Delta Air Lines Increases Baggage Allowance for US Service Members

Following a recent incident where a group of Army soldiers returning from Afghanistan had to pay over $3,000 in fees for extra bags, Delta Air Lines has revised its policy to allow US service members to check up to five free bags weighing a maximum of 70 pounds. The new policy applies to members of the military traveling on orders, including dependents. The announcement comes after a group of soldiers, including Staff Sgt. Robert O'Hair, were left with a significant expense after their four bags were not recognized as exempt from Delta's baggage fees.

Key Takeaways:

• Delta Air Lines has increased its baggage allowance for US service members, allowing them to check up to five free bags weighing a maximum of 70 pounds, with dependents traveling with active service members also included.
• The new policy is a response to a recent incident where a group of Army soldiers returning from Afghanistan had to pay over $3,000 in fees for extra bags.
• Staff Sgt. Robert O'Hair and other members of US Army Detachment 62, part of the 95th Division, were among those affected by the previous policy, with each soldier paying approximately $200 for their extra bags.
• The revised policy helps to mitigate the financial burden on service members returning from deployment, who may not have the resources to pay for additional baggage fees.
• The Army has authorized four bags for each soldier, but Delta previously only allowed three, resulting in the additional fees.
• The airline's revised policy reflects its appreciation for the military and provides flexibility for active duty US Military Personnel traveling on orders.

Statistics:

• Over $3,000: The amount of fees paid by a group of Army soldiers for extra bags.
• $200: The approximate amount each soldier had to pay for their extra bags.
• 70 pounds: The maximum weight per bag allowed under the new policy.
• 5 bags: The maximum number of free bags allowed per service member under the new policy.
• 4 bags: The number of bags authorized per soldier by the Army.
• 34: The number of soldiers in the group affected by the previous policy.
• 2,800: The total amount spent by the group of soldiers for their extra bags.

Sources:

• UPI. (June 8). Delta Air Lines Inc. increases baggage allowance for US service members.