So, Delta got hit badly by a viral Youtube video made by two soldiers among a group of 30+ soldiers traveling under orders back from overseas.  Because they (the group) mostly had 4 bags instead of 3, Delta charged $2800 in extra bag fees (for the entire group) and then got pummeled with bad press for it.

Before we go further, let me say a couple of things as qualifiers.  First, I’m no fan of baggage fees although I think that when anyone is traveling with more than 2 checked bags, yes, a fee is probably in order.  Second, I am not anti-military or anti-GI whatsoever.  Their government service is appreciated by me as well as most.

Now, airlines have typically allowed 3 free bags to traveling servicemen under orders with fees for in excess of that.  That alone is exceptionally generous and it isn’t a kindess to the servicemen, it’s a kindness to the US Government and, by extension, taxpayers.  Why?  BECAUSE TRAVELING SERVICEMEN UNDER ORDERS HAVE THEIR BAG FEES PAID REIMBURSED BY THE US GOVERNMENT.

From USA Today’s story:  “Army spokesman Paul Boyce says the reservists won’t be out anything because their traveling orders stated that all excess bag charges will be reimbursed by the government.”

The airlines aren’t imposing a hardship on servicemen.  In fact, they giving the US government a considerable break on fees instead.  Why is an airline obligated to giveway services and take a hit on revenue just because its government travel by GIs?  It isn’t in my opinion.  To the contrary.  Why isn’t the US government paying for the services it receives from airlines?

In other situations, airlines would heartily argue that giving away such stuff to other parties would raise *your* ticket prices.  They wouldn’t be wrong in that argument. 

Absolutely we should support the troops.  And I (and you) contribute taxes that pay for their travel (as they should) and it should be paid for in full and responsibly.   How would we feel about airlines giving away (for free) services to other public servants?  We would probably be pretty angry and concerned about that.

This may be wholly unpopular but I would offer that Delta is not the villain here.  The US Army is culpable for not making prior arrangements to transport its troops without financial burden. 

It is inappropriate and, frankly, lacking class to make a video, put it on Youtube and turn a company into a villain for something your command structure didn’t identify and take care of.

Filed under: Airline Fees, Airline News by ajax