DCAJetboy Blog: What Spirit Airlines Really Started...

    As of this writing, Spirit Airlines still plans to begin charging passengers for carry-on bags that do not fit underneath a seat, starting August 1st.  Almost immediately following the airline’s announcement, there were cries of foul from not only consumers, but from the halls of Congress.  Currently, seven U.S. senators have already backed proposed legislation concerning these carry-on fees.  Taking the lead on this effort is the senior senator from New York, Charles Shumer.

    But the best quote against carry-on fees came from Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen of New Hampshire in a recent Los Angeles Times article.  She called the fees "skyway robbery."  A great quote created by some unknown congressional staffer.  Now, lawmakers are suggesting that they will try to stop or hinder airlines from making passengers pay these fees by imposing a tax on all airline revenue collected from such charges.  Now, personally, would I fly an airline that charges me for a carry-on bag?  My answer is simple –  “no.”  However, the important part of that answer comes from my choice in making that decision.  The choice to pay or not to pay such a fee is mine and should be.  And an airline should have the right to implement these charges if that airline believes it is important for its bottom line.

    Why would I defend airlines that “nickel and dime” their passengers?

    Because for every Spirit Airlines, there will continue to be a Southwest Airlines in the market place ready to embarrass the competition with advertising that reminds the consumer that they have a choice when flying.  My concern over the just announced carry-on fees is Congress’ reaction.  Why is it that the U.S. Congress feels the need to protect the American travel consumers from a competitive marketplace?  It seems if one wants to find look true competition in air travel, one has to go across the Atlantic Ocean and fly European discount air carriers.  When did Europe become the bastion of capitalism?

    In Europe, discount airlines sell their tickets exclusively over their websites or the phone.  These airlines do not use travel agents to book additional passengers.  Some of these airlines are even ticketless so that when you arrive at the airport to check-in, you only need two items: your passport and confirmation number.

    There are some drawbacks.  Some European discount airlines that use boarding passes will charge you for printing your boarding pass at the airport.  Most have specific fees for any checked luggage.  Often your checked bags may cost you what you expected to pay for the ticket on your flight.  The pricing structure for a European discount carrier can be complex.  Fares fluctuate to the extreme.  So much so that fares can change on an hourly basis, if not simply on demand alone.  And for every fare that is as low as £1 or £2 ($1.50 or $3.00) from London, based on a special promotion, there are other fares that can run as high as £500 ($768.25) for the return flight from a destination such as Geneva during a high travel season.

    But for all these wild economic dynamics for the air traveler in Europe, there is competition -- something that may become extinct if Congress feels the need to step in and tell airlines what charges they may or may not pass on to the consumer.  As of this past Sunday, five of the nation's largest airlines -- American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, US Airways and JetBlue Airways have promised not to add a carry-on bag fee.  But the question has to be asked: was this decision made due to the results of the ire of air travelers rising to levels unforeseen by the airlines or was it the airline executives’ fear of the wrath of Congress? 

    Because in the end if we accept a deregulated airline industry, which we have today, then we better start accepting and not complaining about the results the marketplace provides.  As consumers, we can respond with our choices in travel.  But if we want a regulated airline industry – then we need to get Congress to work on that big and complex issue.  This question may be the real dilemma facing the American travel consumer, not carry-on baggage fees.