Getting Rid of Extra Baggage!

Spirit Airlines is a small airline based in Florida (Spirit has less than two dozen planes and its 150 daily flights are about one-twentieth the flights offered by American Airlines). Given its size, I am guessing many of you have never heard of it ... let alone flown on it. But Spirit Airlines will begin doing something no other airline has yet to attempt. Starting August 1st, Spirit will begin charging for carry-on luggage. So if your carry-on must be stowed in the overhead bins, you will be charged $45 (if paid at the gate, $30 if paid in advance). If your carry-on can be stowed under the seat it will fly free! In defending this move, Spirit claims it will be dropping most base fares an average of about $40. Therefore, most passengers will not have to pay any more to fly even when paying for their carry-on.

If you have done any flying recently, you know that when the airlines began charging for checked baggage (anywhere from $20 on up per bag per way), passengers made changes in how they packed. Many began to forgo checking luggage and instead, began packing as large a carry-on AND as large a "personal item" as allowed by the airlines. This has made flying a real hassle. Trying to find space to store one's carry-on as become at best difficult and at worst impossible. This all makes me wonder: If the major airlines follow Spirit's lead, how will passengers change their packing habits? Will they stuff all they can in a small duffel bag or knapsack and squeeze it under the seat? Will they just decide to wear the same outer clothing during their travels and only pack underwear and socks (gotta have clean socks!). I guess we will just have to watch and see. . .

In the mean time, let me encourage you to take a look at any extra "baggage" you may be carrying in your life. It may be financial, emotional, physical, relational or spiritual in nature. But you may be carrying a heavy load that you need to get rid of. Are you willing to take the steps to do so? Perhaps you need to talk to a trusted and mature (in the faith) friend about your struggles. Or maybe you need to contact a counselor or pastor. Whatever the case ... don't keep breaking your back under the weight of unnecessary baggage. Determine today to take the needed steps to get rid of it!

Thanks for stopping by . . .

pj