New U.S. Dept. Of Transportation Rules Could Help Alleviate Some Travel Headaches

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- From delayed flights to long security lines, flying can be a frustrating experience, but the U.S. Department of Transportation is proposing new rules to ease some of that pain.

The government already requires carriers to refund checked-baggage fees when luggage is lost. The new rules would go a step further, requiring refunds for bags that are substantially delayed.

When it comes to flight delays, airlines would not only have to report their own delays, but their regional partners as well.

As for booking tickets online, travel sites would be prohibited from favoring one airline and not showing all available ticket prices.

The government is also calling for more transparency from carriers. One proposed rule would require "all in one" pricing that includes extra costs for luggage, seat assignments and changing or canceling flights.

The new rules adopted by the U.S. Dept. of Transportation on Tuesday will also require airlines to collect expanded information on late flights, mishandled bags and even damaged wheelchairs.

Some of the proposals will take effect in January, while others are still up in the air and subject to revision.

One pro-airline trade group cautioned that the new rules could harm customers by re-regulating how airlines sell their products, which could drive up the cost of air travel, CBS2's Tony Aiello reported.