Airlines Waive Baggage Fees for Military Members Traveling on Orders

The U.S. military has prompted several major airlines to reconsider their baggage policies, resulting in the elimination or reduction of fees for service members traveling on official orders. The policy change was sparked by a viral YouTube video showcasing soldiers returning from Afghanistan who were forced to pay over $2,800 for their fourth checked bag on a Delta flight. In response, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, United Airlines, and Continental Airlines have announced new policies allowing military members to check four or five bags without charge.

Key Takeaways:

• Delta Air Lines has implemented a new policy allowing U.S. servicemembers to check up to four bags in economy class and five bags in first and business class at no charge.
• Each bag can weigh up to 70 pounds and measure up to 80 linear inches, with some exceptions for Delta Connection carriers.
• American Airlines is increasing its baggage policy for military members to check five bags without cost, with full implementation expected in the next few days.
• United Airlines and Continental Airlines will now waive the fee for military personnel traveling on orders to check a fourth bag.
• Servicemembers are entitled to receive full reimbursement for reasonable, authorized excess baggage fees for official business, including deployments.

The policy changes come after a video on YouTube highlighted the issue of excessive baggage fees for soldiers returning from Afghanistan. Delta Air Lines has apologized for the situation and is working individually with the soldiers to rectify the issue.

Statistics:

• Delta Air Lines has waived baggage fees for up to four or five bags for military members traveling on orders, depending on their seating class.
• American Airlines will waive baggage fees for up to five bags for military members traveling on orders.
• United Airlines and Continental Airlines will waive baggage fees for up to four bags for military members traveling on orders.
• Over $2,800 was paid by soldiers returning from Afghanistan for excessive baggage fees on a Delta flight.

Sources:

• "Defense officials said servicemembers traveling for official business, including deployments, are entitled to receive full reimbursement for reasonable, authorized excess baggage fees." [Army.mil]
• "We regret that this experience caused these Soldiers to feel anything but welcome on their return home," said a Delta Air Lines spokeswoman. [Army.mil]
• "We are working with the Soldiers individually to make this situation right for each of them," said a Delta Air Lines spokeswoman. [Army.mil]
• United Airlines and Continental Airlines spokeswoman Christen David announced that the airline will now waive baggage fees for up to four bags for military personnel traveling on orders. [Army.mil]
• American Airlines spokesman Tim Smith reported that the airline is in the process of increasing its baggage policy for military members to check five bags without cost. [Army.mil]