carry-on and checked
baggage policies
Baggage Information
Baggage Information
Carry On
For carry-on baggage, all customers traveling on AirTran Airways will be restricted to one carry-on item and one personal item. Personal items include handbags, umbrellas, walking sticks, coats, cameras, reading matter, infant food, briefcases, and laptop computers.
Canes, walkers, crutches, and other assistive devices capable of being collapsed small enough to fit in overhead bins or underneath a seat are welcome inside the cabin and will not count toward your carry-on limit.
No carry-on item may exceed overall dimensions of 55 inches (length + width + height). All carry-on items must fit under the seat or in the overhead bin. Any heavy item must be placed underneath the customer's seat. Any item with inflexible surfaces must be placed underneath the customer's seat or flat on the floor of an overhead bin.
Knives or sharp objects will not be allowed in carry-on baggage or past the security checkpoint. Any sharp items you may need in your travels should be packed in your checked baggage. Customers dependent upon syringe-injected medications may carry on such items. The TSA has instituted specific rules for carry-on of liquids, gels and aerosols. We encourage you to review the security rules for these carry-on items.
Specific items prohibited from carry-on baggage due to security restrictions include: metal scissors with pointed tips and a cutting edge longer than four inches in length, tools greater than seven inches in length, knives of any length, cutting instruments including carpet knives, box cutters and folding or retractable blades regardless of blade length or composition. Straight razors are prohibited, but disposable razors, e.g., Gillette or Bic, are allowed. Learn more about specific items that are permitted or not permitted on AirTran Airways flights.
Back to TopChecked Baggage
AirTran Airways recommends that passengers arrive at the airport 90 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of their flight. Due to security requirements, passengers and their baggage will not be accepted at the ticket counter less than 45 minutes prior to the scheduled departure of their flight (some smaller airports may accept baggage up to 30 minutes prior to scheduled departure time). Baggage may be checked no more than 4 hours prior to departure time. For specific baggage check times at each airport, please see our Contract of Carriage (Adobe Acrobat Reader required to view this PDF file).
Free Baggage Allowance
For each fare-paying customer, AirTran Airways will allow one (1) checked piece free of charge, with size and weight limitations. Through September 17, 2008, the charge for a second checked bag will be $10 when paid using Online Check-In or $20 when paid at the airport kiosks and ticket counter. Effective September 18, 2008, for reservations booked on August 14 or later, the charge for a second checked bag will be $25.
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 free baggage allowance.
Free baggage allowance takes into consideration the reasonable baggage requirements of customers, as well as the cargo space and weight limitations of the aircraft. Customers desiring to carry more than permitted by the free allowance may do so, if pieces offered do not exceed the size and weight limits and the appropriate excess baggage is paid.
Excess Baggage
The excess baggage charge, for other than sporting equipment, will be $50 for each piece after the first 2 bags. Additional charges are applicable for bags exceeding the weight and size limits.
Overweight Baggage
Through September 17, 2008, overweight baggage will be accepted at the following rates per bag: $29 from 51 to 70 pounds and $69 from 71 to 100 pounds. Effective September 18, 2008, the overweight baggage rates will be: $39 from 51 to 70 pounds and $79 from 71 to 100 pounds. Baggage weighing over 100 pounds will not be accepted.
Oversize Baggage
Through September 17, 2008, baggage with dimensions from 62 to 70 inches will be subject to a fee of $29. Baggage with dimensions from 71 to 80 inches will be subject to a fee of $69. Effective September 18, 2008, baggage with dimensions from 62 to 70 inches will be subject to a fee of $39. Baggage with dimensions from 71 to 80 inches will be subject to a fee of $79. Baggage over 80 inches in dimension (with the exception of some sporting equipment) will not be accepted.
When checking oversize items, please arrive at the airport no later than 90 minutes prior to departure time to allow enough time for your baggage to be screened before proceeding through security.
TSA Screening
All checked baggage is screened by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). The TSA recommends that passengers leave their baggage unlocked as Federal Security Screeners may have to open and physically search a bag as part of the screening process. For more information, visit the TSA's website at www.tsatraveltips.us.