Delta Air Lines changes its baggage policies for the military

Delta Air Lines (Atlanta) has changed its baggage policies after receiving social media criticism over an incident in which U.S. soldiers returning home from Afghanistan were charged $200 each for extra bags on a connecting flight to Atlanta. The extra bags were their unarmed weapons and equipment.

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Delta issued the following statement:

Delta Air Lines has increased its free checked baggage allotment for U.S. Military traveling on orders in Economy Class to four checked bags.

Delta’s revised baggage policy also allows U.S. military personnel traveling on orders in First and Business Class to check up to five bags at no charge. This change also adds dependents traveling with active military on orders. Each bag may weigh up to 70 lbs. (32 kg) and measure up to 80 linear inches (203 cm), which offers added flexibility over the standard 50 lbs. and 62 linear inches (157 cm) allotment. Because of weight, balance and space constraints, Delta Connection carriers accept up to four bags at no charge.

For personal travel, active military presenting military identification may now check up to two bags weighing 50 pounds (23 kg) or less and measuring 62 inches (158 linear cm) or less in combined length, width and height without charge.

Previously, Delta’s policy allotted three free checked bags in Economy Class and four in First and Business Class for military members traveling on orders.

Extra fees are becoming a very hated feature for most passengers but for the airlines its is a revenue source they need to offset the high cost of fuel. Some airlines, like Southwest Airlines, tout the difference in the policies.

Copyright Photo: Norbert G. Raith. Please click on the photo for the aircraft information.