US: Senate to tell airlines if they lose bags, refund those fees

Airlines will still be allowed to jam passengers into ever-smaller seats and charge them for checked luggage, but they will have to provide refunds when those bags are delayed or lost under a bill set for Senate passage. Rules to require those refunds and to bolster airport security are part of a FAA measure nearing final approval by the US Senate as early as next week. The measure to extend the agency’s authority through September 2017 puts pressure on the House to act before current authorization expires July 15. The bill advanced on a 94-4 vote Thursday morning. Senate leaders had originally hoped to pass the bill later in the day, but were still wrangling over amendments.<br/>The measure would mandate new rules for drones and also would provide more disclosure of the cost of fees airlines charge passengers. Last week, the Senate rejected other proposed consumer-friendly provisions, including an amendment aimed at setting minimum seat sizes offered by Democratic Senator Chuck Schumer of New York. Increased airport security is an issue with heightened urgency following the attack in Brussels. Earlier efforts to amend the bill to include tax credits for renewable energy failed, although Democrats said they extracted a promise that the energy credits would see Senate action later this year. The bipartisan legislation still faces likely votes on amendments before final passage. <br/>