Shakes Down Returning Soldiers for $2800

One expects their homecoming from military duty to be emotional, and a mostly upbeat experience... until the airline taking you home shakes you down for big bucks. According to a number of the soldiers returning home from duty in Afghanistan, Delta decided to assess over a dozen of the returning war-fighters $200 a pop for those carrying a Fourth bag... even though the soldiers insist that their military travel orders allow them to carry four bags for free. Delta, on the other hand, biting the hand that keeps them free, says that its policy only allows soldiers to travel with three bags free of charge.

The soldiers with the 'extra' bag had to dig deep to pay for the extra baggage... which in many cases contained military equipment such as rifles and other weaponry. Some 14 such fees were imposed and when all was said and done, Delta stiffed the Army (who would eventually reimburse) for $2800... out of the pockets of guys just returning from "The Big A."

Said soldiers may be weary of war, but they kept their wits about them and a few of them collaborated on a little peaceful protest on the way home... recording a handheld video detailing the predicament while still sitting in the airliner as they made their way back. The video was uploaded to YouTube... where it has become QUITE the sensation and is apparently driving Delta absolutely nuts... and pulling well over 200,000 views as we filed this report (and before it was taken down... though plenty of other copies have since been uploaded). Screw with the troops and prepare for serious retaliation from guys who know the tactical advantage of a quick and decisive counter-strike...

Smart guys. Makes you feel good about the military, doesn't it?

Of course, Delta is backing down in the full-on view of public scrutiny and the effects following a well-planned skirmish, courtesy of a couple of the nation's finest... who plainly didn't like getting pushed around... by the Taliban or Delta airlines.

Hysterically, Delta put out a press released just after lunch time, Wednesday, as if they hadn't erred, announcing a "change" in their baggage policy, stating, "Delta Air Lines today increased its free checked baggage allotment for U.S. Military traveling on orders in Economy Class to four checked bags. Delta's revised baggage policy also allows U.S. military personnel traveling on orders in First and Business Class to check up to five bags at no charge. This change also adds dependents traveling with active military on orders. Each bag may weigh up to 70 lbs. (32 kg) and measure up to 80 linear inches (203 cm), which offers added flexibility over the standard 50 lbs. and 62 linear inches (157 cm) allotment. Because of weight, balance and space constraints, Delta Connection carriers accept up to four bags at no charge.

For personal travel, active military presenting military identification may now check up to two bags weighing 50 pounds (23 kg) or less and measuring 62 inches (158 linear cm) or less in combined length, width and height without charge. Previously, Delta's policy allotted three free checked bags in Economy Class and four in First and Business Class for military members traveling on orders."

Note to Delta: Screw with the US Military at your peril... ask the Taliban and UBL's next-of-kin. ROTFLMAO....

FMI: www.army.mil, www.delta.com, http://youtu.be/rdRvu0zSnTY