American Airlines charging troops for extra baggage
Published August 13, 2008 by CSBJ Staff
American Airlines is charging troops heading to Iraq up to $300 for extra baggage.
Veterans groups cried foul at the notion, citing a longstanding tradition of airlines giving a baggage-check break to soldiers.
American officials defended the fees, saying that soldiers could be reimbursed from the military for travel expenses.
In response, The Veterans of Foreign Wars issued a statement saying that soldiers should not have to fill out reimbursement forms while in a war zone and asked the airlines to drop the practice.
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I think that this is absolutely outrageous! First of all, our soldiers have no choice but to get sent to Iraq. Second, they are giving a list of items before they leave that is REQUIRED for their tour. Third, the living conditions in Iraq are terrible. I would like to see some of those American Airlines executives pack 15 months worth of items in 3 bags.
I am disgusted that American Airlines is getting away with this. It’s a complete slap in the face to our soldiers and their sacrifice for us.
I find it outrageous that American Airlines would do this to our troops heading to a war zone. They have enough to worry about without having this slapped on them as well.
I will refuse to fly American Airlines until they reverse this policy. I encourage all Americans to do the same.
I would be willing to pay more so a soldier wouldn’t have to.