Congresswoman Chellie Pingree backs bill to require disclosure, accountability
 
Congresswoman Chellie Pingree said yesterday that airlines should be forced to fully disclose baggage fees and be required to refund those fees if the luggage is lost, damaged or delayed.
 
“Consumers should know, when they book a ticket, how much an airline is going to charge them for baggage,” Pingree said. “And if you they don’t get your bag to your destination on time and in one piece, you should get a prompt refund for the fee. It’s an issue of basic fairness.”
 
This week Pingree co-sponsored the Baggage Fee Fairness Act, which would make it easier for travelers to compare baggage fees prior to purchasing a ticket by requiring airlines to include the fees in a quote.
 
“It seems like the airlines come up with a new hidden charge every day,” Pingree said.  “First they started charging for checked baggage, then some started charging for carry-ons and at least one airline even considered charging passengers to use the restroom.  If the airlines are going to charge these fees, they need to disclose them fully and upfront.”
 
Recently Spirit Airlines started charging up to $45 for each piece of carry-on luggage and last year low-cost airline Ryanair said they were considering charging a fee for passengers who want to use the restroom on flights less than one hour.