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Airlines told to cough up the cash on lost luggage

by Tom Johansmeyer (RSS feed) on Oct 11th 2009 at 8:00AM

The Transportation Department is getting serious about lost luggage reimbursement. The department has told airlines that they can't set arbitrary limits on reimbursement for the bags they lose – or items that they have to replace because of delays. Several airlines, the DOT says, will only pay for necessities that passengers buy more than 24 hours after they hit the ground without their bags. And, they limit their willingness to pay to outbound trips. So, if you're on your way home, you may get stuck with the tab.

The fed's regs put the airlines on the hook for up to $3,300 per passenger on domestic flights for expenses resulting from lost or delayed luggage.

The Transportation Department is going to monitor the situation for 90 days, it says, then take enforcement steps against airlines that don't play ball. One airline, the DOT disclosed, was fined last month for only footing the bill on outbound trips and only for items bought after that first 24-hour window after passengers landed.

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Filed under: North America, United States, Airlines

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

gadling Oct 12th 2009 1:42PM

At the very least, they should be forced to refund the checked baggage fee, for each bag which is not available immediately after arrival at the final destination.