Senator Menendez Crying Foul Over Plan By Airlines To Reduce Size Of Carry-On Luggage
By Mike Dougherty
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A New Jersey senator is skeptical of a proposal by the International Air Transport Association that would reduce the size of carry-on luggage allowed on a flight.
Under the proposed guidelines, carry-on bags would be reduced by more than 20-percent, forcing many travelers to either pay to check their bags or to buy new luggage.
U.S. Senator Bob Menendez of New Jersey thinks it's a money grab.
"This cannot turn into another industry ploy related to baggage fees," Menendez says, "since dubious tactics like hidden fees are already used to trick consumers."
He says baggage fees are untaxed revenue for airlines.
"If our luggage has to go on a diet," the senator says, "then let's make sure the result isn't another airline industry profit binge."
With enough pressure from passengers and lawmakers, Menendez hopes airlines will decline any changes.