and will not be held responsible for any additional items brought to the airport by the customer.

It's one thing to tell a passenger they have to pay an extra few dollars to check a bag but it's another thing to tell them they can't check the bag even if they're willing to pay. A friend drops a family off at the airport. Spirit refuses to check an extra bag. Airports don't have storage lockers. The only solutions I can think of is see if the family can pay to have the extra bag shipped as cargo.

This could be an issue if Spirit is planning on shipping additional cargo, including mail, as a result of the space in the hold being generated by fewer checked bags.

It's not really a matter of leaving behind or not -- it's more a matter of budgeting for the necessary ("legally required") expense.

 

[bicker]

Parents who check car and booster seats are trying to provide for their children's safety. But if they are booted at the curbside check-in, Spirit is culpable.

I'm sorry but I agree with Disneyholic. Airlines are in no way culpable for refusing any luggage that they're specifically permitted to refuse as per the Contract of Carriage.

I can understanding passengers not liking the new terms and conditions, but they're utterly and completely legal and protect Spirit unequivocally from any responsibility for anything the customer decides to leave behind because it is refused by the airline in accordance with the airlines published policies.

 

[CPT Tripss]

Guess I'll go back to the carry on only mode when Spirit's price is right. The big plastic tube of sunscreen will just have to go into my pocket .
I fear Bicker is correct that in a few years this "unbundling" will be routine. But hey, isn't this what Disney does with their admission. Used to be "never expires," get your handstamped and park hop . . . now you pay extra for those amenities.

 

[Lewisc]

I agree the airline won't be legally liable but it won't be good customer service to refuse a second bag from a passenger willing to pay. I don't think Spirit will be able to leave very many car seats or booster seats behind without a change in regulations that may require Spirit to take them. I'd be shocked if Spirit leaves any seats behind. I could see a federal policy that might require an airline carry those items for free. I'm sure Spirit will just take the money.

Passengers didn't like having to throw out health and beauty aids as a result of the TSA limits on carry-on liquids.

I can't imagine the complaints if Spirit refuses to check a second or third bag. I can't imagine a passenger being willing to discard a booster seat or an entire suitcase of clothing.

Most of those strict rules are intended for passengers travelling to third world destinations who want to check boxes of clothing for friends and relatives overseas. Some people would check a box of school supplies to donate.

I doubt Spirit would refuse bags from familes flying to Disney. That would be a good way to lose a lot of customers.

I'm sorry but I agree with Disneyholic. Airlines are in no way culpable for refusing any luggage that they're specifically permitted to refuse as per the Contract of Carriage.

I can understanding passengers not liking the new terms and conditions, but they're utterly and completely legal and protect Spirit unequivocally from any responsibility for anything the customer decides to leave behind because it is refused by the airline in accordance with the airlines published policies.

 

[bicker]

in a few years this "unbundling" will be routine. But hey, isn't this what Disney does with their admission. Used to be "never expires," get your handstamped and park hop . . . now you pay extra for those amenities.

Absolutely.. it is what customers generally want: "Show me the lowest dollar amount in the price list." As a DVC member, we pay $6 for an extra set of towels. Many rental car companies charge extra if you want to share the driving with someone else. A lot of travel agencies now surcharge for every change you make to your trip arrangements.

 

[bicker]

I think the bit about refusing bags is just a CYA situation: I suspect the main effect of that will be a negotiating starting point: "Well, okay, we won't refuse the extra bag, but you'll still have to pay $100 (or whatever) extra for it."

 

[Lewisc]

I think the bit about refusing bags is just a CYA situation: I suspect the main effect of that will be a negotiating starting point: "Well, okay, we won't refuse the extra bag, but you'll still have to pay $100 (or whatever) extra for it."

I thinkand hope you're correct. I think it may be a way to encourage passengers to pay in advance for their baggage.

 

[CPT Tripss]

The big thing that will hit pax travelling to WDW is the gate check items. Think about all the strollers that are lined up at the end of the jetway for flights into and out of WDW. Will those count against the bag limits?

And back to the bundling/unbundling . . . I'm not sure if it is what consumers really want. Remember when you paid extra for each option on the car and you could pick and choose the options you wanted? Now it's a base model, the QR with more features included and then the QRX with "everything." If you want the ABS, you have to get the leather seats and the 6 disc CD changer etc. that comes with the QRX even though you would be just as happy with the base model plus ABS.

Sorry to digress and get OT, but sometimes I think the marketeers just make some changes so they can stay in business.

 

[seashoreCM]

1. Book a seat for your kid and carry the booster seat on board and strap it in place.
2. If the baggage rules changed after you bought your ticket, then they should accept baggage under the rules previously in effect or should refund your ticket.

Everybody knew what the baggage allowance was way back when, two pieces of checked baggage plus one carry on item and strollers did or did not count and so on and so on. When you book tomorrow, again you know what the baggage allowance is, one carry on plus five dollars for this and so on.

 

[Starr W.]

I can get by with the 1 check bag/person, but have you looked at the prices?
Geez, I'll just fly SWA or Air Tran for those prices.

 

[jodifla]

1. Book a seat for your kid and carry the booster seat on board and strap it in place.
2. If the baggage rules changed after you bought your ticket, then they should accept baggage under the rules previously in effect or should refund your ticket.

Everybody knew what the baggage allowance was way back when, two pieces of checked baggage plus one carry on item and strollers did or did not count and so on and so on. When you book tomorrow, again you know what the baggage allowance is, one carry on plus five dollars for this and so on.

What are you talking about??? Very few booster seats can be carried on the plane.

 

[bicker]

And back to the bundling/unbundling . . . I'm not sure if it is what consumers really want.

Well, maybe "want" is the wrong word: Rather, the lowest base price is what consumers make their decisions based on for most things. That's what drives unbundling of pricing.

 

[seashoreCM]

>>> very few booster seats...

Those that are FAA approved can be carried aboard. If you need one for use in a rental car, suggest one that is FAA approved so you can use it in both the plane and the car.

If you are not renting a car you don't need to schlep a booster seat at all since Disney buses and ME buses don't have seat belts for guests and do not permit the child to sit in a booster seat.

 

[jodifla]

>>> very few booster seats...

Those that are FAA approved can be carried aboard. If you need one for use in a rental car, suggest one that is FAA approved so you can use it in both the plane and the car.

If you are not renting a car you don't need to schlep a booster seat at all since Disney buses and ME buses don't have seat belts for guests and do not permit the child to sit in a booster seat.

Many people who have kids who are 4, 5, 6 and 7 use booster seats that aren't approved for airline travel, like the Graco Turbo Booster. The only booster seats that will carry kids that old that are FAA approved are some of the very expensive and heavy Britax seats.

And many people take their kids beyond Disney, and need to use rental cars, and booster seats.

 

[bicker]

There is no need to bring a booster seat from home, if it will put you over the checked luggage limit. From Avis.com:

Child Safety Seats

Child Safety Seats (infant, toddler and booster) are available at most locations.

Infants (less than 5 lbs. or 2.27 kilos) Child Infant Seat (CIS)
Infants (2-20 lbs. or 2.27-9.07 kilos) Child Infant Seat (CIS)
Infants/Toddlers (20-40 lbs. or 9.07-18.16 kilos) Child Safety Seat (CSS)
Children (40-80 lbs. or 18.16-36.32 kilos) Child Booster Seats (CBS)

You may reserve online when booking your rental. If booking by phone a 24 hour advance booking is required.

The cost of the Child Safety Seat is $9 per day, $45 per week or $60 per month.

 

[Goofy22]

Geez, I'm flying with Spirit at the beginning of April. At least, I'll get my free drink and one bag allotment. I'll be looking at other airlines for my summer flight.

ME TOO! WE WILL BE FLYING ON APRIL 3RD ! I GUESS WE WILL SWITCH BACK TO SOUTHWEST OUT OF PHL LIKE WE DID LAST TIME SPIRITS FLIGHTS WERE SO [PRICY IN 2005 WHEN WE WERE LOOKING LAST!

 

[FigmentGuy]

Just checked over at Spirit, for 9/17/07 DTW-MCO, $89 one way(same price they had been charging) "Big Fancy Seat" formerly known as Spirit Plus 229.

Let me say that "Big Fancy Seat" sounds like such a turn off!!! We were Spirit Plus flyer's also. When I read they changed this name I thought how silly sounding!

Our trip is in november. (5 of us going) Spirit had no flights available for november until just recently. Well a month or two ago I was trigger happy and couldnt wait. I just had to buy our plane tickets. I fly "first" class because its comfortable for me (I'm pooh sized). So Spirit Plus was a great cheap way to fly. My trigger finger caused me to book with Northwest first class tickets roudntrip Detroit-orlando for $500 each. The other day spirit released november flights/prices and for RT on "Big Fancy Seat" was $800 each. So I feel a bit better now for jumping the gun.

I will say every flight with spirit has been very pleasent. I have been very happy with them. This time I just went another way. I wonder what the future holds...?