Schumer trying to stop carry-on bag fees

New York Democrat Charles Schumer said he is pressing the Treasury Department to issue a rule that prohibits airlines from tacking on carry-on bag fees.

The change would close a loophole in current airline regulations that allows a fee for carry-on baggage. The plea is in response to an announcement last week by Spirit Air to charge passengers between $20 and $45 for carry-on luggage on top of checked-bag fees. 

The administrative rule would define carry-on baggage for air travelers as a "reasonable necessity". He said the fees would weigh most heavily on middle-class families that need to carry items onto the airplane.

If Treasury won't make the change, Schumer said he'll introduce legislation to close the loophole. 

"Airline passengers have always had the right to bring a carry-on bag without having to worry about getting nickel and dimed by the airline company," Schumer said in a statement. "The Treasury Department needs to close the loophole that encourages this abusive practice and rein in these fees."

Schumer said customers have "begrudgingly tolerated" additional fees so far for checked baggage, seat assignments in coach, in-flight food and even pillows. 

"The latest fee that the airline industry is seeking to impose is pushing travelers to the tipping point," he said.