Myrtle Beach, SC -
By Evan Lambert - bio | email
MYRTLE BEACH, SC (WMBF) - Spirit Airlines rolled out new fees for carry-on luggage Sunday and travelers at Myrtle Beach International Airport are giving mixed reviews.
The self described low-cost airline will charge passengers $30 to carry on a bag that doesn't fit under the seat. Passengers can pay the new fee online, at check-in or face a $45 charge at the gate.
"When I booked the flight they don't tell you that in a day they're going to change their policies," said Nicole Schneider, who was flying home to New York with some friends. "Obviously, I have to pay it so I paid it, but it will probably hinder my chances of booking with Spirit again."
Schneider said she's more likely to book with other airlines that don't charge for carry-on bags in the future.
"Airlines like Delta and American, they don't charge you for a carry-on," she said.
She wasn't the only one to take issue with paying extra to fly.
"If you have to charge, maybe $5 would do it," Betsy Hoagland said. "I'd be willing to pay something like that; $30 is a little outrageous, a little steep."
But others don't agree and say they'll continue to fly the discount airline.
"I think it's fair because the carry-on bags hold up other passengers who have already checked in their bags," said passenger Julia McLaurin.
According to Spirit, it has lowered the price of fares across the board, and it says that even with the new charge the total cost of the average flight is still less than other airlines.
The company says the implementation of the carry-on charge has gone well across the country.
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