DOT to propose refunds for lost baggage

The Department of Transportation is considering making airlines issue refunds of baggage fees when they don't immediately deliver the bags, The Associated Press reported this week.
 
The DOT has not yet released details of its proposed rule, but the AP said the change is among several opposed by the airline industry that is being considered by the agency.
 
Airlines made more than $2.5 billion in baggage fees last year, according to statistics released by DOT's Bureau of Transportation Statistics.
 
Other proposed changes reportedly forthcoming from DOT include making airlines compensate passengers bumped from flights, removing some flight-cancellation fees and requiring more clear explanations of fees.
 
DOT officials could not immediately be reached for comment Friday, but AP said the new rules would formally be proposed later this month.