AirTran announces new $10 fee for checking a 2nd bag starting May 15, 2008

AirTran just put out this press release, announcing that they will be implementing a $10 fee for checking a 2nd bag unless you are an AirTran Elite or flying in Business Class:

  - New Policies for Checked Baggage for Travel Beginning on May 15, 2008 -

    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.

    "AirTran Airways is committed to keeping our fares low for all passengers. However, in the face of record fuel costs, it is necessary to charge a nominal fee for passengers choosing to check a second bag," said Kevin Healy, senior vice president of marketing and planning for AirTran Airways.  "This change will allow our customers the choice and flexibility they want and it enables the airline to keep costs down for all passengers."

Let this be another reminder to everyone that most USA domestic airlines have now changed their policies regarding checked baggage.

Comments

[Ted Wright]

Hey Airtran -

What about corporate members? I'm an Elite w/65+ RT/yr but the folks that travel with me to trade shows (all on our corp account #) aren't all Elites. I'm not leaving AurTran over $10/bag but it sure would be a solid to us loyal travelers in the corp program to nix this obnoxious fee. Remember that I'm the one that moved our whole company to AirTran from Delta as soon as I bought it from the previous owner.

Lovingly, Ted