Five say no fee, carry-ons free!

From MSNBC:

“We believe it is something that’s important to our customers and they value, and we will continue making that available to them at no charge,” American Airlines spokesman Roger Frizzell said.

New York Sen. Charles Schumer said Sunday that American, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, US Airways and JetBlue Airways each have committed to him that they would not institute fees for carry-on bags. He said he was hopeful other carriers would follow suit.

Notably absent from the list was Continental Airlines, which is said to be in merger talks with United.

(Thanks to super traveler Monte for the heads-up.)

Update on April 18, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

Announced by a Senator? Political arm twisting involved? I suspect we’ll learn more at the week unfolds. Maybe this is an opportunity to set some standards — a uniform weight & size limit in exchange for the no-fee pledge???

Update on April 18, 2010 by Frank@OBOW

Cranky’s Carry-on Guide for Misinformed Senators

Comments

[Monte]

Its a win win day. We don't get those very often.

[Andy Mesa]

This is bullsh*t. I'm still 100% behind Spirit; I'm all for carry-on fees and any other kind of fees if it means lower fares. If Spirit has indeed lowered their fares more than the cost of their carry-on fees, *and* you choose to bring a carry-on that fits under the seat (which is free with Spirit), then you shouldn't be punished because other people are unwilling or unable to do the same.

I love airlines like Ryanair and Easyjet for their ridiculously cheap seats (I took a €10 flight from Madrid to Valencia!). Many don't, and it's your prerogative not to patronize them, but don't spoil it for the rest of us that appreciate the value and are willing to make reasonable sacrifices for them.

[Monte]

Andy, I, for one. would like to say thanks for sharing your feelings and point of view on the subject. Your robust rhetoric is refreshing as is your expression of interest in potential fares on carry-ons. Us one-baggers will give your comments a thorough consideration. Do you have any other flying experience other than between Madrid and Valencia to draw on?

[Andy Mesa]

I fly on a very regular basis, that was just an example of a very cheap flight that could only be made that cheap due to the abundance of fees Ryanair charges for everything else.

That trip was part of a much longer three month tour of Europe, through 20 countries and 50 major cities and regions.

[Andy Mesa]

I intend to do another longer trip around the world starting this December with a Patagonia Lightweight Travel Duffel, whose dimensions are roughly within the limits Spirit allows for free (17x12x10). Carry-on limits around the world are far more strict than the FAA's, and I found the need to drop from my usual 20-22 lbs carry-on down to 15 lbs.

[Frank@OBOW]

Andy - I think 6 and 7 kg is not uncommon, so you're right. If you only have the one bag you can proably talk your way on even if you a pound or two over. We'll talk before you go - OBOW readers will want to follow this one!