Spirit Airlines has become the first U.S. carrier to charge passengers a fee for carry-on bags that do not fit under a passenger seat. The $45 gate-check charge goes into effect for reservations purchased on or after April 6, 2010 for travel starting August 1, 2010 and beyond on the discount airline, which uses the Fort Lauderdale (Florida) airport as a main hub for flights to the Caribbean and Latin America,
The fee applies to carry-on bags that do fit in the overhead bin space. Such bags may not exceed 22 inches by 18 inches by 10 inches. Passengers who pay for a carry-on by phone or at check-in will only be charged $20. Spirit also charges from $15 to $25 for the first bag of checked luggage.
The announcement of the Spirit Airlines charge has prompted other carriers to assure passengers they won’t charge for carry-on bags – at least not yet. Senator Charles Schumer of New York announced to the press in April, 2010 that five major airlines – American, Delta, JetBlue, United and US Airways have pledged to allow free carry-ons. Absent from his list is Continental Airlines. There’s no indication how long the pledge will be in effect.
Price for Checked Bags? Ask the Airline
Meanwhile, the cost of checked luggage is a hodge-podge. Most major U.S. carriers as of late April 2010, have price tags on second checked bags. Because the airlines often charge less if a traveler pays for a checked bag in advance online, and because regulations seem to change often, fliers are urged to check by phone or with a carrier’s website about the cost of checking bags on any upcoming flight.
The big exception is Southwest Airlines, which still flies checked bags free. JetBlue does not charge for the first checked bag but does charge for a second checked bag. Fees for checked bags generally apply to coach passengers on domestic flights but not necessarily first class passengers.
Dimensions for Carry-on Luggage
Each airline has its own rule regarding the size of carry-on bags. Typically, the dimensions of a bag are what counts, and often the rule is that a combination of length, width and depth that adds up to 45 inches or less is acceptable. However, as most frequent fliers know, the picture is more complicated.
Sometime airlines with very full flights insist that passengers put their carry-on bags in a measuring device at the check-in counter or gate to make sure they are small enough to qualify. Fat roller bags advertised as “carry-on” by manufacturers may not fit in these frames when stuffed, and airlines may insist that a passenger check the bag and pay the checked bag fee.
On the other hand, numerous passengers have reported being allowed to carrying on bags that actually exceed the dimensions or that don’t fit in the measuring device when airline personnel are less vigilant or when a flight is not full.
Bottom line? Consult an airline about luggage costs before leaving home.
Grace Lichtenstein - I prefer "seasoned" to "senior" but whatever term you use, I have been an outdoor adventurer for most of my adult years. I am a cycling ...
