Yesterday, Spirit Airlines confirmed widespread rumors that passengers will soon have to pay a fee to use the drop-down emergency oxygen mask located above their seat. The 75-cent charge will provide 15 minutes of uninterrupted air flow. Every armrest on every plane in the Spirit fleet will contain a coin slot that will trigger the release of the mask when 3 quarters are inserted.
“People should be free to choose whether they want to have oxygen or not in the case of an in-flight emergency,” said Spirit President and CEO Ted Christie at the Sunday press conference. “You shouldn’t have to pay for something you don’t plan to use.”
When a reporter pointed out that a person deprived of oxygen would die, Christie responded that “risk is a part of life, my friend. If an individual decides to take this particular risk, so be it. And let’s be honest. If you’re at 30,000 feet and an oxygen mask is called for, it’s pretty much ‘game over’ no matter what you do. Aren’t you familiar with the concept of ‘IMPACT’? Let’s not overthink this.”
In support of the new oxygen policy, all tray tables on Spirit flights will feature dollar-bill changers for passengers in need of quarters.
These stories take my breath away.
There’s still a use for the noble quarter.