Spirited passengers have to pay for carry-on bags
Thanks to avid Bitterwallet readers Simon, Emma and Stacy for drawing our attention to a press release from US budget airline Spirit, and their new cabin policy that's all to do with helping out their passengers:
In order to continue reducing fares even further and offering customers the option of paying only for the services they want and use rather than subsidizing the choices of others, the low fare industry innovator is also progressing to the next phase of unbundling with the introduction of a charge to carry on a bag.
“In addition to lowering 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,” says Spirit’s Chief Operating Officer Ken McKenzie.
So in the interests of safety, speeding up turnaround times (a benefit for the airline, not the passenger) and allowing passengers to not have to "subsidise the choices of others", any carry-on luggage that won't fit under a seat will be charged for. How much? If you're not a member of their passenger club, it's $30 - so around £20. Each way.
Spirit Airlines aren't just hopping from state-to-state; they fly coast-to-coast and from the US to South America - how many people are going to get away with travelling with just a handbag? But remember, when our budget airlines take note and attempt something similar, they're doing it all for you.
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