Spirit Air increases Baggage fees

Ok, maybe I don't get out much, but I have NEVER heard of an airling
charging you to take luggage. Is this happening all over or just the small
airlines. By "luggage" I mean the one bag that almost everyone would have.

nancy

"George Leppla" <george RemoveThis @cruisemaster.com> wrote in message
news:fohonp01ah5@enews2.newsguy.com...
> Yep... looks like a trend.
>
> http://www.spiritair.com/welcome.aspx?pg=policies#baggage
>
> Checked Baggage
> Effective February 20, 2008 and beyond, our checked baggage fees are as
> follows: Fees for transporting the first two pieces will increase from
> $5.00 to $10.00 per bag if payment is made online in advance on
> www.spiritair.com. When paying at the airport fees will increase from
> $10.00
> to $20.00 per item. Items that are overweight or oversized will continue
> to
> be weighed and sized at the Airport, and fees collected at check-In.
>
> Spirit Airlines can only guarantee the transportation of one (1) item as
> checked luggage per fare-paying customer at the airport. Additional bags
> are
> accepted only when reserved in advance online at www.spiritair.com. If
> not
> reserved, Spirit cannot guarantee that there will be space for additional
> bags and will not be held responsible for any additional items brought to
> the airport by the customer.
>
> Customers can pay for checked bags in the following ways:
>
> ONLINE:
> In Advance Online, up to one hour before flight departure, via Spirit's
> web
> site:
> http://www.spiritair.com/Welcome.aspx?pg=bkgModManager&login=myreservation
>
>
> a.. $10 each for the first two checked items, each way (Save 50% online)
> a.. Space can be requested for up to five (5) bags per flight
> a.. $100 for each additional bag (items 3 - 5) per person, each way (no
> discount).
> AIRPORT:
> Day of Departure at the airport ticket counter or at one of our kiosk
> locations (where available), or at a skycap position:
>
> a.. $20 each for the first two (2) pieces of checked baggage within
> normal
> weight and size, each way (Starting February 20, 2008)
> a.. $100 for each additional bag (items 3 - 5) per person, each way
> (space
> available)
> Standard Size and Weight and General Requirements
>
> A standard checked bag is defined as a bag not exceeding 62 linear
> inches/158cm (length + width + height) in overall size and 50 pounds/23kg
> in
> weight.
>
> Each checked bag must have identification on the outside of the bag.
> Spirit
> recommends placing identification tags inside luggage as well.
> -------------------------------
>
> I'm thinking it won't be too long before other airlines announce similar
> fees.
>
> George L
>
 >> Stay informed about: Spirit Air increases Baggage fees 

On Feb 8, 8:31 am, "thekid102" <thekid....TakeThisOut@comcast.net> wrote:
> Ok, maybe I don't get out much, but I have NEVER heard of an airling
> charging you to take luggage.  Is this happening all over or just the small
> airlines.  By "luggage" I mean the one bag that almost everyone would have.

It's a common practice of the discount industry in Europe, like Ryan
Air. A rock bottom price with a fee for everything on top of it,
including headphones, pillows, beverages. I am less offended by
Spirit Air doing this than United. Spirit Air is a discount operator.
United is supposed to be a full-fare, full-service airline. I assume
that Spirit does it to keep the base fare low. United does it to tack
more money on to their bottom line.

Matt
 >> Stay informed about: Spirit Air increases Baggage fees 

On Feb 8, 10:42 am, Burt Cohen <burtcoh....DeleteThis@aol.com> wrote:

> Boo hoo.  Try packing 3 tuxedos, 4 satin jackets, and a separate bag
> just for all of your bracelets like I do.
>

And that's just for an overnighter. It still bewilders me why Burt has
to pack a suitcase of 40s when they have them right there in Vegas at
the liquor store.

I guess my solution is to stop paying full fare for a seat for a kid
and just put him in a third bag. $25 for his car seat, and $50 for
him.

Matt
 >> Stay informed about: Spirit Air increases Baggage fees 

"thekid102" <thekid102.TakeThisOut@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:dvednaXJ_tt-6DHanZ2dnUVZ_hOdnZ2d@comcast.com...
> Ok, maybe I don't get out much, but I have NEVER heard of an airling
> charging you to take luggage. Is this happening all over or just the
> small airlines. By "luggage" I mean the one bag that almost everyone
> would have.

United has just started charging for the 2nd checked bag (the first is
free).

I just made a reservation on Allegiant Airline and they charge for every
checked bag, and they charge if you want seat assignments instead of doing a
cattle call.

Charging for checked bags is the next coming thing. Why do they do it?
Because they can.

Remember when they used to feed you on a plane? Now you have to pay $5 for
a "sandwich". <gag> Coming soon... $2 cans of soda, $2 bottles of water.

George L.
 >> Stay informed about: Spirit Air increases Baggage fees 

George Leppla wrote:

> Spirit Airlines can only guarantee the transportation of one (1) item as
> checked luggage per fare-paying customer at the airport. Additional bags
> are
> accepted only when reserved in advance online at www.spiritair.com. If not
> reserved, Spirit cannot guarantee that there will be space for additional
> bags and will not be held responsible for any additional items brought to
> the airport by the customer.

You seriously have to reserve space in advance for 2nd checked bag?

-Burt

--
"I don't want to be your clown anymore. I don't want to do your donkey
work."

Binzer to Dan Tanna in Vega$ episode 19 "Doubtful Target"
 >> Stay informed about: Spirit Air increases Baggage fees 

Arthur Frommer, the travel writer, has his own take on airlines charging
for suitcases. In his February 7,2008 blog he wrote:

United Airline's decision to charge $25 for the second suitcase checked
per flight, is the best thing that's happened to travelers in years
We all take too much clothing and other paraphernalia when we travel. We
pack every conceivable outfit for every possible occasion and end up
devoting half our time to laboriously packing and unpacking multiple
suitcases. We become beasts of burden, sweating that luggage into a
taxicab, dragging it up stairs and down, paying for porters to carry it.
And we discover at the end of the trip that we haven't used 80% of the
items we've packed. We have dragged around two heavy cases of unworn,
useless apparel.

They travel best who travel light. There is no better travel sensation
than the joy of moving from place to place in carefree fashion, with one
small suitcase lightly packed. That's why I think -- contrary to the
reactions of others -- that this week's decision by United Airlines to
charge $25 for a second checked suitcase every time you fly (and $50 if
you lug that second suitcase round-trip) is a good thing. It will create
happier travelers.

The new policy will undoubtedly be adopted by other airlines; it will
bring them a considerable amount of additional income. If what it also
does is persuade the smart traveler to travel light, to limit their
luggage to one small suitcase, then it will set off a spasm of travel
happiness. People will learn they are happier when they travel light,
that they become light-hearted and carefree, that they avoid porters and
taxicabs, that they are able to shop around when it comes to choosing a
hotel; that they need not collapse in sweat at the first lodging they
see.

So to all you greedy, fee-charging, profit-hungry execs at United
Airlines: thank you.

--
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Those of you who think and act
as if you know everything are
quite annoying to those of us who do.
 >> Stay informed about: Spirit Air increases Baggage fees 

"Don't_Want_E-Mail" <Donotwantemail@don'twantemail.com> wrote in message
news:Donotwantemail-454FE3.11442208022008@johnf2.biosci.ohio-state.edu...
> Arthur Frommer, the travel writer, has his own take on airlines charging
> for suitcases. In his February 7,2008 blog he wrote:
>
> United Airline's decision to charge $25 for the second suitcase checked
> per flight, is the best thing that's happened to travelers in years
> We all take too much clothing and other paraphernalia when we travel. We
> pack every conceivable outfit for every possible occasion and end up
> devoting half our time to laboriously packing and unpacking multiple
> suitcases. We become beasts of burden, sweating that luggage into a
> taxicab, dragging it up stairs and down, paying for porters to carry it.
> And we discover at the end of the trip that we haven't used 80% of the
> items we've packed. We have dragged around two heavy cases of unworn,
> useless apparel.
>
> They travel best who travel light. There is no better travel sensation
> than the joy of moving from place to place in carefree fashion, with one
> small suitcase lightly packed. That's why I think -- contrary to the
> reactions of others -- that this week's decision by United Airlines to
> charge $25 for a second checked suitcase every time you fly (and $50 if
> you lug that second suitcase round-trip) is a good thing. It will create
> happier travelers.
>
> The new policy will undoubtedly be adopted by other airlines; it will
> bring them a considerable amount of additional income. If what it also
> does is persuade the smart traveler to travel light, to limit their
> luggage to one small suitcase, then it will set off a spasm of travel
> happiness. People will learn they are happier when they travel light,
> that they become light-hearted and carefree, that they avoid porters and
> taxicabs, that they are able to shop around when it comes to choosing a
> hotel; that they need not collapse in sweat at the first lodging they
> see.
>
> So to all you greedy, fee-charging, profit-hungry execs at United
> Airlines: thank you.
>
> --
> = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
> Those of you who think and act
> as if you know everything are
> quite annoying to those of us who do.

Wow, Frommer is really good at projecting. I will NOT be happier with less
luggage. I like planning ahead even for unforeseen circumstances. What if
I run into Steve and Elaine and they invite me to come see their two lovable
doggies? What is Sir Elton invites me up on stage for a duet?

Seriously, tho, I do think it is harder for women when going to a
destination like Vegas. I need one suitcase for my everyday wear for a 7
night trip and one suiter for dress up clothes and shoes for seeing shows,
etc. I wore almost everything I brought. A lot of people bemoan the fact
that Vegas isn't elegant any more and that people don't dress up for shows
and events but then they applaud a move like this.

I also feel for people like Matt who have little ones and all the
paraphernalia that comes with them. Lots of folks say "gee, it is only $25"
but parents like Matt don't really have a choice to pack less or not.
They'll need that car seat or stroller at their destination so they don't
have the luxury of "just packing light."

If you're like me and don't like this trend of taking away services you
should do something about it. Write to United and tell them you don't like
it. Write to the airlines you fly and tell them that you would be unhappy
if they followed United's lead. Don't just grumble but accept it.

Margaret
--
mrs.fine.RemoveThis@comcast.net
 >> Stay informed about: Spirit Air increases Baggage fees 

Matt@bigempire wrote:
> On Feb 8, 8:31 am, "thekid102" <thekid....RemoveThis@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>>Ok, maybe I don't get out much, but I have NEVER heard of an airling
>>charging you to take luggage. Is this happening all over or just the small
>>airlines. By "luggage" I mean the one bag that almost everyone would have.
>
>
> It's a common practice of the discount industry in Europe, like Ryan
> Air. A rock bottom price with a fee for everything on top of it,
> including headphones, pillows, beverages. I am less offended by
> Spirit Air doing this than United. Spirit Air is a discount operator.
> United is supposed to be a full-fare, full-service airline. I assume
> that Spirit does it to keep the base fare low. United does it to tack
> more money on to their bottom line.
>
> Matt

There's a new airline based in Columbus called SkyBus that flies to some
limited locations. They charge for everything, including checked
baggage, but their fares are dirt cheap including $10 for the first 10
seats on every flight so it is hard to complain.

For the full fare airlines, it's a major annoyance.

-Burt

--
"I don't want to be your clown anymore. I don't want to do your donkey
work."

Binzer to Dan Tanna in Vega$ episode 19 "Doubtful Target"
 >> Stay informed about: Spirit Air increases Baggage fees 

Margaret Fine wrote:
> Seriously, tho, I do think it is harder for women when going to a
> destination like Vegas. I need one suitcase for my everyday wear for a 7
> night trip and one suiter for dress up clothes and shoes for seeing shows,
> etc.

Boo hoo. Try packing 3 tuxedos, 4 satin jackets, and a separate bag
just for all of your bracelets like I do.

-Burt

--
"I don't want to be your clown anymore. I don't want to do your donkey
work."

Binzer to Dan Tanna in Vega$ episode 19 "Doubtful Target"
 >> Stay informed about: Spirit Air increases Baggage fees 

"Burt Cohen" <burtcohen1.DeleteThis@aol.com> wrote in message
news:foi4a6$qv1$2@aioe.org...
> Margaret Fine wrote:
>> Seriously, tho, I do think it is harder for women when going to a
>> destination like Vegas. I need one suitcase for my everyday wear for a 7
>> night trip and one suiter for dress up clothes and shoes for seeing
>> shows, etc.
>
> Boo hoo. Try packing 3 tuxedos, 4 satin jackets, and a separate bag just
> for all of your bracelets like I do.
>
> -Burt
>
> --
> "I don't want to be your clown anymore. I don't want to do your donkey
> work."
>
> Binzer to Dan Tanna in Vega$ episode 19 "Doubtful Target"
>

I'm sorry. That was thoughtless of me. I should have said women and Burt
Cohen.


Margaret
--
mrs.fine.DeleteThis@comcast.net
 >> Stay informed about: Spirit Air increases Baggage fees 

"Matt@bigempire" <matt DeleteThis @bigempire.com> wrote in message
news:61eeb4c3-13d4-4f57-afa6-6e338582a311@d21g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
On Feb 8, 10:42 am, Burt Cohen <burtcoh... DeleteThis @aol.com> wrote:

> Boo hoo. Try packing 3 tuxedos, 4 satin jackets, and a separate bag
> just for all of your bracelets like I do.
>

And that's just for an overnighter. It still bewilders me why Burt has
to pack a suitcase of 40s when they have them right there in Vegas at
the liquor store.

I guess my solution is to stop paying full fare for a seat for a kid
and just put him in a third bag. $25 for his car seat, and $50 for
him.

Matt

Why not just strap him in his car seat and just pay the $25? Then you could
train him to unstrap himself in the hold and go through people's suitcases
snatching up valuables and recouping your $25.

Margaret
--
mrs.fine DeleteThis @comcast.net
 >> Stay informed about: Spirit Air increases Baggage fees 

On Feb 8, 5:41 pm, "Tio Pedro" <radioconnect... DeleteThis @cox.net> wrote:

> alas, United is now the Harrahs of the Skies..

Hey! I already used that line.

Matt
 >> Stay informed about: Spirit Air increases Baggage fees 

On Fri, 8 Feb 2008 12:58:51 -0500, "Margaret Fine"
<mrs.fine.TakeThisOut@comcast.net> wrote:

>
>"Matt@bigempire" <matt.TakeThisOut@bigempire.com> wrote in message
>news:61eeb4c3-13d4-4f57-afa6-6e338582a311@d21g2000prf.googlegroups.com...
>On Feb 8, 10:42 am, Burt Cohen <burtcoh....TakeThisOut@aol.com> wrote:
>
>> Boo hoo. Try packing 3 tuxedos, 4 satin jackets, and a separate bag
>> just for all of your bracelets like I do.
>>
>
>And that's just for an overnighter. It still bewilders me why Burt has
>to pack a suitcase of 40s when they have them right there in Vegas at
>the liquor store.
>
>I guess my solution is to stop paying full fare for a seat for a kid
>and just put him in a third bag. $25 for his car seat, and $50 for
>him.
>
>Matt
>
>Why not just strap him in his car seat and just pay the $25? Then you could
>train him to unstrap himself in the hold and go through people's suitcases
>snatching up valuables and recouping your $25.
>
>Margaret

Just like the Swedish dwarves do:

http://www.theregister.co.uk/2008/01/23/dwarf_coach_robberies/

(yeah, it pays to listen to NPR).

Thomas
 >> Stay informed about: Spirit Air increases Baggage fees