USVI-On-Line

I received the following in an email from Spirit Airlines:

To our valued customers,

We have all seen how carry-on baggage has gotten out of control. Longer security lines and boarding process, injuries due to overcrowded overhead bins, delayed flights and passenger frustration has become commonplace.

At Spirit, we are always looking for new ways to save you money and improve the customer experience. We recently announced our latest innovation, which is designed to relieve the carry-on crisis, saving you time and money.

Our solution to the carry-on crisis:

1. Lowered fares
2. Lower checked bag fees
3. Give everyone a free personal item allowance
4. Allow customers to carry on an additional bag for a fee and give them
priority boarding so they have time and space to stow their extra bag

Everyone Wins!

1. We expect total prices to be lower
2. Security lines will move faster
3. The boarding process will be smoother
4. Deplaning will be faster
5. Passenger and employee safety is improved with less over-stuffed bins

What to expect for travel after August 1st:

1. We have introduced PENNY PLUS™ fares available to our $9 Fare Club members** that are 1¢ each way plus fuel, taxes and fees*. If you are not already a member, click here to join.
2. We have lowered checked bag fees for $9 Fare Club members. A family of four checking four bags round-trip will save $80. Double the cost of being a $9 Fare Club member. Another reason to join now. Click here to join.
3. You can bring a FREE personal item onboard, such as a purse, briefcase, backpack or laptop computer. Other exceptions are: assistive devices, medicine, umbrella, outer garments (coats, hats, wraps), camera, car seat/stroller, infant diaper bag, reading material for the flight, or food for immediate consumption.
4. If you choose to bring an extra carry-on bag, you may do so for $20 if purchased online as a $9 Fare Club member or $30 online, at the airport ticket counter or kiosk for non-members. If you choose to wait until the gate to pay, the fee will be $45 which is not preferred since it will slow the boarding process.
5. Shorter, faster security and boarding lines. Less frustration while boarding and deplaning. Fewer delays.
6. Happier customers that pay less!

See you onboard soon! We’ll keep working to improve your experience and lower your fare.

Ben Baldanza
President and Chief Executive Officer
Spirit Airlines

I wouldn't mind paying for carry on if it means fewer people are competing for the overhead space. In fact I'd welcome it if kept the folks with a bag the size of a mini van from trying to carry it on.

The reason I like carry-on is because the luggage gremlins have lost my bags enough times that I'm almost afraid to check them, even when it was free. So I'd be fine with lower airfare, fee for carry on OR checked bags (good incentive to pack light) and just please get me and my stuff to the island on time!

Under the "free personal item allowance," they don't specify how large a personal item can be. Some backpacks are large enough to carry stuff for a week's vacation. What makes that different from a carry-on bag? I've seen some diaper bags that are huge. Do I have to have a baby with me to carry a diaper bag? Ditto for computer cases -- must they have a laptop in them to qualify? My mother uses a zippered boat tote bag for her purse. Are they going to define exactly what a purse is? Are they going measure every "free" item before boarding?

I'm really curious how they are going to enforce some of these "new rules." Those kiosks with the "your carry-on bag must fit in here" are virtually ignored by passengers as well as airline personnel. Every time I travel I am amazed at some of the stuff people drag onto a plane without the attendants blinking an eye.

Personally, I would pay the extra fee to have my bag with me as well as the priority boarding.

I'm still waiting to see the attendant lower base fares that are supposed to accompany these new rules.