American Airlines charging troops for extra baggage

by chowdawg | August 12, 2008 at 09:25 am

1555 views | 6 Recommendations | 12 comments

We have talked a lot of late about the cost-cutting measures of airlines, everything from eliminating meals, beverages and additional luggage to charging for headphones, blankets and pillows. American Airlines is now charging war-zone bound soldiers for extra baggage. In theory, the soldiers can be reimbursed by the military for the cost, but they have to fill out special forms and reimbursement is not immediate. Not to mention it is probably the last thing they are thinking about on the front lines.

American Airlines is charging troops for their extra baggage, a practice that forces soldiers heading for a war zone in Iraq to try to get reimbursement from the military. One of the country's largest veterans groups is asking the aviation industry to drop the practice immediately. American, which recently charged two soldiers from Texas $100 and $300 for their extra duffel bags, said it gives the military a break on the cost for excess luggage and that the soldiers who incur the fees are reimbursed. "Because the soldiers don't pay a dime, our waiver of the fees amounts to a discount to the military, not a discount to soldiers," said Tim Wagner, spokesman for American Airlines. "Soldiers should not have to pay a penny of it."

Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) spokesman Joseph Davis said service members destined for Iraq should not have to spend the money out of pocket and should not have to worry about filing expense forms in a war zone. "That's a lot to ask when the service member has much more important things on their minds, such as staying alive and keeping those around them alive," he said.

The VFW is asking the Air Transport Association (ATA) to urge member airlines to exempt military personnel traveling on official orders from all excess-baggage fees. "This should not be a very difficult decision to make," Mr. Davis said.

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phoenixesrose

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 09:45 on August 12th, 2008

chowdawg, I like this story. It's good stuff. Shame on the Airlines for being such nickle and diming freaks lately.

Why can't they just price the seats according to how much it actually costs instead of charging for every little thing. Ex. Does McDonald's in the US charge for every packet of ketchup and/or napkin when your ordering your meal? NO. Should the airlines do so? NO!

I'm sorry to say that this has come to the point where Congress needs to get involved - not to say the airlines can't raise rates - but to say SELL YOUR SEATS at what they cost, Treat your passengers with respect and not as if they're cattle or criminals, and HELLO - behave yourselves!

World_Groove

at 10:20 on August 12th, 2008

The airlines are in trouble and I personally have no problem with a pricing structure where you pay for the bare minimum and if you decide you want a little more comfort or amenities you pay for it. In my mind this brings ticket prices down to those with financial difficulties, yet allows those with more money more options for convenience when traveling. For better or worse, we live in a capitalistic society in the west, and this pricing structure caters to that in my opinion.

bwbollom

at 16:22 on August 12th, 2008

I like this story. Glad I could contribute my photo.

bwbollom has contributed a photo to this story.

Aeromexico001

at 16:35 on August 12th, 2008

wow thanks for adding this picture to this webpage! I really agree that american airlines should not charge troops which have served to defend america! its AMERICAN airlines for americans by americans.

Aeromexico001 has contributed a photo to this story.

World_Groove

flagged this story as Good Stuff

at 17:01 on August 12th, 2008

=-)

butesch

at 19:03 on August 12th, 2008

Good grief...to what will they stoop next?

I still fly AA pretty much because I have so many miles I'm kind of locked in. However, whenever I can fly I partner, instead of AA, I do, particularly on international flights.

Go fly Cathay Pacific and see how bad the AA international service is...shameful.

cbcastro

at 19:24 on August 12th, 2008

That's terrible. Reminds me of this: http://www.csmonitor.com/2006/0201/p03s02-usmi.html.

pixman v2.0

at 19:40 on August 12th, 2008

Cant remember where I took this pic @... but nice one!

pixman v2.0 has contributed a photo to this story.

Brandi Stone (not verified)

at 03:28 on August 13th, 2008

This is CRAZY!!!!! These people are fighting in wars for us so we dont have to. They are risking their lives and some are dying and all the Air Lines can think about is an extra buck. I feel the pain of the gas prices and hard ships, but more than anything I would want these solders to come home safe and alive. Their are Mothers, Fathers, Wives, Husbands and Children in the US who have a loved one in the war and all they want is the safe return of their loved one. Give it a break LOOK OUT FOR OUR SOLDERS; BECAUSE THEY ARE LOOKING OUT FOR US.

snoopygirl

at 10:27 on August 13th, 2008

I'm not sure I can understand why American Airlines can't bill the military directly (at a hopefully reduced rate) so the troops never need to be out of pocket. That seems fairest to me. That way the private airline isn't having to "finance military issues" but our soldiers aren't asked to take on any expense either.

snoopygirl has contributed a photo to this story.

cosplay shooter

at 12:16 on August 13th, 2008

American Airlines @ Frankfurt (Germany) airport.

cosplay shooter has contributed a photo to this story.

kmemav8r (not verified)

at 19:48 on August 18th, 2008

I didn't want to slam American by honoring your photo request but am personally bothered by what I just read - how American Justifies it - as a discount to the military. Who do they think helps escort planes and check for possible in flight damage aloft? Our own soldiers - they are on call - always in the air and more can be dispatched an airborne within minutes. So now this loyal aviator wishes he HAD submitted photos.

But the most moving one that I wish you had appears on my blog on

myspace dot com/grahamusa -

a flag draped casket being pulled off of an American Airlines Jet as passengers look out the window. The picture has been seen around the world and brought tears to many.

It is a shame that one of our own carriers with our country's name "American" on it, complete with red white and blue livery would do that to our soldiers. And I don't care who at American gets mad for this comment or better yet anyone in the Industry.

I know people who fly for American and on that note, I have no further comment. I just did what I didn't want to do - I spoke up and I hope I don't lose too many pilot buddies over it.

All photographers have since been banned from taking pictures of a soldier's body being removed from any aircraft on US Soil. I am going to a meeting about that very subject on Saturday.

I could go on but won't. That pic also appears on my word press blog.

PS - United announced today that they will not charge extra for bags and that all soldiers, space permitting, will be given free upgrades to seats that have extra legroom on board. And these guys deserve one good comfortable stretch en route to a life of sand, sweat, standing on their feet for long hours and trying to sleep in excessive heat.

These are our men and women fighting for our country. The next time you see one alone in public, go up, shake her or his hand and say thank you. And for the record, as a kid, I was told to always stand when a Uniformed soldier walks into a room - a lesson taught to me about manners at the Country Club one night when an officer entered the dining room and everyone stood. Usually you just do that when they come to your table. It is all about manners and even more about respect.

Thanks for letting me share and vent here.