Airline refunds returning soldier for overweight bag charge
SUMMARY
A Texas Army National Guard officer returning home after nearly two years deployed to Afghanistan says he had to pay United Airlines $200 becaus…
A Texas National Guard returning home after nearly two years deployed to says he had to pay United Airlines $200 because his bag was overweight.
KTBC-TV in Austin reports 1st Lt. John Rader of Kyle, Texas, had a duffel bag just over the 70-pound bag weight limit for no charges during his United flight May 15 from El Paso.
Rader had a layover in Houston before arriving at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
United, in a statement May 18, said the charge would be refunded to Rader as a goodwill gesture. The carrier says personnel are allowed to check five bags, weighing up to 70 pounds apiece, for free.
Rader's bag had a Kevlar vest, two helmets and boots. He didn't have another bag with him to transfer items.
