Originally Posted by
emcampbe
Actually, I think the OP made off quite well. As for writing to the DOT, they won't care. AFAIK, no airline is required to pay out anything if the aircraft has less than 60 seats and the bump is due to safety/weight restrictions - it sounds like this was the case. So a $250 voucher, minus a $25 bag fee, still puts you up $225 more than you were required to be given for being bumped. I wouldn't be complaining about that.
As for a baggage charge not being mentioned, it seems to me that if it was not specifically agreed to, than AA has no obligation on it anyway. Especially considering they could have just IDB'd and paid out nothing. This is why you need to discuss all terms before you sign the paper and agree to be bumped.
IMHO you are wrong about DOT not caring although it would admittedly take many more than one instance for DOT to fine. Spirit was fined, among other things, for having deceptive practices by not publishing the full cost including fees of their flights. It's not a matter of $225 being a good deal; it's more an issue that the Gate Agent didn't provide all the information for the customer to make a fully informed choice.