Allegiant Air Dings Passengers An Additional Fee For Carry-On Stowage

If you thought you were going to save some money by carrying your roller bag onto an Allegiant Air flight ... think again. Beginning Wednesday, passengers who book a flight on the regional airline will be charged $35 for the use of the overhead bins. Passengers who bought tickets on the airline prior to Wednesday will not be charged the new fee.

Las Vegas-Based Allegiant follows Florida-based Spirit Airlines, which began charging $45 for overhead stowage last year. While the move was panned by consumer groups and drew a threat of legislation from Congress, the fee remains in place and passengers seem resigned to paying it, according to a story appearing in USA Today.

Allegiant will offer a discount to passengers who will own up to bringing a bag onto the airplane when they book online. The lower charge will likely be between $10 and $15, depending on the flight, according to spokesman Brian Davis.

Davis said the airline will monitor customer reaction to the fee, but he thinks that it will be accepted.

He said rising fuel prices are a part of the equation, but the airline is also noticing slower boarding as passengers stow their bags in the overhead bin. He said he hopes passengers will re-think how they pack, and will be more willing to check bulky luggage. He also said if they pack lighter, it will help the airline save fuel in the long run.

FMI: www.allegiantair.com