Airtran will join the long list of airlines charging for the first checked bag. This appears to be effective with flights booked today, departing December 5 or later.
Although it doesn't directly say it anywhere, I am guessing the fee is waived for Elite's, since the second bag fee is currently waived.
First Checked Bag
Effective December 5, 2008, for all reservations booked on or after November 12, 2008, the charge for the first checked bag will be $15. For reservations booked prior to this date, for each fare-paying customer, AirTran Airways will allow one (1) checked bag free of charge, with size and weight limitations (see baggage allowance details below).
Active military personnel traveling with ID and official orders will have all bag fees waived.
Any customer who requires use of a wheelchair may have it checked as baggage at no charge, and it will not be considered part of the passenger's baggage count when assessing other baggage fees.
Although it doesn't directly say it anywhere, I am guessing the fee is waived for Elite's, since the second bag fee is currently waived.
1st and 2nd bag fee waived if you are Elite or Business class.
Business class upgrades also count if it is on the 1st flight.
(can't upgrade only connecting flight and have bag fee waived.)
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Its Great move on Airtran`s part..they are loosing money everytime they dont collect the fee from Airtran passengers..so Airtran passengers can basically just add $30 onto the price of tickets just as other airlines do..no biggie..just more $$$ for Airtran and less $$$ in Your pocket..LOL
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I was actually going to fly AirTran because it was the cheapest and my group of 7 (going on a week + trip) wanted to save on bag fees. We waited cause the prices hadnt changed for a month and are still the same. I knew we shoulda bought last weekend.
Does anyone know if they've given any hassles on not charging a checked bag fee for those who booked before Nov. 12? We are flying Jan 11 & 18, 2009, but booked on Nov. 10, 2008. Will they try to charge me the bag fee? Should I bring a printout showing that those booked prior should not be charged?
Does anyone know if they've given any hassles on not charging a checked bag fee for those who booked before Nov. 12? We are flying Jan 11 & 18, 2009, but booked on Nov. 10, 2008. Will they try to charge me the bag fee? Should I bring a printout showing that those booked prior should not be charged?
Their computer system seemed to be pretty accurate last I flew.
Does the waived baggage fees for elites apply to their travel companions as well?
Only if they are Elite as well. However, you are allowed 2 bags if you are Elite, so if you have one and your companion has one, just put both bags under your name.
I just booked with airtran for the first time in years and did not see a place to prepay for our 1 checked bag online like on the Spirit. Do we pay this at the airport, or did I just not see it?
JudyJFLA
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I just booked with airtran for the first time in years and did not see a place to prepay for our 1 checked bag online like on the Spirit. Do we pay this at the airport, or did I just not see it?
JudyJFLA
At time of OLCI, the system will ask if/how many bags will be checked. If checking bags, a fee will be charged upfront to your credit card, if you do not qualify for fee-free checked bags. Since the first bag is $15 and the second checked bag is $25, a party of two will fare better with each passenger checking one bag, instead of the two bags under one name.
Does anyone know if they've given any hassles on not charging a checked bag fee for those who booked before Nov. 12? We are flying Jan 11 & 18, 2009, but booked on Nov. 10, 2008. Will they try to charge me the bag fee? Should I bring a printout showing that those booked prior should not be charged?
Flew AirTran IAD-MCO and back over the holidays and paid no fee for my one checked bag, as I had booked in October. No hassle or mention of fees at IAD or MCO.
Its Great move on Airtran`s part..they are loosing money everytime they dont collect the fee from Airtran passengers..so Airtran passengers can basically just add $30 onto the price of tickets just as other airlines do..no biggie..just more $$$ for Airtran and less $$$ in Your pocket..LOL 
