Watch CBS News

Air Travelers Reject 'Ridiculous' Spirit Baggage Fees

ROMULUS (WWJ) - Spirit Airlines has announced that, starting this fall, passengers who do not pre-pay for carry-on baggage will pay $100 at the gate.

The discount carrier already charges $45 for a pre-paid carry-on bag.  And, while a bag that fits under the seat will still be free, passengers at Metro Airport aren't thrilled.

New Yorker Christopher Spreer, who attends school at the College of Creative Studies in Detroit, calls the move ridiculous. How does he think other passengers will react?

"I don't think they're gonna like it," Spreer told WWJ Newsradio 950's Pat Sweeting. "A hundred dollars for a checked bag ... that's way too much."

Richard Boone, in Metro Detroit from New Hampshire, said he doesn't think it's a wise decision by Spirit. He doesn't think people will put up with it.

"No. They'll just fly the other airlines because if you add up the total cost, it's gonna be the same," Boone said. "It's the wrong way (to go about it). Why don't they just make the total cost one lump sum instead of trying to be ticky-tacky about it?"

Traveler Rich Rivera, in town from Tokyo, said he was a little bit surprised by the baggage fees when he flew Spirit in the past.

"Expecting passengers to pay that with carry-on luggage , I just don't think it's a discount airline anymore at that point," Rivera said, adding that he believes travelers will eventually figure they're no longer getting a bargain.

The new fee takes effect November 6.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.