The Hill News

Sen. Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.) sent a letter to the Department of Transportation Thursday asking the agency to require airlines to include the cost of carry-on baggage fees in the price quoted to travelers.

Allegiant Air -- a discount airline that provides service between regional airports -- announced earlier this week that they would begin charging travelers between $10 and $35 for bags that need to be stored in overhead compartments. That's in addition to the fees that Allegiant -- like other major carriers -- charge for checked baggage that the airline handles.

“The airlines are at it again, trying to see how much they can squeeze out of passengers while trying to advertise a price that is significantly lower than what the traveler will ultimately pay,” Schumer said in a statement. “Well, if an airline wants to try and nickel-and-dime a passenger than we will make sure that those nickels and dimes are disclosed up front as part of the price quote. Fliers should be able to travel with a carry-on bag without paying a fee, period, but if they are going to be forced to do so, they should be informed about the fees when they look at the initial price of the ticket.”

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