US: Senator Schumer calls on airlines to reconsider overhead bin fees

US senator Charles Schumer is concerned about airlines charging passengers for the ability to use space in the overhead bin. The New York Democrat says passengers who purchase new “basic” fares offered by American Airlines won’t be able to store carry-on baggage in the overhead bins. He says he worries other airlines will follow suit and that one day all passengers might have to pay extra if they want to stow a suitcase overhead. Schumer said Sunday that all passengers should be allowed to use the overhead bins without extra charges. “You don’t have to know how to read the tea leaves to see that when it comes to new airline fees, the future looks turbulent for consumers,” Schumer said. “Yet again, and as predicted, another major airline just made it harder for everyday consumers to fly”. <br/>