While almost all airlines have been charging passengers for checked baggage for some time now, some are now even beginning to charge for carry-on bags!  Spirit Airlines is the first to announce that they will be charging $20-45 for carry-ons that passengers place in overhead bins.  The cost will depend on whether you are a member of the airline’s fare club and also whether you pre-reserve the bag in advance.  Each passenger will still be able to bring on one personal item for free, such as a brief case or purse, or anything that fits under their seat.

The airline claims this will reduce the cost of airfare, and make travel safer, faster and more efficient by speeding up the boarding and exit processes.  The new carry-on fee will begin on all Spirit flights starting August 1^st, 2010.  So, when purchasing your airfare tickets, make sure you know all checked and carry-on baggage fees for all airlines.  Just because the airfare is the cheapest, does not mean that it will be the lowest cost flight.  If you are unsure of the fees, just ask your Fellowship Travel agent!