Dem pushes for refunds for lost bags on trains, buses

Passengers on all modes of transportation would receive compensation for lost or delayed baggage under new legislation in the House.

Rep. Grace Meng (D-N.Y.) unveiled legislation Friday ahead of the busy Memorial Day travel weekend that would require train, ship and bus companies to refund baggage fees for mishandled luggage.

Congress tacked a provision onto last year’s reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to ensure airline passengers get refunds for lost or delayed baggage, and now Meng wants to see it extended to other forms of commercial transportation.

{mosads}“Until last year, airlines could refuse to reimburse checked baggage fees to customers whose luggage was lost or significantly delayed after a flight’s arrival, and correcting this problem in the FAA bill was a long overdue victory for air travelers,” Meng said in a statement.

“But those who travel by rail, road and sea should be entitled to the same protections, and my legislation would make that happen. All passengers who pay to check bags should receive refunds for lost or delayed luggage regardless of their mode of transportation.”

Lawmakers will have an opportunity to revisit the issue this summer when they debate a long-term reauthorization of the FAA, whose legal authority expires at the end of September.

“I urge my colleagues in Congress to quickly pass this bill as the busy vacation and tourism season gets underway,” Meng said.