AirTran announces new checked ba policy May 15th

[happydisneymom]

"ORLANDO, Fla., April 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: AAI), announced today changes in its checked bag policy. Complete details of the new policy are available at http://www.airtran.com.
Effective immediately, customers who are traveling on or after May 15, 2008, may check one bag free and a second bag for a $10 fee. The fee will not apply for passengers who hold Elite status in AirTran Airways' A+ Rewards frequent flier program, or ticketed passengers traveling in Business Class. The airline will continue to allow passengers to check additional bags for a $50 fee per additional bag. As with the previous policy, weight and size restrictions apply. Passengers can also continue to use AirTran Airways' EasyFit storage bins on every flight."

 

[mousefan1972]

Great, another airline deciding to charge passengers for a second checked bag.

Southwest had better not jump on this bandwagon!

 

[chrisy76334]

Just under the wire..YES!!! I'll be flying them April 29th and back home May 7th.:sohappy:

 

[kasey1988]

Ive also noticed that Continental Airlines has added a 25$ fee to check a second bag!

 

[Hrudey3032]

$10 i can handle tho for comfort purposes of having what i need

 

[mkt]

There's always ways around this... most of them completely honest

 

[bgraham34]

Everyone is switching too this. Everything will be extra. Some airlines its more for an exit row seat. It really starts to suck more to fly.

 

[disneygirl1024]

With the rising price of fuel they have to stay in business somehow. Unfortunately, that's the way it goes.

 

[mkt]

It's not quite that easy. Among other things, airfare costs within the US have not kept up with inflation. A $250 plane ticket 20 years ago is not the same as a $250 ticket today.

 

[Iknewagirlnamed]

Deplorable. But of course they have to nickle and dime people to make up for outrageous fuel prices.

 

[mkt]

Deplorable. But of course they have to nickle and dime people to make up for outrageous fuel prices.

and the fact that airfare prices haven't kept up with inflation, and increased competition, and increased maintenance scrutiny,....

 

[mkt]

The same way the average Joe's wages haven't kept up with inflation.

correct

Which means that while one can afford to fly to New York one can't afford to eat there.

 

[Hakunamatata]

Great, another airline deciding to charge passengers for a second checked bag.

Southwest had better not jump on this bandwagon!

Southwest recently adjusted their bagage policy so I dont see them doing it in the next 6 months or so, but eventually it will happen. Whats going to happen is your going to see alot more people with a rolling cary on bag. On a semi to full flight there wont be enough room for all the cary ons, so they will start checking them at boarding. What will be interesting is if they charge you then or not.

Evidently the reason Southwest has been slower to change baggage policy and increase fairs is that they evidently got a sweetheart of a deal for fuel on a long term contract. At some point in time, that contract is going to end and they will need to adjust fairs/policies to remain profitable (ooooh...yes, I used that evil word).

 

[mkt]

At some point in time, that contract is going to end and they will need to adjust fairs/policies to remain profitable (ooooh...yes, I used that evil word).

I think that they're almost at that point. I think that by the end of the year WN will have to raise prices.

 

[Shadowdawn]

I'm sorry to resurrect an older thread but is it one bag per person or if my bf checks one we have to check mine as well? Also, if I want to bring 2 bags will it be $10 for that extra third bag?

 

[Rob562]

I'm sorry to resurrect an older thread but is it one bag per person or if my bf checks one we have to check mine as well? Also, if I want to bring 2 bags will it be $10 for that extra third bag?

It is one checked bag per passenger that's free. Beyond that would be the extra-bag charges. If you're part of a group and can "distribute" bags so that each person has one, you're all set.

-Rob

 

[SAV]

EDIT...I didn't see the other thread on this...Sorry

I just read that American is now going to charge $15 for the FIRST bag you check.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20080521..._reductions;_ylt=ApRSO_Vh.ZoBohy5APQgWc6s0NUE

Unreal!!!