Tiger Aiways Ponders Carry-on Bag Fee

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Tiger Aiways ponders carry-on bag fee

Source: news.com.au

TIGER Airways has refused to rule out charging for carry-on luggage after US-based Spirit Airlines became the first to slug passengers for the privilege.

Spirit is forging new ground in an industry trend to boost ancillary revenues by charging $US45 ($48) for carry-on luggage at the boarding gate or $US30 if passengers book ahead.

The charge does not apply to personal items that can be stored under a seat such as laptops and briefcases, and items such as umbrellas, cameras, infant nappy bags and strollers, The Australian reports.

US airlines have been particularly aggressive in charging passengers for extras and now regularly hit travellers $US20-$US30 for checked baggage, a move adopted by Jetstar, Tiger and Virgin Blue but not by Qantas.

Tiger, which has signalled it wants to boost ancillary revenues, says it won't rule anything out.

"We continue to listen and respond to our customers, who tell us they want the absolute lowest airfare and they don't want their fare to subsidise someone else's lunch or extra baggage,'' Tiger commercial director Steve Burns said.

"If you use less, you should pay less."

However, Virgin Blue and Jetstar said they had no plans to charge for carry-on baggage.

"While we observe international trends, we simply have no plans to alter our existing suite and choice of fare products,'' Jetstar spokesman Simon Westaway said.

The move to charge for checked luggage in the US has seen a surge in cabin baggage as hard-pressed travellers try to avoid the fees. Problems with carry-on have led to delays and arguments as bins fill up and people scramble to find places to stow their luggage.

The move comes as Europe's Ryanair is pushing ahead with moves to charge people to use toilets on flights and planning to reduce the number of bathrooms to make room for more seats.