DOT Warns Airlines They Can't Add Retroactive Baggage Fees

When Delta implemented their new baggage fee, they added it to tickets already purchased. American's new rules say the same thing. In a speech yesterday, Secretary of Transportation Mary Peters said "STOP, THAT'S NOT COOL!"

Quote:

---

Passengers should know what to expect, and what to pay, before they buy a ticket or pack their bags, which is why we are calling for carriers and travel agents to disclose baggage fees in their internet and print ads before anyone purchases a ticket. We also are making it clear that airlines may not impose increased fees or new restrictions for baggage after a passenger has bought a ticket.

---

That's nice of her to say, but does DOT have authority to enforce this?

P.S.: She also officially capped Newark's hourly flights at 83, said they're giving MTA $2 million to study trains to SWF, and admitted caps might not work, considering LGA has been capped for 40 years and still leads most of the country in delays.

http://www.dot.gov/affairs/aviation0805 ... emarks.htm