I just saw a press release article on Spirit Airlines’ decision to begin charging for carry-on luggage. They justify it by saying that it will allow for cheaper fares by not making customers who don’t want to carry-on luggage subsidize those who do. The fees, $40 at the gate, $30 in advance, and $20 if you also are a member of their “$9 fare club”. (The club is $39.95 a year) You would also get discounts on checked bags if you are a part of the club.
The good part. They really do have cheap fares. Most of the fares are $0.01 plus gas and taxes and fees. That makes a Detroit to Las Vegas ticket come in at under $80. That’s pretty good. The club is a good deal if you fly often with Spirit Air.
The bad part. You can’t bring any luggage with you. Well, you can, but you’ll find that your cost just became at least $100. Closer to $115 or $120 if you have a carry-on and a checked bag and are a part of their club.
If you don’t fly often, or aren’t a member of their club, your luggage could wind up costing you $55 to $90 each way. If you plan ahead well enough, you could ship your luggage to Las Vegas from Detroit for $75. I assumed 75 pounds of luggage, so if you can pack lighter, it could get way cheaper. It’s still not quite as cheap as carrying the luggage on and checking a bag, but if fees continue to rise, it will be soon. Which means that UPS could soon become the luggage carrier of choice for many travelers. Especially those like myself who have an entire family to pack for. When we went to L.A. a couple years ago, we needed our entire luggage set. Two checked bags and carry-on bags. At the time, the first of each for each seat was free. If they hadn’t been, it could have gotten very expensive, very quickly. Next time, I’ll be checking UPS to compare.
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I started this blog to share what I know and what I was learning about personal finance. Along the way, I've discovered the Yakezie group, and many other blogging friends.
I don’t really understand why the airlines are doing that, just roll it into the price of the ticket. Customers can do the math.
At least the major airlines haven’t started to charge for carry-ons, the check bag fees are annoying enough.
Just a tidbit of info. If you decide to use UPS for shipping your luggage. UPS may charge extra if the bag is not in a box. They tend to not look at your bag as a valuable item just what is in it and if damaged it will not be covered. They may change this but doubtful. I have known a few people who have elected to send their luggage ahead of a vacation trip. You have send enough ahead to meet your luggage there. Some USPS Priority Rates may be an option.
I was just thinking about the same thing yesterday. Thanks for writing about it.
You beat me to it BB…I was plotting a new business venture akin to this in my head:) If weight (passengers and bags) keeps getting so parsed the way it has, soon the airlines might just have a huge scale that you stand on with your luggage and charge you based off that number….
That’s Great! Instead of a fare, you could just pay $x.xx per pound!