Has anyone had issues w/ Airtran & luggage on connecting flights?

[disneychic]

Just wondering if anyone has had any issues w/ connecting flights and Airtran losing their luggage?? I will be using DME, and plan on checking 1 bag but I am a new Airtran customer so not sure how they are w/ the luggage getting lost on connectors? It would just be so much easier if I check my luggage and then get on the DME and have the luggage delivered to my resort. But, I've never done this while on a connecting flight, so not sure if I should try it or not????

 

[Ted in Halifax]

No problem here, even with a 30 minute connection at BWI (flying out of PWM). No problem with DME either.

 

[NancyIL]

I don't think AirTran is more likely to lose your luggage than any other airline.

 

[lllGurulll]

Does Airtran charge your for each leg of a connecting flight for checked luggage?

We are connecting in Atlanta so I just want to know if my $20 checked luggage will actually be $40.

 

[disneychic2]

We fly Airtran a lot and they have never lost our bags on a connecting flight...until last time. It actually never got on the original flight due to the gate person putting the wrong person's tag on our bag and it went to San Francisco! But we're flying Air Tran again for our September flight b/c we know things can happen on any airline. Do the ME and don't worry. It will likely be just fine. As I said, many flights and only one issue.

And, no, the baggage fee is only charged at the originating airport. No double fees for connecting.

 

[keishashadow]

Does Airtran charge your for each leg of a connecting flight for checked luggage?

We are connecting in Atlanta so I just want to know if my $20 checked luggage will actually be $40.

no, as long as it's booked as a single, connecting flight.

my limited experience with lost/damaged luggage, AT is generous with compensation. FYI, always spread individual clothing throughout several bags jikand never pack anything in checked luggage that is irreplaceable.

 

[Brian Noble]

AirTran had the *lowest* rate of mis-handled baggage per 1,000 passengers amongst US airlines this past January, detailed on page 31 of this report.

http://airconsumer.dot.gov/reports/2011/March/2011MarchATCR.pdf

Be a little careful comparing those numbers---southwest does not charge for baggage, so they presumably have more checked bags per passenger. But, most of the others do, so I would consider their relative rates comparable.

 

[Lewisc]

It doesn't matter if your luggage doesn't connect. You won't be waiting at the baggage carousel. You won't be waiting in line to file a preliminary claim. DME will delivery you luggage when it arrives on a later flight.

Airlines handle connecting luggage all the time. Good chance connecting luggage is out of the plane before the first passenger leaves.

I wouldn't worry.