Congress ready to take on baggage fees

Bill could make first bag free

MIAMI – In the mad dash of holiday travel, lines at the security checkpoint at Miami International Airport were filled with travelers clutching carry-on luggage on Tuesday. Most of those people were avoiding checked baggage fees, a phenomenon many have grown to hate.

"I think it's highway robbery," said traveler Linda Sullivan.

Congress may soon consider limiting the fees that airlines charge for bags, or eliminate them altogether. 

With the exception of Southwest Airlines, which touts that "bags fly free" in commercials, most airlines charge at least $25 per suitcase.

"I just paid a fortune in baggage fees," said traveler Natalie Tremols. "Twenty-five dollars per bag. Times four."

Only some said they didn't mind shelling out the extra cash, but no one seemed to like the unintended consequences.

"All this carry-on -- I should complain myself, I take it on -- but everyone is trying to take as much as they can on," said traveler Tom Capizzi.

"And they're bringing it on the cabin and I think, 'How can you be allowed to bring that on?,'" Sullivan said.

U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu (D-LA) has introduced legislation that, if passed, would require airlines to guarantee passengers one free checked bag. The bill also requires airlines to notify travelers of any fees before they make it to the airport.

"I believe that when you purchase a ticket to fly anywhere, it should come with at least a seat, free water, access to a restroom, and at least one checked bag for free," Sen. Landrieu said.

The Department of Homeland Security seems to be on her side. Secretary Janet Napolitano reported in March that the increase in carry-on luggage has burdened federal screeners, and the cost of security has shot up $270 million a year.

But the experts from the airline industry said they've barely eked out a profit. Sean Kennedy, a spokesperson for the Air Transport Association, said Congress should butt out.

"No one tells the hotel whether or not they should have free bottles of water or free wi-fi. No one tells a bus what services they should offer for free. Again, this should be up to the carrier or airline to decide what they want to charge and consumers should be able to decide who they think are the best options for them," Kennedy said.

Other travel experts warn that, even if fees are eliminated, the consumer may not save any money in the long run. No baggage fees could mean higher taxes or more expensive tickets.