Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

Skip to comments.

Military Airfare Reduction Program (Petition - please sign)
Blue Star Mothers of America WebSite ^ | April [?]. 2003 | Blue Star Moms

Posted on 05/09/2003 8:35:42 AM PDT by NonValueAdded



MILITARY AIRFARE REDUCTION

Position Statement

Did you know that the men and women actively serving our Country in the military are paying for their own flights home during leave, and – in many instances – are paying higher fares than you?

As a result of this, many of them are unable to come home as they cannot afford the airfare.

Why don’t they take advantage of the low purchase-in-advance tickets that the airlines offer?

Many of them are unable to book their tickets in advance as their leaves are not always granted 21, 14 or even 7 days in advance.

We have asked the airlines to do two things:

We have heard back from only four airlines, and they are unable to comply with our requests.

[break]

How can you help?

1. You can make a difference by taking a few minutes to sign our Military Airfare Reduction Petition at:

http://www.petitiononline.com/BSMMIL/petition.html

This petition will be sent to President Bush and the US Congress in support of the resolution.

[more ways listed on website - please visit]

(Excerpt) Read more at bluestarmoms.org ...


TOPICS: Activism/Chapters; Announcements; Business/Economy; Culture/Society; News/Current Events; Your Opinion/Questions
KEYWORDS: bluestarmoms; military; militaryfamilies; militarysupport; petition; support
Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-38 next last
Just heard this mentioned on my local radio station, WMMB-AM.This is a worthy cause that will take only a minute of your time to support.

As I understand it, for security (and other) reasons our troops don't get advanced notice about leave and are therefore forced to pay the highest rates for airfare if they want to travel home. It is sad that those preserving our freedom must choose between seeing their loved ones or busting the family budget.

I don't think we're asking the airlines to go below cost here and this should be small payback for the billions we're pouring in to prop up the industry. Sounds like this could be win-win.

Mrs. Daschle, are you listening?

1 posted on 05/09/2003 8:35:43 AM PDT by NonValueAdded
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | View Replies]

To: NonValueAdded
Only about 9200 signatures so far ... I know we can do far better than this. And a curse on anyone who signs the petition with a false (or worse) name - I hope they have your IP address!
2 posted on 05/09/2003 8:39:58 AM PDT by NonValueAdded ("Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." GWB 9/20/01)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: NonValueAdded
Did you know MIlitary members can fly for free on any Military Transport Aircraft flying in the United States. It cost $10 to fly over a body of water, plus $2.50 for a box lunch (we called Bag Nasties). If a Service member has an emergency, he/she may go to the head of the standby list to get out quicker! Plus, there already is a Military discount, it is called the SATO Office located on every military installation.
3 posted on 05/09/2003 8:40:48 AM PDT by Zavien Doombringer (If I keep my eyes on Jesus, I could walk on water - Audio Adrenaline)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: NonValueAdded
I dunno what to think about this. Airlines are bleeding cash and this would force them to accept passengers, albiet Military at substantial discounts. Why should we ask the airlines to subsidize military personnel travel? This is a "taking" is it not?

Instead perhaps we should offer a travel allowance or voucher for Military personnel.

IIRC, Military Standby was standby and did not gurantee a seat. If one a seat became available, they could be booked into it, but otherwise the person would get to stay at the Airport.


4 posted on 05/09/2003 8:43:32 AM PDT by garyb
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: NonValueAdded
Did you know that the men and women actively serving our Country in the military are paying for their own flights home during leave, and – in many instances – are paying higher fares than you?

Not to be sarcastic, but leave travel is at the expence of the service member. Discount rates are available, and higher fares are given to everyone for last minute bookings. Still a military discount is given. Members are encouraged to go to SATO (Scheduled Airline Ticket Office) to get thier tickets for leave or PCS... If you call the airlines, you don't get those tickets!

5 posted on 05/09/2003 8:45:09 AM PDT by Zavien Doombringer (If I keep my eyes on Jesus, I could walk on water - Audio Adrenaline)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: Zavien Doombringer
Thanks for the info. I have to assume the Blue Star Mom's already know this and perhaps the notice period isn't enough for even the methods you mention. Why don't you pass that along to the Moms, though? And sign the petition while you are at it :)
6 posted on 05/09/2003 8:52:19 AM PDT by NonValueAdded ("Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." GWB 9/20/01)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 3 | View Replies]

To: garyb
"Why should we ask the airlines to subsidize military personnel travel? This is a "taking" is it not? "

Wow, I didn't expect only negative replies so far.

Seems to me that we, the American People, are already providing vast subsidies to the airlines. In return, isn't it reasonable that we ask the airlines to provide what would otherwise be empty seats to our military at advanced purchase rates - not a below cost cut as everyone seems to imply? I don't think the Mom's are asking for below cost here, just the same break as if the soldier knew about the leave 30 days in advance.

I don't purport to speak for the Mom's and I'd have to think they know about the other programs. Maybe it is a space issue or the fares aren't discounted to the extent that 30 day purchases would be.

In addition, I think the post-9/11 security has pretty much done away with stand-by. Not to mention the airlines tacking on $100 penalties for a ticket change.

7 posted on 05/09/2003 8:58:52 AM PDT by NonValueAdded ("Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." GWB 9/20/01)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 4 | View Replies]

To: NonValueAdded
Why don't you pass that along to the Moms, though? And sign the petition while you are at it :)

I just did :^)

8 posted on 05/09/2003 9:07:38 AM PDT by Zavien Doombringer (If I keep my eyes on Jesus, I could walk on water - Audio Adrenaline)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 6 | View Replies]

To: Zavien Doombringer
From the Mom's website ... it sounds like a military discount isn't what it used to be. $30 off on a $1950 fare? I'm assuming the soldier mentioned is starting out from DC, perhaps coming from Walter Reed, as his point of hospitalization.

FOLLOWING IS A RECENT EXAMPLE OF WHY OUR MILITARY NEEDS A MILITARY AIRFARE REDUCTION

April 9 I received a phone call that my 23 year old son, who is a Sergeant, was injured while fighting the war in Iraq. His injuries were not life threatening, but did require surgery. He was very lucky as one of the men he was working with was killed.

On April 20th he was finally able to give us firm dates as to when he could come home for convalescence leave. That date was April 25th. I had 5 days to make the airline reservation. I immediately got on the phone to make a reservation and explained that my son had been injured serving his country in Iraq, and had just been given the dates when he could come home to convalesce.

At this point, we definitely did not have any advance notice advantage and it showed in the fare quote I received. For my son to fly from Washington DC (after the funeral of his fallen comrade) to San Francisco and then back to his post in Georgia 3 weeks later cost $1950. I asked if there was any military discount and was told it was $30.00 less. At this point, I started begging for a break for my son who had given so much defending his country and lost so much – 4 fallen comrades. The reservation clerk suggested I call back in the morning and talk with Customer Care where there was a new information desk dealing with military issues. I followed her instructions and called back the next morning. I was told by Customer Care that no such information desk existed and nothing else could be done.

It sounds to me like our help is still needed here.

9 posted on 05/09/2003 9:08:25 AM PDT by NonValueAdded ("Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." GWB 9/20/01)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 5 | View Replies]

To: Zavien Doombringer
kewl, thanks!
10 posted on 05/09/2003 9:09:41 AM PDT by NonValueAdded ("Either you are with us, or you are with the terrorists." GWB 9/20/01)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 8 | View Replies]

To: NonValueAdded
I'm all for this...we just forked over a grand to get #2 son home before he leaves for Korea. Even using the travel office on base he got hosed on airfare, we found better deals getting it ourselves though Southwest
11 posted on 05/09/2003 9:13:17 AM PDT by boxerblues (God bless the 101st and keep them safe)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: NonValueAdded; Kathy in Alaska; MoJo2001; Iowa Granny; Ragtime Cowgirl; SK1 Thurman; SevenofNine; ..
Military Airfare Reduction Program Petition - Please sign PING

NonValueAdded Thank You for starting this thread.
12 posted on 05/09/2003 9:17:47 AM PDT by 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub (Please read an sign this petition.)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 1 | View Replies]

To: NonValueAdded
You don't understand...I sympathize with the servicemembers family, but the servicemember can and should have thought about SATO. SATO buys blocks of seats from various Airlines so servicemembers can fly at a discounted price! The Airline Ticket Agent doesn't control those pre-sold seats until the close of the flight and annouces Stand-by seating. If a service member walks up to the ticket counter, he cannot buy those seats or at that price SATO paid for them. There is an agreement already in place by the airlines with SATO at the price of the tickets.
SATO is located on every military base, even at Walter Reed Hospital, Bethesda. Being a former servicemember, I can tell you my mom meant well, but she didn't have a clue how the military operates. She even married an Army officer. These Moms need to look at the benefits that Servicemembers already get that the average flyer doesn't get! I have worked in the Airline industry for 5 years. American Air, and I can tell you someone in that organization is misinformed, or the story is bloated.
13 posted on 05/09/2003 9:18:16 AM PDT by Zavien Doombringer (If I keep my eyes on Jesus, I could walk on water - Audio Adrenaline)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 9 | View Replies]

To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub
bttt
14 posted on 05/09/2003 9:18:36 AM PDT by FreeTheHostages
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: boxerblues
What Base was he stationed at?
15 posted on 05/09/2003 9:20:04 AM PDT by Zavien Doombringer (If I keep my eyes on Jesus, I could walk on water - Audio Adrenaline)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: boxerblues
Let me rephrase, From which base to which City?
16 posted on 05/09/2003 9:22:14 AM PDT by Zavien Doombringer (If I keep my eyes on Jesus, I could walk on water - Audio Adrenaline)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 11 | View Replies]

To: 68-69TonkinGulfYachtClub; All
9,202 signatures so far. This is really worth our effort, FReepers.
17 posted on 05/09/2003 9:24:38 AM PDT by Bahbah
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 12 | View Replies]

To: Zavien Doombringer
he was in Ft Benning Ga, flew home to Cleveland then has to head out to Seattle. Ft Benning did not pay for his trip home but booked him a flight from Atlanta to Seattle when his leave would end, he was already in Cleveland but they wouldnt book him a flight from home. So we paid $434 home and $450 to Seattle
18 posted on 05/09/2003 9:37:43 AM PDT by boxerblues (God bless the 101st and keep them safe)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 16 | View Replies]

To: boxerblues
He could have made arrangments with Space - A travel with a MAC flight. To save cost, get to atlanta, call MAC office at Robbins AFB to see if there were any scheduled flights to Wright-Patterson then possibly get a drive home, bus?. It takes time, and a bit of savvy to work with Space A travel, but it does save money. I would do it alone but never with my family (you aren't guarantteed to fly together)
19 posted on 05/09/2003 9:54:34 AM PDT by Zavien Doombringer (If I keep my eyes on Jesus, I could walk on water - Audio Adrenaline)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]

To: boxerblues
Oh yeah, the cost of in country Space A? FREE!
If there is a Navy Air Station nearby, he could go there too! Any Air Station that has a MAC Terminal, he can get on the list to fly, providing he has a leave slip, or orders.
20 posted on 05/09/2003 9:56:56 AM PDT by Zavien Doombringer (If I keep my eyes on Jesus, I could walk on water - Audio Adrenaline)
[ Post Reply | Private Reply | To 18 | View Replies]


Navigation: use the links below to view more comments.
first 1-2021-38 next last

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.

Free Republic
Browse · Search
News/Activism
Topics · Post Article

FreeRepublic, LLC, PO BOX 9771, FRESNO, CA 93794
FreeRepublic.com is powered by software copyright 2000-2008 John Robinson