Some travelers believe that cheap airplane tickets and cheap vacation packages are going to be harder to come by at Spirit Airlines given its decision to charge for carry-on luggage unless passengers can figure out how to fly without checking or carrying on any bags. Even in the face of all the media and lawmaker criticism Spirit continues to defend its new carry-on fee.
Spirit claims that this new policy was a reaction to how carry-on bags on planes have gotten out of control. It claims that carry-on bags are responsible for longer security and boarding lines, injuries from overcrowded overhead bins, delayed flights and passenger frustration.
Spirit believes that the new carry-on fees will make it easier for passengers to get through security and boarding lines, reducing delays overall, creating a better travel experience for all everyone.
Executives from American, Delta, JetBlue, United and US Airways called Senator Charles Schumer to assure him that they will not be adopting Spirits new carry-on charges. Schumer believes that threat of legislation against such fees has resulted in putting on brakes on runaway and out-of-control airline fees.
Legislation called Block Airlines Gratuitous Fees Act (or BAG Fees Act) has been introduced by 12 senators. Its purpose is to tax fees on any carry-on bags at the same rate airfares are now taxed. A similar bill has been submitted in the House.
Spirit claims that their airfares have been reduced by more than their new carry-on fee so that their total price has not changed. They also point out that a personal item carry-on is still free so long as the item can fit under the seat in front of the passenger.
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