Delta Airlines may have made this promise, but they are charging customers -- at the gate -- for carry-ons that don't fit in the metal cage that is supposed to represent the amount of space available in the overhead bin (and that are clearly smaller than the overhead bins). So that roller bag that you've successfully carried on dozens of trips -- don't take it with Delta or it will cost you $50!

Posted By Annoyed Traveler on April 19, 2010, 7:21 PM

Regarding the above comment, I, too, have had the same problem with Delta. To give them credit, most of the time they do not make you put your expensive carry on suitcase into their rack, but when they do, it crushes and smashes it, and then they take your money.

Posted By Carol on April 19, 2010, 10:29 PM

Just include carryon in airline ticket price and be done with it. We'll chose the airline with lowest price like we always do, and bring our carryon as usual.
Bad economy and they nickel and dime us to death. Truly...do they want us to fly or not. Go Amtrak!!!!

Posted By Carol on April 22, 2010, 9:17 AM

I will not fly any airline that charges for overhead bags! Where is Continental in all this?

Posted By Raesa Kaiteris on April 22, 2010, 9:30 AM

but spirit's fares are never cheap when you need them to be!

Posted By orchid on April 22, 2010, 10:16 AM

Here's an issue few have explored. . .I'll call it "loyalty lag". . .you accumulate miles or points in a program, and then the airline or hotel company changes the rules as your status changes or doesn't. Case in point. . .I have 40,000 miles on Spirit that I now have to use under new carry on rules that significantly devalue the value of those miles. Even if CEO Baldanza were accurate that new fares actually make the overall flying less expensive (and someone far wittier than I am might call that a "Baldanza-faced lie"), someone using Spirit miles isn't reaping those benefits--and now has to pay outrageous sums to carry any baggage whatsoever on "reward" flights. Same thing can occur when you accumulate miles as a Premier Executive or Gold Medallion, but get around to using those miles when your status wanes. . .goodbye exit row seats, priority check-in, international lounge access, etc. when using the miles you got under different pretext. Of course, Spirit could waive these carry-on fees for redeemed award travel. . .but I doubt that is going to happen.

Posted By Dave on April 22, 2010, 10:29 AM

American Airlines is usually pretty forgiving on the carry on issue and it only becomes a concern on domestic flights. On international flights I have seen everything but the kitchen sink put in the bin a no additional costs. I do wonder for the future though, because I do not like to check in baggage unless I am bringing home souvenirs

Posted By forest D bynum on April 22, 2010, 10:55 AM

Don't care for Spirit Air, anyhow. Fly Southwest instead... ..don..

Posted By Don on April 22, 2010, 11:00 AM

Sprint also now has seats that don't recline! This is one airlines that I plan not to use!

Posted By Air Traveler on April 22, 2010, 11:05 AM

Spirit Airlines is a total rip-off! They cancelled a flight that we were scheduled to return home from a vacation on, leaving us stranded at the airport. They charged us for seat upgrades and didn't let us sit in the upgraded seats. Now they want to charge people for carry-on bags. Well, they saw their last dollars from me over a year ago. We will never spend any dollars on one of their flights and have encouraged our many friends to avoid them at all costs!

Posted By Nancy L on April 22, 2010, 11:08 AM

These airlines "promise" not to charge for carry-on bags. HAH! I'll believe it when I see it! They'll find a way to stick it to you no matter what they "promise".

Posted By Seymour on April 22, 2010, 11:19 AM

We are booked on American for next month. Glad to hear they are not following Spirit. Never flown w/Spirit...usually use Southwest, but couldn't make connections for Alaska...so American it is.

Posted By Alice N on April 22, 2010, 11:22 AM

I have used Spirit numerous times and have scored some great deals in airfare and even having to pay for carryon, luggage or seats I would not have gotten a better deal on another airline. 2 tickets to Puerto Rico from Miami for 117.00 is a bargain.

Posted By Anne C on April 22, 2010, 11:24 AM

Most people travel for vacations and pleasure. It is absurd to charge for the first bag, so I try to fly Southwest whenever possible. Now Spirit wants to charge for carryons and I will avoid this airline for ever. The Airline industry created a major problem by charging for the first bag that caused passengers to carry on too much. That has caused a major problem with getting on and off of flights. They need to go back to a free first checked bag and just raise ticket prices $10 or $15.

Posted By Brian on April 22, 2010, 11:45 AM

The solution is simple. Don't fly Spirit Airlines. Put then out of business and send a message to all the other airlines.

Posted By Earl on April 22, 2010, 12:00 PM

I am anxious to see my favorite airline, Southwest, added to this list - no charge for carry on!

Posted By Judy on April 22, 2010, 12:07 PM

I definately will not fly with Spirit again. First they started with charging for the advance assignment of seats. Now the carry-on charge.
My last problem with Spirit was when I booked 60 days before the flight was scheduled and could not pick my seat assignment because it was outside their 30 day window. When the 30 day period came around they wanted to charge me for the advance seat assignment. I told them that when I orignially booked the flight paying for seat assignments was not in effect so I should not have to pay for the seat. This rule took effect at a later date.
After going around and around with them a few times they finally said they would allow me the advance seat assignment, but never got it through their heads that this charge was not in effect when I booked.

Posted By Joseph7820 on April 22, 2010, 12:20 PM

Years of low prices and intense price competition has fostered a sense of entitlement in the flying public - so much so that Congress, in its usual pandering style, has even inserted itself into this discussion by eliciting these PR promises of no carry on charges.

What I think people need to remember is flying is not a "right," nor are low fares. In my estimation the competitors in the industry ought to price their service as they see fit in order to make a profit and provide a good service. Then, fliers can pay the price, or not. If you want a cheap, no frills flight, go with the cattle car cheapo discount carrier, and shut up about the discomfort. If you want better service and a more comfortable seat, suck it up and pay for it.

Besides, unless you're flying half way across the planet, you're likely only going to be in that plane for a relatively short time. Can't you cope? Or does every second of your life have to be given over to mollycoddling and stuffing your face? I say screw the pretzels, let's just get there. If you really need all that junk while you're away, FedEx it to yourself and claim it when you get to your destination.

Posted By TravelinDude on April 22, 2010, 12:35 PM

We will never fly on an airline that charges for carry-on bags. Regarding checked bags, they need to make the fees to be charged clear at the time you book your tickets so you can compare the total cost (airline ticket + bag fees) with the competition. Once you book the tickets that's it, if the rules change it should only apply to those booking afterwards. The problem is the "virtual" monopoly airlines have- sure, there may be some competition, but all you have to do is do a ticket search with a multiple offer search engine like Kayak to notice that all airlines are within a few dollars from each other. Thus the competition is not real. I think airlines should be regulated- once again- so they get back on fees the cost of fuel and wear & tear of the planes plus a profit without ripping customers off.

Posted By Jose on April 22, 2010, 12:47 PM

That's it. Spirit has gone too far. My suggestion is for a total boycott of the airline. Maybe they will come to their senses or go out of business. Who needs them?

Posted By Loup Garou on April 22, 2010, 12:51 PM

I am just about out of airlines to fly because of the different fee,s they charge. and the way they treat a customer. I will only fly southwest or frontier if i have a choice, they still treat people right and make it a pleasure to fly.

Posted By t kane on April 22, 2010, 12:55 PM

People are holding up take off with their over-size carryons. Same on exiting as they go to bins not above their seats. Airlines should not charge for the first checked bag but should charge for all carryons except purses and laptops that go under seat.

Posted By Nick P on April 22, 2010, 1:04 PM

I wish they WOULD start charging for carryons!

Posted By Toni on April 22, 2010, 1:07 PM

Yes, I will only fly airlines that don't charge for a carry-on! How ridiculous can airlines get?! Where in Continental in all of this, I'd like to know!

Posted By Roxanne on April 22, 2010, 1:14 PM

I wouldn't fly Spirit for free at this point. I think charging for carry-on and checked is just too stupid! The CEO's comments on the rational for charging for carry-on shows he isn't paying attention to what he says much less the long term health of his company.

Charging for carry-on and NOT checked makes sense, unless you are concern about having your luggage lost, stolen or rifled through, since it allows for faster and easier boarding and deplaning.

Posted By steve on April 22, 2010, 1:25 PM

Absolutely. Spirit fares are not so less expensive that they compensate for the carry-on charge.

Posted By Winnie on April 22, 2010, 1:29 PM

I have flown Spirit before and regretted it, the airport they fly out of near me has 1 parking lot at $10 a day and no public transportation. They charge for everything. Their fares are never low enough for me to consider them. Sure they have $8 fares but only if you pay to get into their club and even then I doubt I'd get a $9 fare since I don't have incredible flexibility.

Posted By Karen on April 22, 2010, 1:47 PM

Unless Spirit shows some national spirit and reduces the cost of the ticket, I will be spirited away on other airlines

Posted By rick on April 22, 2010, 1:51 PM

I have to fly to St. Thomas this summer. I was going to fly Spirit from FLL. I will now get a ride to MIA and fly American.

Posted By Mark on April 22, 2010, 1:52 PM

I LUV Southwest - they listen to the customers!! They are always my #1 choice. Next Spirit will put a toll gate on the jetway!

Posted By Laura on April 22, 2010, 1:58 PM

I'm glad to hear that there are people who LUV Southwest airlines, as I do. They do NOT charge for carry-ons and also, as someone earlier said, they are such a pleasure to fly with! My whole family uses SWA all the time! I especially try to NOT use other airlines, but when I do, it's American for now....

Posted By Lynn on April 22, 2010, 2:11 PM

Well for years I have only flown Southwest Airlines.. Their flights are less , customer service is good, maybe because they are employee owned. Maybe they don't have meals etc. But I don't see myself flying any other Airline anytime in the near future..
Years ago most people got great prices, now some prices are reasonable but once you add on all the taxes, & fees it's awful. Some Airlines are making money off of the consumer who needs to fly.
So guys take time and shop around really don't take the first best deal..

Cecile Las Vegas

Posted By Cecile on April 22, 2010, 2:30 PM

To be honest, I think carryons should be charged and not checked luggage. It weighs the same no matter where it is stored on the plan. And it slows down both boarding and disembarking for those of us who have chosen to check our luggage. Don't want to charge? Let those of us without items stored in bins disembark before the bin users do.

Posted By Sue on April 22, 2010, 2:32 PM

I avoid any airline that charges for baggage - not to mention carry-ons. I have spam-filtered out Spirit on my email.

When I went to Egypt in January - I flew Alitalia (no baggage charge for bags less than 50 lbs). I went over 50 lbs on the return (my hobby is geology and rocks weight a lot) - Alitalia looked the other way. Our American fleet can continue to shoot themselves in the feet - I'll just drive or bus or train it domestically by the limping airlines - whenever I have the time. Overseas, I'll fly the many other guys. Our American airline management should just raise their prices and play fair. I only watch what the size of the check I have to write - that and safety records are what counts.

Posted By Lee Brewer on April 22, 2010, 2:46 PM

The big problem with carry-ons isn't the weight, it's the time it takes people to stow and remove their freakishly oversize carry-ons, particularly as planes have gotten smaller and overhead space has gotten slimmer.
It's the cost of checking bags that has so many people overloading carry-ons and trying to shove them in overhead bins. If legislators want to stick their nose in to the issue, they should focus on that first checked bag. Any listed ticket price should ALWAYS include the first checked bag in the price for comparison purposes. That takes away the enticement to try to put everything for a week's vacation in a bulging carry-on.
From there, airlines should enforce their carry-on size limits vigorously - possibly even reducing the acceptable size to reflect the smaller planes now in use.
And to support that smaller size, they should create a licensed logo for baggage manufacturers (available at no cost - this isn't to be yet another profit making mechanism). Bags the fit the new regulated size may sew the logo on the the bag, making it easy to identify which bags fit and which don't (expanding bags would have to meet the requirement in their expanded state). Those who falsely put the logo on their products could be sued by the industry for copyright infringement - or possibly even convicted at the criminal level for falsifying a government mandated certification.

Posted By Tom C. on April 22, 2010, 2:54 PM

I've watched travelers exploit the carryon loophole for years, stood behind them while they gate checked (and unchecked) the bags that really were NOT carryons after all (too big), and waited for revenge. This is it. If they go on the plane, they are luggage, no matter what door they enter by. I really hate being charged for luggage, but fair's fair -- if checked luggage is charged, carryons should be too.

Posted By Gazooby on April 22, 2010, 2:57 PM

Airlines need to be honest in there pricing and stop all the hidden fares such as checked bags, carry on bags, toilet fees (probably next) and heaven only knows what else is looming on the horizon. I don't and have not had a chance to fly on Spirit.

Posted By Jim S on April 22, 2010, 3:04 PM

I agree with Sue. Let us without bin bags off first and give us all the window seats. I will not sit in an aisle seat since once witnessing a bin opening and a heavy case falling on a passenger. Can't imagine a crash situation with all that heavy luggage above your head. With the higher cost of fuel I do not mind the baggage charge but do mind the weight restriction.
VA in SC

Posted By VA Mizel on April 22, 2010, 3:05 PM

I will try to fly Southwest whenever I can as they don't even charge for checked bags. "Bags Fly Free". And, they are a very nice airline.

Posted By Kris on April 22, 2010, 3:11 PM

American Airlines started charging for checked luggage when the price of oil was at or above $100/barrel. They got away with it, so everyone but Southwest followed suit. The price of oil dropped, but the excess fees remain. I don't know why they don't simply admit that we are buying a ticket for our clothing! I began boycotting American and most other airlines a long time ago.

So far I have not had a destination that is not covered by Southwest. I live less than 15 minutes from DFW Airport, hampered by the "Wright Amendment" (which is wrong for so many reasons). There is no such thing as a non-stop flight from Dallas on SW if you're going more than one state away.

There was the chance to correct that issue a few years ago, but they wimped out on us and with the exception of maybe 8 cities the rule still stands. And I STILL choose to drive 45 minutes to Love Field and experience the inconvenience and delay in arrival time.

The only time I ever use another airline is if someone else is buying the tickets and paying the excess fees or if I am leaving the country. - So, since I've never flown on Spirit and avoid everyone else as often as possible, I am simply an observer of the greed. They won't be making anything off me, regardless.

If you are not familiar with SW, I highly recommend you try it! The planes take off on time (except, of course, when weather makes flying unsafe) and if they do leave late, they make it up and -glory of glories- even arrive early! It has happened to me! And my luggage was with me!!
The attendants are genuinely nice, helpful, and always have a smile for you. It doesn't get any better than SW!! (yes, that's a lot of exclamation points...)

Posted By Mary Sue Sagor on April 22, 2010, 3:14 PM

I flew on Spirit Airlines once. Flight attendants were rude on both flights, refusing to help me lift a heavy bag containing a delicate medical device which could not go under the seat yet could not be checked. Everyone whom I have ever spoken to who took a Spirit flight has vowed never to use the airline again with similar experiences. Their charges are supposedly lower, but when you add the additional fees, they are more expensive with no couth. Unless Spirit provides decent service, I will fly service-oriented airlines of which Delta and Southwest Airlines are members.

Posted By Sandra on April 22, 2010, 3:19 PM

It's my understanding the ALL airlines DO charge for carry-on luggage. It's just incorporated into the price of the ticket. What Spirit Air is doing makes perfect sense. They are saying, "Look, if you don't want to bring a carry-on, we don't include it in the price of the ticket." It is NOT an added fee, just that Spirit Air is the only airline that has broken down ALL the expenses that go into an airline ticket and given the consumer a CHOICE of what amenities they want to pay for. Check out Spirit Air's webpage and look at the prices of tickets. You'll find even IF you decide to take carry-ons your ticket price will still be a lot cheaper than any of the big guys.

Posted By Bryan F. on April 22, 2010, 3:26 PM

I won't fly on Spirit. Charging is ridiculous.

Posted By Debbie C. on April 22, 2010, 3:26 PM

Southwest is our favorite. For me carry on is a must. I have lost 2 Bags, 1 was never found & the 2nd somehow got to take a cruise & arrived home 2 days after me. I just took Spirit out of my favorites & bookmarks. We all have other choices.

Posted By Sue on April 22, 2010, 3:27 PM

Since carry-ons are a necessity (along with bathrooms and fluids) when flying, it is dishonest to charge for them separately. Combined with the overall negative coments from former customers,I would not fly Spirit for that reason.

Posted By Tatjana Gleixner on April 22, 2010, 3:29 PM

I thought airlines were in the travel business, which means people leave home for days at a time. Obviously they need some basics like clothing. If I take a bus or a train I don't pay for a suitcase, so why do I have to pay on an airline? Just add the cost into the ticket and then I can compare total costs for each airline and chose the one with the best value.

Posted By Judy Pribik on April 22, 2010, 3:32 PM

I am all for charging for any options as long as the flight prices get lowered as well. I don't want to pay x amount while told that the price includes items that I may or may not even use (e.g. food, beverage, movies, pillows, blankies), Keep the fare low and I will pay for any extras that have nothing to do with my getting from point A to Point B.

Posted By Chris on April 22, 2010, 3:36 PM

My first choice is always Southwest. Their tickets are the same as any other discount airline, and no checked bag fee.
My second choice is anyone other than Sprint.

IF sprint were $100 less per leg than another airline ($50 for checked bag, $45 for carry on), I would consider them, but that just isn't going to happen.

Posted By Greg on April 22, 2010, 4:39 PM

I totally disagree with the Spirit Airlines new overhead baggage policy. I canceled my Spirit credit card and all association with Spirit. I will refuse to fly with any airline that starts charging for overhead space as well as other items that should be a part airline travel.

Posted By Ron Susi on April 22, 2010, 4:39 PM

Anyone have any comments on flying and carry on while dealing with Midwest?

Posted By d. ouding on April 22, 2010, 4:42 PM

I will not fly on an airline that charges. I think each passenger should be allowed ONE carry-on bag for that overhead bin and it should be required to fit within the measurements chart. I follow the rules all the time but there are those customers who bring 2 bags or a bag that can only fit in the overhead bin sideways. I don't understand why Spirit would charge people for it. It's not even a big company to begin with...they are going to alienate their current customers and lose there potential customers.

Posted By Tasha on April 22, 2010, 4:45 PM

My golf group of 16 fly on Spirit to Myrle Beach each December from New York. We will drive. Question? How many shopping bags equal one carry-on?

Posted By Hal on April 22, 2010, 5:27 PM

I never will fly Spirit. The rest of the airlines are robbing us bit by bit but Spirit is outright ridiculous!

Posted By Paulette on April 22, 2010, 5:28 PM

Spirit is such a low-rent airline to begin with--I've flown with them a few times and felt uneasy about it. BTW, they aren't THAT much cheaper! So it's no hardship for me to boycott them--I definitely agree they have gone too far. I suppose they think they're being generous promising NOT to charge us for using the bathroom?

Posted By Laura on April 22, 2010, 5:37 PM

Having an airline promise is like having a politician promise.

Posted By pete on April 22, 2010, 5:44 PM

What's next? Pay toilets?

Posted By Marilyn on April 22, 2010, 6:47 PM

I live only 40 minutes from Atlantic City Airport and would rather drive to Newark than be exploited by Spirit. They used to be an airline you could count on but now they are a bunch of thieves. They (and others) mismanage their companies and we have to pick up the pieces.

Posted By Kevin McKenna on April 22, 2010, 6:49 PM

This is a ridiculous price for a carry on. I will not fly Spirit Airlines for this reason. I have flown them once. I just canceled my yearly fee that they charge to be in their club on April 11. I still have not seen the credit on my charge account. They did not waste any time to charge my account on the date it was to be renewed. Not too sure about their integrity at this point.

Posted By Rebecca on April 22, 2010, 7:32 PM

This is another new wave of mid-air robbery, charging $45 carry on is like holding travelers hostage. We have to stop this kind of outrageous behavior. Boycott them, seek justice. Consumers cannot afford not to do anything anymore before the entire dky falls on us.

Posted By Steve Siu on April 22, 2010, 7:51 PM

I already choose airlines (read Southwest or international) that don't charge the extra baggage fees and avoid the American airlines that do. Spirit's carry-on charge gives me one more reason to continue with that approach.

Posted By Anne on April 22, 2010, 8:02 PM

The ONLY reason to charge for checked or carry on should be weight...total weight per person. I do agree that there should be a reasonable limit each person should take on a plane. Numbers of bags/items is NOT what hinders if a plane flies.

Posted By Ray Hamilton on April 22, 2010, 8:55 PM

Tell Spirit to "pack" their bags...........

Posted By K. Gould on April 22, 2010, 9:22 PM

I totally agree with Earl.

The solution is simple. Don't fly Spirit Airlines. Put then out of business and send a message to all the other airlines.

Posted By Debra on April 22, 2010, 10:31 PM

Personally I think all airlines are out of their minds with all these fees today. Unless I go out of the country I refuse to fly these days with all the outrageous add on fees and the ridiculous security measures that fail to catch people with explosives on their person.

Posted By Kevin on April 22, 2010, 10:56 PM

I am waiting for the time when airline will charge for clothe on our back, after all it take up extra room, it has a certain amount of weight especially our shoes! It is absurd!!! Flying used to be fun. All the security procedures we subjected to endure, all the ridiculous fees, crappie food that they supply. Who wants to fly??

Posted By Laszlo Kadar on April 22, 2010, 11:36 PM

Stop nickle & diming us travellers - enough! Just charge ONE price up front so we don't have to waste time figuring the total price (or best deals) before or at the airport.
Up front should include one carry on and one checked bag, whether you take them or not (what % of travellers are business people staying for one night...)

All I know is that those really inexpensive cruises from my home town are starting to sound a lot more attractive than hassling security, getting irritated by airlines that nickle and dime passengers including meals (we all arrive at our destinations tired and haggard with low blood sugar levels because we haven't eaten in over 3 hours!!) and airline staff who haven't a clue about customer service, AND YOU WANT ME TO ENJOY MY FLIGHT!!

Posted By O Martin on April 22, 2010, 11:39 PM

I totally agree with Ray Hamilton, with one addition. I think there should be a total weight per person, INCLUDING the weight of the passenger. I think we should have to step on the scale along with all of our luggage, carry on or check through. In my mind, the total should be around 325 pounds maximum. There could be a dimension limit for carry on, but beyond that, it should be up to the individual to apportion the weight -- personal weight, plus carry on weight, plus check through weight. The airlines claim that part of the problem is total weight, which impacts fuel consumption. A "total weight" allowance would address this, and it just might save those of us who have had to share a seat with a 275 pounder who puts the armrest up and flows over into about 1/3 of our own seat.

Posted By Barbara on April 23, 2010, 1:20 AM

We don't have Spirit Airlines in our airport but if we did I would not support them. I saw the CEO of Spirit explaining the reasoning behind the carry on baggage charge and he came off as being arrogant and uncaring to the general public.

Posted By James Wacaster on April 23, 2010, 1:37 AM

Seriously? First they charge for the bag in the hold, and now for one in the cabin? Did anyone notice that we are FLYING here? How are you supposed to travel with no luggage? This is ridiculous.

Posted By N. Mangan on April 23, 2010, 6:04 AM

If they start charging for carry on bags I will find another airline!

Posted By Bernie Chandler on April 23, 2010, 7:34 AM

Spirit's move is classic failure by management to do its job, and passing the buck to the customer.
If Spirit's managers and employees did their job, and prevented oversize carry-on from entering the cabin, this would be a non-issue.
Spirit's fees already were too high on my route, and the ticket total is NOT lower than competition (for a NON-Club-member).

Posted By Retired in Tampa on April 23, 2010, 8:56 AM

I think it's just short of cowardly for airlines to charge add on fees (e.g., carry-on luggage charges) and then justify it by stating they've already cut their airline costs to the lowest possible. It becomes very difficult to evaluate the different fare schemes in this way. Why don't we have certain basic costs included in the fares, such as 1 bag and a carry-on for each passenger, so that we can more easily decide which carrier we want to use?

Posted By Lew on April 23, 2010, 9:54 AM

I think it is a brilliant idea!

... Providing checked baggage is free, go ahead & charge for carry ons. Spririt will probably go to the head of the list of "on-time departures"

The boarding process and the overhead bin hogs are out of control. At least Spirit is thinking "outside of the box"

Posted By AA flightattendant on April 23, 2010, 2:02 PM

I totally agree with N. Mangan. How are we supposed to fly anywhere without having luggage somewhere (either as carry-on or check-in)? Even though I don't fly very often, these charges are getting ridiculous!! Screw the airlines!!!

Posted By Camilla Bochkoros on April 23, 2010, 2:32 PM

I have a simple rule. If they want to charge for my luggage, that includes first checked bag and any legal carryon, let them add their charge to my ticket price. Then I can compare their cost to other airlines on the same route and make a rational decision. I will merely refuse to purchase a ticket on any airline that makes a surcharge at the counter for any luggage unless it is over and above a reasonable carryon and single checked bag within the size and weight limits for checked luggage.
I do NOT mind being charged for excess carryon bags or for oversize carryon bags. But, I will not pay extra for any single legal carryon or any single legal checked bag. And that includes American, United, and Delta if they attempt to charge me for checking my usual checked bag. To this date they have NOT attempted to charge me for my checked bag.

Posted By John Johnson on April 23, 2010, 6:41 PM

I agree with previous posters, American carriers seem bent on putting themselves out of business. Even the European cut-rate airlines do not charge for carry on (and their pricing structure for checked baggage is very clear up front.) I travel quite often and when I do, I try to travel on a European carriers if I have a choice (Lufthansa vs United, KLM vs Delta). Service is better than on American carriers, attendants are generally more friendly and helpful, they do not nickel and dime you for luggage, wine, meals, etc.

Posted By Lori Rapp on April 24, 2010, 2:58 AM

My employer scheduled a flight for me on Spirit about two years ago. That was my first and last trip with them. I am not quite 5'2" and I did not have enough leg room, so I can't imagine anyone would be able to stow even a small bag under the seat ahead of them. This desperate nickel and dime-ing will cause Spirit to fold. As the old joke goes,"Do you know how to make a small fortune in the airline industry? Start with a large one."

Posted By Marianne on April 24, 2010, 9:16 AM

Don't anyone suggest to me not to take a carryon. After Delta, Icelandair, Spaniair and Delta lost my luggage, I will NEVER check a bag.

Posted By sherry on April 24, 2010, 12:28 PM

People trying to stuff large bags in overhead bins cause delays in take offs and in exiting the plane after landing. I would like to see airlines fly checked baggage free. Then charge for bags that are carried on the plane with the exception of a personal item and laptop, backpack or briefcase..

Posted By Dorothy on April 24, 2010, 2:42 PM

why not just charge on a graduated scale for total luggage weight, including both checked and carryon bags?

Posted By kathy on April 25, 2010, 2:10 PM

So many commenters are making sense re the carry-on bags etc. I am still waiting to hear about Continental???

Posted By Joan on April 26, 2010, 1:10 PM

The idea of charging passengers a fee for carrying on a small suitcase which fits in the overhead compartment or under the seat in fron of you is nothing short of LUDICROUS! Where will this all end? Next, will Spirit charge a fee for wearing clothes on its' flights?

Posted By Doug on April 26, 2010, 4:26 PM

I am disgusted with the baggage charges. Last two flights I paid the fee and checked baggage. Then I get on the plane and put my purse and jacket in the overhead and was asked by the stewardess to remove them for bags that needed to be stowed away. Now there is an excess of carry-ons being put on to save people money. Now I too will cram my bag in overhead if that is what the airlines want. The fees infuriate me.

Posted By Michelle jerome on April 28, 2010, 1:43 PM

I could care less about paying for checked bags, a carry on or a reclining seat because I look at the TOTAL price of a ticket (which includes all the above) when choosing my carrier.

Spirit certainly makes it a bit more complicated but if their "all-in" price is less than say, a Southwest flight to the same destination, I'll fly Spirit.

Posted By Knysna on April 28, 2010, 3:48 PM

It sucks. We are being taxed, fee'd, and extraneously charged to the poor house, and all to line the pockets of companies and governments that do not know how to manage their own houses.

Posted By ch on April 29, 2010, 12:07 AM

I always carry my luggage on as I travel extensively for business. I have had my luggage lost and damaged and it is much more efficient to carry on my rolling bag and leave immediately after landing. I print my boarding pass ahead of time and by using the overhead bin am saving the airlines considerable money in that I am not using a counter agents time and numerous baggage handlers time to move my bag from the counter to sorting, to the plane and off again. I understand paying for a service but it is inappropriate to be charged for reducing the bottom line cost to the airline.

Posted By av on April 29, 2010, 10:33 AM

Everyone who is saying they should just put the fee in the ticket price misses the whole point of the fee. The reason behind it is to discourage people from using the overhead bins, so the people who really need to use them (defined as the people willing to fork over 50 bucks) can get to them, and everyone else can get on and off the plane quicker and easier.
I used to fly a lot, and having to wait in the aisle while everyone tries to ram their bags into the bins, then having to wait on the plane all that extra time while everyone scrambles to get their bags down was, by far, the worst part of flying. Even worse than going through security. Quite frankly, I've long thought that airlines should have a fee in place to reduce the overhead bin usage and facilitate easier boarding.
However, I do wish they would completely drop the checked bag fee. Although a comparatively cheap $19 dollar fee sure beats Delta's $50 first bag check fee.

Still, it's not that big a deal. If you want to schlep your large roller bag around the airport, fly some other airline. If you'd rather check your bag, not have to lug around a roller, and save some cash, check the bag and enjoy the faster embarking and debarking.
Or if you're super dead set against fees, fly Southwest and hope that the people with carryons don't make it take too long to get on and off the plane.

Posted By Riko Suave on April 29, 2010, 4:02 PM

I'm FOR the charge. If people would take "true carry ons" and not their suitcases that would be one thing. but on recent flights my carry on could not be put in the overhead bin because of someone else's SUITCASE. i paid my 25 bucks to check my bag, then i can't use the overhead bin. people need to check their bags or PAY for carrying them on.

Posted By Rose on May 2, 2010, 6:37 PM

Carryon baggage is one of my greatest travel beefs. There is a regulatory size for a reason - it's fair for everyone.
Personally, I wish the 'baggage police' stood at the gate and fined, heavily, anyone who couldn't fit there (one and only) bag into the check box frame ... and placed oversize bags (and suitcases) onto the next flight. Then, finally, there will be plenty of room in the overhead racks for everyone ... not just the uncivilized, unselfish, people who were writing earlier on this blog.

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Posted By deckert on November 18, 2011, 6:39 PM