New Passenger-Friendly Rules for Air Travel
New rules will also raise compensation if you're bumped.
When Jacqueline Tanzella flew from San Francisco to Florida recently for a family vacation, she paid $25 for Delta Airlines to check her bag. She landed around midnight; her suitcase didn't. Tanzella made it through the night by borrowing pajamas from an aunt and a new Superman toothbrush from her nephew. But she wasn't happy. "I didn't pay a $25 fee only to be inconvenienced by not having my bag until the next morning," she says. "Most retailers would reimburse me or give me a credit in a situation like this."
Baggage fees are getting scrutiny in expanded airline passenger protections announced by the Department of Transportation. One rule requires airlines to reimburse bag-check fees if your luggage is lost. That won't help fliers like Tanzella, whose bags are merely delayed, and some experts are grumbling that the protections lack bite. "It is only incremental improvement," says Rick Seaney, of FareCompare.com. The new protections will also increase the amount that airlines must pay passengers who are involuntarily bumped (from a maximum of $800 now to a maximum of $1,300), limit the time international flights may sit on the tarmac, and require taxes and fees to be more clearly displayed in advertised fares.
Expect some negative side effects. For instance, less overbooking by airlines to avoid higher "bump" fees could put upward pressure on fares, says CrankyFlier.com's Brett Snyder. The new rules go into effect in August.
From just $107.88 $24.99 for Kiplinger Personal Finance
Be a smarter, better informed investor.
Sign up for Kiplinger’s Free Newsletters
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and more - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of expert advice - straight to your e-mail.
Profit and prosper with the best of Kiplinger's advice on investing, taxes, retirement, personal finance and much more. Delivered daily. Enter your email in the box and click Sign Me Up.
Susannah Snider worked as a research-reporter and staff writer at Kiplinger Personal Finance Magazine. She went on to serve as managing editor for money at U.S. News, overseeing articles and content covering real estate, personal finance and careers. She is a certified financial planner professional and earned her CFP marks in 2019.
-
How to Add Your Driver’s License or State ID to Google WalletStore and use your digital ID securely on your Android device for TSA, age verification and more.
-
I Retired at 60 Two Years Ago With $3.1 Million. My 62-Year-Old Wife Still Works Because She Wants to, but She Resents My Free Time. Help!We asked a psychologist and a mediation expert for advice.
-
Child-Free Cruises Perfect For Your Retirement CelebrationHow to find a bespoke ocean or river vacation for adults. Many of these options are smaller, charming river cruises, expeditions, or niche experiences.
-
Noctourism: The New Travel Trend For Your Next Trip"Noctourism" is a new trend of building travel and vacations around events and plans that take place at night. Take a look at some inspiring noctourism ideas.
-
My Husband and I Retired at 67 With $3.2 Million, But He's Frugal About Travel. How Can I Convince Him to Loosen Up?We asked financial planning experts for advice.
-
Cruise Lines Sue to Block Hawaii’s New Climate Tourism TaxState Tax Your vacation to the Aloha State could come at a higher price tag next year. Here’s why.
-
How to Find the Best Alternatives to Popular Travel DestinationsYou don’t have to bust your budget or battle big crowds to enjoy pristine natural beauty, rich culture, authentic cuisine and more.
-
Seven Golf Course Destinations to Vacation Away from the CrowdsBeat the growing crowds of new golfers at these golf course destinations off the beaten path.
-
Amazon Resale: Where Amazon Prime Returns Become Your Online BargainsFeature Amazon Resale products may have some imperfections, but that often leads to wildly discounted prices.
-
The United and JetBlue Partnership: Everything We Know About Blue Sky So FarDOT approves Blue Sky, the United and JetBlue partnership that will give frequent fliers more ways to earn and use miles. Here's what you need to know.