Some travelers exempt from airlines' extra baggage charge

Published June 27, 2008
TMO Travel Section

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE -- Many commercial airlines are now charging additional fees for any checked baggage. American Airlines (domestic flights only) are charging $15 for the first checked bag. The majority of other commercial airlines are charging a fee for the second checked bag ranging in price from $10 on Air Tran Airways up to $25 with American, Delta, Northwest, United and U.S. Airways.
   Military and government travelers who travel on GSA City Pair Fares are exempt from the baggage charges for the first checked bag on all commercial airlines under the City Pair Program contract.
   Government travelers and military members on contract fares are exempt for baggage charges for the second checked bag on the following: American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Express Jet, Frontier Airlines and Northwest Airlines.
   Government travelers' on Air Tran Airways will be charged $10 for the second checked bag while traveling on contract fares but military members on contract fares with identification are exempt from this charge.
   Delta Airlines will charge government travelers $25 for the second checked bag when traveling on contract fares but there is no charge to active military members with identification and orders when checking a second bag.
   Both United Airlines and U.S. Airways will charge government travelers on contract fares $25 for the second checked bag and there is no charge to military members with identification for the second bag when traveling on a contract fare.
   Checked baggage fees and exceptions are subject to change so travelers are advised to check with the individual airline for up to date details on their baggage policies before traveling. The above listed exceptions are applicable to GSA City Pair Fare travelers only. Commercial airline baggage charges are applicable to all travelers who travel on non-contract carrier's fares as well as fares available to the general public.
   In coordination with Finance, personnel who are traveling on official duty who are assessed checked baggage charges for their first and/or second piece of checked baggage will include the expense under "Other expenses" in DTS on the travel voucher. All travel expenses must be authorized and approved by the Order Authorizing Official prior to reimbursement.
   For additional information on travel, call Marsha Whitmire, chief, Travel Services Section 739.5687. For more information on reimbursements, call Accounting & Finance, 739-5180/5187.