Schumer: Airlines should disclose bag fees

Airlines that charge fees for carry-on luggage should fully disclose the amounts in the ticket price so passengers know the "full cost" of a ticket before purchasing a seat, Sen. Charles Schumer said Thursday.

Schumer (D-N.Y.) made public a letter he wrote to U.S. Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood asking that the agency "take action to protect consumers from being misled by carry-on luggage fees."

Specifically, Schumer wants the DOT to require airlines to inform passengers of the price of carry-on luggage in the first fare quote, state that additional fees for checked baggage may apply, and provide instructions on where customers can go to see the actual fee amounts.

Current regulations require only that airlines publish a fare quotation for a specific itinerary and indicate the possibility of additional bag fees and where consumers can find those fees, Schumer said.

Allegiant Airlines, based Las Vegas, recently started charging as much as $35 for placing a bag inside an airplane's overhead compartment. Spirit Airlines of Florida began charging fees for carry-on luggage in 2010.

In a statement released this week, Allegiant President Andrew Levy said customers will understand the carry-on baggage fee.

"When flying Allegiant, travelers do not pay for something they do not need or want," Levy said. "We are confident that our customers will continue to appreciate our efforts to keep their base fare as low as possible, while offering a completely customized travel experience."