Claim for Excess Baggage Expenses

A retired Army member appealed the denial of his claim for excess baggage expenses. The protester was authorized to return from Germany to the United States because of a permanent change of station. His travel orders specified that he and his dependents were authorized to travel by commercial airlines and were authorized 132 pounds of air baggage. Although his baggage was within the weight limits of his orders, he was levied excess baggage charges by the airline because he had more than the maximum of four bags allowed by the carrier's rules. The protester sought reimbursement from the Army, but his claim was denied. GAO also denied the claim, because the appropriate regulations state that excess baggage expenses might only be paid when authorized or approved by the order issuing authority or the member's commanding officer. Since the record did not indicate such authorization or approval, the denial of the claim was sustained.