Lawmakers say they will try again to regulate airline fees

Travelers love to hate airline fees, and several congressional Democrats say it's time to regulate the extra charges for things like checking a bag

WASHINGTON -- Several congressional Democrats are reviving legislation to regulate fees that airlines charge for things such as checking a bag, changing a flight or picking a seat.

The legislation would require that fees be “reasonable and proportional” to the airline's cost of providing the service. It will also require airlines to let children under 14 sit with family members at no extra charge.

One of the bill supporters, Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., accused the airlines of “robbery in the skies — taking fees and charges for stuff that costs them nothing.” He said airlines can charge high fees because Congress hasn't stopped them from doing so.

Airlines say fees have kept fares lower for people who don't want the services that are covered by the fees.