Spirit Airlines has long been known as the airline that charges a fee for nearly everything: checked bags, carry-on bags, seat selection, and water, just to name a few. In a change of pace, the budget carrier recently announced it would no longer charge active duty military members fees on some of their bags. 

Spirit quietly announced the change in late February, saying it would allow servicemembers to check two bags and bring along one carry-on for free.

Active duty military members who have already paid for their bags on an upcoming Spirit flight can receive a refund at one of the airline’s ticket counters.

“We are very pleased to take this step to honor the men and women who protect us every day,” Robert Fornaro, Spirit Airlines’ new CEO, who took over for Ben Baldanza in January, said in a statement. “This is the right thing to do and the right time to implement this change.”

Spirit’s baggage fees have been some of the highest for U.S. carriers, with charges vary depending on when a passenger chooses to check the luggage.

For example, an upcoming flight between Baltimore and Chicago shows standard fees ranging from $35 for carry-ons paid for during booking to $100 at if purchased at the gate.

The first checked bag for that flight ranges from $30 if done at time of booking to $100 if checked at the gate.

“The best thing we can do for military members and their families is still to provide the lowest possible prices for air travel…this is the first of many steps Spirit is taking to improve the overall customer experience,” Fornaro said in a statement.

[via The Los Angeles Times]

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