Spirit carry-on bag fee starts today

Spirit Airlines passengers may want to get to the airport a little earlier than normal today as a new charge for carry-on bags takes effect.

The low-fare airline sparked controversy in April when it announced plans to charge for carry-on items. Passengers who pay in advance, either online or by phone, have to fork over $30. For those who don’t pay before arriving at the boarding gate, the fee jumps to $45.

Members of Spirit’s special fare club only pay $20 for a carry-on. And any bag small enough to fit under a seat flies for free.

Privately held Spirit is based in Miramar, Fla., and has about 150 daily flights. Most carry leisure travelers from big airports in the U.S. through Fort Lauderdale and on to Latin America.

Spirit says extra employees will be on hand at airports to assist passengers. The airline is expecting to handle 23,000 passengers today, including 5,800 in Fort Lauderdale.

Spirit spokeswoman Misty Pinson says the airline wants to ensure an easy transition for customers and employees.

Spirit is the first airline to charge passengers for carry-on items.