Lest we forget business class upgrades also includes 2 free bags. Anyone checking 2 bags in coach would pay $40 so for only $9 more it's a very good deal.

To Airtran's credit repeat customers have learned to race for the online check-in and upgrades. It's generating a lot repeat business for them.

As someone else mentioned would you prefer the perks at all cost and lose an affordable but growing airline?