Spirit personal item crackdown

[kittylady1972]

Just a warning for those of you who, like us, fly Spirit and chose not to pay for luggage ($44 RT ticket...yes please!), you need to make sure your "backpack" fits the personal item guidelines.

Our trip this week was a flight out of BWI on Tuesday and back from MCO on Wednesday. Both flights were FULL.

We fly Spirit very regularly, usually only with our free "personal" item but sometimes I will pay for a carry-on item if it's a longer trip. I will say I always have found it odd that some people carry "BACKPACKS" that are fat and fully stuffed that even I know won't fit in the Spirit free personal item bin. I rarely see them checking those people. Now my "backpack" is actually pretty large, but well within the personal item guidelines as it is long and thin instead of short and fat.

Experience this last Tuesday, full flight, the Agent scanning the tickets was checking EVERY passenger with their personal item and sending anybody even questionable over to have their bag checked. It was chaotic a bit for sure, but there was a group on our flight with older teens who all had some very FAT and full backpacks that clearly were not going to fit in the personal item bin...and didn't...so I'm guessing the fees they paid for those bags were about $100 each. I wonder if it would have been better to remove some of items and replace them honestly but of course I don't know. I only know that they were serious about checking those bigger backpacks this time, and so if this is how you roll with Spirit you may want to be aware. It's so easy to check at any of the Spirit counters when you arrive (not even at your own gate) so you know what to expect. I do it every time just for sanity, as sometimes my bag is a bit stuffed and I have to rearrange things. But it works.

They did pull me aside as well, I took my bag over to the Agent who was in the middle of charging that family of large backpack people, but I put my item in the bin and the Agent told the ticket Agent I was good...I was able to bypass the boarding line and take the Group 1 line instead so I could proceed.

I own no less than 3 different Spirit friendly personal item bags...two with wheels and one without...and I never have an issue. I know sometimes I will get pulled aside, and while annoying it is only fair. After all, did I mention my ticket was $44 round trip?

So please, check your item and don't try to test the Spirit system! I would hate for people to think that just because they only have a backpack they are good. Not all backpacks are equal!

 

[sam_gordon]

Hey @kittylady1972, just an FYI, for those of us using dark mode, purple text is hard to read...
No, you don't have to change, just being honest that I'm more likely to skip your posts than read it because of your choice.

 

[_19disnA]

Many of the cut rate airlines will try to nickel/dime you on any number of things. This isn't a new thing. People often think they can bet away with bringing larger bags onto the airplane and when full, this is one area where they will charge you extra.

 

[kittylady1972]

Hey @kittylady1972, just an FYI, for those of us using dark mode, purple text is hard to read...View attachment 870050
No, you don't have to change, just being honest that I'm more likely to skip your posts than read it because of your choice.

Very interesting...I would guess a lot of the "colors" other than white would cause the same concern. Hmmm...thanks for letting me know.

Many of the cut rate airlines will try to nickel/dime you on any number of things. This isn't a new thing. People often think they can bet away with bringing larger bags onto the airplane and when full, this is one area where they will charge you extra.

No argument but also not the point of the post, the same point could be made with any "regular" airline and their baggage weight limits.

My point was simply to warn those who think a "backpack" just because it is such still needs to conform to the limits set forth by the airlines. Of course, I've also read about airlines cutting back on bringing pillows unless they fit in carry ons as well, but I haven't seen anybody stopped for their neck pillows yet and being forced to shove them into their bags. I'm sure it could happen though.

 

[miksicnarf]

Of course, I've also read about airlines cutting back on bringing pillows unless they fit in carry ons as well, but I haven't seen anybody stopped for their neck pillows yet and being forced to shove them into their bags. I'm sure it could happen though.

I flew Southwest last week and they specifically announced before each of my 4 flights that neck pillows are considered a personal item. I shoved mine into my underseat bag as did everyone else I noticed with one.

 

[greeneyedchick]

Frontier considers neck pillows your personal items, too. And Frontier also makes everyone put their personal items in the sizing bin. Even worse, they won't let you push any part of it down. If even a strap sticks out, they were making people pay to check their bags. I was livid! I didn't have to get my checked but our plane was already over an hour late, and it took almost another hour to have everyone put their luggage in the size checker. When I got on the flight, the flight attendant asked me why boarding was being delayed so much. When I told her, she explained that Frontier was giving a $10 bonus to the boarding people for each bag that was "oversized" which was why they were so overzealous in checking everyone's. I haven't flown them since.

 

[miksicnarf]

Just had a thought...I've seen ads lately for "neck pillows" that are to be used as "luggage." Basically an empty pillow cover that can be stuffed with clothing or whatever. I'm guessing the airlines got wise to that and are eliminating that loophole. Wonder how much longer we'll be allowed to wear a jacket...

 

[sam_gordon]

Just had a thought...I've seen ads lately for "neck pillows" that are to be used as "luggage." Basically an empty pillow cover that can be stuffed with clothing or whatever. I'm guessing the airlines got wise to that and are eliminating that loophole. Wonder how much longer we'll be allowed to wear a jacket...

I can't imagine that's the reason. My guess is people bringing neck pillows, may not want them for a specific flight, then putting them in overhead bins, taking up room.

 

[Keladry84]

I can't imagine that's the reason. My guess is people bringing neck pillows, may not want them for a specific flight, then putting them in overhead bins, taking up room.

I suspect it’s actually a safety issue because it appears to be federally mandated and has been showing up as a restriction at all airlines. I’ve flown on both Southwest and American recently where it has been strictly enforced (and from this thread appears to be the case for Spirit as well). If it were an overhead space issue or trying to prevent getting around luggage amounts, it wouldn’t be near as likely to be showing up simultaneously at multiple airlines. It makes sense though….If the airplane needs to be evacuated quickly having less loose items around makes it easier for people to move without tripping or getting distracted wanting to take their items with them.

 

[Lewisc]

Just had a thought...I've seen ads lately for "neck pillows" that are to be used as "luggage." Basically an empty pillow cover that can be stuffed with clothing or whatever. I'm guessing the airlines got wise to that and are eliminating that loophole. Wonder how much longer we'll be allowed to wear a jacket...

Definitely a factor.

I suspect it’s actually a safety issue because it appears to be federally mandated and has been showing up as a restriction at all airlines. I’ve flown on both Southwest and American recently where it has been strictly enforced (

Too many pax were adding on...personal item AND pocketbook, pillow, bag with souvenirs, stuffed animals and bag with food for the flight.

It's easier to enforce only ONE item then start the slippery slope.

 

[sam_gordon]

it appears to be federally mandated

Based on?

 

[Keladry84]

Based on?

Announcements that they make before each flight giving the reason.

 

[sam_gordon]

Announcements that they make before each flight giving the reason.

The announcement about "federal law allows you to have one carryon and one personal item"? I thought you were saying there was a federal mandate about counting neck pillows.

 

[Keladry84]

The announcement about "federal law allows you to have one carryon and one personal item"? I thought you were saying there was a federal mandate about counting neck pillows.

Multiple airlines are including this and stating the federal law for the reason. Including neck pillows/blankets seems to have been a recent change, within the last year or so. That heavily implies it is included under a unified code/mandate as it would be unlikely to have all airlines decide to make the same assessment at the same time without having some centralized guideline.

 

[sam_gordon]

I've often wondered if there was a federal mandate limiting the amount of carry on bags, and now that I look, I don't think so...

This (from the FAA) makes no mention of a limit (other than one imposed by the airline). https://www.faa.gov/travelers/prepare_fly/baggage#:~:text=The maximum size carry-on,seat in front of you.

This (also from the FAA) specifies the FAR regarding in cabin baggage and also doesn't mention a limit (other than one imposed the by the airline): https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/about/initiatives/cabin_safety/regs/acob211.pdf

Here's the actual FAR: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/121.589

ETA: Yes, the airlines are claiming there's a limit, but from what I read, the FAA approves the "carry on baggage program" submitted by the airline. So if an airline wanted to say "every passenger gets five carry on bags", the FAA would approve it, as long as all bags are properly stowed.

 

[Keladry84]

I've often wondered if there was a federal mandate limiting the amount of carry on bags, and now that I look, I don't think so...

This (from the FAA) makes no mention of a limit (other than one imposed by the airline). https://www.faa.gov/travelers/prepare_fly/baggage#:~:text=The maximum size carry-on,seat in front of you.

This (also from the FAA) specifies the FAR regarding in cabin baggage and also doesn't mention a limit (other than one imposed the by the airline): https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/about/initiatives/cabin_safety/regs/acob211.pdf

Here's the actual FAR: https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/14/121.589

ETA: Yes, the airlines are claiming there's a limit, but from what I read, the FAA approves the "carry on baggage program" submitted by the airline. So if an airline wanted to say "every passenger gets five carry on bags", the FAA would approve it, as long as all bags are properly stowed.

This is interesting. Both Southwest/American have explicitly told us in the instructions for boarding that the limit including blankets/pillows is due to FAA regulations. The links you provided state that the limits are in accordance with "an approved carry-on baggage program in its operations specifications" - I wonder if having that specification is now part of how an airline would get FAA approval for their procedures? If not, then both Southwest/American are blatantly lying about the reason. (I can't state to Spirit as I haven't flown then/heard their reasoning).

 

[sam_gordon]

This is interesting. Both Southwest/American have explicitly told us in the instructions for boarding that the limit including blankets/pillows is due to FAA regulations. The links you provided state that the limits are in accordance with "an approved carry-on baggage program in its operations specifications" - I wonder if having that specification is now part of how an airline would get FAA approval for their procedures? If not, then both Southwest/American are blatantly lying about the reason. (I can't state to Spirit as I haven't flown then/heard their reasoning).

I'm ASSUMING the airline shows the FAA "here's our carry-on baggage program". FAA approves it, therefore, the airline considers it an FAA requirement.

I mean, I guess it IS an FAA requirement that the airline follow the program as it's approved. Seems at least a slight stretch, but if it's the airline's policy, a passenger would still have to follow it.

 

[Keladry84]

I'm ASSUMING the airline shows the FAA "here's our carry-on baggage program". FAA approves it, therefore, the airline considers it an FAA requirement.

I mean, I guess it IS an FAA requirement that the airline follow the program as it's approved. Seems at least a slight stretch, but if it's the airline's policy, a passenger would still have to follow it.

Very true. It almost seems to be a chicken or the egg question….is it an FAA requirement to sign off on the airline’s policy, or did the airline initiate it and it became a requirement through the faa approval? I don’t think that’s one we can know without having someone inside the process.

 

[mickeyluv'r]

This is interesting. Both Southwest/American have explicitly told us in the instructions for boarding that the limit including blankets/pillows is due to FAA regulations. The links you provided state that the limits are in accordance with "an approved carry-on baggage program in its operations specifications" - I wonder if having that specification is now part of how an airline would get FAA approval for their procedures? If not, then both Southwest/American are blatantly lying about the reason. (I can't state to Spirit as I haven't flown then/heard their reasoning).

Yes, but listen to the wording. I don't recall the wording, and they did mention the FAA, but when I listened carefully, it seemed to me more that they were saying the FAA now allowed the airlines to count pillows as carry-on items.

And this coincides with the changes in fees the airlines can charge/required refunds:

• Canceled or significantly changed flights: Passengers will be entitled to a refund if their flight is canceled or significantly changed, and they do not accept alternative transportation or travel credits offered. For the first time, the rule defines “significant change.” Significant changes to a flight include departure or arrival times that are more than 3 hours domestically and 6 hours internationally; departures or arrivals from a different airport; increases in the number of connections; instances where passengers are downgraded to a lower class of service; or connections at different airports or flights on different planes that are less accessible or accommodating to a person with a disability.
• Significantly delayed baggage return: Passengers who file a mishandled baggage report will be entitled to a refund of their checked bag fee if it is not delivered within 12 hours of their domestic flight arriving at the gate, or 15-30 hours of their international flight arriving at the gate, depending on the length of the flight.
• Extra services not provided: Passengers will be entitled to a refund for the fee they paid for an extra service — such as Wi-Fi, seat selection, or inflight entertainment — if an airline fails to provide this service.

I think they went into effect this past spring. Makes sense the airlines would try to push back in some way.

 

[Genie+]

I suspect it’s actually a safety issue because it appears to be federally mandated and has been showing up as a restriction at all airlines. I’ve flown on both Southwest and American recently where it has been strictly enforced (and from this thread appears to be the case for Spirit as well). If it were an overhead space issue or trying to prevent getting around luggage amounts, it wouldn’t be near as likely to be showing up simultaneously at multiple airlines. It makes sense though….If the airplane needs to be evacuated quickly having less loose items around makes it easier for people to move without tripping or getting distracted wanting to take their items with them.

Yeah - and the need for everything to be stowed for takeoff and landing might have something to do with these neck pillows (which are not regulated like airline pillows where turbulence/safety is concerned).

With so many people wanting to put all belongings in the overhead bins to avoid baggage fees yet not take up room in small seat area, overhead bins often pass capacity. If it’s all not fitting for take off anymore something has to give and loopholes need to get closed.