Spirit Airlines Defends Carry-On Baggage Fee

The president of Spirit Airlines says there’s been no significant fallout from his new charge for carry-on bags.

Ben Baldanza defends his business model in a nationally broadcast interview while acknowledging it didn’t sit well in some quarters. He joked that he’d never consider charging for bathroom use.

Appearing with Baldanza on NBC’s “Today” show, Sen. Charles Schumer said Spirit set a bad precedent by charging up to $45 for carry-on bags and said he hopes competitors don’t follow suit. The New York Democrat said there might be legislation if the trend continues.

Baldanza said carry-on fees “can cause some outrage,” but said Spirit simultaneously lowered its air fare and its passengers aren’t paying appreciably more than before.

Schumer Gets His Gal

Chuck Schumer is getting his wish.  Kirsten Gillibrand the anti-gun control, low-profile upstate congresswoman is going to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate.  Liberal downstate politicos are furious, Long Islander Carolyn McCarthey is so upset that she’s promised to challenge Gillibrand in the 2010 primary.  McCarthey lost her husband in a shooting on the Long Island Railroad so gun control is a very important issue for her. 

Wonder if Gillibrand will be joining Schumer for his regular Sunday afternoon press conferences?