Bad news for airlines but good news for passengers as the US Department of Transport looks to propose laws that require airlines to pay back baggage expenses when bags are lost or delayed.
It would require airlines to refund fees if your luggage is lost or not delivered in a timely matter. Most airlines charge $25 per checked bag. Unlike other airlines, Delta already does provide a “delayed bag fee rebate” if your bag is not delivered within 12 hours. But it comes in the form of an electronic travel voucher good on future flights, not cash. The DOT is also proposing other rules to protect airline passengers, including allowing them to cancel reservations without penalty within 24 hours of booking. It also wants to require airlines to better post their fees and surcharges.
US airlines alone mishandled more than 2 million bags last year. Including mine…