Returning Soldiers beig charged for baggage

[RPBrown]

Just saw on Fox that Delta Airlines has charged our returning troops $200.00 each for additional baggage.

The just lost my bussiness

[Pug]

http://www.delta.com/emailus/servlet/EmailUs

Mine is already in their inbox...

[TLE2]

SHAME ON THEM!!

[ELB]

When I deployed in 2002, I had a boat load of baggage too. My orders authorized reimbursement for excess baggage fees, put it on my travel voucher (always keep receipts!).

[jmorris]

Delta was just the one that the soldiers who youtubed this happen to be on. Turns out, before the hoopla, that all the major airlines only allowed three free bags for military returning from deployment. Not surprisingly, they've all upped it to four now.

[The Annoyed Man]

Apparently, they've gotten a lot of angry mail about this, because I got a response to my message to them in my inbox this morning. I'll try to post the text of it later, but essentially, it sayd that beginning either today or tomorrow, Delta will no longer be charging returning soldiers for their extra baggage.

[E.Marquez]

Just saw on Fox that Delta Airlines has charged our returning troops $200.00 each for additional baggage.

The just lost my bussiness

No they are not. Baggage fees are not charged to service members if the ticket is centrally booked. If soldiers are moving on individual orders, and booked there own ticket, they will be charged for over the allowed bag limit, but the soldier will claim it on travel exspenses.. No cost to the soldier is incurred.

[TxRVer]

When I deployed in 2002, I had a boat load of baggage too. My orders authorized reimbursement for excess baggage fees, put it on my travel voucher (always keep receipts!).

I was going to ask if the military quit reimbursing travel expenses.

[Pug]

Got this email from Delta today:

Dear Dr. Ray,

RE: Case Number 3579832

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We realize there may be concerns
regarding members of the United States military traveling with us on
active duty and we want to take this opportunity to address some of
their issues.

We want our customers to know how deeply Delta respects and admires the
men and women who fight every day for our country. As a company, we
have very strong ties to the armed forces, with countless employees,
family, friends, and loved ones serving actively or on reserve, and many
more who are retired from military service. Delta understands what it
takes to travel as an active duty member of the military which is why we
work hard to ensure our policies allow active duty military personnel
traveling with us additional flexibility.

Effective June 8, 2011, Delta Air Lines will increase its baggage
allowance for Active duty U.S. military personnel traveling on orders to
or from duty stations to four (4) checked bags in Economy Class and up
to five (5) checked bags in First and Business Class on Delta and Delta
Connection carriers at no charge. This change is also applicable to
dependents traveling with active military on orders. Previously the
allowance included three (3) checked bags in Economy Class and four (4)
in First and Business Class. Weight restrictions will still allow these
bags to 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). Because of weight, balance and space
constraints, Delta Connection carriers will accept up to four bags at no
charge.

As an enhancement to these policies, active military presenting military
id will be allowed two free checked bags (up to 50 lbs. and 62 linear
inches) during personal travel.

We are continuing to work with the soldiers individually to make this
situation right for each of them. We regret that this experience caused
these soldiers to feel anything but welcome on their return home. We
honor their service and are grateful for the sacrifices of our military
service members and their families.

Our military men and women deserve a high level of flexibility in their
travel and we hope that this clarification will support our efforts to
provide them with a travel experience reflective of our appreciation for
their service.

Thank you for writing.

Sincerely,

Aosta M. D'Souza
Coordinator, Customer Care
Delta Air Lines

[The Annoyed Man]

Apparently, they've gotten a lot of angry mail about this, because I got a response to my message to them in my inbox this morning. I'll try to post the text of it later, but essentially, it sayd that beginning either today or tomorrow, Delta will no longer be charging returning soldiers for their extra baggage.

Here's what they sent me.... It looks the same as what they sent Pug:

Dear Mr. Smith,

RE: Case Number 3580259

Thank you for sharing your thoughts. We realize there may be concerns
regarding members of the United States military traveling with us on
active duty and we want to take this opportunity to address some of
their issues.

We want our customers to know how deeply Delta respects and admires the
men and women who fight every day for our country. As a company, we
have very strong ties to the armed forces, with countless employees,
family, friends, and loved ones serving actively or on reserve, and many
more who are retired from military service. Delta understands what it
takes to travel as an active duty member of the military which is why we
work hard to ensure our policies allow active duty military personnel
traveling with us additional flexibility.

Effective June 8, 2011, Delta Air Lines will increase its baggage
allowance for Active duty U.S. military personnel traveling on orders to
or from duty stations to four (4) checked bags in Economy Class and up
to five (5) checked bags in First and Business Class on Delta and Delta
Connection carriers at no charge. This change is also applicable to
dependents traveling with active military on orders. Previously the
allowance included three (3) checked bags in Economy Class and four (4)
in First and Business Class. Weight restrictions will still allow these
bags to 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). Because of weight, balance and space
constraints, Delta Connection carriers will accept up to four bags at no
charge.

As an enhancement to these policies, active military presenting military
id will be allowed two free checked bags (up to 50 lbs. and 62 linear
inches) during personal travel.

Our military men and women deserve a high level of flexibility in their
travel and we hope that this clarification will support our efforts to
provide them with a travel experience reflective of our appreciation for
their service.

Thank you for writing.

Sincerely,

Neil P. Paul
Coordinator, Customer Care
Delta Air Lines

[Skaven]

Ok well the WHOLE story is this.


Delta charges the solider, The soldier gets reimbursed from the government. So, they DONT get charged for the bag. They get 3 bags, and each bag can be 20 lbs over the max limit. One thing that you have to consider is the fact that the profit margins on the flights can be as low as $5 per person on an airline. The additional weight, and the additional baggage can actually push a flight from the black to the red just on weight alone.

[Skaven]

Just to clarify, I am not against our soldiers. I just want the whole story to be out in the open. I support our soldiers, and would be upset if they had to pay as well. Just need all the fact is all.

[Gunner21]

Ok well the WHOLE story is this.


Delta charges the solider, The soldier gets reimbursed from the government. So, they DONT get charged for the bag. They get 3 bags, and each bag can be 20 lbs over the max limit. One thing that you have to consider is the fact that the profit margins on the flights can be as low as $5 per person on an airline. The additional weight, and the additional baggage can actually push a flight from the black to the red just on weight alone.

Ever had to deal with DTAC? The Soldier may get reimbursed, but due to the red tape involved it could take awhile. Besides, as mentioned in the video that was taken on the plane by the 2 NCOs, Doesn't DOD have a contract with airlines to in order to avoid things like this?

Now having said that. A, and C bags should have gone back in the conex (not sure about NG or Reserve) that leaves Rucks, B bag, and Assault ruck (that's the way it used to be anyway). If the Ruck and B bag are stowed underneath and the Assault ruck is carry on where is the 4th coming from? The only thing I can think of is a hard shell laptop case like a Pelican Case or something. If the Laptop is company property then it is a considered a sensitive item and must be kept with the Soldier at all times. that may have been the 4th bag.

For those not in the know you're B bag carries the majority of your uniforms, hygiene kit, extra boots, socks, underwear and stuff. Essential upon returning to Home or duty station.


Final thought... 200.00 / additional bag!!! WTH!!!!

[DONT TREAD ON ME]

Bronco and Gunner are correct. There are systems in place to help with this. The airlines have their rules and guidelines and we must follow them as well. If we are on orders then we can go through DTS and get reimbursed for any unexpected expenses that dealt with the official duties and were not personal (going out for drinks or things like that we will not be reimbursed on but unexpected gas, hotel, car rental and airline expenses we will). DTS is a pain to use and figure out sometimes but I have used it quite a bit and can say that I have been reimbursed in a very timely manner.

[Skully]

I did quite a bit of travelling during my 22 year career and always had expenses like this reimbursed. You have a government credit card to cover stuff like this. You keep your receipts and file a voucher online. Once you file your voucher the money can go directly to the credit card account. I think this was blown way out of proportion by the media and people think the soldiers would have to pay the excess baggage fees out of their own pockets, which isn't the case.