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Spirit Airlines Fiddles with Fare Structure

Luggage, Beverage Charges Going Up, Fares Supposedly Coming Down

March 7, 2007

Spirit Airlines • Spirit Offers Tickets for Pocket Change • Spirit Airlines Fiddles with Fare Structure • Spirit's Baggage Tariff Irks Travelers --- • Consumer Complaints

Discount carrier Spirit Airlines hopes to shake up the airline industry, instituting a number of changes in what passengers pay for flights. Some consumers could end but paying more, but the airline says most will end up paying less.

Spirit currently charges $10 for a second checked bag. It says it will restructure those fees and will also begin charging for all beverages served on the flight.

At the same time the airline said it would cut fares up to 40 percent on domestic and international flights. And in an appeal to business travelers on a budget, Spirit said the fare reductions would also apply to tickets purchased at the last minute.

The new baggage policy goes into effect June 20. At that time, customers will be assessed $10 each for the first two pieces of checked baggage. But the fee jumps to $100 for a third checked bag. Passengers who book their flight on the airline's Web site will pay just $5 for the first two bags. Passengers will be allowed one carry-on bag at no charge.

The new beverage policy also goes into effect June 20. Soft drinks, juices, coffee and tea served on board will cost $1. Currently there is no charge.

The airline says the charges will benefit consumers, allowing them to "customize" their travel, deciding what they want to pay for and what they don’t. Spirit currently serves 33 U.S., Latin American, and Caribbean destinations.

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