By BILL SANDERSON
Posted: 3:59 am
August 13, 2008
Soldiers headed overseas to preserve America's freedoms aren't free from airlines' baggage fees - they're getting bombarded by charges that can run up to hundreds of dollars.
American Airlines routinely pounds American soldiers with heavy hits - an El Paso newspaper recently reported a soldier was asked to pay $100 for his third checked bag.
Another soldier traveling on the same flight was asked to pay $300 for three extra bags.
Military travelers "deserve special treatment because they have earned it," said Veterans of Foreign Wars national President George Lisicki, whose organization is campaigning to end the fees.
In response, Air Transport Association officials said they'll bring the issue to airlines' attention.
In a statement, American Airlines said its military baggage fee policy has been in place for years, and predates the airline's announcement in May that it would start charging many civilian travelers $15 for their first checked bag.
