March 8, 2007: In an attempt to liberate customers from being forced into paying for services they do not desire or use, US airline Spirit Airlines has unveiled a new fare structure. This includes fees for all checked bags.

According to the Fort Lauderdale-based LCC, it will cut fares by as much as 40 per cent and impose the new fee system for all flights, starting June 20. A report said that customers will be given the allowance of one carry-on bag with the option to check additional bags for a fee. The first two checked bags will be $5 each if booked online or $10 apiece if checked at the airport, with a third bag costing $100. The carrier will charge $1 for each cup of soda, coffee or juice a passenger drinks during flight, the report added.

According to another report, Spirit Air becomes the first American airline to charge for checked bags but follows Flybe, Ryanair, Aer Lingus and Norwegian in imposing baggage fees. Meanwhile, Air Canada offers discounts for customers who do not check bags and British Airways limits the number and size of checked bags based on flight distance and is charging up to $231 for excess bags, the report pointed out.

In the meantime, United Airlines and American Airlines have said they are also considering fees to address rising handling costs effectively. These airlines might offer low fares by enabling customers to pay for only those options they want.