In a business in which people are attempting to charge less while still bringing down costs, Spirit Airlines has decided to buck the tradition and change the way they do business.  For as long as I can remember, carry-on bags have been free to fly.  Well, not anymore.  Spirit is the first of the nation’s airliners to start charging for carry-on baggage.  Toting along that backpack will run you $45 ($30 if you prepay), assuming you have to store it in the overhead bin and don’t pay for your ticket ahead of time.  However, there is some good news.

For example, Spirit is lowering the cost of flying with a checked bag.  If you pay online, your first and second checked bags will only cost you $15 (a piece), rather than the former fees of  $19 and $25.  The new fee schedule goes into effect on August 1, 2010, and is aimed at improving the flying experience for both Spirit and the passenger.

“In addition to reducing fares even further, this will reduce the number of carry-on bags, which will improve inflight safety and efficiency by speeding up the boarding and deplaning process, all of which ultimately improve the overall customer experience,” said Spirit Chief Operating Officer Ken McKenzie.  Considering every time I’ve gotten onto a plane I’ve been stuck behind someone trying to wedge a too-large bag into a too-small overhead bin, I can see how this would improve my flight experience.

Tags: airlines, airline fees, airline charges for carry-on bags, for carry-on luggage, Spirit Airlines, travel, travel fees, packing for trips, Ken McKenzie

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