Spirit airlines begins charging for carry-on luggage
Spirit announced recently that it will become the first airline to charge for carry-on luggage. You read that right…a charge for carry-on luggage. The airline is set to charge up to $45 for individuals who bring carry-on luggage that needs to be stored in overhead bins. A reduced fee of $30 could be paid in advance by those who already know they will be bringing luggage that is too large to be stored under the seat.

But with the announcement comes spin. The company has said that it reduced fares across the board, meaning that most passengers who pay a carry-on fee will not see an increase in their total flight price. The company also stated that this move will help the airline empty the plane faster, which would make passengers happier, right?

I don’t know if I buy that. It seems like the itemization of costs will only create a sense of being “nickel and dimed.” The company already charges for checked bags, and those fees are cheaper than the newly announced carry-on fee. I wonder if the company is really trying to increase revenue by encouraging individuals to save money by checking a bag over passengers bringing bags on the plane. What do you think? Will this influence your decision to fly Spirit?

Ryan Air contemplates charge for in-flight restrooms
Be sure to have some change handy next time you fly. Ryan Air, a popular budget airline in Europe, is considering charging passengers to use the restroom.

The company is pondering a small charge (currently equivalent to US $1-$2) for using the bathroom on flights that last less than one hour. Passengers would insert money into a coin-operated bathroom door to gain access. Although the company has announced the consideration, no decision has yet been made.

I could see how this concept might be more accepted in Europe than the US, since many public restrooms are not free. But, do you think this would “fly” in the United States?

Bookmark It

Hide Sites