The Transportation Department has warned airlines against limiting compensation for passengers who purchase necessities because their baggage is lost or delayed. In
a notice issued today (October 9, 2009), the government said policies that arbitrarily limit reimbursement are a violation of federal regulations.
“Travelers should not have to pay for toiletries or other necessities while they wait for baggage misplaced by airlines,” Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood said in a prepared statement. “We expect airlines to comply with all of our regulations and will take enforcement action if they do not.”