Spirit Airlines is taking the a la carte approach to flying. Spirit Airlines will become the only big U.S. carrier to charge customers for all checked luggage, according to a press release published on the airline’s website this week.
The press release from last week is posted under a headline that says “Great News!”
The low-cost airline announced it is lowering many fares up to 40%. In return, passengers will now pay to bring their bags aboard. They’ll also pay $1 each for soft drinks, starting June 20 – snacks which cost $2 to $4 will remain at the same price.
“Our customers have called for even lower fares and we have listened,” said Barry Biffle, Spirit’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We can offer incredibly low fares by enabling customers to pay for only those options they want. As customers have told us over and over, it’s all about the fare.”
Last month, the airline started charging $10 for a second checked-in bag. If a person books a flight now for travel after June 19, the only free baggage will be one carry-on item. Checked bags will cost $5 each if booked online in advance or $10 each for one or two bags. It’s $100 for a third bag, and $125 for 25 extra pounds and $150 for 50 extra pounds.
Spirit first signaled a change in its business plan in mid-February when it started charging $10 for a second checked bag. That broke from the major U.S. airlines’ policy of allowing at least two checked bags for free, and no other carrier has followed suit. It remains an open question whether any of the other major carriers will change their rules after Spirit’s latest move.
Spirit has adopted a model common among discount carriers in Europe. Under its revised plan, Spirit will reduce fares appreciably on international and longer-haul routes, and to a lesser degree on shorter domestic routes – last minute fares are also supposed to drop dramatically.
Spirit also plans to eliminate first-class seating and free alcoholic beverages. The former first-class seats will be called “Big Front Seats” and sell at premium prices – but somewhat lower than current fares.
Research by the airline has shown that most passengers who fly in first class before 5 p.m. don’t want to drink – they just want the wider seat. By having a one class plane, Sprit says they can provide better service to all passengers – not just those sitting in the front.
Note:
Spirit adds that it would “only guarantee the transportation of one item as checked luggage per fare paying customer” once the rule takes effort on June 20. Under the “travel policies” section on its website. The airline also says “additional bags can be purchased on a first-served basis” but adds that it “cannot guarantee that there will be space for extra bags and will not be held responsible for any additional items brought to the airport by the customer.”
Filed under: Air Travel
