Legislation Introduced to Mandate Cheaper Luggage

Travelers' grievances have grown exponentially in the last decade as prices have increased, crowds have grown, and security protocol has become reminiscent of Rubashov's experience in Koestler's Darkness at Noon. The most upsetting thing to many travelers is the outrageous cost of checking luggage. The massive fees have inspired hoards of travelers to push the natural limits of carry on baggage with bags scarcely capable of being pounded into the overhead bin, and more of them.

This phenomenon has caused Senator Mary Landrieu (D-La.) to introduce legislation that would "guarantee passengers one checked bag without the financial burden of paying a fee, or the headache of trying to fit everything into a carry-on." The bill, co-sponsored by Sen. Benjamin L. Cardin (D-Md.), would allow passengers to check one bag for free and prohibit fees for regular-size carry-on bags. Airlines would also be required to tell passengers about any restrictions on weight, size, and number of bags before they arrive at the airport. In addition, airlines would have to make public the associated fees for preferred seating and different types of checked luggage.

In 2008-2009, airlines collected $3.9 billion in checked luggage fees, even though fewer than one out of four passengers check bags.