the Informer

Apparently airlines feel that charging us an arm and a leg isn’t enough, they are taking it one step further and charging for fingers and toes as well. Airlines used to be an enjoyable trip, there would be blankets and pillows for passenger use and meals while onboard for no extra cost.

Now airlines are charging for everything. It costs extra money for a pillow and a blanket. If you want an onboard meal, they also charge you.

It costs money to check your baggage, which has led many travelers to pack all of their belongings into a carryon to avoid the cost. Now this is no longer an option, at least for travelers using Spirit Airlines Inc.

As of Aug. 1, 2010, they will be charging $45 to store carry-on items in the overhead compartment and $30 if you pay online. Any item that can fit under the seat in front of you will not be charged. This is a lot of money to add on to the airline ticket and taxes and fees that go along with it. Travelers will now be subjected to a charge for bringing any personal items with them on a trip.

So far only Spirit Airlines has instituted this new charge but all the other airlines are going to be watching when this change takes action. If passengers still use Spirit, you can bet that other airlines are going to jump on board with this new initiative.

As a consumer, I know I will not be using an airline that charges for carry-on luggage. I try to avoid airlines that charge for checked baggage as well. This is taking charging passengers to a whole new level.

In addition to a ticket, passengers have to expect many more costs when going on a trip. I don’t know what Spirit was thinking when they went forward with this new decision. I think they will lose more money than they would be brining in by charging for carry-on luggage.

In today’s economy, consumers are looking for the best deal out there, and Spirit isn’t in the running anymore. I think by Sept. 1 they will be changing their decision. I just hope that consumers realize the power that they have to control this decision.

If you don’t use the airlines because of the extra charge, other airlines will not institute this new policy. Boycotting is a technique that hasn’t been used in some time but I think this is the perfect opportunity to exercise your rights as a consumer and control what you pay for.

Spirit Airlines is going to a new extreme when charging consumers extra money to travel and I don’t think this will last very long. Travelers will show their discontent by using other airlines that don’t have this extra charger. It will be interesting to see what happens on Aug. 1, but I can bet it will not be pretty.