In a bid to ease airline delays, two U.S. senators are proposing a suspension of checked baggage fees among the nation’s airlines this summer.
U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and Edward Markey (D-Mass.) sent a letter to executives at 12 major U.S. airlines urging the companies to stop charging bag fees during the summer, speeding inspections and unsnarling lines. Baggage fees mean 27 percent more carry-on bags — and longer lines, and wait times — compared to checkpoints without fees, the two said in their letter.
Both said “staggeringly long lines” are expected at TSA this summer. They said no fees means less bags being carried on. “Travel officials, including TSA Administrator Peter Neffenger, have expressed fears of a meltdown this summer as travel increases,” the duo wrote.
The senators said there are several causes for the recent delays: Turnover and inadequate numbers of TSA personnel; suboptimal use of expedited procedures like TSA Pre-Check; and, intensified inspection after TSA screening checkpoint lapses.
In the letter, the senators suggest there could be financial wiggle room for the airlines to adopt their suggestion. They said a recent investigation by the minority staff of the U.S. Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee found that three airlines increased checked baggage fees by 67 percent between 2009 and 2014.
“TSA has informed us that checkpoints serving carriers that charge baggage fees see 27 percent more roller bags than checkpoints serving carriers that do not charge such fees,” they wrote in the letter.
