Airline Fees

Recent chatter about the audacity concerning the Spirit Airlines announcement that they will soon start charging for carry-on luggage is a bit over-the-top.

The old model that the airlines gave away amenities & services (food/drinks, newspapers/magazines, pillows/blankets, checked baggage, paper tickets, etc) is long gone - just like every other business you can think of, they now price their product by what your preferences, desires, and needs are.

For example, take something that most of us are also familiar with - the bicycle buying business. You go to your local shop because you need a bike. You pick one that fits, and want to take it home. Oh you could take it out the door as is; it's certainly rideable the way it is. But you're not going to ride in tennis shoes are you? You're going to need clipless pedals - extra cost. Special shoes for those special pedals - extra cost. Want some added safety - helmet, extra. Need some bike shorts, a jersey, jacket, socks, gloves, sunnies? All extra. Fenders, spare tubes, pump, bottles, tools, lubricants, saddle bag, lights, bell, panniers, trailers, racks, locks, computer, powermeter, nutritional supplements, etc. - also not included with based price of bike. Want a trainer to ride it on indoors when the weather's too bad or crunched for time - extra. Need something to carry it on the outside of your car to take where you're going to ride it - extra. Tassels may be included if you ask nicely.

All you initially desired was a bicycle and that was probably the cheapest item. All the accoutrement's & incidentals add up quickly. What are you willing to pay for? There are always extras & optional items to just about everything in the marketplace - what makes the airline pricing model any different?

The old adage is that something is worth what somebody else is willing to pay for it. Only time will tell if the pricing that Spirit wishes to charge will hold. But they're in a business to make money, and offering a la carte services to consumers who find value in their travels.

My prediction for what's up next - charging passengers their fare by the pound.