One less fee: Spirit drops bag charges for military fliers

Spirit Airlines has long been synonymous with fees. The carrier touts its rock-bottom "Bare Fares," but it charges extra for nearly everything else. Spirit has even upped its bag fees in recent years for travel during the busy holiday period.

But the Florida-based low-cost carrier recently decided to strip one fee from the list, saying it has decided to join other big airlines in waiving bag fees for active members of the U.S. military.

Spirit announced last month that passengers who have an active military ID will not have to pay for carry-ons, nor will they be charged for checking two bags.

BOOKMARK: Go directly to the Today in the Sky homepage

"The best thing we can do for military members and their families is still to provide the lowest possible prices for air travel," new Spirit CEO Bob Fornaro said in a statement announcing the change. "We’re thrilled to make this move to honor the brave men and women who put their lives on the line for our freedom." 

Spirit's baggage fees currently range from $30 to $100, depending on whether you pay for your checked or carry-on bags at the time of booking or if you wait and pay at the gate. The minimum cost falls to $21 for those who have paid $59.99 to join Spirit's $9 Fare Club.

A number of other domestic carriers have already extended these benefits to active duty military members.

American and United allow military members to check three bags for free while traveling for personal or recreational reasons, while Delta allows them to check two at no charge. Military members may check up to five bags on those airlines when traveling on orders, depending on cabin class.

Alaska Airlines has one of the most generous baggage policy for U.S. servicemen and women, allowing up to five checked bags at no additional cost.

Jelisa Castrodale is contributor to Paste BN's Road Warrior Voices and she occasionally contributes to Ben Mutzabaugh's Today in the Sky blog.