Spirit Airlines wants to charge for customer service

Todd Wright of NBC Miami reports that the same airline that has announced a $45 charge to bring luggage on a flight is at it again. The airline, in an effort to give customers the " absolute lowest possible base fare" has announced that it will begin charging customers for customer service. Unlike a few banks that charge for live customer support via phone, this charge would occur if a customer asks for help from a customer service representative at the airport. According to a Spirit representative, "This is all part of Spirit’s business model to offer customers the absolute lowest possible base fare and then give customers the purchasing power to choose what they do and don’t want to add on," Spirit released in a statement. "Although we won’t be charging to use the bathroom, because this is a necessity to getting from point A to point B, we are always reviewing a variety of possibilities that would allow us to lower fares by unbundling options from the base fare that are not necessary."

Should customers be charged for customer service simply to get a lower price? We'd like to hear your thoughts.

Spirit Airlines looking at profits over customers

I came across a recent article that looked at how Spirit Airlines has begun charging for carry on luggage in addition to checked luggage. While they charge for checked bags, this new rule allows for individuals to carry anything on that will fit under the seat, but charge for anything that must go in an overhead bin.

While customers were clearly not in mind when this decision was made, who much will it affect those already flying Spirit Airlines? This is a budget airline, so fliers do fly it in order to save their money. So will they be willing to spend a few extra dollars to bring a bag on board? Or will this new fee result in customers looking to other airlines? They may be able to spend the same amount of money on another airline and carry their luggage on.

What do you think a decision like this does for the customer?

Read the full reaction article from Brent Batten here.