Do you have a dumb question that you're kind of embarrassed to ask in the main thread? Is there something you're just not sure about?
This is your opportunity to ask questions. No question too simple or too silly.
Culture war topics are accepted, and proposals for a better intro post are appreciated.
Jump in the discussion.
No email address required.
Notes -
European airlines absolutely check the size (but not weight) of carry-on bags. Full-service airlines will gate check the bag for free if it is a close call, low-cost airlines will charge you double the usual checked bag fee because you didn't pre-order.
Low-cost airlines now also charge for overhead bin space (or bundle it with speedy boarding) - if you don't pay for bin space, your carry-on has to fit under the seat in front of you.
Yeah, I don't think US has a lot of those nickel-and-dime airlines - United has some attempt at it with "Basic" but that has many exceptions.
My understanding was that Spirit was the US equivalent of Ryanair (the scuzziest and most successful of the EU low-cost airlines). Southwest were low-cost once, but last time I was in the US they generally cost more than basic economy on the crappified full-service airlines.
But the thing that makes Ryanair so successful is that the underlying hard product just works. The planes get you from A to B, on time, and cheaply if you follow the easy-to-understand rules about things like bag sizes. I prefer Easyjet, but probably only because there is something about the aesthetics of stepping onto a Ryanair plane which somehow rubs in the fact that you must be falling out of the upper-middle class.
Interestingly, Southwest has the best default service package now - free checked bags, no change fees, etc.
More options
Context Copy link
Spirit is definitely seen as lower class.
More options
Context Copy link
More options
Context Copy link
More options
Context Copy link
More options
Context Copy link