Meng Introduces Legislation Requiring Train, Ship, and Bus Passengers to be Compensated for Lost Luggage

WASHINGTON, D.C. – With the busy summer travel season beginning this Memorial Day weekend, U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-NY) introduced legislation that would require train, ship and bus companies to refund baggage fees for luggage that is lost or delayed.

Last year, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Reauthorization Act that was enacted into law included a provision which requires airlines to refund checked baggage fees if luggage is lost or delayed after a domestic or international flight.

But because the legislation was an aviation-related bill, it did not mandate lost luggage reimbursements for passengers who travel by other means.

Meng's measure, entitled the No Fees for Lost Baggage Act (H.R. 2715), would fix the problem by extending the same refund requirements to all common carriers including cruise ships, railroads and bus lines.

"Until last year, airlines could refuse to reimburse checked baggage fees to customers whose luggage was lost or significantly delayed after a flight's arrival, and correcting this problem in the FAA bill was a long overdue victory for air travelers," said Meng. "But those who travel by rail, road and sea should be entitled to the same protections, and my legislation would make that happen. All passengers who pay to check bags should receive refunds for lost or delayed luggage regardless of their mode of transportation. I urge my colleagues in Congress to quickly pass this bill as the busy vacation and tourism season gets underway."

Meng's bill has been referred to the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee where it is awaiting further action.