American Airlines had the policy of waiving the first two bags for active service matters and charge $100 for the third (which was reimbursable). There was a big uproar over the charge, causing the airlines to waive the $100 charge as well. It all started with a false allegation in an article that the airline is charging for checked bags.
Personally I feel that the uproar was uncalled for, especially because –
1. Most of the legacy carriers are very generous for active service members in uniform with respect to upgrades, free stuff, etc.
2. The third bag fee was reimbursable.
3. No other industry can match the generosity that the airline provides to the active service members. Does Starbucks upgrade your coffee for free? Does McDonalds adds in a free frys and coke? Does the car dealership add in the upgrades for free?
From The Seattle Times -
“On Tuesday night, MSNBC’s Keith Olbermann called the airline and its
chief executive, Gerard Arpey, the “worst persons in the world” for
“nickel-and-diming the soldiers.”"“The airline charged $100 for a third bag, but soldiers could obtain
vouchers in advance from the military to cover the expense. If they
didn’t have a voucher before the flight, they would have to pay the fee
with cash or a credit card but would be reimbursed by the military.”“The policy is nearly identical to that of most other airlines. But
American was singled out for criticism after a report last month in the
El Paso Times, in which a soldier complained about having to pay a $100
to check an extra duffel bag loaded with military gear.”
