A patriotically embarrassed Delta Airlines changed its bag policy after an incident where it charged solders returning from Afghanistan a total of US$2800 in excess baggage fees.
The incident drew wide attention when soldiers posted it on a YouTube video.
Army Staff Sgt. Robert O’Hair told the Huffington Post:
"We had four bags, and Delta Air Lines only allows three bags. Anything over three bags you have to pay for, even though there’s a contract between the United States government and Delta Air Lines: When returning from Afghanistan on military orders, you’re authorized up to four bags."
A total of 34 soldiers had to pay $200 each to the airline to transport their fourth bag.
Delta Airlines announced it had changed its policy to permit active-duty soldiers traveling economy class to check four bags at no extra fee, said the Huffington Post.
And the 34 soldiers?
No word so far from Delta on whether they will get their fees back.
The airline did officially apologize.
By David Wilkening
