Originally Posted by
gemac
Without having seen it, it sounds like the baggage allowance was for the military charter to point of entry, and that the service member is on their own for the rest of the journey. The paperwork would cover travel from duty station to point of entry, and there would be no travel orders from point of entry to desired destination.
I would like to address the griping about the military and AA and comparisons to police, fire, etc.
1. We in the military understand that we are not any better than police, firemen, doctors, etc. To think that we desire to be treated above anyone else is wrong.
2. This whole "pay for luggage" deal started before the fees for baggage. Prior to airlines charging John-Q public for checked bags, they charged the military member for oversized luggage. They were normally given exceptions, but then the airlines caught on to the fact that the soldier was reimbursed by the government for that fee - therefore you're not being unpatriotic, because the soldier gets reimbursed anyway. This was brought to light by many in the press and even congress as the airlines milking the government for an extra 50 dollars, so they all began allowing it to be free on orders (I think AA started the removal of fees).
3. He should have shown his orders. No question about that. Any time I'm not asked for the orders, I show them before any questions are asked. After all, it's part of the agreement between the gov't and the airline. However, I've had junior enlisted guys/gals work for me who took a bus to boot camp and have never stepped foot on a plane in their life. Inexperience at the airport is a possible answer for him.
4. Bad mouthing AA? You're right! After all, it was years ago (see number 1) that the bad mouthing of airlines milking the government was already done and settled. Now, all that is left to explain this fee for the guy is that the agent was rude, right?? [sarcasm]
5. Someone said just because we are traveling in uniform, it doesn't mean we're on official travel....absolutely incorrect. Unless it is someone posing as a service member, we are not to travel in uniform unless it is for official business.
I apologize if my lengthy post is out of line for this sort of a forum, but there are too many things unknown by the general public of how the military operates. Therefore, I believe he should have just rogered up to the fee, paid it, complained to his wife, then filed a travel claim to get reimbursed.