Do Carry On Fees Hurt Affordable Travellers?

Sprint airline in the US has just announced that it will add a user fee for carry on baggage. Does this make affordable travel airfares less affordable? Not so according to Sprint. They say they have reduced their airfares by up to $45 and the new fee for carry on will range between $25 and $40.

Personally I am a carry on only traveller or at least was until all of the security restrictions hit (seems to be getting better now and there is a general return to carry on). I love the freedom of getting off the plan and going. I hate waiting for luggage. However, as someone who always looks for the most affordable travel options I am actually okay with this fee structure. Why? If the rates have been reduced and they are clear about the fees, then you can make an educated decision on whether or not to take a Sprint flight. So I do not see why there is a whole lot of "to do" about this new policy.

On the other hand I really don't get the reason for the fee. Does it not cost as much or more labour for checked luggage?

In any case, as always buyer beware. Know the airline policies and look for the airline that meets your needs the best to ensure you get the most affordable travel airfares for your situation. If you don't take carry on, this new policy will not affect you. If however you do take carry on, seems like you will net out the same on Sprint as before or even save a few bucks.

Happy Affordable Travel!

Affordable Travel Airfares - Flight Passes

Every time I receive in my email inbox a notification about a special on flight passes, I hope that this time they really will be an affordable travel option. And with each opening of the email my hopes fade.

I just don't get the value of these things. Yes, it is true that they do offer some flexibility that a regular airfare ticket does not however each time I do the math ($10500/30 flights or 15 return flights = $700 for say a ticket to Boston or NYC) This does not seem to offer any value. I can buy a ticket for under $400 to NYC or Boston.

This morning Air Canada sent an email offering 8 free flight passes for the purchase of a business flight pass, however even at $10500 (for the US commuter) these additional passes are not awarded. You have to buy a more expensive pass. Not great value.

For affordable travel airfares, you are still better to watch for the weekly specials and book those.

Happy Affordable Travel!