Five Airlines Commit To Keep Carry-on Bags Free

Five major U.S. airlines committed to keep carry-on bags free building momentum for a service that has always been free for airline travelers.

Senator Charles Schumer, a Democrat from New York said he spoke with five major U.S. airlines and they committed and promised not to charge for carry-on bags. Airlines have been Senator Schumer's focus as he introduced a bill to put breaks on airline fees.

Currently airlines pay 7.5 cents tax on every dollar they charge for fares. There are no taxes on some other types of fees, such as charging for carry-on bags.

Two weeks ago Spirit Airlines announced it will charge 45 dollars for carry-on bags. Spirit airlines is a low cost airline that has even advertised tickets as low as one cent. Responding to consumer criticism Spirit Airlines says "consumers are free to make their own choices." However, what really happens is this. Airlines cut the price of the fare and lower their taxes. Then they charge for things like carry-on bags and there is no tax on those charges.

A clever strategy isn't it? This is what Senator Schumer wants to fight and put an end to these types of loopholes. Schumer got commitment not to charge for carry-on bags from the following five airlines.

American Airlines
Delta Airlines
JetBlue
United Airlines
US Airways