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Comments

1. #1
   On June 7th, 2011 at 9:53 pm, Ty85719 said:

   reason 9,999 not to travel with Delta

2. #2
   On June 7th, 2011 at 9:54 pm, Hangfire said:

   I remember when Delta was one of the better airlines.

   Now, they’re all cut with the same cookie cutter. And the cutter is dull.

3. #3
   On June 7th, 2011 at 9:57 pm, Lindsay said:

   I have no doubt this story is true, Michelle, as you rock.

   As someone who takes Delta a lot, I have to say that most flights I have been on, if troops are on board since 9/11,they are recognized by the pilot and/or flight attendants and they are given a round of applause on landing or take off. We have also been asked to wait until they get off the plane so they can catch connecting flights. Atlanta is the major Delta hub, with many military coming and going (I am the lady, boys, who always thanks you for your service if I can catch your eye).

   I guess my question is this a rare event and a mistake by the Baltimore people?

4. #4
   On June 7th, 2011 at 9:58 pm, rworks said:

   I was in the USAF for 24 years. You put the bag fees on your travel voucher and you get reimbursed.

   Its not that big a deal that everyone needs to get all incensed about it.

   You want to get incensed? Look into how the TSA treats soldiers and civilians by violating their 4th Amendment rights.

5. #5
   On June 7th, 2011 at 9:59 pm, Marshall Russ said:

   In this depressed, and getting worse, economy I know first hand that military families are having a hard time. This is shameful and I and everyone else in my company will not fly Delta.

6. #6
   On June 7th, 2011 at 10:20 pm, Hangfire said:

   On June 7th, 2011 at 9:58 pm, rworks said:
   I was in the USAF for 24 years. You put the bag fees on your travel voucher and you get reimbursed.

   True enough.

   But Delta is still making out big time with the contract. Airlines kill each other over bidding when the AMC contracts renew.

7. #7
   On June 7th, 2011 at 10:26 pm, ammo john said:

   When traveling on orders, you have to get your tickets through the base’s travel section. If the military gets a discount by doing this, I surely haven’t seen any in all of the TDY’s (US and overseas) in the 20 years I’ve been in. Tickets could be over $800 for a 1-way in some cases just in the US.

   I think I’ve gotten better inflight service sitting on a transport or tanker. You atleast get more than peanuts or a granola bar.

8. #8
   On June 7th, 2011 at 10:40 pm, rw said:

   If this were four years ago, the villain would be Bush and not Delta. I wonder what has changed?

9. #9
   On June 7th, 2011 at 10:48 pm, AmericanGirl30 said:

   On June 07, 2011 at 08:58 PM, rworks said:
   You want to get incensed? Look into how the TSA treats soldiers and civilians by violating their 4th Amendment rights.

   True that!! Yet apparently almost no one cares. Or they believeit’s worth it because it’s making us safer (which it isn’t anyway). If America won’t wake up over something as egregious as that, I have little hope they ever will.

10. #10
    On June 7th, 2011 at 11:43 pm, Tonin said:

    I am inclined to give Delta a break. But, I am reminded the Delta I am referring to is the “old” NorthWestAirlines crews, out of Seattle and Minneapolis. I dread flying Delta on the East coast, especially Atlanta and Baltimore. The most slovenly employees ever, on and off the airplane… I do try to avoid them.
    Then there’s the TSA. I ‘d be happy to pay extra to avoid dealing with those thugs.

11. #11
    On June 7th, 2011 at 11:43 pm, right_on said:

    Active military traveling in first or business class may check up to four bags for free, Delta said on its website.

    You know, returning soldiers should be treated as though they are flying first class, regardless of where they are sitting. The Pentagon should enter a low ball agreement with the airlines to do just that, and pick up the tab. This is disgusting, outrageous, and unpatriotic.

    Delta has lost my business, and it WAS my favorite airline. FNSOB’s!

12. #12
    On June 7th, 2011 at 11:45 pm, Ray said:

    Screw Delta and put barky in cuffs.

    Barky, Pack Your Bags
    
    

    Paul Irey, a retired professional typographer with 50 years experience in his business, says an analysis of the typefaces used in the Barack Obama’s long-form birth certificate that the White House released on April 27 reveals it absolutely to be a forgery.

    “My analysis proves beyond a doubt that it would be impossible for the different letters that appear in the Obama birth certificate to have been typed by one typewriter,” Irey told WND.

13. #13
    On June 7th, 2011 at 11:51 pm, Ray said:

    Well, that link went to hell.

    Try This

14. #14
    On June 8th, 2011 at 1:42 am, Sanddog said:

    I don’t blame Delta so much as I blame the military for being completely clueless when it comes to spending taxpayer money.

15. #15
    On June 8th, 2011 at 1:55 am, Republicanvet said:

    I always found it interesting when deploying. If I deployed with three bags free, at times I was charged for that third bag on the return trip.

    It never mattered what I said to the airline agent, the excuse was always the same, that they screwed up by NOT charging me on my flight out.

    The military could easily fix this if they wanted…they just write it in the contract specs. If a weapon is counted as a bag, then the military should collect them and pay for them as cargo.

16. #16
    On June 8th, 2011 at 2:47 am, Bluefighter said:

    I think I’d fly Southwest!

17. #17
    On June 8th, 2011 at 6:30 am, EROWMER said:

    rw at #8, you were correct about somebody in the regime getting blamed for this. If it was Bush it would be ‘Katy bar the door’. All military should fly first class no questions asked. Period.

18. #18
    On June 8th, 2011 at 7:27 am, Retiredtopo said:

    Isn’t the GOP already talking about cutting VA benefits to vets, yep they are.

19. #19
    On June 8th, 2011 at 7:30 am, jackblack said:

    Just another example of how the private sector does it better. Do you honestly think if this was happening to all the employees of “xyz” corp. it would be continue? No way because “xyz” corp. would place one call to delta and delta would realize the error of their ways. There are other airlines. Its called a free-market system, the wonders of competition.
    Besides what airline wouldn’t want a bunch of soldiers in uniform on their flights? Whats the odds that flight will be hi-jacked??? Hell they are non-paid sky-marshalls!
    Come to think of it, why the hell are they checking their weapons? Wouldn’t you feel better as a passenger on their flight knowing they are armed???

20. #20
    On June 8th, 2011 at 7:31 am, happy2behere said:

    Don’t bother complaining to Delta. I wrote them a letter after an arguably PG-13 rated (more like R) music video was shown on a plane full of kids. They wrote back “that’s what’s out there.” Boneheads.

21. #21
    On June 8th, 2011 at 7:44 am, GraniteMan said:

    Thank goodness troops are paid more today cause back in the day when we made 75 dollars a month it would have been a major disaster instead of “nickel and diming”. Bet it still hurt their wallet pretty bad as well as impacted the lives of their wives and children. Delta better do some PR real quick and make it up to them.

22. #22
    On June 8th, 2011 at 7:58 am, ACHefty said:

    Troops flying on orders using commercial airlines considered themselves fortunate — at least in my flying “on orders” days. If you got a coach seat, life was good. It was certainly better than flying in a C-130 on a nylon-strap bench for 10 hours, sitting like a praying mantis.

    So while I don’t think they should all be given first-class seats (Delta should reserve those who pay for them or earn them through FF points), their bags — all bags — should be checked free when they are flying on official business.

    What harm is it going to do?

23. #23
    On June 8th, 2011 at 8:01 am, Rickk said:

    I don’t have to fly, so since things have become so annoying, I just don’t.

24. #24
    On June 8th, 2011 at 8:42 am, ArizonaNeanderthal said:

    Delta’s comments and complaints’ desk is here.

    Very good. But the military should be providing the travel-period.

25. #25
    On June 8th, 2011 at 8:43 am, Sly2017 said:

    You’re absolutely right, GraniteMan. While it may seem a relatively small amount of money per individual, most military families live on tight budgets, and we really don’t have the breathing space for suddenly losing $100 or more from the checking account — especially more so these days with gas and food prices being what they are. And one thing never spoken of when these things happen is that the servicemember is only reimbursed for that amount. If the unexpected expense just happens to take money that was already *spent* due to a check having been written to pay a bill, there isn’t any means of recovering the overdraft fees incurred. So now the family has to cover yet another unexpected expense (the overdraft fee from the bank) but in many instances, a check returned for non-sufficient funds will incur even more fees from the entity to which the NSF check was sent.

26. #26
    On June 8th, 2011 at 9:02 am, Truesoldier said:

    On June 8th, 2011 at 1:55 am, Republicanvet said:

    The military could easily fix this if they wanted…they just write it in the contract specs.

    And that is where the problem is. The contracting offices are usually made up of pencil necked geeks who just look at saving a buck and not the overall ramifications of the way the contract is written. Here are a couple examples:

    The HUMVEE contract years ago read that the military would take delivery of any HUMVEE that rolled off the line under its own power…AM Genral built the final stage of the line on a raised ramp so that the vehicle had to roll down hill. As a military mechanic we hated getting brand new HUMVEES as we spent more time replacing seals and troubleshooting problems due to the contract. Nearly every last new vehicle we got had leaks all over the place.

    Example 2: The Army had contracted with a real low budget tool company to provide the mechanics tool set. It was half the price of craftsman, snap-on, or MAC tools, but without the lifetime warranty (they had a 30 day warranty that was expired by the time we got the tools in shop). The tools would break every couple of months and have to be replaced (which took massive time). Most of the mechanics went out of pocket and bought themsleves their own tool kits just to be able to get the mission accomplished.

27. #27
    On June 8th, 2011 at 9:19 am, Tinfish said:

    If this continues then our military should inform Delta that will only protect Delta 75% of the time or pay a fee.

28. #28
    On June 8th, 2011 at 9:28 am, Dexter Alarius said:

    I emailed text from the article above to Mrs. (Col) Alarius who will be returning from Iraq in a couple weeks. She’s been mailing boxes home, so hopefully she will only have to check 3 bags.

29. #29
    On June 8th, 2011 at 9:37 am, passingruffian said:

    I understand the negative feelings toward Delta and The Military being expressed here. But, as with any other problem you can name, the blame can be assigned directly to liberalism. In this case, enviro-nutjobs, the EPA and Dear Leader because of their war on energy. Airlines started charging these bag fees to offset the ridiculous cost of jet fuel. I agree that the brave men and women serving their country should be exempt, but let’s not forget the genesis of this and all other problems we face. Liberalism.

30. #30
    On June 8th, 2011 at 9:59 am, Gorebot said:

    Traveling by plane used to be fun, then the terrorists came in and flocked things up.

    This was soon followed by the government coming in and double-flocking that which the terrorists had already flocked up.

    Thus, for the foreseeable future, the only methods for ameliorating this are either:

    1). Don’t fly (use some other method); or,

    2). Prepare to spend more in money, time, dignity, and aggravation.

31. #31
    On June 8th, 2011 at 10:06 am, Bittertruth said:

    I cna’t believe all of these conservatives blaming Delta airlines for this. The airlines do what they are contracted to do. the federal Leviathan sends these young men to fight in the perpetual never ending war and should pay for their full repatriation.
    Delta has a responsibility to follow the contract agreed upon between Delta and the bloated federal government.
    Delta has their costs and need to make a profit to pay their employees and gas bill.
    Delta is not the problem. the Federal leviathan is the problem.
    i will fly Delta any day.

32. #32
    On June 8th, 2011 at 10:09 am, RocketDan said:

    Lots of people here with opinions, all anxious to show their support for the troops…commendable but missing the point. The main things I picked out of the comments are 1) the soldiers will be reimbursed by the military later. 2) The military has a contract with the airlines, which agrees to the number of bags free. It does not specify all soldiers fly first class (I’m sure because it would cost much more than reimbursing some soldiers for a 4th bag fee.) As long as the troops can be reimbursed, I see no foul here, other than some miscommunication which doesn’t seem to be on the airlines’ side. Michelle, I love your blog but this is trying to make much out of little. If all airlines allowed 4 free bags, I’m sure within 6 months we’d hear about troops being charged for a 5th bag.(I realize I will be accused of not supporting our troops for this by many of the hysterical posters here. Not true, but oh well..)

33. #33
    On June 8th, 2011 at 10:13 am, corkie said:

    I really don’t understand the hostility towards Delta. Someone please explain it to me before I start feeling disappointed in Michelle’s post.

    It’s possible that the military only contracted 3 free bags, then misinformed the units that they could check 4 bags for free.

    Why would anyone expect Delta to absorb costs that the taxpayer should be paying? The taxpayer certainly doesn’t give Delta a break when their profits get taxed.

    If the military wants members to be able to check 4 bags, then the military needs to alter their contract.

    And as two commenters have stated, the member can get reimbursed for the 4th bag when their travel claim is processed. I’m quite sure that nobody would reimburse Delta if they had gone back to the military procurement people to ask for the 4th bag fees.

    On June 8th, 2011 at 8:43 am, Sly2017 said:

    While it may seem a relatively small amount of money per individual, most military families live on tight budgets,

    I appreciate this, but please realize that some corporations also operate on very thin profit margins for contract work such as this. Again, if the military should amend the language of these contracts so that the airlines know exactly what their bidding on.

34. #34
    On June 8th, 2011 at 10:15 am, corkie said:

    On June 8th, 2011 at 10:06 am, Bittertruth said:

    I cna’t believe all of these conservatives blaming Delta airlines for this.

    Obviously, I agree. I should have refreshed my page after reading the post and comments so that I could have seen and referenced your comment.

35. #35
    On June 8th, 2011 at 10:16 am, spaceycakes said:

    Gorebot & passingruffian are both right. Since 9-11-2001, the airlines have become f@#$-all. That’s when the ‘security’ measures went insane, that’s when the fuel prices (and the prices of everything) went up and my anger at all things connected to air travel overflowed. This shall not stand.

36. #36
    On June 8th, 2011 at 10:22 am, hawkeye54 said:

    let’s not forget the genesis of this and all other problems we face. Liberalism

    BINGO!

37. #37
    On June 8th, 2011 at 10:26 am, Just A Grunt said:

    Not trying to defend Delta but other airlines like Continental and United also charge these bag fees. This became news because of two things.
    1) The NCO’s made a video
    2) The local news folks at 11 Alive went after it.

    We will see if Delta issues more then just an apology and as far as filing the cost on expense account, you still have to have the money at the time it is demanded.

38. #38
    On June 8th, 2011 at 10:49 am, Retiredtopo said:

    For starters, when I left Iraq I mailed or shipped home most my gear, I kept only what I needed. Took carry-on, ruck sack and half empty duffle on plane. They also get the money back when they file their travel voucher, which if done right would have been done before they even got released to see families. Sounds like a typical whiny NG unit to me.

39. #39
    On June 8th, 2011 at 10:51 am, GladzKravtz said:

    I’ve ‘spent’ FF upgrades/miles to 1st class for traveling military.
    Now that I know about the 4th bag fee will offer to pay next time I see this.

    I love the military and have such an admiration for those who serve that when I hear one of them complain, it does not fit into my perception of the warrior. That is my failing I suppose. Wish these troops had stronger ‘in-house’ military advocates.

    My WW2 father road a troop train across the country and then hitchhiked his last 200 miles (duffle and gun) when it was time for him to go home. That is my measure (clouds my perception of things).

40. #40
    On June 8th, 2011 at 10:53 am, thejim said:

    Delta is still my favorite airline. Several of us have correctly placed the blame where it belongs, and that is on the inept and ever intrusive government, and specifically this administration. Delta does look out for our troops, most Delta employees are former military and/or with family serving or served. Delta Airlines is not the villain.

41. #41
    On June 8th, 2011 at 11:10 am, cheapseat said:

    1) Chickens**t Airlines!
    2) Stupid chickens**t airlines! If you want to arrive on time, make the people carrying their luggage onto the plane pay for that convenience and waste of everyone elses time.
    3) Unamerican stupid chickens**t airlines.

42. #42
    On June 8th, 2011 at 11:20 am, Rogue Cheddar said:

    On June 8th, 2011 at 9:28 am, Dexter Alarius said:
    I emailed text from the article above to Mrs. (Col) Alarius who will be returning from Iraq in a couple weeks.

    Nice!

43. #43
    On June 8th, 2011 at 11:43 am, 808StateMike said:

    I work for the military in Hawaii and fly Delta exclusively, usually escorting soldiers either just back or just heading out to war zones. Delta is unfailingly patriotic and treats the soldiers with respect. I am not sure about the miscommunication in this case, but it is pretty universal that military on orders get no more than 3 bags free. If more than that is required for official travel, then they claim it on their travel voucher and the government reimburses. I hate to sound like a wet blanket, but I don’t muster up the same outrage here, especially given Delta’s strong support of the troops as a rule.

44. #44
    On June 8th, 2011 at 12:16 pm, SSG David Medzyk said:

    What’s even more fun, is we get the same TSA pat down/xray scan procedures…..while in uniform.

45. #45
    On June 8th, 2011 at 12:22 pm, cicerokid said:

    Delta Airlines! Merged with Northworst Airlines! Several years ago my wife was assaulted by a woman on an international flight only minutes into the journey. We were in the middle section (4 seats) with me, wife, 4-year old daughter and the assailant. This person was upset that she was sitting next to my daughter (who had flown international 4 times already and is a model child on all fligthts with no crying). This woman hurled expletives at my wife. At this point I’m standing and loudly asking the attendants to remove this passenger. She then reached over my daughter and hurled a full glass of ice water into my wife’s face. Now I’m lunging at her to get a hand-full of hair! This flight was nearly diverted. The passenger was strapped into the jump seat at the very rear of the plane with an attendant as “guard”. I requested this passenger’s name in order to press charges and all I got was “This information is confidential”. In other words, the victim suffers and the antagonist is protected. We were given a free candy bar as compensation!

    Unions have destroyed our airlines. The last few trips to Asia have been on Korean Airlines. The attendants keep that ship spotless. The restrooms are cleaned every hour. When you press the call button they are there at your side in seconds with a smile! I do not fly Delta unless the ticket is VERY cheap.

    The last time our family flew Delta, we had to fight for 2 hours at the check-in desk in order to get 3 seats for my family together. Tickets were booked at the same time 3 months in advance. If you want to see real service, fly anything but Delta!

46. #46
    On June 8th, 2011 at 12:30 pm, PlaneWhisperer said:

    I am a fan Michelle but…
    The Delta/govt contract allows troops 3 bags free. It is standard procedure for them to submit a voucher for reimbursement from the govt-why should Delta get the bad press for the ignorance of some?
    It is bad form to propogate the misinformation! Here are some ways Delta honors troops:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u2aHPEGS-3w

47. #47
    On June 8th, 2011 at 12:48 pm, NotTheMama said:

    Why so many bags to start with? When I deployed all we had was personal items – 1 duffle bag and a carryon. All else was handled by the military, separately, and picked up at the departure destination.

    Delta (and other airlines) have their contracts. It sounds like the DoD is doing a poor job of communicating. Such information should be part of the travel orders.

    I’ll put the blame on the DoD.

48. #48
    On June 8th, 2011 at 1:12 pm, Marshall_Will said:

    corkie said:
    I really don’t understand the hostility towards Delta. Someone please explain it to me before I start feeling disappointed in Michelle’s post.

    Full Disclosure: ( Many of my clients are current/retired DAL employees )

    Ahem ( and cicerkid, I’d heard about that incident ) You’ll recall, before the 2nd Tower came down, Delta was already in financial straits. What followed was an -humiliating- experience for virtually ALL longtime DAL employees!

    Some who’ve worked for the Co. since the 60′s! Their pensions and ret. bens were on the fence and the Co. was so over-leveraged all it took was a WEEK of shutdowns to lay the emperor quite naked.

    Want to hear from people frustrated w/ DAL? ( Talk to the employees! )

49. #49
    On June 8th, 2011 at 1:21 pm, hadsil said:

    Let’s take it as a given Delta has the contract terms correct for the number of free bags permitted. What would have been the smart thing to do? Don’t bill the soldiers. Note the discrepancy. Send bill to the government.

    Common sense is so lacking in deference to bureaucracy. Welcome to the People’s Republic of America under Premier Obama and the Democrat Politburo.

50. #50
    On June 8th, 2011 at 1:26 pm, yaymm said:

    Poor PR for Delta. They should have allowed the military personnel to go through without the extra charge, documented it, then billed the military for it with a letter suggesting they do a better job of preparing personnel for travel rules.

    Another pet peeve of mine, is the U.S. Post Office charging for mail and packages being sent overseas. Not a good move on their part and they are not even a private enterprise.

51. #51
    On June 8th, 2011 at 1:44 pm, PlaneWhisperer said:

    On June 8th, 2011 at 12:16 pm, SSG David Medzyk said:
    What’s even more fun, is we get the same TSA pat down/xray scan procedures…..while in uniform.

    Pilots get the same security screening as you sir, despite being locked up in the cockpit with complete control of the aircraft.

52. #52
    On June 8th, 2011 at 1:55 pm, PlaneWhisperer said:

    On June 8th, 2011 at 11:10 am, cheapseat said:
    Unamerican stupid chickens**t airlines.

    Chickens**t response – cheap”shot”!

    Did you know nearly half of your ticket price is pure tax? So despite all the other things put in place for your safety that cost money, there isn’t much left for profit. In fact, airlines don’t make much profit – would you rather they be nationalized?

    For now at least, the fees aren’t taxed and are one of the few ways airlines have of making any money, but if the Dems get their way, they will be soon.

53. #53
    On June 8th, 2011 at 2:07 pm, corkie said:

    On June 8th, 2011 at 1:21 pm, hadsil said:

    Note the discrepancy. Send bill to the government.

    Why would the government pay the discrepancy if they aren’t contractually obligated to do so? The government bureaucrats would simply say that the government negotiated 3 free bags and it’s not their fault if the unit received bad information.

    Overall, I think fault lies with the people that screwed up conveying the information to the members.

54. #54
    On June 8th, 2011 at 2:09 pm, corkie said:

    On June 8th, 2011 at 1:21 pm, hadsil said:

    What would have been the smart thing to do? Don’t bill the soldiers. Note the discrepancy.

    Btw, what if next time some unit is told that they will be allowed to check 5 free bags and get free drinks on the flight? Should Delta accommodate that and then simply attempt to recoup those costs from the government afterwards?

    Overall, someone in the military (not Delta) needs to be fired for this.

55. #55
    On June 8th, 2011 at 2:14 pm, Just A Grunt said:

    Delta has changed their policy.
    They are trying to make this right.

56. #56
    On June 8th, 2011 at 2:34 pm, kay2the2nd said:

    Right, Just, they have changed their policy regarding active military and their baggage.

    Delta would also do well to provide some assistance in teaching their “customer service personnel” that sometimes there needs to be some give in applying the ‘rules’. Had an agent shown some initiative Delta might have avoided this PR nightmare. Often the people dealing with customers need to be empowered to do what’s best… for everyone.

57. #57
    On June 8th, 2011 at 3:28 pm, Freddy said:

    I really don’t understand the hostility towards Delta. Someone please explain it to me before I start feeling disappointed in Michelle’s post.

    Very simple. Delta is under ‘investigation’ regarding failed unionization votes. The media is going to push every possible anti-Delta story they can find to create hatred of Delta.

    Michelle picked up one of those stories and dropped into her blog as it appears to be ‘against the military’.

    Look for many other stories that provoke hatred of Delta so that when the Obama board determines that Delta acted improperly and must be forced to vote again and again until it is finally unionized, you will see it as a ‘good thing’.

58. #58
    On June 8th, 2011 at 3:45 pm, jiminga said:

    To be fair, the soldiers only needed to put the charges on an expense voucher and they will be reimbursed. Airlines are not required to follow DOD policy.

59. #59
    On June 8th, 2011 at 4:46 pm, DiaryGirl said:

    Slightly off topic, but kida related and too hilarious not to share.

    I got an email from Spirit Airlines asking me to register my opinion (via a survey) on the availability of online check in.

    The survey is here. It only contains ONE question, and the last choice made me spit Diet Mountain Dew all over my computer screen.

    Check it out.

    In case the link doesn’t work (because it didn’t work again for me after I submitted my response), I’ve copied and pasted it as text below… Enjoy.

    ___________________

    Spirit.com Online Check-In

    Questions marked with an asterisk (*) are mandatory.

    1. * In our efforts to lower fares, customers have asked us if they can save by checking in online. After consideration, we wanted to ask your preference. Is your preference:

    - I prefer only to use web check-in and lower my fare. This is similar to certain government processing initiatives that allow one channel for submission but retain efficiency.
    -I don’t mind paying higher fares by checking in online while subsidizing others who check in at the airport.
    -I prefer to pay less for checking in online and let customers who check in at the airport pay for the convenience.
    -I would rather just raise the federal debt ceiling and have taxpayers subsidize me for being lazy and not checking in online.

60. #60
    On June 8th, 2011 at 5:22 pm, BK said:

    If any serviceman was charged for the bag, the DOD should reimburse them.

61. #61
    On June 8th, 2011 at 5:59 pm, PlaneWhisperer said:

    I am not sure what to say…my posts, were taken down that showed the problems with this story. I am very disappointed in Michelle – who I’ve been a fan of for years. Her credibility is in question.

62. #62
    On June 8th, 2011 at 8:17 pm, CW4_KGP said:

    A few points –

    1. As noted, the SMs will be reimbursed (provided they have a receipt.) Still, the money has to come from somewhere until it is reimbursed.

    2. Also noted is the fact that Delta showed some wee-wee poor PR skills in this matter. A supervisor could have waived the charge, or if they are not empowered to do so, called someone who could.

    3. When we came back last time, I had the superb fortune of riding as supercargo on a ship with our vehicles. It took some time, but no hassles until we got back to the world. If your unit comes home in ones and twos (or piecemeal), you can’t load your gear into milvans or conex boxes and get them at home. You have to carry what you have and some of that stuff has to be turned in at the CRC or Mob Station – or you can pay for that too. And if you have the bad luck of being cross leveled (i.e. – you are a filler), your gear will go to the units’ home, not yours.

    4. I have never been a DL fan, and was saddened when they merged with NWA who I did like. ATL is way overloaded and when the PM thunderbumpers start….well, there goes DL’s schedule.

    5. The suggestion to use military aircraft is seemingly logical. But it is one of those technicalities. Military aircraft can’t be used in competition with commercial carriers except in extraordinary cases. It takes flag officer approval at a minimum.

    6. Lastly, just because I don’t like DL, I can’t place the who burden on them. Neither can we place the burden on the DoD, because those contracts are under the purview of the GSA. Look up “GSA City Pairs” and you can see what the gubmint pays and who they MUST use as a carrier. I lived in UAL territory for years and always flew on them, but they have hardly any GSA contract routes, not that it mattered because we had to give all our frequent flyer miles to the gubmint so they could use them for junkets (IMHO.) That seems to have changed, but it is of no importance when you are in the suck.

    I’d rather fly my Cessna, but it doesn’t have the payload or range. Can’t win em all.

    KP

63. #63
    On June 9th, 2011 at 12:16 am, BK said:

    Now reported in Yahooey!

    http://news.yahoo.com/s/yblog_theenvoy/20110608/ts_yblog_theenvoy/airline-changes-baggage-fees-after-u-s-troops-returning-from-afghanistan-complain-they-were-charged-2800

64. #64
    On June 9th, 2011 at 2:28 am, corkie said:

    On June 8th, 2011 at 3:28 pm, Freddy said:

    I really don’t understand the hostility towards Delta. Someone please explain it to me before I start feeling disappointed in Michelle’s post.

    Very simple. Delta is under ‘investigation’ regarding failed unionization votes. The media is going to push every possible anti-Delta story they can find to create hatred of Delta.

    Michelle picked up one of those stories and dropped into her blog as it appears to be ‘against the military’.

    Thanks for the theory, Freddy. As much as I’d like to say that our hostess, who I adore, is too smart to be duped like this, I have to admit that it seems as if she had a bit of a knee jerk reaction to something that seemed anti-military.

    I’m happy that some people’s knew jerk reactions are in favor of the military rather than against, but I’m holding out hope that Michelle updates this post.

65. #65
    On June 9th, 2011 at 2:33 am, corkie said:

    On June 8th, 2011 at 8:17 pm, CW4_KGP said:

    6. Lastly, just because I don’t like DL, I can’t place the who burden on them. Neither can we place the burden on the DoD, because those contracts are under the purview of the GSA.

    The DoD is most certainly responsible for explaining the terms of the contract to the members flying on the contracted flight.

66. #66
    On June 9th, 2011 at 2:53 am, Major O said:

    Well over 90% of the time I fly for military purposes it seems I fly commercial. I’ve NEVER flown 1st or business class in 16 years of commissioned service.

    How do you get that hookup?

67. #67
    On June 9th, 2011 at 8:25 am, PavePusher said:

    Aaargh, after trying to stomp on this story all ove the ‘net yesterday, I can’ believe I have to deal with it here, too.

    This situation is almost certainly not Delta’s fault. All traveling military members are supposed to have a government issued travel credit card. This is a DoD regulation. If they are required to transport more than three bags, due to the amount of gear they must haul, the excess baggage authorization should be reflected in their printed orders.

    When they check in to the airline, they should pay the excess baggage fee with the government card (their ticket costs will have already been charged this way). When they complete their travel, they will file a voucher at their base finance office (usually done on-line now), claiming all costs for the travel (including the authorized baggage fees). The government reimburses them, paying the travel costs to the card company, and any left-over allowances directly to the member.

    If the member was not authorized excess baggage, either their chain of command made an error, or the member did, not Delta.

    Either way, Delta was following established procedures and the soldiers here were not. In addition, instead of waiting to address this issue with their chain of command, they blabbed it on the ‘net, proving themselves fools not once, but twice. I’m sure their chain of command will have some sharp words for them upon their reporting in.

    As claimed U.S. Army Staff Sergeants (E-6′s), they should certainly know the correct procedures. If they didn’t, there are some training issues that need to be addressed within their unit.

    Delta does not appear to be at fault here, and is bending over backwards to present a good face due to the actions of some military idiots. Please go talk to some military travel/finance people and get some more background on this issue.

    For the record, I am my units’ mobility/travel manager and have deployed numerous times myself, so I know what I’m talking about.

68. #68
    On June 9th, 2011 at 8:36 am, PavePusher said:

    P.S. For more information, look up the Joint Federal Travel Regulations (JFTR), and the DoD travel regs.

69. #69
    On June 9th, 2011 at 8:54 am, PavePusher said:

    @ NotTheMama (and everyone else): We don’t have a lot of prepositioned, forward-deployed individual equipment these days. The reason servicemembers travel with so many bags these days is because they are taking 2-4 bags of issued equipment (body armor, field gear, uniform items, boots, chem gear, etc.), much of it heavy, bulky or odd-shaped, probably dragging some unit-level equipment that someone down-range needs to replace broken items (or fulfill some new requirement), weapons case, and then maybe a bag or two of personal items to sustain them for the next 6-18 months.

    Let’s say there were 30 troops, each with an extra bag, each bag weighing 40-70 lbs. (we’ll use 50 for an average, but it’s probably more). That’s 1500 lbs, 3/4 ton of extra weight that has to be moved, and it could easily be far more than that. Does the airline just swallow the cost in fuel, labor and maintenance? Or do they follow their (and the government) regs, and charge appropriately for the extra bags, charges that the service members are supposed to be briefed and prepared for? They can (and frequently do) take an extra bag or two on a one-sie/two-sie basis, but when you are talking large groups, it really can’t be done.

    This is also partly why, if you compare prices, government paid tickets are generally more expensive than civilian tickets; it’s in part to pay for that third bag under their government contracts.

    As I stated above, I monitor my units travel, and I also have a 20+ year career in military aviation maintenance, so I know a little about both ends of this issue.

    Delta is not at fault here, and in fact have let themselves be bullied into changing their policy.

70. #70
    On June 9th, 2011 at 9:10 am, Lindsay said:

    Thank you, PavePusher.

    I have flown Delta for over 30 years on a regular basis and still consider it the best airline in the US.

    And, like my comment above, they do care about out soldiers and have recognized them in flights I am on. After all, most of the Delta pilots themselves are former military pilots.

71. #71
    On June 9th, 2011 at 10:50 am, SSG David Medzyk said:

    PavePusher, this wasn’t a group heading to a seminar or training site where travel orders are done thorough the DTS. These guys just got back from war a few days ago.

    The DTS system does not handle home bound flights for Soldiers returning from a combat zone.

    Their orders showed them allowing 4 bags, and that’s all the information they can go on. If it was a mis-communication between the DOD and Delta, then boo on them. If Delta had simply waved the fee, this would not be news.

72. #72
    On June 9th, 2011 at 11:50 am, Rjulio said:

    This is piss poor Delta.

73. #73
    On June 9th, 2011 at 2:38 pm, corkie said:

    On June 9th, 2011 at 10:50 am, SSG David Medzyk said:

    Their orders showed them allowing 4 bags, and that’s all the information they can go on.

    I’m sure you know this, but I want to make clear that their orders don’t obligate Delta in any way.

    If it was a mis-communication between the DOD and Delta, then boo on them.

    How could there be a miscommunication between two parties when a signed contract exists between those parties (or on behalf of those two parties)?

    If Delta had simply waved the fee, this would not be news.

    Again, Delta should be under no obligation to subsidize government costs simply because someone within the DOD gave this unit bad information. Someone within the DOD should be fired.

74. #74
    On June 9th, 2011 at 2:42 pm, corkie said:

    On June 9th, 2011 at 8:54 am, PavePusher said:

    Delta is not at fault here, and in fact have let themselves be bullied into changing their policy.

    You’ve made great comments on this. I’m disappointed that Michelle contributed to that bullying, but I do appreciate her updating the fact that Delta has now gone above and beyond to prove that they are pro-military traveler. I hope they get a chance to renegotiate their rates based on their new policy.

75. #75
    On June 10th, 2011 at 9:57 am, PavePusher said:

    SSG David Medzyk said:
    PavePusher, this wasn’t a group heading to a seminar or training site where travel orders are done thorough the DTS. These guys just got back from war a few days ago.

    The DTS system does not handle home bound flights for Soldiers returning from a combat zone.

    Their orders showed them allowing 4 bags, and that’s all the information they can go on. If it was a mis-communication between the DOD and Delta, then boo on them. If Delta had simply waved the fee, this would not be news.

    The fourth bag being authorized on your orders entitles the individual to take a fourth bag, pay the fees for it, and get reimbursed when you file your travel voucher. It’s not an agreement with the airline to carry the bag free of additional charge.

    And since when is an airline obligated to carry a litteral ton, 2000 lbs, of excess baggage free of charge? I explained the details of this entire process quite clearly.

76. #76
    On June 10th, 2011 at 10:05 am, PavePusher said:

    Update Delta has revoked the fourth-bag fee. Good for them.

    No, not good for them. They were bullied into this by the ignorance of the public, and by the ignorance of soldiers who should have known better.

    Mrs. Malkin owes Delta an apology, as do the soldiers who caused this mess. It was thoroughly unprofessional of them.

77. #77
    On June 10th, 2011 at 3:48 pm, corkie said:

    On June 10th, 2011 at 10:05 am, PavePusher said:

    It was thoroughly unprofessional of them.

    I definitely agree with you. I’m disappointed. These weren’t 19 year old E-2s in this video.

78. #78
    On June 14th, 2011 at 10:36 pm, PavePusher said:

    Sigh. It would be nice to see an update/correction/retraction on this.