This morning, we found out about the Spirit policy, which is set to take effect June 20th, and we were completely shocked. No one had taken notice of it yet, so we forwarded the news, which has widepsread implications, to some of our fellow travel bloggers, to get their two cents in.
Upgrade Travel Better and Today in the Sky both were nice enough to credit us for breaking the news to them. But they did bring information we neglected to mention to the table.
Additional bags above one will be purchased on a first-come first-served basis. We predict that can’t last very long. The first time the press reports that someone carrying two bags was turned away, Spirit will likely relent. Of course, only guaranteeing two and not guaranteeing the third or above would likely get much less attention.
People are always looking for the deal…and while we understand that certain things are not something that can be provided for free anymore…we remain the holdout for a single bag, 50lbs or less, checked free of charge as a bare minimum for luggage. And with that, stricter enforcement of carry-on rules. We don’t need soda for free as long as water is plentiful…same as in any restaurant.
When Spirit announced their charge for a second piece of luggage, we defended it…but not long after, they sprung this on us. Jetblue, on the other hand, provides some base products…ie headphones, and offers a nicer pair for a minimal fee. That isn’t the best example, but simply put…a good core product with reasonable charges for extras. Do not erode the core until you have to pay for, as Southwest jokingly showed in its commercials, toilet service and such. We would not like to let that sort of thing happen here. In that, Spirit treads a dangerous line.
Upgrade Travel pointed out that Spirit, with its reduced fares, will appear lower on travel search engines…and passengers may miss the fact that after you add on luggage, drinks, etc…you may lose your savings. Also, he pointed out the possibility that people forced to pay for their bags may end up with the mistaken impression that an airline owes them more reliable baggage handling.
The infamous People Express, often referenced as the premier disaster story of low cost carriers, charged people for luggage at a time when meals still were served by its competitors and deregulation was only a few years old. European discounters already charge for all refreshments, try to sell you everything under the sun while they have you as a captive audience, and charge bag fees as well as excess weight by the kilo. Ryanair, charges fees for priority boarding, online checkin, and other things one would never think an airline could get away with. We have always blasted Ryanair for lacking a commitment to a decent core product…that and basic human dignity and customer service.
If such things come to the United States…staying at home instead of flying becomes a much more attractive option.