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Passenger group urges boycott of Spirit Airlines over carry-on fee

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A Washington, D.C.-based passenger-rights group is calling for the boycott of an airline that plans to charge passengers for bringing carry-on bags on the plane.

Beginning with flights that depart Aug.1, Florida-based Spirit Airlines plans to charge passengers $45 for carry-on bags that do not fit under the seat.

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The fee is $30 if purchased online.

The airline will waive the fee for certain carry-on items such as food, diaper bags, umbrellas, car seats, cameras and clothing.

The nonprofit Assn. for Airline Passenger Rights issued a statement Tuesday urging passengers to avoid flying on the airline as a protest against the proliferation of extra fees charged by airlines.

‘It begs the question, what is next? Are airlines such as Spirit Airlines going to begin charging its customers for seat belts,’ Brandon M. Macsata, executive director of the group, said in a statement. ‘Enough is enough and the flying public must take a stand against these egregious fees.’

A spokeswoman for the airline called the proposed boycott ‘absurd,’ comparing the group’s position to a fast food restaurant being forced to give away fries and a drink with each hamburger.

-- Hugo Martín

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