Rep. Bishop Hopes to Combat Baggage Fees

Rep. Tim Bishop (D-NY) introduced legislation this week in the U.S. House of Representatives to confront airlines planning to impose unfair and unnecessary fees on carry-on baggage.

Last week, Spirit Airlines announced it will be the first U.S. airline to charge passengers $20 to $45 for carry-on bags placed in overhead compartments, and other airlines could follow suit and impose a similar fee, according to a statement from Rep. Bishop's office.

The bill is called the Block Airlines' Gratuitous (BAG) Fees Act, or the BAG Fees Act.

A recent Treasury Department ruling would allow Spirit to bank the entire carry-on baggage fee tax-free because carry-on baggage is not considered "necessary," a statement said.

Under this policy, airlines do not pay taxes on the fees they collect for items such as snacks and pillows, creating a tax incentive, bagging customers with fees rather than increase fares. Bishop's legislation would designate carry-on baggage as "necessary" for air travel, eliminating the tax incentive and dissuading airlines from charging the fee, he said.

"I think airline passengers traveling with children and seniors who need access to medication in-flight would be surprised to find out that their carry-on is 'unnecessary,'" Rep. Bishop said. "America's families have faced higher airline ticket prices and deteriorating services for years. This nickel and dime carry-on fee is not only not 'necessary,' it's unacceptable and I think my colleagues feel the same way."

The BAG Fees Act is being cosponsored by Reps. Mike McMahon (D-NY), Brad Ellsworth (D-IN), Phil Hare (D-IL), and Jerry Nadler (D-NY), and Betty Sutton (D-OH). Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY).