Asks Treasury Department To Ban Such Fees

New York Senator Charles Shumer (D) (pictured, below) said over the weekend that Spirit Airline's decision to charge passengers for carry-on bags is "a slap in the face to travelers," and he wants the Treasury Department to exempt luggage carried onto an airliner from additional fees. "Airline passengers have always had the right to bring a carry-on bag without having to worry about getting nickeled and dimed by an airline company," Schumer said.

Spirit airlines announced last week that it would begin charging $45 for a carry-on bag, but had reduced that charge to $40 for most passengers. The fee apparently is legal.

The Associated Press reports that the issue falls to the Treasury Department because it is considered a tax issue.

Schumer argues that carry-on bags are where passengers pack medicines and necessities. The airline does still allow a "personal item" to come on board for free, and exempted some items, like diaper bags, from the fees.

Spirit Airline CEO said the fee is intended to get people to pay for the things that they want while keeping the base fares low. That base fare is what determines the tax paid on the ticket.

Schumer said he will introduce legislation in the U.S. Senate to address the situation.

FMI: http://schumer.senate.gov/, www.spiritair.com