-- Some airlines are charging U.S. soldiers extra baggage fees to take their military kits with them as they set off for war.

[almaty 19]

Some U.S. airlines give military personnel a break on baggage fees, but others levy surcharges.

Military personnel carry large, heavy kit bags containing boots, clothing and gear. In the past few months, airlines have instituted fees for all travelers ranging from $15 for one bag to $250 for a third bag.

"What we want to do is nip this in the bud by exempting the military personnel who are traveling under orders from having to pay a fee on their third bag," said Veterans of Foreign Wars spokesman Joe Davis.

The VFW sent a letter to the Air Transport Association of America, the aviation industry's umbrella group, asking that U.S. troops be exempt from any extra baggage fees. Watch how troops are getting hit with fees »

"If you have a family at home and you stand at that airline counter and you have three bags in your hand, and they say you can't get on board unless you pay $100 up front right now, what are you going to do?" Davis said.

American Airlines, and others reached by CNN, say troops are allowed heavier and bigger bags and can check two for free, unlike commercial travelers.

Troops are allowed 190 pounds each free of charge, American Airlines spokesman Tim Wagner said, adding: "If they pay, they get reimbursed, so at the end, they don't pay a dime."

That's not a good answer, the VFW's Davis said.

"These young troops are going to war," he said. "There's a lot more on their mind than to have to worry or try to remember to get a hundred dollars reimbursed to them when they get into a war zone."

The military usually issues vouchers authorizing extra baggage before a flight, but troops must pay up front if they don't have one.

And though reimbursement is likely, pending approval, as with any business expense, it is not guaranteed.

The Air Transport Association says it supports the troops, but baggage policies are "made independently by the individual airlines."

The association says it has no plans to ask for an across-the-board waiver for U.S. service members.

[Ban Hammer 12,842]

good

last thing deploying troops need is someone wanting more money.

[joelunchbox 0]

Well, hell, it isn't their money.

It's OUR money!!

Just another way that big business is helping the war effort in Iraq.

[Ban Hammer 12,842]

Well, hell, it isn't their money.

It's OUR money!!

Just another way that big business is helping the war effort in Iraq.

it's their money until they get reimbursed.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

I am sympathetic.

[Kathryn41 3,205]

ah, the US business mind-set where personal monetary profit is more important than putting one's life on the line to fight for one's country - we saw it with the profiteers getting contracts to supply the US military in Iraq and now the airlines are getting in on the deal. Unfortunately, it seems like the airlines are just following the 'leader'.

[Dr. A ♥ O 203]

Everytime I look at this I think of my Younger Brothers in Iraq. One of them comes back soon, I hope.

[mRx 16]

I got charged 80 dollars excess baggage by United to take my M16 through last time. But, I never payed out of pocket. That's what the Government Travel Card is for.

[Sinergy 3]

thats f'ed up

[almaty 19]

it is truly sad to see ...shows that everyone is making a dollar off the iraq conflict.....

[mRx 16]

I don't think anyone is making any money off of this. It is considered excess baggage.

Before, excess baggage was just charged to the fund site of the deployment orders, now the airlines want it upfront.

[maggieNomar 0]

I don't think anyone is making any money off of this. It is considered excess baggage.

Before, excess baggage was just charged to the fund site of the deployment orders, now the airlines want it upfront.

But you guys are our troops, putting your life on the line for our freedom. If foreign airlines want to charge that is one thing, but airlines based in the USA should give the military a break. It's still an expense, whether you the soldier, or the government pays.

BTW: Thanks for serving Matt85.