Gov't announces new steps to protect airline consumers

WASHINGTON (AP) — Airlines would be required to refund fees when checked bags are "substantially delayed" under a proposal released Tuesday by the Transportation Department, one of a series of steps the Obama administration says it's taking to boost consumer protections for passengers.

Congress directed the department in an aviation bill passed over the summer to require airlines to refund checked bag fees to passengers whose luggage is delayed 12 hours or more for domestic flights or 15 hours or more for overseas flights.

Major carriers haven't been including flights operated by their regional airline partners in their performance reports to the government.