New bill aims to give air passengers reprieve from baggage fees

A Louisiana senator recently proposed a legislation that would provide air passengers reprieve from the controversial baggage fees.

Proposing the legislation, Democratic Senator Mary Landrieu said would protect travelers from excessive fees. According to the proposed legislation, airline passengers would be allowed to check one bag free of charge on each flight.

The legislation would also allow travelers to bring carry-on bags without paying any additional charge and get access to bathrooms and water on flights.

However, the Air Transport Assn (ATA), which represents the US airlines, opposed the bill, saying the government should not operate a private industry.

Criticizing the bill, ATA spokesman Steve Lott said, "Obviously we don't think it's appropriate for the government to regulate what services a private industry should offer to customers and at what price."

Airlines introduced baggage fees in 2005, and have so far pocketed billions through the fees. Last year, American Airlines pocketed $593 million from the baggage fees.

According to an article published by the New York Times, airlines earned around $6 billion from baggage fees over the last four years.