Spirit Airlines says first day of new carry-on bag fees is going smoothly

Spirit Airlines: no hitch with carry-on fees

NEW YORK — Spirit Airlines says it is gaining ground in the fight against flight delays with its controversial move to charge for carry-on bags.

The new fees took effect Sunday. Spirit spokeswoman Misty Pinson says initial signs look promising.

Since airlines started charging for checked luggage, more flyers have brought carry-on bags on board. Spirit’s new fee is aimed at discouraging passengers from stuffing the overhead bins because it often takes extra time to get bags settled.

Spirit is charging $30 at check-in for any bag that’s too big to fit under the seat. The price goes up to $45 for passengers who wait until they get to the boarding gate to pay.

“The check-in process is going well so far,” Pinson said Sunday afternoon. “It looks like this is going to speed things up.”