The airlines’ luggage quandary

Why haven’t more airlines begun charging passengers for their checked luggage? It’s easy money, and customer resistance to it seems relatively low.

Here’s what is probably going on.

Air carriers currently have a long list of items for which they won’t take responsibility. For example, American Airlines will pay up to $2,800 per lost or damaged bag under its Conditions of Carriage, but check out these exclusions:

“… antiques, artifacts, artwork, books and documents, china, computers and other electronic equipment, computer software, fragile items (including child/infant restraint devices such as strollers and car seats), eyeglasses, prescription sunglasses, non-prescription sunglasses and all other eyewear and eye/vision devices whether lenses are glass, plastic, or some other material, furs, heirlooms, items carried in the passenger compartment of the aircraft, liquids, medicines, money, orthotics, surgical supports, perishable items, photographic, video and optical equipment, precious metals, stones or jewelry, securities and negotiable papers, silverware, samples, unique or irreplaceable items or any other similar valuable items.”

In other words, almost everything is excluded.

So what’s the problem?

Well, if we start paying an airline to transport our luggage, our expectations change. When it’s no longer “free,” passengers begin to think of their carrier as an overnight delivery service.

Check out Federal Express’ terms and conditions, and you’ll see that the company assumes liability for a lot more than any airline. The only items its contract specifically excludes from liability are fluorescent tubes, neon lighting, neon signs, X-ray tubes, laser tubes, light bulbs, quartz crystal, quartz lamps, glass tubes such as those used for specimens, and glass containers such as those used in laboratory test environments. FedEx also doesn’t accept liability for the shipment of scale models (including, but not limited to, architectural models and dollhouses) and prototypes.

While we’ve seen some airlines move in the direction of charging customers for checked luggage, I think they are hesitating to go RyanAir on us.

If they do, they could end having to pay more in damages than they would potentially make in revenues.

Christopher Elliott is the author of Scammed: How to Save Your Money and Find Better Service in a World of Schemes, Swindles, and Shady Deals. Critics have called it “eye-opening” and “inspiring” — it’ll “grab your attention and won’t let go.” Order your copy now on Amazon, Barnes & Noble or iTunes.

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