People who carry their bags on to avoid baggage fees increase costs for the Transportation Security Administration
Sen. Mary Landrieu, D-La., has introduced legislation that would require airlines to drop baggage fees for the first checked bag on all commercial flights. Most airlines charge between $20 and $35 for that first bag checked, and even more for second checked bags.
View full sizeThe Transportation Security Administration reported $260 million a year in higher screening fees as more people carry bags on board to avoid the baggage fees. These passengers were photographed in Houston on Wednesday. A notable exception is Southwest Airlines, which permits two bags to be checked fee free.
"Air travel can be a stressful experience for many reasons, but unfair fees for basic amenities should not be one of them," Landrieu said. "Passengers have been nickeled-and-dimed for far too long, and something has to be done about it."
In 2008 and 2009, airlines collected $3.9 billion in checked bags fees. The fees have also increased costs for the Transportation Security Administration, which reported $260 million a year in higher screening fees as more people carry bags on board to avoid the baggage fees.
Bruce Alpert can be reached at balpert@timespicayune.com or 202.450.1406. Jonathan Tilove can be reached at jtilove@timespicayune.com or 202.450.1404.