Spirit Airlines passengers who stow carry-on bags in an overhead compartment will have to pay a fee for the privilege. Bags that fit under the seat are still free.
It appears to be the latest in a trend of airlines making extra revenue on baggage. It began five years ago when airlines started charging passengers who checked more than one bag. Next came a fee for even the first bag. Now Spirit says it will charge as much as $45 for carry-on baggage.
So far, none of the other airlines have indicated an intention to follow Spirit's lead.
The airlines began to charge baggage fees about the time that rising fuel prices began to cut into operating margins. While the fees are usually between $25 and $50 per bag, they add up to significant revenue. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, airlines collected nearly $2 billion in baggage fees in the first three quarters of 2009.
Airlines have benefited in other ways as well. The extra fees have forced passengers to travel lighter, checking fewer bags. That means less weight in the cargo hold, making each flight consume slightly less fuel. Airlines also save by having to load and unload fewer bags.
While most airlines now impose a baggage fee, not all do. In fact, Southwest Airlines has made the fact that it doesn't charge for bags a major part of its advertising, with a series of TV commercials built around the theme "bags fly free."
Spirit explains its carry-on bag fee by pointing to its low fares, saying passengers only have to pay for the services they use.
"Spirit Airlines' approach liberates customers from being forced into paying for services they do not desire or use," the airline said on its Website. "When customers are seeking the best value in travel they can choose a low fare at spiritair.com and select the services and options appropriate for their travel needs."
Bring less
"In addition to lowering fares even further, this will reduce the number of carry-on bags, which will improve in-flight safety and efficiency by speeding up the boarding and deplaning process, all of which ultimately improve the overall customer experience," said Spirit's Chief Operating Officer Ken McKenzie. "Bring less, pay less. It's simple."
Spirit also introduced new fares that it says reduced its checked bag and carry-on fees for its $9 Fare Club members. The new carry-on bag fee is effective for reservations purchased after April 5, 2010, for travel August 1, 2010 and beyond, and will be available for purchase on or before July 1, 2010.
