American Airlineswas charging troops on their way to war a surcharge for baggage but the airline ended the practice after tthe organization Veterans of Foreign Wars is demanding that the airline discontinue the practice. Soldiers currently can ask to be reimbursed by the military when they are charged to check bags, but the VFW wants American to simply do away with charging service members for their luggage. The fee applies to all travelers on American Airlines, which charges $15 for a single checked bag and up to $250 for a third bag. American Airlines countered that soldiers are already allowed to check larger and heavier luggage than civilian travelers. A spokesman for the airline told CNN that enlisted troops can check two bags totaling 190 pounds when they fly. There is a fee for additional baggage, but personnel are reimbursed for those fees, so the airline maintains that there is ultimate no fee for troops. VFW spokesman Joseph Davis said that soldiers should not have to worry about paying baggage fees out of pocket and then fill out a form to be reimbursed, according to The Washington Times. Many airlines began charging passengers baggage or excess baggage fees to compensate for rising fuel costs.
