Airtran question

[JennyT2]

Hi! We booked airtran in the summer for our upcoming December trip. Yesterday I went online and paid the extra money to pick my seats. Does anyone know if I still have to check in online at the 24 hour mark or can I just check in at the airport? Tia

 

[dudspizza]

Hi! We booked airtran in the summer for our upcoming December trip. Yesterday I went online and paid the extra money to pick my seats. Does anyone know if I still have to check in online at the 24 hour mark or can I just check in at the airport? Tia

I always pay for my seats and I always check in online. I like the piece of mind that BP's are in hand.

If, and only if, involuntary bumping is involved, they tend to start with those who checked in last, at least that is what has been said here on the DIS.

Have a great trip.

Duds

 

[Missytara]

Hi! We booked airtran in the summer for our upcoming December trip. Yesterday I went online and paid the extra money to pick my seats. Does anyone know if I still have to check in online at the 24 hour mark or can I just check in at the airport? Tia

I don't bother checking in online early, because I go super early to the airport and my flight leaves very early. If you are leaving mid-morning on, I would do so.

Also, don't check in on the way back if you plan to use RAC at the resort. If you check-in ahead of time, it bumps you out of the computer, because essentially you have already checked in and you have to take your bags to the airport. A girl in front of me did this last year, and boy was she livid when she got to the RAC desk. But it makes perfect sense.

 

[JennyT2]

Thanks!
Now another question ... I am using RAC which is a first for my return flight. Do I need to go to them 24 hours for check in? I really can not be bumped from my return flight home.

 

[Traveliz]

I don't bother checking in online early, because I go super early to the airport and my flight leaves very early. If you are leaving mid-morning on, I would do so.

Also, don't check in on the way back if you plan to use RAC at the resort. If you check-in ahead of time, it bumps you out of the computer, because essentially you have already checked in and you have to take your bags to the airport. A girl in front of me did this last year, and boy was she livid when she got to the RAC desk. But it makes perfect sense.

The trick there is not to tell them that you have done it - I upgrade to business class at the 24 hour mark so my bags are free but if I tell them that they tell me it won't be in the computer..however if I just check in with RAC and tell them I am business class (no mention of when I did it) they will check the computer and I am always in there. I have done this 5-6 times. They always take my bags.

Liz

 

[Traveliz]

Thanks!
Now another question ... I am using RAC which is a first for my return flight. Do I need to go to them 24 hours for check in? I really can not be bumped from my return flight home.

You can't check in 24 hours in advance with RAC. It should really be fine though.

Liz

 

[JennyT2]

The trick there is not to tell them that you have done it - I upgrade to business class at the 24 hour mark so my bags are free but if I tell them that they tell me it won't be in the computer..however if I just check in with RAC and tell them I am business class (no mention of when I did it) they will check the computer and I am always in there. I have done this 5-6 times. They always take my bags.

Liz

Thanks Liz! May I ask what they usually charge for the upgrade at the 24 mark?

 

[dudspizza]

Thanks Liz! May I ask what they usually charge for the upgrade at the 24 mark?

Personally, checking in at RAC will still check you in way before a lot of people who do it at the airport. I personally wouldn't worry about an involuntary bump. Bags can be checked up to 12 hours before a flight, so you can be there at opening time (5am) and all would be fine....

Duds

From Airtran.com

Upgrade Your Travel Experience
For the amounts listed below, you may upgrade at time of check in (web, kiosks, ticket counter or gate) on a first come, first served basis.

AirTran Airways Business Class upgrades are available for sale with the following fees per segment, per market, based on flight length. A segment is defined as one takeoff and one landing.

$49 for Short-Range Nonstop Flights
$69 for Medium-Range Nonstop Flights
$99 for Long-Range Nonstop Flights
$129 for Extra-Long Range Nonstop Flights