N.Y. Senator Wants To Hold Airlines Responsible For Lost Luggage

BALTIMORE (WJZ) -- The airline industry is being slapped with new regulations for baggage fees and lost luggage, but one New York senator says the changes still don't do enough to protect consumers.

Monique Griego has more on how he wants to hold the airlines accountable.

Not having your bags round the corner on the carousel is a headache for travelers. 

Bob Kerdus' luggage has been lost in the past.

"But it's taken at least a day or two to get the bags," he said.

Right now, if an airline loses your bags, they're not obligated to do much.  The Department of Transportation is changing that with new regulations that require airlines to reimburse baggage fees when luggage is lost.  In 2010 alone, travelers paid nearly $3.5 billion in baggage fees.

Under the new rule that's set to take effect in August, even if your bags don't meet you at the carousel, the airlines wouldn't have to reimburse you unless your luggage was lost forever.  New York Senator Charles Schumer also thinks the new regulations don't go far enough.  He wants airlines to also reimburse fees for delayed luggage.

Baggage fees vary by airline but most charge between $25 and $100 per bag.

BWI leaders say more than half of their business comes from Southwest, which does not charge for your first two checked bags.