AA drops 3rd bag fee for soldiers amid PR nightmare

Well, we tried to explain in today's paper (and in our online story at Star-Telegram.com) how the furor over American's baggage policy for traveling soldiers was based on some seriously incorrect assumptions. (Primarily that soldiers were forced to pay excess baggage fees themselves, when in fact they are reimbursed for the charges by the military.)

Regardless of the accuracy of the allegations, American apparently decided that the issue was getting a little too hot. The airline just announced that it is waiving its fees on third bags checked by soldiers, citing the burden of the military reimbursement process.

“We always understood that soldiers traveling on duty were reimbursed by the military for the fees on required excess baggage," said Tom Del Valle, American’s senior vice president of airport services, said in a prepared statement. "However, after recently hearing of the burden the military reimbursement process put on soldiers traveling to war zones, the choice for us to forgo payment for a third checked bag from the Department of Defense was clear."

This is essentially a subsidy to the Department of Defense, which had been ultimately responsible for paying fees on excess baggage for traveling soldiers.

- Trebor Banstetter
 

Comments

[Mrs. Higgins]

This is a good thing. Our Soldiers do a lot for our country and their paycheck isn't huge. We all know that government processes are slow at best, so I can imagine our young men and women having to wait a month to 60 days for reimbursement. That would definitely be a hardship and I am grateful that AA has waived that fee.

[DAVE W]

SUPPORT OUR TROOPS _YES_

[Paula]

just another example of why AA continues to lose money........no common sense. Anyone, knows a soldier does not have $100.00 bucks to spare at any time. But AA would rather collect it from soldiers and give it away in bonuses to VP's; bloodsuckers.......

[Vicki]

I agree that they should waive the fee. It's a shame that they don't waive the fee ($150) for cancellations/changes on their tickets when they weren't purchased as a military fare. I recently purchased a plane ticket for my son (who's in the military). I didn't purchase a "military" fare because they had cheaper fares and I was trying to save him some money. His plans changed so he no longer needs the ticket. When we called about cancelling the ticket, we found out that there is a $150 fee; therefore he would only get a $34.50 credit. We have previously had a bad experience with American and were giving them one more chance. They will be getting no more chances with us. It's absolutely ridiculous that in trying to save some money, he's actually losing money. Southwest Airlines wins our vote hands down!!!!

[jeff]

yah it figures they would take advantage of people serving our country. anyway to make a buck. it comes to show that we care less about the people that protect and serve and are worried about the profits that they make. i wonder if they go through their bags too and take stuff out that doesnt belong to them also. just a past experience.this just is another reason why i wont fly american airlines anymore between workers taking stuff out of my bag(which none of it was illegal) to now this.if i was at the airport and they went to charge a military person a fee, i would take it out of my pocket and not worry about a voucher.

[jeannette landis]

Just glad they changed their minds. Although, I have been on so many flights on American and they always try to make sure our Guys get a seat in First Class. I have even seen Customers in Firt Class give up their seat for the Vet and they would go into coach. I'm sure this was a mistake on AA's part because I have seen how they have taken care of our Vets.

[Will]

I'm glad American reconsidered its position. However, they should never have charged it in the first place. Regardless of the issue of Soldiers getting reimbursed, the DOD is out there defending the airlines from terrorists who would hijack airplanes in a heartbeat and attack the USA all over again. The least the airlines can do is not "nickel and dime" the military.

[J Coyle]

AA thought the U.S. government was repaying this soldiers in a timely manner. Now, they realize that the gov't is not. And AA is ready to make it right. AA continues to try to do the right thing...even when it is not the right thing for the company. I suspect you bloggers/posters will never be happy. Please, please, please get a brain and prove me wrong.

[APAV8R]

Another award for AMR management, the last place team mismanaging the worst-run airline in the country:

Gerard Arpey wins Obermann's "Worst Person In The World" award for August 12th! See it yourself:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mBgJ95hg_nY

And here's the ad to accompany the video:

Large airline seeks to replace entire incompetent PR staff, and failed VP-Airport Services. No experience required--bonuses galore, job performance irrelevant. Call Gerard Arpey who'll put you on staff, then ignore whatever you do anyway!

[Gimme a Break]

I've watched AA, Delta, and United agents go out of their way to give soldiers in uniform free upgrades to First Class many times. Southwest gives them extra peanuts.

This knock is a bit overstated when the US Government is paying for the soldier's travel costs, while concurrently taxing the hell out of the airlines.

Given the third grade intellectual level of the 24hr news outlets, it is no surprise that this has become an issue. The same media that accuses soldiers of atrocities in an illegal war is now outraged about a bag fee that is paid by the government. Good grief.

[rick]

for tom del valle from a d/fw fsc.i had my thoughts in mind on what comment to send....but my man,keith olbermann said it for me....typical weak response from our management teAAM!

[Katherine]

I find it despicable that so many in the media took off and running with this story and made AA out to be the bad guy. They were simply following the rules laid out in the contract between the airline and Department of Defense. It is not AA's responsibilty to oversee the government's reimbursement program. Now that AA has rolled back the fees for our troops, how many will report on this? Or for that matter, how many other airlines will follow suit and do they same?

[Frank]

I found the difference in posters from 12 AUG ("Those Greedy Bastards") and todays ("AA drops...") rather amusing.

Bottom line - American Airlines takes every available opportunity to shoot itself in its collective foot.

[Mary]

Why would the airlines even charge our military persons they are serving our country and should even go on the flights for free.What is wrong with the airlines.

[wpII]

Katherine,
Don't get yourself into a tizzy. It's just the liberal media doing their job. Granted it'd be impossible to resist the story that the big, evil corporation is charging our heroes to get their stuff home. Forget the small details like a contract!

[Stephanie Low]

The airlines should not charge ANY military personnel for baggage even when traveling on personal business. These men and women willing put themselves in harms way to protect our rights and safety. Yes, I think they should have some "extra" privileges for the extra sacrifices they themselve and their families make on our behalf.