Skip to main content

Mean Spirit: Bags to get 25% squeeze

 

Spirit Airlines, a leading U.S. ultra-low-cost carrier that's known for squeezing everything it can in fees and add-ons to its super-low "Bare Fare" tickets, is now shrinking the handbag allowance even tighter.

The airline charges for luggage going into overhead bins or checked, but allows one personal item, such as a handbag or briefcase. Starting April 4, the maximum size for that bag will shrink 16x14x12 inches to 18x14x8, a cut of about 25%. Fees for cabin baggage are $26, and checked bags go for $30 to $150, depending on size.

Baggage issues are not unique to Spirit; over the past decade baggage fees have become a multi-billion dollar profit engine for most airlines. But the pressure has tightened with the growth of the ultra-low-cost carriers, and the U.S. Big Three have recently started selling 'basic economy' fares that also include restrictions on use of the overhead bins.

The best part of every trip is realizing that it has upset your expectations

Add Comment

Comments (0)

Post
×
×
×
×
Link copied to your clipboard.
×