Spirit Airlines, renowned for their inventive fee structures, has introduced an up-charge for the inspection and tightening of aircraft panels. This latest addition to their fees aims to “provide passengers with the ultimate sense of security.”
Dubbed the “Panel Assurance Fee,” those willing to pay the extra $30 will feel reassured after a qualified Baggage Handling Agent saunters down the aisle equipped with a wrench to inspect and tighten the panels in their specific row.
Passengers are divided on this additional cost. Some see it as a small price to pay for the reassurance that their panels won’t be blown out mid-flight, while others wonder if they could just bring their own wrench and tighten things up for free.
“I was initially skeptical, but then I realized the peace of mind is worth every penny,” said one passenger, who then realized he was charged the Panel Assurance Fee twice since he had a connecting flight.
Notably, the airline has also added fine print to tickets stating that they are not liable for any blown out panels in rows where passengers didn’t pay the new fee.
Spirit Airlines, says that the Panel Assurance Fee is all about personalization.
“It’s 2024. It’s about time travelers have the ability to customize the level of safety they experience on their flight,” stated a Spirit Airlines press release.
As of press time, the airline said it was exploring the idea of adding a Toilet Rental Fee that would charge passengers to use the restroom.
“Modern plumbing is a marvel to begin with,” stated a Spirit Airlines spokesperson. “So it’s absolutely a privilege to be able to poop at 36,000 feet. Even if it costs $5 a minute.”
Photo credit Tpdwkouaa