Fed Up, Man Seizes Opportunity In Spirit Carry-On Fees

By | January 16, 2012

Image of Carry On Free BagWhile most airlines have been adding new fees, no American carrier has been more aggressive about doing so than Spirit Airways.  Spirit ‘s strategy has been to tease outrageously low fares with obnoxious and vulgar advertisements, but  charge exorbitant fees for normal services.  Perhaps the most egregious of these is their charge for carry on baggage, which can range from $20 to $45, depending on when paid.

Many passengers see red from these fess, but Brent Hopkins sees opportunity.  Hopkins started CarryOnFree.com, a business that sells a specially-designed 16″ x 14″ x 12″ bag in 5 styles for $54.99.  The bag’s size is the maximum allowed on Spirit as a “personal item” and allows passengers to pack a reasonable amount while avoiding Spirit’s fee.  So far, no other airline has followed suit, and we hope none does, but if you find yourself flying Spirit, you may want to try this luggage.

Have you tried CarryOnFree?  Let us know your thoughts in the comments.