BROOKLYN - Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) is taking action to protect consumers from unfair airline ticket fees. The "Consumer Protection in Airline Ticket Validity Act of 2010" (H.R. 5930) will give airline customers greater freedom when rescheduling or canceling flights and bar extraneous extra fees including those for checking luggage.

"The airline industry has increasingly passed fees onto consumers to boost their bottom line during the economic downturn. It is time to end these unfair practices and hold the industry accountable for their actions," said Rep. Towns. "The Consumer Protection in Airline Ticket Validity Act of 2010 will compel airlines to treat their customers with the fairness they deserve."

Under current policies, ticketed passengers are charged large cancellation fees if they have to postpone their travel. In some cases, passengers are given a credit that is only redeemable for one year; should the credit not be redeemed within a year, the credit disappears. In addition, airlines are resorting to charging fees to check baggage, and even carry-on items, to help raise revenue at the expense of their customers.

"While rising costs are inevitable in any industry, travelers should not be gouged by quick-to-expire airline tickets and penalized for their luggage, which is essential when traveling," added Rep. Towns.

###

Return to Congressman Towns' website