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!"
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