Spirit Adds Surcharge to Last-Minute Bag Fees

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

See recent posts by Carl Unger

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Spirit has added a surcharge to baggage fees purchased within 24 hours of departure: Customers will now pay an extra $5 online and $10 by phone. For context, this means a first checked bag, purchased online within 24 hours of departure, would cost $32 (less for members of Spirit’s fare club).

The surcharge applies to both checked and carry-on bags.

Of course, this being Spirit, the airline is encouraging people to take advantage of its new “early bird discount” and pay their fee in advance. So: By adding a surcharge, the old fee now represents “savings”? That’s quite a feat of intellectual gymnastics!

Spirit also recently lowered its weight limits for checked bags, from 50 pounds to 40. Customers will now pay $25 for bags weighing between 41 and 50 pounds.

For a full list of baggage fees, check out our Ultimate Guide to Airline Fees.

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