I'm kind of impressed by Spirit Airlines' new carry-on baggage fee.

[randomness]

And it looks like Congress is too: http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-04-13/spirit-s-carry-on-bag-fees-draws-senate-bill-to-ban-practice.html

Carrying a bag onto a Spirit flight will cost passengers $45 at the gate, or $30 if paid in advance, starting in August

Even AirAsia and Ryanair haven't thought of that one...but I'm guessing they'll try now.

Comments

[sarakate.livejournal.com]

I agree that knowing that it's only the overhead bags makes a difference. Also, I noted from the article that people paying the fee also get priority boarding -- so they get on first, get their stuff stowed and are out of the way, and people who aren't paying the fee know that there's no expectation of getting overhead space, which at least removes the uncertainty you get with most systems, about whether you get to keep your stuff with you or will end up having to have it gate-checked, and gets rid of the ridiculously long time people toward the middle of the pack spend trying to find a place to stash a bag.