FYI.......If anyone is Flying Spirit Airlines to the Bash.....Spirit Now charging for carry-ons

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NEW YORK — Spirit Airlines' controversial carry-on fees took effect Sunday, catching some customers unhappily by surprise. But the low-fare carrier contends that the move will cut down on flight delays, potentially allowing Spirit to add new flights.



Spirit spokeswoman Misty Pinson said the new approach already appears to be working. "The check-in process is going well so far," Pinson said Sunday afternoon. "It looks like this is going to speed things up."


Samantha Robles, 22, who was getting ready to check in for a flight at Fort Lauderdale International Airport, called the new charges "ridiculous." After finding out about the carry-on fees at the airport, she said she checked her suitcase because it was cheaper than paying for a carry-on. Robles said she would probably not fly Spirit again.


Spirit CEO Ben Baldanza admitted the company has received "an understandable number of complaints," mostly from people who don't realize that Spirit's ticket prices have been lowered. Spirit has cut fares overall, in some cases by more than enough to offset the cost of a carry-on bag.


"I think what we'll find is over the next weeks and months as this program evolves, and more and more people understand it, that people will see that the trade-off is a really good one," he said on Sunday. "Not everyone will think that, and those people may choose to fly someone else, but they'll likely pay more for their total travel than they will on Spirit."


Since airlines started charging for checked luggage, more flyers have brought carry-on bags on board. Spirit's new fee — the first in the industry — is aimed at discouraging passengers from stuffing the overhead bins because it often takes extra time to get bags settled and gate check those that won't fit onboard.


Spirit is charging $30 at check-in for any bag that's too big to fit under the seat.



The price goes up to $45 for passengers who wait until they get to the boarding gate to pay, another step aimed at saving time. Members of Spirit's special fare club will only pay $20 for a carry-on. Umbrellas, camera bags, strollers and car seats are among the items that will remain free of charge.
 

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Good for Spirit.

Having flown plenty in the last few years, the reason it takes so freaking long to board planes is because so many morons bring full-sized luggage suitcases on board with them and jam them into the overhead compartments...leaving zero space to put your own crap up there. I can't remember the last time I walked onto a plane and actually found room to put my backpack or laptop case up into the OC.

Airlines should eliminate checked bag fees and just stick with the OC fees. You'd actually be able to board and get to your seat without having a 90-year-old woman hold up the entire line because she can't lift her 75-lb suitcase above her head.
 

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JD, that problem is something that should be handled prior to boarding. Those people should have their "carry on" pulled and charged prior to getting to the gate...or immediately at the gate. I fly a lot and take many smaller planes out airports such as Cleveland, Providence and Hartford. They always come through the waiting area and tag people's bags and tell them they cannot take their bag onboard. It would be simple to do this.

But I do agree w/ you that is why there is a problem. People bring bigger and bigger bags on every time I fly. It's ridiculous!

But charging for a carry on is even more ridiculous!

Fortunately, w/ a military ID I don't get charged on any airline....


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