Delta refunds baggage fees for some

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

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Delta will be refunding the $25 second-checked-bag fee to passengers who purchased a ticket prior to April 9 and flew on or after May 5. Passengers who fit this description have to fill out a rebate form, and will need the receipt from the flight (hope you kept it!).

Why, you might be wondering, is an airline voluntarily handing out rebates? According to the Wall Street Journal, Delta’s fee took effect before it was formally announced on April 9. Understandably, passengers who fell into this time warp were unhappy to learn they had been charged a phantom fee, and they complained enough to convince the carrier to hand out refunds.

It’s refreshing to see an airline doing the right thing for once, because I can just as easily imagine a cash-strapped carrier shrugging its shoulders and saying “tough luck.” So if you were affected by the timing malfunction (and you kept your receipt), consider yourself one of the privileged few to get something back from a U.S. airline.

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