For a much-needed break from mask-related travel misbehavior, we turn to Spirit Airlines. Yet the matter is no joke: two gate agents were seriously injured in a nasty attack arising from a carry-on dispute.
Spirit Airlines Gate Agents Attacked Over Carry-On Dispute
The incident occurred in Detroit Metro Airport (DTW) and involved three passengers and two gate agents. While attempting to board Flight 646 to Atlanta, “Three passengers attacked our agents without provocation” according to a Spirit Airlines spokesperson.
Even a decade after introducing carry-on fees, Spirit’s education campaign continues to lag. Customers accustomed to complimentary larger carry-on items on other carriers are often shocked when hit with carry-on fees at the airport that are even more expensive than baggage fees. Here, the gate agents asked the three passengers to place their carry-on items in a sizer in the boarding gate area.
Spirit Airlines charges for larger carry-on items on a rolling basis and those who pay at the gate face the highest fee, currently $65 per item. Spirit says this is to dissuade selfish people from slowing down the boarding process and delaying the flight, but many honest people have learned of carry-on fees for the first time when trying to board.
Here, the passengers were shocked when they were told their carry-on items were too large. But despite efforts by the gate agents to defuse the situation (according to Spirit Airlines), the opposite occurred and the agents were “physically assaulted” by the men. One was even taken to a hospital after the attack.
Video below shows the tangle, with a baby pulled away just one time. No masks either.
Two passengers were arrested while one was cited and released. All three have been banned from Spirit Airlines.
A Spirt Airlines spokesperson added:
“All of us at Spirit wish the agents a speedy recovery and thank them for their courage and professionalism. We also thank law enforcement for responding quickly and arresting those involved in the attack. This violent behavior is completely unacceptable and has absolutely no place in airports or any other place of business. We will not tolerate abusive behavior of any kind and these passengers will be banned from any future travel with Spirit. Further questions about this incident should be referred to law enforcement.”
Amen, Spirt…this violent behavior is completely unacceptable.
CONCLUSION
While I don’t have a problem with Spirit’s a la carte approach to travel, I do have a problem with its failure to educate its customers about how it charges for carry-on fees. Nevertheless, even righteous anger does not excuse physical assault. The passengers should face harsh fines and flight bans for their poor behavior.
Yawn…..let me know when they’re prosecuted.
Let me know when they are behind bars and placed on the no fly list permanently.
Ni g…act like orangutans all time should go back to jungles,why they allow to planes put them in trucks..
What horrific sentiment. I’m leaving this comment for all to see your racism, but it is disgusting.
Please Spirit employed are over that business, I have a camera and a backpack I was forced to paid 65 bones for that backpack, Maria, at FLL airport try hard for me to paid,, ELSA who was tentative to my tenure explain to Maria and let me off the hook I was about to give them my 2 senses of
Yeah just like those capitol terrorists white trash
It talks about the fees on the website. It has numerous pop-ups that warn you that you will face higher fees at the airport. If people learned to read.
Sam Tilder after attempting to decipher your poor rhetoric about African Americans it has been decided that your comment is null and void because you are a degenerate who was cheated of a proper education due to being raised in a backwoods trailer park. Are you mad because Trump is no longer in office? While I do not condone the behavior displayed by these individuals I do not condone public racist comments either.
Look at the animals starting the trouble uneducated… entitled scum
Uneducated animals…
I don’t fly Spirit but I did book a flight for my daughter about 3 years ago. The information about baggage charges are on their website.
Exactly double standard…pooh racist..lol
Somebody call Rev Al Sharpton!
You get what you pay for! (Meaning the clientele of customers) It is entertaining though…There is a big reason not to fly spirit. You might wind up with a black eye!!!! Lol!!!!
Lol.. u took the exact words out of my mouth..its sad…how they dont know how to act..
I have traveled spirit many times…so my last trip I get to gate they tell me I have to check my bag…65$…excuse me….mind u I am traveling with the same DUFFEL bag I’ve used on flights before and stored overhead at no charge….at least 3 others were at the gate with same problem…some had the extra 65 some didnt….I knew it was just a matter of time…but on top if that the agent at the gate was nasty about it…
Yes, I had to leave a suitcase (actually more of a very small rolling carry on size bag that was less than 18 × 18 ) at Boston Logan because of this, causing me to hold up the line even longer while shoving everything I had in the bag into my purse. I always have done one personal that fits under the seat and one overhead bag. Nope. Thanks spirit. unfortunate for the agents of course, that type of behavior is very unnecessary and should land them on the no fly list.
Hey look who made the news again!
They need to focus on this wayyyyyyy After they arrest and prosecute the domestic terrorist that stormed the capital with weapons, stole property and beat a police officer to death for nothing!!
LOLOL. But certainly forget how many businesses were looted and burned and pillaged, innocent people tackled and hurt, cars bashed in while nothing was done. But then someone touches the government property in its riots???! You are a sheep.
You are ridiculous Remember there was all races burning and looting during the protests. The protesters was peaceful. It was others including whites that vandalized buildings and cars trying to make the protesters. You talk about the Capitol terrorist like they was just making a family stroll of the Capital. 5 people got killed. There was injuries to policemen. 99.9 percent of those terrorist was white.
Hopefully something I can contribute: When I did this kind of work, I never would have physically confronted a customer even in a minor fashion (such as in this case, trying to close a door as they’re shoving against it.) It wasn’t worth what I was being paid to work at JCPenneys to try to physically stop a shoplifter or grab a box away from them. There’s a chance that the person will escalate the situation and that appears to have happened here.
It’s not like the customers were going to “steal” a carryon bag into the airplane. If they boarded illegally (ran through into the boarding bridge), let ’em go! Then just quietly call the airport police and let the professionals handle it.
Another customer service tip: Don’t argue or fight with them. Heck, even express sympathy for their plight. They’re unhappy, you understand why, and even agree that the rule is terrible. There are then left with no ability to take out their gripe on you.
I had the same problem in Detroit with Spirit Airlines. I was charged 65 dollars for carryon luggage which fit in the carry on box airport. I took a picture of it fitting completely in the box. I was still told I could not board unless I paid. When I got upset about it I was told. I would be arrested if I persisted.
Yes. You were charged for a carry-on. That’s the rule. If you paid ahead of time, it would have been $30. Carry-ons are NOT free. Personal items are free, as long as they fit under the seat.
I have been flying with spirit for years and they have made it completely obvious that you have to pay for a carry on. I assume based on these passengers behavior they may not be well educated or have a literacy problem….
The author of this article must never have flown on Spirit airlines. Between the purchasing of your ticket through the checking in process Spirit notifies you numerous times (at least 4) about their baggage policy. Stop making excuses for people who don’t read or pay attention to notices then blame others with excuses.
He’s definitely flown Spirit.
https://liveandletsfly.com/spirit-airlines-big-front-seat-review/
If that’s their policy that’s their policy. lines are rip-offs but they can charge you what they want you cannot physically fight them because of it
Stay classy travelers.
First off Spirit tells their customers about baggage fees during the whole process of buying a ticket ob their site. Now if a person buys their ticket on a 3rd party site. Its the customers duty to find out. Plus Spirit as well as any ultra low cost carriers make several announcements about baggage. And when check-in foe the flight it brings it up. Not the company’s fault that people refuse to READ or FOLLOW directions.
I’m not sure how else Spirit is meant to educate customers about baggage fees.
Buying a ticket requires you review the costs of baggage like 4 times and are repeatedly told it will be cheaper to pay in advance. I’ve often been annoyed at HOW MANY times I have to acknowledge that I understand a very straight forward and easy to understand policy. For what I typically pay on Spirit I can sit in a Big Front Seat and take a carry on for the same or less than on legacy airlines but in a tiny main cabin seat crushed between strangers. Having read the rules, I sometimes decide to pay the fee and I sometimes choose to keep things to a single personal item (i.e. on weekend trips). Not to mention that the personal item issue is rarely raised except in the case of jerks bringing borderline entire suitcases on board. I’ve never had them question my mid size backpack in dozens of flights with them.
Just read the not-so-fine print, people.
Again, it may be clear on spirit.com, but not when booking through other sources.
You are incorrect. I book through expedia all the time. Once you’ve paid for your ticket, the check in process is exactly the same regardless of any 3rd party purchase. The exact same process through that airline’s check in process through their website with the same annoying baggage policy e mail and repititios acknowledgement process. There is really no excusing this behavior. Of course no one likes the additional fees but physically attacking someone over $65 dollars due to their own negligence is absurd!!
Not true. When you check in (because doing anything other than online check-in costs money) you are reminded SEVERAL times to buy bags.
As a person trained in deescalation your response is “on point” and we’ll said. I appreciate the time you took to explain the situation and offer empathy for the passenger…LOVE IT!
Now can you take this lesson to law enforcement to teach these skills.
Anyone that has ever flown Spirit has probably wanted to slap one of their employees at one time or another, but wow they actually did it.
I honestly seeing this being me I travel so many times I had my purse and carry on and was told by the so called agent of Spirit I would have to pay $65 because u are only allowed one bag to travel am like I only have one bag she said your purse is considered a carry one really well to make a long and short story I shoved that purse in my carry on like really but honestly some of those agents does be asking g for it
Anyone booking a flight on Spirit Airlines can CLEARLY see the baggage restrictions posted on the web page as they’re booking the flight. Anyone saying otherwise is like the jerk claiming they need their emotional support peacock to fly. So many people try to scam and push back against the rules. Frankly, everyone should be made to fit their bag into the “tester” before boarding. The rules are the rules, and scammers trying to cheat their way in with excess luggage deserve to be charged the higher price at the gate. You are responsible for knowing the rules you agreed to when you book the ticket. Personal responsibility seems to be disappearing from our world, along with integrity, honestly and justice. Don’t blame Spirit for enforcing their rules… Humans behaving like animals have no excuse.
I don’t
belive the pass Passenger did wrong I remember them talking to me them bag an the This securities bag in like I was a dog they don’t Care how they talk to
customers even supervisor talk with no respect I put in a complaint just seems like I was the one who did wrong even though they handle me wrong so I don’t believe the bag mess not one bit . then I worry about the social distancing they all in your face I could see them putting it all on the passenger because they don’t know how to even help no customer they have no customer service yeah blame it on the passenger i bet it didn’t happen like that Spirit in bed all of home since the pandemic to travel on . i stopped traveling with them
Tough to understand your comment – that is a long sentence! All USA based airlines include baggage guidelines on their website, covering both carry-on and checked items.
I unfortunately went through a horrible experience with Spirit also and the worse agents at the gate in Las Vegas. I went round trip from Nashville and my bag was put in the sizer at ck in and fine to carry on , when I returned when I was boarding they were very rude and made me pay $65 at the gate for the same bag and the agent thought it was funny. I blew up and basically told her to go “F “ herself and I was pissed the entire flight home. What was worse the girl I sat next to had a full size bag and they said nothing to her.
I e mailed Spirit immediately and of course the same kind of service and NEVER got a reply. You buy a deal ticket and they get you at the gate with NO warning and make you now pay a higher price. I understand these people frustration and feel their pain.
SPIRIT SUCKS
You’re right! They have the most nastiest attitude! I think it’s apart of there job! This is the second time I have seen someone fight a employee! I had one following me and told the other agent to make sure I pay for it! There carry ons are a very small bag
I’ve actually found Spirit employees to be quite professional, however frustrating their corporate policies may be.
Tough to understand your comment – that is a long sentence! All USA based airlines include baggage guidelines on their website, covering both carry-on and checked items.
People are so short-tempered nowadays if that’s the airlines policy you have to pay for overhead luggage then you have to pay. not only they didn’t go to Atlanta now they’re in jail possibly facing jail time at best probation for what $65 overhead luggage
In my experience, passengers who react this way are actually seasoned travelers who know the rules. They are the one’s who brag about never being stopped for an oversize bag. Then when they do, they make a big scene because they can. If you get away with it, then okay, but be prepared to pay when you don’t…you are still coming out ahead.
My thoughts exactly! Sometimes the employees be doing absolutely the most and be rude about it.
Educate their passengers? Ignorance and stupidity are a choice. Forget about the inconvenience of support animals. With animals such as these two-legged variety, sharing an arm rest with a pig is far less bothersome than being on a plane with the likes of these backwoods animals.
Even on Spirit.
I learned when I was 14 you get what you paid for. That did not require and education.
It clearly tells you that when you purchase the ticket though, reading is fundamental.
Not always when purchasing from an OTA.
First off Spirit tells their customers about baggage fees during the whole process of buying a ticket ob their site. Now if a person buys their ticket on a 3rd party site. Its the customers duty to find out. Plus Spirit as well as any ultra low cost carriers make several announcements about baggage. And when check-in foe the flight it brings it up. Not the company’s fault that people refuse to READ or FOLLOW directions.
They shouldn’t fret. Just tell the authorities that you thought it was a BLM protest and voila, they are off the hook. I mean who actually has to take responsibility for their actions in this day and age anyway!!!!
Educated?? Some among us are not able to be educated…..
I completely agree with Posh King. There is an appropriate and professional way to handle everything.
Secondly. I recently traveled with Spirit Airlines (Soooo not a fan of) they do Not charge me a carry on fee because my bag was of “appropriate” size. So either Detroit has issues in their department or most people coming through there dont understand their policy.
Oh boy…no matter what race…no respect for this behavior and don’t all races see how this is a huge set back to any credibility. And god help, you know that baby and next generation is being schooled on same unruly behavior being acceptable. At some time…this will be the norm with it becoming common place. Glad I’ll be scattered in the Pacific and not see the demise of civility. It was a good short run for America. Always nice to be cheered up in the morning.
Learned the rules in this day and ages of travel. Put yourself in the agents shoes they have a very frustrating job sometimes. We use Spirit Airlines as our main airline when traveling. All the agents have been very professional, from any counter area to on the flight . Be respectful , know the rules, and there are no problems.
Better passenger education? How many more times do they need to be asked during the purchase process if they want to pay for any luggage BECAUSE IT IS NOT INCLUDED. The author’s bias towards Spirit is glaring.
1/10, won’t read his articles again.
I had an incident on Jan 17th 2021 with Spirit gate agent over non checked bag fees. I am a fare club member and it checked online would have been $35. I paid for checked bag going buy on the return end did not check bag because there were many folks with same size luggage as mine and they didn’t pay. Long story short the agent said it you don’t have the $65 guess you’ll miss your plane. She could not take partial I’m cash and debit card
I had $50 cash And the remainder on my card. Another customer boarding the plan have me $15 in cash to go along with the $50 cash I already had and I cash apped the guy his money back. After boarding the flight, I brought the situation to the attention of flight attendant Trish. Per Trish you are a fare club member and at let should have been allowed at that time to go online and pay for baggage through online. Not only that but Trish said it’s against company policy to accept cash and it’s posted. Well, I want the gate agent checked into and I want all my $ back etc. I have sent a complaint email to Spirit and hope to hear from someone asap not 30 days or longer which is what was indicated for a follow-up. Flight was leaving so didn’t get a receipt or anything and she probably didn’t even log it on the computer that I paid. More than likely the gate attendant pocketed the $.
Seriously??? You waited until you got to the gate to assess how many other passengers paid for theirs?? Once you pass security you have no choice but to pay the extra money simply because you waited. They do this so people won’t wait to check bags at the gate and DELAY and INCONVENIENCE everyone on the flight.
Besides, how would you even know who at the gate paid what? You made a choice to try and save a few bucks and avoid following their guidelines. Clearly you knew there was a baggage fee because you paid it on departure. Why on Earth would you have a complaint with Spirit?? Your comment should have been complimenting the kind person that paid for your ignorance and disregard for a simple policy that you agreed to at check in. I feel sorry for the Spirit employees having to deal with ignorance all day, every day. You knew the policy and chose to ignore it. I’m sure it’s top priority for Spirit. Lol, you had to pay a baggage fee that was made clear to you per their policy that you agreed to upon check in and were not allowed the opportunity to scam them. I’m sure they will be very quick to rectify this horrible injustice! Smh!
I flew that trash spirit airlines and never again. Trashy airline, what kind of pepe do you expect to fly in that airline?
Not matter what provoke that fiscal confrontation is a big no. I’m glad they’re forbidden to fly anywhere
Your site has a lot of clickbait….. you’re gone.
Wow i was there that day boarding next to them fools
What did they expect would come? You assaulted our employees and then expect spirit to say “never mind welcome aboard” ? What a dimwit
They probably deserve it! Spirit fees aren’t the problem, sometimes their employees are rude for no reason. They are very short with people and most times have attitudes.
I’ve experience terrible customer service with Spirit agents.
I agree. Not with violence, but on how rude and short the agents tend to be.
I flew spirit recently and during the reservation process, they were quite upfront about the baggage fees. The only way you could not know is if someone else booked your flight.
That being said I observed several minor confrontation at the gate over baggage fees. You can’t fix stupid.
I find the practice annoying and probably won’t fly spirit again as the cheap price in the reservation app needs upped by $100 to be comparable to other airlines. [Hello $ for a drink of water]
I totally agree. I always put my purse in my bag. It is very clear what their policies are. They even email you to remind you about the extra cost if you don’t pay ahead. I’ve never had a problem with Spirit, it’s always the passengers who are horrible. . They never sit down and they never contain their freaking children.
Melanin
People are vilifying Spirit employees in several comments. If you look at the video, the passenger physically hits the Spirit employee and the employee does not hit back. The employees were doing everything possible to diffuse the situation. The customer was completely wrong and should be fined and do jail time.
To be honest, spirit airlines agents by the gate ARE SO RUDE. At the Fort lauderdale Airport especially. I see how they pick and choose who to stop and check bags. If the see a passenger with a expensive bag they don’t even stop them no matter how “big” it looks. On top of that, they are mean and rude. Show no empathy to those who are clueless on how Spirit Airlines works.
I agree. Not with violence, … wow. I can’t even text what I want in here because they detected my response is duplicate. Like I was trying to see, is, they need to be taught proper costumer service skills.
How about that for a duplicate response.
I agree. Not with violence, … wow. I can’t even text what I want in here because they detected my response is duplicate. Like I was trying to say, is, they need to be taught proper costumer service skills.
How about that for a duplicate response.
The worst airline. I was charged $65 at the gate at the Fort Lauderdale airport come in from Costa Rica to Orlando the plane has to make one stop at fort Lauderdale airport . Nover saw anything like that to be charged at the gate I told them why wasn’t charged on Costa Rica the answered was we don’t care about what happened to you in Costa Rica airport they didn’t do their job . Likely I have American express business card they refund me the money is part card benefits. I loved JetBlue airline has a great customer service had no issues I flow a lot to south America. I hope one of these days we can hear spirit airline file for bankrupt. I can’t wait. Zero service always late never on time plus stupid stuff liked that . I be willing to be the 1st one to help those family at the court to witness the stupidity spirit does with costumes at the airport . By the way the luggage i carry on at the plane never was charged extra money with any other airline companies . I hope these family wins the case!!
You seriously believe the family should be rewarded for assault and ignorance?? Maybe their customer service is “bad” because the low fares attract low class travelers that try to scam and think that policies don’t apply to them; despite clicking “agree” several times during the check in process. Just wondering…..if it was your momma or sister that was attacked by a group being kicked and beaten for doing her job……would you still be hoping the family is rewarded for their criminal assault and disregard for common decency
Ppl know I front spirit charged for bags when you print your boarding pass at departures the sizes are right there and you have the opportunity to pay for the bag when you print your boarding Pass. Plain and simple spirit only allows purses and backpacks as personal items and computer bags. So pay. This was totally disgusting and unnecessary. And now instead of flying their dumb ass is faced with criminal time, a record, fines and restitution, possible civil suits, on the no fly list, and ong stop missed their trip and flight. Was it really worth it?
I traveled spirit to Atlanta in December the workers were ghetto n nasty
Of course spirit is going to say that their staff tried to diffuse the situation. I honestly find that hard to believe. I received the worst service/treatment ever from spirit airlines in Detroit. My family was thrown off a plane because my 5 year old special needs son couldn’t wear a mask. Despite the fact that he had already flown 5 times prior without it being an issue with this exact airline. We were actually on a return flight from Detroit to Atlanta (on a round trip ticket). We were approached in a combative manner right from the start. No one had even asked me to put a mask on him or what the issue was. They literally allowed us to board, buckle up and get comfortable. Even after that, they allowed all the other passengers to board as well. Once the plane was completely boarded, they then decided to throw us off. It was humiliating and traumatizing for my entire family. Especially my older children who were already uneasy because people were making fun of their brother being in a stroller at his size. Unbeknownst to them he’s autistic and completely nonverbal. The person who approached my family was rude. Not only to me but to the passengers around who said they were fine with my son not wearing a mask. He refused to give his name and turned his badge/name tag over so we couldn’t see it. When we asked for a supervisor, he said that he was as high up as it goes. We ended up finding out that was a lie when the real supervisor finally came. They even tried to throw us off without our checked bags and my son’s stroller because it would’ve been an inconvenience to the other passengers. If I hadn’t refused to get off until my items were retrieved, we would’ve been stranded in Detroit without our belongings. With all that being said, the real problem is that spirit has a lot of inconsistencies. I should not have been able to be greeted by 8 different staff members while boarding a plane with my unmasked son. If the policy says everyone over 2 must wear a mask, how was I even able to board? If it’s the policy it should always be followed. It shouldn’t be left up to the discretion of a flight attendant. Everyone has their biases and this is why policies and rules are in place. I don’t condone violence but I do highly doubt that spirit was professional and non combative with the way they approached this situation. I’ve witnessed it so many times. Especially at the Metro Detroit Airport.
They actually DON’T hide the bag charges. They passengers simply LIE. You CANNOT PRINT YOUR BOARDING PASS UNLESS you answer the question Do You Have A carry on? You must say yes or no. WHY do they lie and say NO when the answer is truly YES!
When you book you must AGREE IN ADVANCE TO WEAR A MASK!!.SO they lie on the screen then get mad when they get to the airport and get called on those lies and get charged, denied boarding or get kicked off!
It is not true that they did not know. When you book a flight the agent tells you. The hold message breaks down how the charge for baggage. When you book online it tells you in three different screens. There are also signs at the gate. It sounds like these guys were trying to get away with ignoring the rules.
If you go to Spirit’s website, you can see how much baggage fees are. A RT fare DTW-ATL is literally $60. You get what you pay for. Charging for a carry-on is cheap, but again, your buying a cheap ticket. Don’t like it, fly a different airline. The people flying are responsible for knowing these things. Some people shouldn’t fly…and definitely should not reproduce
I just saved 15 percent in less than 15 mins on my car insurance.
I’ll never fly spirit ever again. they are going to charge you for everything.
I’m surprized they can afford to fly and yet cannot afford manners.
Oh my word!!! Clearly the last administration made it completely acceptable to throw all sense of behavior and manners out the window. It has given this country all the permission they want to take whatever they want, to mow over, push and speak rudely to others, make fun of the disabled and disrespect anyone you feel like it…even if that someone is way older than you or is someone of Federal importance enforcing the safety of others.
TSA’s job is so important for the safety of this country and Flight Crew are so important for the safety of passengers. They are not just there to serve as bouncers over the gate nor are the Flight Attendants acting as mere flying waitstaff.
They would be the first one (those same passengers that refuse to wear masks or fasten their seatbelts or even raise hands to the flight attendants) would look to or run to in the case of an emergency or crisis (most likely while standing on the call bell non stop) Yet Flight Attendants are now taking complete abuse from entitled passengers who feel it is their God given right to get pleasure out of being as rude and violent as they can get away with because they are 3,000+ft in the air and they feel that no one is looking or can stop them.
Well my friends they are looking!!! And guess what? Just as hitting, disrespecting, cursing at or interfering with any crew member working in flight violates federal law and can result in a felony conviction …. threatening, hitting, disobeying, or interfering with an airport TSA employee ALSO violates federal law and can result in imprisonment and fines. Oh and don’t forget about that “no fly list” as well that it gets you on.
If you cannot be civil, polite or even follow directions of the staff that are in place to keep others and you as well safe…perhaps you should not be flying with the big boys. It’s like that old adage that is “Thumper’s Rule” “If you can’t say something nice… don’t say anything at all.” Oh and also one of the first things we learn in Kindergarten. “Keep your hands to yourself”…and have safe trip!