Spirit personal item crackdown

[sam_gordon]

Yeah - and the need for everything to be stowed for takeoff and landing might have something to do with these neck pillows (which are not regulated like airline pillows where turbulence/safety is concerned).

I'm assuming airline pillows are kept stowed in a cabinet somewhere. And are the pillows regulated in anyway? I'd like to see the FAR on that one.

You can hold your cell phone or tablet during taxi, takeoff, and landing. It seems strange that a neck pillow is a "safety issue", but a phone/tablet is not. It's very possible to fit the pillow under the seat in front of you, even with a bag there, so it could be "properly stowed", fulfilling FAA requirements.

With so many people wanting to put all belongings in the overhead bins to avoid baggage fees yet not take up room in small seat area, overhead bins often pass capacity. If it’s all not fitting for take off anymore something has to give and loopholes need to get closed.

Not sure what loophole you're referring to that would need closed.

 

[Lewisc]

FAA is concerned with safety. Everything has to be stowed. Two item limit is the way airlines accomplish the requirement.
It's an FAA requirement that airline enforce their policy.

Alcohol is a good example. FAA allows for passengers to drink booze they carryon the plane, AS LONG AS THE FLIGHT ATTENDANT serves (pours it). Airline policy generally says no. FAA requires airlines follow their policy.

 

[Genie+]

I'm assuming airline pillows are kept stowed in a cabinet somewhere. And are the pillows regulated in anyway? I'd like to see the FAR on that one.

Well I am going off my limited flight experience. Most recent flight was international. Everything needed to be stowed but they did allow the flimsy airline pillows at that point, even though personal neck pillows needed to be stowed. Those personal neck pillows can be heavier and much more dense, and who knows what people might stick inside. I’m guessing the dangers between the 2 types are different?

Eta- I should add that they made us put tablets/laptops away but let people keep phones. This was Norse airlines.

 

[sam_gordon]

Well I am going off my limited flight experience. Most recent flight was international. Everything needed to be stowed but they did allow the flimsy airline pillows at that point, even though personal neck pillows needed to be stowed. Those personal neck pillows can be heavier and much more dense, and who knows what people might stick inside. I’m guessing the dangers between the 2 types are different?

Other countries might have different regulations. I'm just speaking about what US regs are.

Eta- I should add that they made us put tablets/laptops away but let people keep phones. This was Norse airlines.

On my last flight, the Delta flight attendant specifically said "You can continue using your device if it's a tablet or smaller in size. Laptops need to be stowed."

 

[kittylady1972]

Of course, I've also read about airlines cutting back on bringing pillows unless they fit in carry ons as well, but I haven't seen anybody stopped for their neck pillows yet and being forced to shove them into their bags. I'm sure it could happen though.

I flew Southwest last week and they specifically announced before each of my 4 flights that neck pillows are considered a personal item. I shoved mine into my underseat bag as did everyone else I noticed with one.

Yes I travel with a blanket the folds into a pillow and has a strap for luggage. I do try to squeeze it into my bag if possible. If they made me pack it and it didn't fit...I would leave it behind before I'd pay $100 for oversized luggage.

Frontier considers neck pillows your personal items, too. And Frontier also makes everyone put their personal items in the sizing bin. Even worse, they won't let you push any part of it down. If even a strap sticks out, they were making people pay to check their bags. I was livid! I didn't have to get my checked but our plane was already over an hour late, and it took almost another hour to have everyone put their luggage in the size checker. When I got on the flight, the flight attendant asked me why boarding was being delayed so much. When I told her, she explained that Frontier was giving a $10 bonus to the boarding people for each bag that was "oversized" which was why they were so overzealous in checking everyone's. I haven't flown them since.

Wow...very interesting about the bonus...I wondered if there was any kind of financial incentive. That whole idea that you can't push it down is just BS...it says it has to FIT it doesn't say it has to fit without touching. If I can squeeze it into that bin it will fit under my seat. Spirit once tried to pull that one on me and if it came to them charging me I think I'd probably just walk away.

I can't imagine that's the reason. My guess is people bringing neck pillows, may not want them for a specific flight, then putting them in overhead bins, taking up room.

I do get tired of the jackets and small items taking up overhead bins.

 

[Threehearts]

I love my neck pillow. It has the softest covering and blows up! It folds into itself and it fits easily in my purse. I just measured it and it is 3X3X1 inches without air and is standard neck pillow size when inflated. It has a small carabiner clip fixed to a corner to hang the pillow if you choose. It is not the cheaper kind found in airport travel stores or budget shops. I may have purchased it at Brookstone or an online travel specialty store. I did buy a cheaper one once because I left my good pillow at home but I regretted it.

I've had the same one for 10 years now and periodically wash the cover. I can change the firmness which I could not on the pre-filled style and it does not absorb heat in the neck area. I've used the pillow for over 30 international flights and highly recommend this style of neck pillow.

 

[Lewisc]

That whole idea that you can't push it down is just BS...it says it has to FIT it doesn't say it has to fit without touching. If I can squeeze it into that bin it will fit under my seat.

The rule lists actual dimensions. Your item is over those dimensions if you have to squeeze it to fit in the sizing box. Items over the size limits might still fit under your seat. You pay.

 

[sam_gordon]

The rule lists actual dimensions. Your item is over those dimensions if you have to squeeze it to fit in the sizing box. Items over the size limits might still fit under your seat. You pay.

But after you squeeze it, it fits the dimensions. All you're squeezing out is air.

 

[Lewisc]

But after you squeeze it, it fits the dimensions. All you're squeezing out is air.

That argument will probably work with a "real" airline.
My experience is with Frontier. Buy the ticket at the airport and save money. Occassionally pay a dollar or two more then the security fee and other government and.airport fees Obviously the pricing model assumes $$$ from fees. I've shipped a suitcase, paid to check one suitcase for 2 of us and once went with just a personal item, short trip for AP preview of Tron.

People try to " cheat" the airline on fees. I've seen bags which appear oversized as a bin bag. No shot as a personal item. People who want to smash a hard case suitcase so it fits. People who think they can take.a personal item and a pocketbook (or a bag with food for the flight). A few of the youtube videos complain about being charged for a bag which clearly fits. They don't mention their second item.

When Frontier checks, it's done as you board. Pay or don't fly.

 

[kittylady1972]

The rule lists actual dimensions. Your item is over those dimensions if you have to squeeze it to fit in the sizing box. Items over the size limits might still fit under your seat. You pay.

Again, if it fits it FITS...so I am not following this argument. The dimensions of the bag are well within the sizing box limits...it's usually the way things are arranged in the bag that cause issues (a blanket or clothing that is bulkier on one side). I can guarantee if it came down to it I'd sooner remove something from my bag and throw it out than pay $100 for the bag.

That argument will probably work with a "real" airline.
My experience is with Frontier. Buy the ticket at the airport and save money. Occassionally pay a dollar or two more then the security fee. Obviously the pricing model assumes $$$ from fees. I've shipped a suitcase, paid to check one suitcase for 2 of us and once went with just a personal item, short trip for AP preview of Tron.

People try to " cheat" the airline on fees. I've seen bags which appear oversized as a bin bag. No shot as a personal item. People who want to smash a hard case suitcase so it fits. People who think they can take.a personal item and a pocketbook (or a bag with food for the flight). A few of the youtube videos complain about being charged for a bag which clearly fits. They don't mention their second item.

When Frontier checks, it's done as you board. Pay or don't fly.

I think Frontier and Spirit follow similar models obviously, though the bags that are legal personal items on Spirit are not on Frontier...as my friends once discovered (I realized this one time when I went to pre-check my Spirit bag one time and accidentally used the Frontier Personal item bin).

For sure people are trying to get away with not paying the extra fees, and I watch in awe sometimes as I see people boarding Spirit with many bags. If I purchase some food at the airport, the bag should be okay, since there is no way I'm going to try to put my meal inside my suitcase and it's not like I'm going to get any real food on the flight (though I do enjoy that Spirit has a variety of food and drinks for purchase...and I don't mind paying for the convenience of having something in flight including my full can of soda). Now if I'm purchasing snacks and not hot food, I'll happily put that into my carry on bag.

 

[Lewisc]

Again, if it fits it FITS...so I am not following this argument. The dimensions of the bag are well within the sizing box limits...it's usually the way things are arranged in the bag that cause issues (a blanket or clothing that is bulkier on one side). I can guarantee if it came down to it I'd sooner remove something from my bag and throw it out than pay $100 for the bag.
...

Frontier says the bag has to easily slide in the sizing box. Passengers should check before boarding starts. You may not have time to remove the item.

If I purchase some food at the airport, the bag should be okay, since there is no way I'm going to try to put my meal inside my suitcase and it's not like I'm going to get any real food on the flight

You get ONE personal item. Not one plus a bag with food. You'll be OK with some airlines, mostly

EDITED TO ADD Some of the blame goes to the luggage companies. Sizing boxes count everything, posted sizes might exclude wheels and handles. Some round down. Some airlines boxes are an inch larger then limits, some are exact.

 

[kristenrice]

Of course, I've also read about airlines cutting back on bringing pillows unless they fit in carry ons as well, but I haven't seen anybody stopped for their neck pillows yet and being forced to shove them into their bags. I'm sure it could happen though.

I flew Southwest last week and they specifically announced before each of my 4 flights that neck pillows are considered a personal item. I shoved mine into my underseat bag as did everyone else I noticed with one.

This is a quote directly from the SW website...

One personal item

• Goes under your seat
• Examples: purse (including crossbody bags), briefcase, laptop computer case, backpack, pillow (neck pillows do not count toward the carryon limit), blanket, small camera

It's very disheartening that SW is enforcing a rule that is directly contradicting what they have published on their website.

 

[keishashadow]

Haven’t been asked to size a personal item “bookbag” in probably a decade on SWA, Spirit or Allegiant.

Urban legend or not?

Have seen some people with what seems to be a lot of layers on lol

Spirit out of LBE & PIT has always been rather watchful about personal items going under the seats.

Just flew Spirit last weekend for Tiana preview with ahem rather full book bags, would never have fit in sizer. A non issue both ways.

the carry on luggage (multiple large Disney shopping bags, stuffed animal, large blankets & pillows) on flights out of Orlando is comical. Not sure how they manage to get it all stowed. The husband, half in jest, compares it to the evacuation during the fall of Saigon.