New rules for checked-baggage fee refunds
Under rules that go into effect in August, airlines must refund checked-baggage fees if a bag is lost. Credit: Reuters, 2011
Under new passenger-protection rules that take effect Aug. 23, airlines must refund your checked-baggage fees if your bag is lost.
But the rules adopted by the U.S. Transportation Department leave it up to airlines to determine when a bag is declared lost -- or merely delayed. Because airlines are not require to reimburse baggage fees when luggage is delayed, some passenger advocates fear that airlines will try to get around the new law by simply declaring that every misplaced bag is delayed.
But airline representatives say the law should cause no major problems because the nation's airlines receive less than four reports of lost, delayed or damaged bags for every 1,000 passengers. Airlines already are obligated to compensate you for lost or damaged luggage.
The U.S. Department of Transportation warned it could fine airlines that don't resolve lost-bag claims in a timely way. "We regard a carrier's ignoring baggage claims or making consumers wait an extended time for final action to be an unfair and deceptive practice, and will take enforcement action," agency spokesman Bill Mosley said.
