New Flier Protections In Effect

A host of new consumer protection policies went in to effect earlier this month. Most of the provisions are a good idea. In fact, the great airlines brought most of them about. But it will be interesting to see what regulating will cost the consumer in rising prices. Not to mention the cost to the taxpayer of regulating those changes.

• Probably the change that will effect most travelers is this one: "Airlines must prominently disclose all optional fees on their websites, including but not limited to fees for baggage, meals, canceling or changing reservations, or advanced or upgraded seating." (Department of Transportation)  Delta's website brought up a spreadsheet about checked and carry-on baggage fees when I booked a flight yesterday. Baggage fees have changed multiple times during the past two years on some airlines and while I book enough flights to know what airlines charge what, for most travelers, having that information up front is a good idea.

• Airlines are now required to refund the fee you paid to check your bag if they lose your bag. They already had to reimburse you for loss or damage to the bag and its contents. Refunding the fee you paid them to take care of your bag when they didn't is common sense, right?

• If you are involuntarily bumped from a flight and your airline can get you to your destination within two hours of your original arrival time, you are owed a refund of twice your original ticket amount up to $650. If it takes longer than two hours, you get four times the ticket amount, up to $1300. While most airlines oversell flights, it is rare that passengers are involuntarily bumped. Most airlines get by with only using incentives for bumped travelers.

• The other change will attempt to curb airline practices. There is now a fine for both domestic (imposed earlier) and international flights (and airlines) that delay takeoff on the tarmac for more than four hours. The airline could be fined up to $27,500 per passenger. That's a pretty hefty fine, scary enough for airlines to be aware of it and comply. Whether or not it will be enforced is to be seen. 

Other regulations are due to go into effect on January 24, 2012. The airlines requested more time to reach compliance.

Sources: USA Today, Budget Travel, Department of Transportation