On the recordMarch 31, 2011
Mr. Chairman, I would like to put into the Record a letter of support by Flyers Rights, the largest flying public representative in the country. March 21, 2011. Hon. John Mica, Chairman, House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Mica: Congressman Michael E. Capuano recently introduced H.R. 712, which would require air carriers to refund passenger baggage fees if such baggage is lost, delayed, or damaged, and require air carriers and ticket agents to include the actual cost of checked baggage when quoting an airfare. This bill addresses two serious problems for air travellers, and the 33,000 members of FlyersRights.org strongly support this legislation. The first problem is all too familiar to anyone who flies frequently. About,10,000 bags a day are mishandled--lost, damaged, or delayed--and passenger recourse has always been limited. Lost or damaged bag incidents may result in some compensation. However, most airlines now charge fees for checked baggage. When a bag is lost, damaged, or delayed, they are under no obligation to return those fees, even though they have failed to perform the contract implied by passengers' paying for bag delivery to destination. Clearly, airlines should not profit from performance failures. The second problem is relatively new. Most airlines increasingly turn to unbundled, ancillary fees to boost their profit.…





