New Baggage Rules Hold Airlines Accountable

by Annie Daly

Flying Just Got Better: Your baggage now has a higher chance of coming out unscathed.

There are few things more annoying than discovering that your baggage was damaged in flight, or being told you can’t fly because your flight is overbooked. Fortunately, those travel nuisances may be a bit less frequent from now on.

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced that it will increase the penalty on airlines that mishandle passengers’ luggage, says Tim Devaney of The Hill. The DOT will make them liable for $3,500 worth of reimbursements, which is 100 dollars more than it’s been previously ($3,400). And though an increase in 100 dollars may seem small, the DOT estimates that it will actually cost the airlines $1 million more each year.

And that’s not all.

The DOT will also increase penalties for airlines that deny passengers tickets on overbooked flights. Those passengers will be eligible for anywhere from $675 to $1,350 in compensation.

The penalty increases came for good reason. In 2013, 1.8 million passengers filed mishandled baggage claims, and 57,000 passengers weren’t able to board due to overbooked flights.     @wbbrjp

Both penalty increases will be effective as of Fall 2015. Here’s to smoother skies ahead!

“Do not go where the path leads, travel instead where there is no path and leave a trail.”

CIRPAC Travel / Phone  213 387-4345 / 3407 W 6th Street, Los Angeles CA