THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON. D.C. 20590

The Honorable Michael E. Capuano U.S. House ofRepresentatives Washington. DC 20515 Dear Congressman Capuano: September 21. 20I0

Thank you for your letter. cosigned by your congressional colleagues. expressing your views about the U.S. Department ofTransportation's June 8. 2010, notice ofproposcd rulemaking covering baggage lees charged by air carriers as well as several otherconsumer protection issues. Among the issues covered by the Department's notice ofproposed rulemaking is whether carriers should be required to reimburse passengers ft.)r any fce charged to transport a bag ifthat bag is lost or not delivered in a timely manner. In addition. the Department is seeking comment on the possibility ofrequiring advertising to include the price oftypical baggage tees in ticket prices, and whether the baggage-free cost should 

### be required as well. We also are seeking comment on various alternatives regarding the disclosure ofthese baggage and other fees to consumers, including disclosure on Web sites. We <lsk whether the disclosure provisions should apply not only to carriers but to their agents orto all ticket agents. I note that the comment period on this rulcmaking was recently extended by 45 days and now cJoses on September 23, 2010. A similar letter has been sent to each ofthe cosigners ofthe leuer. In accordance with Department rules applicable to pending proceedings, a copy ofyour letter and this response will be placed in ourrulemaking docket. For your rc1crencc, the docket number is DOT-OST-20I0-0 140. (fIcan provide additional informationTHE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON. D

.C. 20590

The Honomble Betty McCollum U.S. House ofRepresentatives Washington. DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman McCollum: September 21 , 20I0

Thank you for your letter, cosigned by your congressional colleagues, expressing your views about the U.S

. Department ofTransportation's June 8, 2010, notice ofproposed rulcmaking covering baggage fees charged by air carriers as well as several other consumerprotection Issues. Among the issues covered by the Department's notice ofproposed ru1emaking is whether carriers should be required to reimburse passengers tor any fee charged to transport a bag 

### ifthat bag is lost or not delivered in a timely manner. In addition, the Department is seeking comment on the possibility ofrequiring advertising to include the price oftypical baggage lees in ticket prices, and whetherthe baggage-free cost should be required as welL We also are seeking comment on various alternatives regarding the disclosure ofthese baggage and other fees to consumers, including disclosure on Web sites. We ask whether the disclosure provisions should apply not only to carriers but to their agents orto all ticket agents. I note that the comment period on this rulemaking was recently extended by 45 days and now closes on September23,2010

. A similar letterhas been sent to each ofthe cosigners ofthe letter. In accordance with Department rules applicable to pending proceedings, a copy ofyour letter and this response will be placed in our rulemaking docket. For your reference, the docket number is DOT-OST-2010-0140. IfIcan provide additional'THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON. D.C. 20590



### TIle Honorable Laura Richardson U.S. House ofRepresentatives Washington. DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Richardson: Septemner 21. 2010

Thank you for your letter, cosigned by your congressional colleagues, expressing your views about the U.S. Department ofTransportation'sJune 8, 2010. notice ofproposed rulemaking covering baggage fees charged by air carriers as well as several otherconsumer protection Issues. Among the issues covered by the Department's notice ofproposed rulemaking is whether carriers should be required to reimburse passengers for any fee charged to trdflsport a bag 

### ifthat bag is lost ornot delivered in a timely manner. In addition, the Department is seeking comment on the possibility ofrequiring advertising to include the price oftypical baggage fees in ticket prices, and whetherthe baggage-free cost should be required as well. We also are seeking comment on various alternatives regarding the disclosure ofthese baggage and other fees to consumers. including disclosure on Web sites. We ask whetherthe disclosure provisions should apply not only to carriers but to their agents or to all ticket agents. Inote that the comment period on this rulemaking was recently extended by 45 days and now closes on September23, 2010. A similarletter has been sent to each ofthe cosigners ofthe letter. In accordance with Department rules applicable to pending proceedings. a copy ofyour letter and this response will be placed in ourrulemaking docket. For your reference, the docket number is DOT-OST-20I0-0140. IfIcan provide additional information orassi. cc, please feel frce to call me.THE SECRETARY OFTRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590

The Honorable Raul M. Grijalva U.S. I·louse ofReprcsentatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Grijalva: September 21, 2010

Thank you for your letter. cosignedby your congressional colleagues, expressing your views about the U.S. Department ofTransportation's June 8, 2010, notice ofproposed rulemaking covering baggage fees charged by air carriers as well as several otherconsumerprotection Issues. Among the issues covered by the Department's notice ofproposed rulemaking is whether carriers should be required to reimburse passengers for any fee chargedto transport a bag ifthat bag is lost ornot delivered in a timely manner. In addition, the Department is seeking comment on the possibility ofrequiring advertising to include the price oftypical baggage fees in ticket prices, and whether the baggage-free cost should be required as well. We also are seeking comment on various alternatives regarding the disclosure ofthese baggage and other fees to consumers, including disclosure on Web sites. We ask whether the disclosure provisions should apply not only to carriers butto their agents orto all ticket agents. I note that the comment period on this rulemaking was recently extended by 45 days and now closes on September23,2010. A similar letter has been sent to each ofthe cosigners ofthe letter. In accordance with Department rules applicable to pending proceedings, a copy ofyour letter and this response 

### wiII be placed in ourrulemaking docket. For your reference, the docket number is DOT-OST-2010-0

### t40. IfI can provide additional informatioTHE SECRETARY OFTRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590

The Honorable Gwen Moore U.S. House ofRepresentatives Washington, DC 20515 DearCongresswoman Moore: September21. 20I0

Thank you for your letter, cosigned by your congressional colleagues, expressing your views about the U.S. Department ofTransportation's June 8, 2010, notice ofproposed rulemaking covering baggage fees charged by aircarriers as well as several otherconsumerprotection issues. Among the issues covered by the Department's notice ofproposed rulemaking is whether carriers should be required to reimburse passengers for any fee charged to transport a bag ifthat bag is lost ornot delivered in a timely manner. In addition, the Department is seeking comment on the possibility ofrequiring advertising to include the price oftypical baggage fees in ticketprices, and whether the baggage-free cost should be required as well. We also are seeking comment on various alternatives regarding the disclosure ofthese baggage and otherfees to consumers, including disclosure on Web sites. We ask whetherthe disclosure provisions should apply notonly to carriers but to their agents orto all ticket agents. I note that the comment period on this rulemaking was recently extended by 45 days and nowcloses on September23, 20]

### O.
A similar letter has been sent 10 each ofthe cosigners ofthe letter. In accordance with Department rules applicable to pending proceedings, a copy ofyour letterand this response will be placed in our rulemaking docket. For your reference, the docket numberis DOT-OST-201O-0I40. IfI can provide additional information or assistancTHE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590

The Honorable Heath Shuler U.s. House ofRepresentatives Washington, DC 20515 Dear Congressman Shuler: September 21. 20 I0

Thank you for your letter, cosigned by your congressional colleagues, expressing your views about the U.S. Department ofTransportation's June 8. 2010, notice ofproposed rulemaking covering baggage fees charged by air carriers as well as several otherconsumer protection issues. Among the issues covered by the Department's notice ofproposed rulemaking is whether carriers should be required to reimburse passengers tor any fee charged to transport a bag 

### ifthat bag is lost ornot delivered in a timely manner. In addition, the Department is seeking comment on the possibility ofrequiring advertising to include the price oftypical baggage fees in ticket prices, and whether the baggage-free cost should be required as well. We also arc seeking comment on various alternatives regarding the disclosure ofthese baggage and other fees to consumers, including disclosure on Web sites. We ask whether the disclosure provisions should apply not only to carriers but to their agents orto all ticket agents. I note that the comment period on this rulemaking was recently extended by 45 days and nowcloses on September 23,2010.
A similar letter has been sent to each ofthe cosigners ofthe letter. In accordance with Department rules applicable to pending proceedings, a copy ofyour lettcr and this response 

### will be placed in our rulemaking docket. For your refercnce. the docket number is DOT-OST -2010-0140.
I

### fI can provide additional 

### i11ronnatiTHE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON. D.C. 20590

The Honorable Gary C. Peters 

### U.S. I-louse ofRepresentatives Washington. DC 20515
Dear Congressman Peters: September 2I

. 20I0

Thank you for your letter. cosigned by yourcongressional colleagues. expressing your views about the U.S. Department ofTransportation's June 8. 20I0, notice ofproposed rulemaking covering baggage fees charged by air carriers as well as several otherconsumer protection issues. Among the issues covered by the Department's notice ofproposed rulemaking is whether carriers should berequired to reimburse passengers for any fee charged to transport a bag ifthat bag is lost or not delivered in a timely manner. In addition. the Department is seeking comment on the possibility ofrequiring advertising to include the price oftypical baggage fees in ticket prices, and whetherthe baggage-free cost should be required as well. We also are seeking comment on various alternatives regarding the disclosure ofthese baggage and other fees to consumers, including disclosure on Web sites. We ask whether the disclosure provisions should apply not only to carriers but to their agents orto all ticket agents. I note that the comment period on this rulcmaking was recently extended by 45 days and now closes on September 23,2010. 

### A similar letterhas been sent to each ofthe cosigners ofthe letter. In accordance with Department rules applicable to pending proceedings, a copy ofyour letter and this response 

### will be placed in our rulemaking docket. Foryour reference, the docket number is DOT-OST

-2010-0140.
IfI can provide additional informatioTHE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 September 21, 2010

The Honorable Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan U.S. House ofRepresentatives Washington. DC 20515 Dear Congressman Sablan: Thank you for your letter, cosigncd by your congressional colleagues, expressing your views about the U.S. Department ofTransportation's June 8, 2010, notice ofproposed rulemaking covering baggage fees charged by aircarriers as 

### well as several other consumer protection issues. Among the issues covered by the Department's notice ofproposed rulemaking is whether carriers should be required to reimburse passengers lor any fee charged to transport a bag ifthat bag is lost ornot delivered in a timely manner. In addition. the Department is seeking comment on the possibility ofrequiring advertising to include the price oftypical baggage fees in ticket prices, and whether the baggage-free cost should be required as well. We also are seeking comment on various alternatives regarding the disclosure ofthese baggage and other fees to consumers, includingdisclosure on Web sites. We ask whether the disclosure provisions should apply not only to carriers but to their agents orto 

### all ticket agents. 

### I note that the comment period on this rulemaking was recently extended by 45 days and now closes on September 23, 2010. 

### A similar letter has been sent to each ofthe cosigners ofthe letter. In accordance 

### with Department rules applicable to pending proceedings, a copy ofyour Ictter and this response will be placed in our rulemuking docket. For your reference, the docket number is DOT-OST-20I0-0140. 

## Incan provide additional informatio please feel free to call me.THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON. D.C, 20590

The Honorable Gerald E. Connolly U.S. House ofRepresentatives \Vashington, DC 

### 20515 Dear Congressman Connolly: September 21. 20I0

'Ibank you for your letter, cosigned by your congressional colleagues, expressing your views about the U.S. Department ofTransportation's June 8. 2010. notice ofproposed rulemaking covering baggage fees charged by air carriers as well as several otherconsumerprotection issues. Among the issues covered by the Department's notice ofproposed rulemaking is whether carriers should be required to reimburse passengers for any fee charged to transport a bag ifthat bag is lost ornot delivered in a timely manner. In addition, the Department is seeking comment on the possibility ofrequiring advertising to include the price oftypical haggage fees in ticket prices, and whether the baggage-free cost should berequired as well. We also are seeking comment on various alternatives regarding the disclosure ofthese baggage and other fees to consumers. including disclosure on Web sites. We ask whether the disclosure provisions should apply not only to carriers but to their agents orto aJl ticket agents. I note that the comment period on this rulemaking was recently extended by 45 days and now closes on September23.2010. A similar letter has been sent to each ofthe cosigners ofthe Jetter. In accordance with Department rules applicable to pending proceedings. a copy ofyour letter and this response 

### will be placed in our rulcmaking docket. Foryour reference. the docket number is 

### DOT-OST-2010-0140. IfI can provide additional infornlation oras..THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590

The Honorable Carolyn 

### B. Maloney U.S. House ofRepresentatives Washington. DC 20515 Dear Congresswoman Maloney: September 21. 20 J0

Thank you for your letter, cosigned by your congressional colleagues, expressing your views about the U.S. Department ofTransportation's June 8, 2010, notice ofproposed rulcmaking covering baggage fees charged by air carriers as well as several other consumerprotection Issues. Among the issues covered by the Department's notice ofproposed rulemaking is whether carriers should be required to reimburse passengers for any fee charged to transport a bag ifthat bag is lost or not delivered in a timely manner. In addition, the Department is seeking comment on the possibility ofrequiring advertising to include the price oftypical baggage fees in ticket prices, and whetherthe baggage-free cost should be required as well. We also are seeking comment on various alternatives regarding the disclosure ofthese baggage and other fees to consumers, including disclosure on Web sites. We ask whether the disclosure provisions should apply not only to carriers but to their agents or to all ticket agents. I note that the commentperiod on this rulemaking was recently extended by 45 days and now closes on September 23,2010. A similar letter has been sent to each ofthe cosigners ofthe letter. In accordance with Department rules applicable to pending proceedings, a copy ofyour letter and this response 

### will be placed in ourrulcmaking docket. For your retcrcncc, the docket number is DOT-OST-20I0-0140. IfIcan provide additional informal'THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590

The HonorabJe Jerrold Nadler U.S. House ofRepresentatives Washington, DC 20515 DearCongressman Nadler: September 21. 20I0

Thank you for your letter, cosigned by yourcongressional colleagues, expressing your views about the U.S. Department ofTransportation's June 8, 2010, notice ofproposed rulemaking covering baggage fees charged by air carriers as well as several otherconsumerprotection issues. Among the issues covered by the Department's notice ofproposed rulemaking is whether carriers should be required to reimburse passengers for any fee charged to transport a bag ifthat bag is lost ornot delivered in a timely manner. In addition, the Department is seeking comment on the possibility ofrequiring advertising to include the price oftypicaJ baggage fees in ticket prices, and whether the baggage-free cost should be required as well. We also are seeking comment on various alternatives regarding the disclosure ofthese baggage and other fees to consumers, including disclosure on Web sites. We ask whether the disclosure provisions should apply not only to carriers but to theiragents orto all ticket agents. I note that the comment period on this rulemaking was recently extended by 45 days and now closes on September23, 20I

### O. A similar letterhas been sent to each ofthe cosigners ofthe letter. In accordance with Department rules applicable to pending proceedings, a copy ofyourletter and this response will be placed in ourruJemaking docket. For your reference, the docket numberis DOT-OST-2010-0140. IfI can provide additional inforrnafTHE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON. D.C. 20590 September 21. 20I0

The Honorable 

### c.A. "Dutch" Ruppersberger U.S. House ofRepresentatives Washington. DC 20515 Dear Congressman Ruppersberger: Thank you for your letter, cosigned by your congressional colleagues, expressing your views about the U.S. Department ofTransportation's June 8. 2010. notice ofproposed rulemaking covering baggage fees charged by air carriers as well as several other consumerprotection issues. Among the issues covered by the Department's notice ofproposed rulemaking is whether carriers should be required to reimburse passengers for any fee charged to transport a bug ifthat bag is lost or not delivered in a timely manner.

rn addition, the Department is seeking comment on the possibility ofrequiring advertising to include the price oftypical baggage fees in ticket prices. and whether the baggage-free cost should be required as well. We also are seeking comment on various alternatives regarding the disclosure ofthese baggage and otherfees to consumers. including disclosure on Web sites. We ask whether the disclosure provisions should apply not only to carriers but to their agents orto all ticket agents. I note that the comment period on this rulemaking was recently extended by 45 days and now closes on September 23, 20IO.
A similar letter has been sent to each ofthe cosigners ofthe letter. In accordance with Department rules applicable to pending proceedings, a copy ofyour letter and this response will be placed in our rulcmaking docket. For your reference. the docket number is 

### DOT-OST-2010-0140. [1'1 can provide additional infbrmati lease feel free to call 

### me.THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590

The Honorable Bart Stupak U.S. House ofRepresentatives Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congressman Stupak: September 21. 20I0

Thank you for your leller. cosigned by your congressional colleagues, expressing yourviews about the U.S. Department ofTransportation'sJune 8,2010, notice ofproposed rulemaking covering baggage fees charged by air carriers as well as several otherconsumerprotection issues. Among the issues covered by the Department's notice ofproposed rulemaking is whether carriers should be required to reimburse passengers for any fee charged to transport a bag ifthat bag is lost ornot delivered in a timely manner. In addition. the Department is seeking comment on the possibility ofrequiring advertising to include the price oftypical baggage tees in ticket prices, and whether the baggage-free cost should be required as well. We also are seeking comment on various alternatives regarding the disclosure ofthese baggage and other fees to consumers, including disclosure on Web sites. We ask whether the disclosure provisions should apply not only to carriers but to their agents orto all ticket agents. I note that the comment period on this ruJemaking was recently extended by 45 days and now closes on September 23: 20IO.
A similar letter has been sent to each ofthe cosigners ofthe letter. In accordance with Department rules applicable to pending proceedings, a copy ofyour letterand this response will be placed in ourrulemaking docket. For yourreference. the docket number is DOT -OST-2010-0140.
If [can provide additional information or assistance, please teel free to call me.THE SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION WASHINGTON, D.C. 20590 September

### 21. 20 10

The Honorable Chellie Pingree U.S. House ofRepresentatives Washington, DC 20515
Dear Congresswoman Pingree: '111ank you for your letter, cosigned by your congressional colleagues, expressing your views about the U.S. Department ofTransportation's June 8, 2010. notice ofproposed rulemaking covering baggage fees charged by air carriers as well as several otherconsumer protection issues. ,\mong the issues covered by 

### the Department's notice 

### ofproposed rulemaking is whether carriers should be required to reimburse passengers for any fee charged to transport a bag 

### ifthat bag is [ost or not delivered in a timely manner. In addition. the Department is seeking comment on the possibility ofrequiring advertising to include the price oftypical baggage lees in ticket prices, and whether the baggage-free cost should be required as well. We also are seeking comment on various alternatives regarding the disclosure ofthese baggage and other fees to consumers, including disclosure on Web sites. We ask whether the disclosure provisions should apply not only to carriers but to their agents orto 

### all ticket agents. 

### I note that the comment period on this rulemaking 

### was recently extended by 

### 45 days and now closes on September 23, 20)O

. 

### A similar letter has been sent to each ofthe cosigners ofthe letter. 

### In accordance with Department rules applicable to pending proceedings, a copy ofyour letter and this response 

### will be placedin our mlemaking docket. For your reference, the docket number is DOT-OST-2010-0140.
IfI can provide additional information or assistanc • se feci free to call me.

# @Ullgrrs5 uf il1£ 

# 1ilnitrl\ states mn5i!illgtOlt. 

## D<C 2Ll513

Secretary Ray LaHood U.S. Department ofTransportation 1200 New Jersey Avenue, SE Washington, DC 20590
Dear SecretaryLaHood: July 30, 2010 

### S 10
- 1 ()()X03-0 l-t

We arc writing in support ofyollr Noticed ofProposed Rulcmaking from June 8, 2010, proposing enhanced airline passenger protections and to**eneoura~e** the inclusion ofa requirement that airlines refund baggage fees when luggage is lost, delayed, or damaged. We also ask that you require airlines, travel agents, and (ravel wcbsites (0 include the cost ofluggage when providing a fare quote.
We are all aware that baggage fees, which began as small add-ons at a few airlines. have rapidly spread and increased 

### in price. They have become a fact oflifc for millions ofAmerican travelers. While airlines argue that the fees are a necessary way to recover the costs ofthe services they provide, more should be done to make the fees fairer for passengers. We introduced, H.R. 5384, the Baggage Fee Faimess Act shortly before you published your rule to even the playing field for passengers. and were very happy that you requested comments on ideas very similar to those contained within our legislation.
As you finalize the 111le we urge you to require airlines to refund the baggage fcc ifluggage is lost, damaged. or delayed. Some airlines will currently take this step but otten require a great deal ofeffort trom passengers, and some airlines simply refuse to refund baggage fees. We need a clear national policy on baggage 

### fcc refunds. Secondly, 

### we urge you to make it easier for travelers to comparison shop by requiring inclusion ofbaggage fees when getting a quote overthe phone oronline. either through online comparison sites orthrough the carrier's own website. While your Department docs cum:ntly have rules requiring baggage fee disclosure, we urge you to take those rules one step further by allowing a passenger to indicate whether they will be checking bags and including those fees 

### in a farc quote. Thank you for your consideratioll. We look forward to working with you to include these ideas in your rule. Sincerely, 

# /?,d<..! 

# £**('~** Michael E. Capuano MemberofCongress

### Secretary Ray 

### LaHood July 30, 2010 Page 2 

### SI(I-I OOX03-() 14 

# >lLt:\Eow-**c=----~ress** -....J 

# 7//'L/ -:

- - ivlember ofCongress

# ~~et~**~** Member ofCongress

# U~~ Member ofCongress

### ListofSigners 

### MtichaelE.Capuano Bart Stupak BettyMcCollum C.A. Dutch Ruppersberger CarolynMaloney Chellie Pingree Gary C. Peters Gerald E. Connolly Gregorio Kilili Camacho Sablan GwenMoore Heath Shuler Jerrold Nadler Laura Richardson 

### Raul M. Grijalva S 1 0-1**()()X()~-()** 1-1