The good news for airline passengers in the U.S. is that new rules will force carriers to refund any checked baggage fees if their luggage is lost starting in August. The rules were proposed in 2010 and after a review and comment period, were announced in April of 2011. Now that the August implementation date is approaching, airlines are asking for more time.

Airlines are asking the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) for a six-month delay in new passenger protection regulations set to take effect in August. The airlines claim that they need more time to train employees and update computer systems.

Several airline groups, including the Air Transport Association (ATA) which represents member airlines in the U.S., are asking the DOT to move the implementation date into 2012. The rules include an extension of the tarmac delay limits to international flights departing the U.S.; more compensation for being bumped off of a flight; and a refund of baggage fees if the airline loses a passenger's luggage. In October, rules requiring airlines to include taxes and fees in advertised fares are set to take effect. The airlines are asking for clarification of some of the rules, particularly on how baggage fees can be disclosed. Airlines want to be able to provide a hyperlink or email in lieu of printing the fee on an e-ticket confirmation as will be required.

The aviation groups state that their member airlines are ready to make the changes to comply with the rules but they claim that the 120-day implementation deadline after the final rules were announced was not a practical timeframe.

A few questions come to mind regarding this request. Yes, updating computer systems and training employees may take some additional time, but how long ago were these rules proposed? Why don't fare hikes and add-on fees take as long to implement as refunds and fare disclosures?