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Delta Air Lines charges returning soldiers for checked bags
In sum, the group spent nearly $2800 in baggage fees for their gear, money that had to come straight out of their pockets.
Obviously a policy is in place between the airline and the armed services that permits soldiers returning from war to bring back all of their gear without cost. What's likely is that an uninformed agent at the connecting airport didn't know about the rule and charged the group. Either way, Delta should fix the error and refund the fees.
UPDATE: Delta's policy states that for military members, THREE checked bags are allowed in coach and FOUR checked bags are allowed in first, so the baggage fees may actually be correct. Whether Delta's policy is palatable or not is another question, but it appears that the agents were charging the servicemen properly.
UPDATE 2, 11:34PM EST, 6/7: Delta just posted a blog article discussing today's situation in which they discuss their policy. Specifically they state:
You can read Delta's full post here.In the case of today's situation, we would like to publicly apologize to those service men and women for any miscommunication regarding our current policies as well as any inconvenience we may have caused. We are currently looking further into the situation, and will be reaching out to each of them personally to address their concerns and work to correct any issues they have faced.
UPDATE 3, 12:47pm EST, 6/8: Delta has updated their baggage policy:
ATLANTA, June 8, 2011 – Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) today increased its free checked baggage allotment for U.S. Military traveling on orders in Economy Class to four checked bags.
Delta's revised baggage policy also allows U.S.military personnel travelingon orders in First and Business Class to check up to five bags at no charge. This change also adds dependents traveling with active military on orders. Each bag may weigh up to 70 lbs. (32 kg) and measure up to 80 linear inches (203 cm), which offers added flexibility over the standard 50 lbs. and 62 linear inches (157 cm) allotment. Because of weight, balance and space constraints, Delta Connection carriers will accept up to four bags at no charge.
For personal travel, active military presenting military identification may now check up to two bags weighing 50 pounds (23 kg) or less and measuring 62 inches (158 linear cm) or less in combined length, width and height without charge.
Previously, Delta's policy allotted three free checked bags in Economy Class and four in First and Business Class for military members traveling on orders.
Details of Delta's baggage policy are available on delta.com.
[thanks to reddit user redheaddeb for the tip]
Filed under: North America, Afghanistan, United States, Airlines, Transportation
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 88)
g Jun 7th 2011 10:47PM
just pointing out that your link states active military can check 3 bags for free in coach and 4 bags for free if sitting in first class. that video was obviously shot in coach. so the agent checking them in was correct.
its obviously up to the agent to waive the fees accordingly but he/she did their job correctly.
"Will the first or second bag policy apply to active U.S. Military personnel checking bags?
No. U.S. Military personnel on active duty with travel orders may check in 3 bags in Economy Class and up to 4 checked bags in First/Business on Delta aircraft or Delta Connection® carriers, at no additional charge. Each bag has a maximum weight of 70 lbs (32 kg) and size of 80 linear inches (203 cm)."
Grant Martin Jun 7th 2011 10:52PM
Good catch. I've updated the post to reflect the policy. Thanks g!
notdouchebag Jun 7th 2011 10:58PM
yeah I guess carrying my aidbag and m-4 from country is my fault and I should pay them...you are a complete P.O.S.
rose Jun 7th 2011 11:35PM
Delta your airline is so upsetting to me as an american citizen.....Our troops deserve the highest and ultimate respect!
fufu1951 Jun 7th 2011 11:42PM
This is a disgrace servicemembers are paid so little that sustaining their families is a challenge. This is pure greed does Delta not realize that service members are why they are able to fly?Give these Servicew members a refund and send them and their family on vacation!!!!
sandy smith Jun 8th 2011 12:24AM
OMG. These Ladies and Gentlemen are fighting for our country and freedom. I will never make as much as Delta, however if I am in the company of a Soldier I will pay for his gas, meal, etc that is the least I can do! DELTA YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED!!!
RogerW Jun 8th 2011 1:02AM
Delta also makes an unnecessary distinction between "active duty" military and non-military. Members of the Army Corps of Engineers, nearly all of whom are civilians, do not get the same breaks as soldiers even though they are going to the same place to serve this country. Soldiers waiting for a light to Iraq or Afghanistan can kill the hours in Delta's lounge. Corps members on the wsame flight can not.
How fair and patriotic is that?
AMC Jun 8th 2011 1:14AM
THIS GOES TO"g" I CAN TELL U HAVE NO RESPECT TOWARDS THE US MILITARY SERVICE & NOR THEIR RTS.,..THEY BREAK THEIR FAMILY LINKS TO SERVE A COUNTRY, DEFEND UR RTS & U THINK THAT WHAT WAS DONE IN DELTA & BY DELTA WAS "A JOB WELL DONE?" IF I WERE U? I WOULD BEG TO BECOME AN EMBRYO, BORN AGAIN WITH A DIFFERENT BRAIN & IF NOT POSSIBLE THEM B A MISCARRIAGE...MOOD...L I V I D
Christine Scott Jun 8th 2011 6:07PM
Our military give of there life & family. They should sail through with open arms any airlines to return home without any termoil. Delta do the right thing by our troops!
KAL Jun 8th 2011 1:34AM
I THINK THE USA SHOULD ENLIST EACH AND EVERYTONE THAT AGREED WITH THIS POLICY TO A 1 YEAR ENLISTMENT TO IRAQ, AND SEE IF THEY WOULD LIKE TO PAY FOR THEY RETURN TO THE GOOD OLE USA , WITH BAGGAGE CHARGES AFTER THERE EMOTIONMAL TOUR IS OVERWITH !! DUH
lindy Jun 8th 2011 2:39AM
If Delta cannot clearly state that they will refund all proceeds, Delta should not be allowed to carry any military personel, any state, federal or local government personel, and have all contracts involving with any public governmental agency voided...They are protected by the armed forces of this nation, but insisit on gouging the troops who stand on the wall to protect their asses..Well, enough corporate gluttony...cut off their blls...let them defend themselves from now on. Remove all services from the aholes including airport screening on their flights...Lets see how many folks want to fly on their unprotected airplanes.............
Proud american Jun 8th 2011 2:55AM
G you must work for Delta or your a complete butthead!! I get the agent was doing their job. The question is why the heck would Delta charge soldiers for baggage. I dont think Delta is hurting especially what they charge for tickets. Delta should be ashamed and so should you G for being a dumb ass.
Leila Jun 8th 2011 3:10AM
My fiance had over 3 bags of issued gear he was required to return with alone plus his own personal belongings. It would take at least a month to be able to get any gear plus a huge cost if they mailed it back. Delta is crooked.
Marthana W Jun 8th 2011 3:20AM
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How they can sell gift cards, laptops, cameras, and all kinds of goodies that we all want for 50-90% off, I don't know. I do know that I bought my son an iPad there for less than $100 and my husband a $250 Loews gift cards for $48.
Why would I even think about shopping anyplace else?
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Marthana W Jun 8th 2011 5:03AM
I buy almost everything except food and clothing from online auctions.Most people aren't aware of the almost unbelievable deals that they can get from online auction sites.
The site that has the best deals is hTtp://bit.ly/savedbig and I checked with the Better Business Bureau and was told that it is all legit.
How they can sell gift cards, laptops, cameras, and all kinds of goodies that we all want for 50-90% off, I don't know. I do know that I bought my son an iPad there for less than $100 and my husband a $250 Loews gift cards for $48.
Why would I even think about shopping anyplace else?
Marthana Jun 8th 2011 3:42AM
I buy almost everything except food and clothing from online auctions.Most people aren't aware of the almost unbelievable deals that they can get from online auction sites.
The site that has the best deals is ( hTtp://bit.ly/savedbig ) and I checked with the Better Business Bureau and was told that it is all legit.
How they can sell gift cards, laptops, cameras, and all kinds of goodies that we all want for 50-90% off, I don't know. I do know that I bought my son an iPad there for less than $100 and my husband a $250 Loews gift cards for $48.
Why would I even think about shopping anyplace else?
Marthana Jun 8th 2011 4:33AM
I buy almost everything except food and clothing from online auctions.Most people aren't aware of the almost unbelievable deals that they can get from online auction sites.
The site that has the best deals is hTtp://bit.ly/savedbig and I checked with the Better Business Bureau and was told that it is all legit.
How they can sell gift cards, laptops, cameras, and all kinds of goodies that we all want for 50-90% off, I don't know. I do know that I bought my son an iPad there for less than $100 and my husband a $250 Loews gift cards for $48.
Why would I even think about shopping anyplace else?
Marthana Jun 8th 2011 5:07AM
I buy almost everything except food and clothing from online
auctions.Most people aren't aware of the almost unbelievable deals
that they can get from online auction sites.
The site that has the best deals is hTtp://bit.ly/savedbig and I
checked with the Better Business Bureau and was told that it is all
legit.
How they can sell gift cards, laptops, cameras, and all kinds of
goodies that we all want for 50-90% off, I don't know. I do know that
I bought my son an iPad there for less than $100 and my husband a $250
Loews gift cards for $48.
Why would I even think about shopping anyplace else?
Chris Chronister Wrightsville,pa Jun 8th 2011 7:54AM
This makes me livid! I cannot believe that our men, and women that risk their lives for our freedoms have to pay even a dime to return with ALL there gear! Delta should feel lucky that they have a contract in the first place. How many other companies would trip over their own feet just to have the priveledge of transporting these fine americans. I will bet there are many! So I say forget delta. We should boycot there arses starting now! I dont care if there in first class/coach, or riding on the darn wing! Sick, greedy, scum bags is what they are. BOOOOOO delta!!!!!!!!!!!!!!