Schumer Continues on the Carry-On War Path

I'm sure that anyone that follows travel news has heard by now about Spirit Airlines' new fee for carry-on bags that do not fit under the seat. The fee, which varies depending on when the fee is paid and if the traveler is a member of the $9 Fare Club, can be as high as $45.

Senator Charles Schumer, a Democrat from New York, has been criticizing the fee, calling carry-ons essential. And he's made five airlines make promises to him that they will not follow Spirit here.

To be honest, I can't say that I support Sen. Schumer here. Not that I really enjoy the fact that Spirit is charging for carry-ons. But Sen. Schumer seems to gleefully ignore that Spirit is allowing small carry-ons for free, plus has a bunch of exemptions for essential items like strollers and assistive devices. Plus, I'm concerned about the precedent here. Should a Senator be allowed to bully airlines? Yes, Spirit's policy might not be popular, but that's what we've come to expect from them - a cheap fare that just represents a butt in the seat.

If Spirit's policy is so horrible, then people will stop flying them, and the airline will change its ways. We don't need the government to poke its nose here.

Read more at USA Today.