OK, gotta say up front that Delta changed its policy, but STILL!!
Delta charged troops returning from Afghanistan for extra baggage fee. They “made it right”, after the fact, somehow thinking it was OK
They got hammered on Facebook and via their customer service form on the Delta website. I would imagine the DOD nailed them for breach of contract, too. They had previously agreed with the DOD to allow the 4 bags which is why the soldiers were told they could check up to 4 bags.
Quite probably the worst Public Relations gaffe of the year and I am getting the impression that some clerk decided to throw their weight around and caused the whole thing.
My bet would be that some check-in person didn’t know the policy and felt compelled to follow standard orders for civilians. It happens. I’m sorry they got such bad publicity and I’m glad they have now done the right thing.
And, no, I have no financial interest in Delta.
The last I heard, Delta said the agreement with the military was for 1st class only and the guys were in coach. Obviously the company has realized this is a public relations nightmare and is making it right by the soldiers and the policy. Sometimes someone doesn’t think and stupid things happen. Now, I have no interest, financial or otherwise, in Delta. Quite the opposite. My son is being deployed next month and will probably be on a Delta flight with his 4+ bags of equipment.
Hey, do the airlines offer the guys carts for these bags of equipment, which often weigh 150#s or more?
Allan
Delta was a victim of an employee who was following what was written down and not authorized or enpowered to make a better decision on their own. I think they have downsized a lot of their “senior” staff to cut payroll cost and are now dealing with employees who are making a little more than they could at a fast food joint. Heck, some of the commuter airlines have pilots flying passengers who could make as much or more flipping burgers. I was told one of the company had a statement in their employee handbook stating “Do not wear your company uniform if you find it necessary to apply for food stamps.” Or something to that affect.
At most airports you can check the bag at curb side and redcaps have carts at the bag claims area with no charge, of course redcaps make a good part of their living off tips. There are companies that rent carts for a buck or so at most of the airports I have been too, but other than ramp carts that move bags between planes, I do not believe airlines own any carts.