Spirit Air CEO defends carry-on fee, will talk to lawmakers

With lawmakers lining up against additional airline fees, the head of Spirit Airlines defended the company's decision to charge for carry-on luggage. 

Citing shorter security lines and safer travel, Spirit's CEO Ben Baldanza said New York Democrat Charles Schumer "seems to have spoken without knowing all the facts." Schumer said Sunday he will ask the Treasury Department to write a rule that would prohibit new fees such as those for carry-on luggage.

"He's ignored two really good points," Baldanza said during an interview with Fox Business News. "One is security lines will be shorter and less frustration. And it's also safer."

Baldanza said customers would be allowed a free carry-on that would fit under the seat 

Baldanza said he's reaching out to Schumer's office and "we expect to work very collaboratively with his office."

Democratic Sen. Bob Menendez had introduced the Clean Airfares Act that would direct airline and travel Web sites to provide customers with a clear breakdown of charges and fees on tickets. The provision is included in the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization, which is headed to a House-Senate conference.