American Airlines left soldiers from east Texas stranded, who were on their way to war, due to the third baggage policy. The carrier charges $100 for a third checked bag. American Airlines was ridiculed by veterans associations and finally decided to drop the fee for soldiers, saying that government reimbursement would be difficult for some soldiers to obtain. Fees for the first and second checked bag on American are already waived for military personnel.
Soldiers, especially those heading off to war, should not have to pay the fees for all of their luggage. However, all of that extra weight can add up for carriers, leaving their pockets empty. Although the reimbursement route is difficult for some soldiers, carriers should handle it separately with the Department of Defense and establish some sort of system. One way or another, I think airlines should be paid by the government, yet individual soldiers should not be involved.
Image: flickr.com
