As we reported a few days ago, Spirit Airlines recently said it planned to charge up to $45 for carry-on bags that don’t fit under seats.  On April 18 Senator Charles Schumer said that he had commitments from American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United and US Airways not to follow Spirit’s lead.

“We have begun to put the brakes on runaway and out-of-control airline fees,” Mr. Schumer said in a news release. “I am pleased some of the major carriers [...]]]> by Margery Wilson

As we reported a few days ago, Spirit Airlines recently said it planned to charge up to $45 for carry-on bags that don’t fit under seats.  On April 18 Senator Charles Schumer said that he had commitments from American Airlines, Delta, JetBlue, United and US Airways not to follow Spirit’s lead.

“We have begun to put the brakes on runaway and out-of-control airline fees,” Mr. Schumer said in a news release. “I am pleased some of the major carriers have responded to our efforts and have agreed not to charge for something that has always been free.”

Mr. Schumer said he planned to urge other carriers to make similar commitments and was encouraging Spirit to reverse its decision.

Mr. Schumer and other lawmakers have proposed legislation that would block the fees by declaring carry-on bags as essential for air travel.

Things are not always what they appear, so don’t count on the carry-on policies to remain as they are.  European airlines have stringent limits for carry-on bags, and we may see these limits imposed for US domestic routes in future. (Meaning more bags could be required to be checked — for a fee.)  Airlines have found a solid revenue stream with added fees, so it will be interesting to see how creative they become in finding ways to add — and justify — them.

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Steven Frischling recently posted an article on his blog outlining the new Spirit Airlines fees for carry-on luggage. He did an excellent comparison that showed that the very idea of buying a ticket on this low-cost carrier can easily turn into a pretty expensive proposition. If you plan on flying on the cheap–you may actually do better elsewhere.

My online ticket price was quoted at $364.70, included their infamous passenger usage fee! If you do some of [...]]]>

Steven Frischling recently posted an article on his blog outlining the new Spirit Airlines fees for carry-on luggage. He did an excellent comparison that showed that the very idea of buying a ticket on this low-cost carrier can easily turn into a pretty expensive proposition. If you plan on flying on the cheap–you may actually do better elsewhere.

My online ticket price was quoted at $364.70, included their infamous passenger usage fee! If you do some of these things, you’ll pay extra:

• Purchase a ticket (passenger usage fee)
• Select a seat assignment
• Choose a seat with extra legroom
• Check a bag
• Carry on a bag
• Request a soda. Tap water is free

Oh, did you notice that the cost of travel insurance was added automatically, unless I opted out?

It really does go on and on. One of the main problems is that there is almost no way to anticipate the extra charges unless you know what to ask about. Both on their website and via their telephone reservations agents, it’s virtually impossible to proactively prepare for the fees. The screen-shot illustrates how almost every fee is hidden until after the ticket is purchased. This is where regulation must require a full disclosure of during the booking process.

I decided to give Spirit Airlines a call to hear just how they handle presenting all of these fees to customers over the phone. Although the reservations agent was very friendly, it was instantly apparent how confusing it can be for almost any traveler. Not every passenger know the questions to ask.  Had I not known and gone ahead and booked this flight; I would have been very surprised at the airport.

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Here are a couple of options to bring “Jetiquette” to your next non-network carrier flight-

From extra legroom [...]]]> Comfort or Cash? Why not both!

Have you ever shied away from low-fare airlines; unable to do without your legacy upgrade, legroom, and hot meal? If you must cut the fare, you can keep the comfort if you know who and how to choose and trade off some if the things you really can do without.

Here are a couple of options to bring “Jetiquette” to your next non-network carrier flight-

Air Tran- Business Class

From extra legroom with two-by-two seating to complimentary cocktails, Air Tran offers a great option. Plus, they have internet access not only on selected flights–they have it available on all flights along with XM satellite radio. What’s this about no-frills again?

Let’s compare prices on a flight from Atlanta to LaGuardia tomorrow:

• Air Tran Business Class: $441 on every flight

• Delta First Class: $441-$969; changes from flight to flight

and Los Angeles to Miami tomorrow:

• Air Tran Business Class: $549
• Alaska Business Class: $837
• Delta Business Class: $894
• American Business Class $932

What about the seats themselves on a 737?

• Air Tran Business Class Seats: Pitch 37.0″/Width 22.0
• Delta First/Business Class: Pitch 38.0/Width 20.5

Hmmmm….

Meals on Air Tran are limited to snacks or “Sky Bites”, but with internet, XM satellite radio and a cocktail, who needs a full meal?

Another low-cost carrier that offers a premium option is Virgin America. When I flew VA, their first class was an absolute bargain. Now that so many travelers have discovered how very decadent their first class is with buttery leather seats equipped with a massage feature and absolutely fantastic in-flight entertainment, the prices have gone up as  the demand has.

If you have a nagging thirst for first that can only be quenched by a seat in the front….there  are some economical options; just examine every option including some of the low-fare airlines.

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There is no hiding from The Sky Steward! He’s always peeking into [...]]]> PODCAST: The airline industry provides more drama than Y&R and Bold and the Beautiful (TV soap operas) combined! Did you hear about the United Airlines passenger with a first class ticket that was denied boarding because of his track suit attire? The Sky Steward discusses this and much more on this edition of Jetiquette with his co-host and resident frequent flier, “Margery” (No last name you know, like Cher or Madonna)

There is no hiding from The Sky Steward! He’s always peeking into the first class cabins of speeding  jetliners or hiding in dark corners of First Class Lounges of major airports, so be sure you don’t get on his Jetiquette Faux Pas list

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Airline checked baggage fees are causing even those with nerves of steel to lose their composure. Sky Steward fliers now have a simple reference tool to make travel planning a little easier. There are also direct links to each airline’s checked luggage information pages. Remember that if you are flying on a code-share flight, you will pay the checked luggage fees that apply to [...]]]> How much do airlines charge for checked baggage?

Bookmark this chart for future reference or to pass on to friends.

Airline checked baggage fees are causing even those with nerves of steel to lose their composure. Sky Steward fliers now have a simple reference tool to make travel planning a little easier. There are also direct links to each airline’s checked luggage information pages. Remember that if you are flying on a code-share flight, you will pay the checked luggage fees that apply to the airline in which you are using for check-in.

This chart will be updates as airlines adjust their policies.

Note from The Sky Steward: “If airline checked luggage fees are confusing to you, you’re not alone! 4 out of 5 travelers interviewed find it confusing”

Also, did you know that Alaska Airlines offers a guarantee that if your luggage does not arrive at the baggage claim  within 25 minutes of your arrival, you receive a travel voucher for the value of the checked baggage fee? That’s a move in the right direction.

Click the airline name to go to their luggage policy page for additional information.

**BTW, if you pay higher fares Y/B/J/C/F etc. or are an elite frequent flyer, these fees most likely will not apply to you. Please check the airline’s website for details.

Free luggage allowance search tool (opens new window)

Airline baggage fees are becoming the norm as airlines seek additional ways to increase revenue while keeping ticket prices competitive. The airline baggage fee chart illustrates the baggage fees that may apply for the first bag plus luggage fees for additional bags. Many passengers are surprised when they begin to check luggage and find that their bag is overweight or oversized. The chart also explains luggage fees that apply to oversized and overweight baggage. Be sure to click on the airline name to be taken to the airline’s own baggage fee policy page for more specific information.

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