New to Airtran....Question about checked luggage fee

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

So, we are new to Airtran and know we have to pay baggage fees. We are only flying Airtran one direction so we will have $60 in additional charges (one checked bag for each of us).

Do I pay these fees in advance online (by somehow adding it to our reservation)? At the airport? Either, or? (and if so, is there an advantage or disadvantage one way or another?)

And is there tax on the baggage fees, or is it $20 each all-in?

I was kind of hoping that the price would go down from what we booked at by enough to cover the baggage fees, but since we purchased our tickets 2 weeks ago, the price has gone UP by over $100 pp . Not complaining though........even with the baggage added in, fares were still far more affordable than on our beloved Jetblue.

 

[jennapens]

We just paid by credit card at the airport counter when we checked our luggage. Also, it's just a flat $20 fee. Unless something has changed, there was no sales tax or anything.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

We just paid by credit card at the airport counter when we checked our luggage. Also, it's just a flat $20 fee. Unless something has changed, there was no sales tax or anything.

Thank you, jennapens!

 

[ThisMomLuvsDisney]

I was going to ask the same question at some point before our upcoming trip. We too bought Air Tran one-way tickets for our flight home because of the difference in cost compared to our regular JetBlue!

I was also wondering how it works If we use the Resort Airline Check-In service (RAC) at POFQ. Will we need to pay at the resort when we hand our luggage over to them and they transfer it to Air Tran? I wish we could pay the baggage fee ahead of time on line and simplify the whole process, but did not see that option. Hoping we are able to still use the RAC service like we always have with JetBlue.

Thanks for any additional insight on this!

 

[Missytara]

I was going to ask the same question at some point before our upcoming trip. We too bought Air Tran one-way tickets for our flight home because of the difference in cost compared to our regular JetBlue!

I was also wondering how it works If we use the Resort Airline Check-In service (RAC) at POFQ. Will we need to pay at the resort when we hand our luggage over to them and they transfer it to Air Tran? I wish we could pay the baggage fee ahead of time on line and simplify the whole process, but did not see that option. Hoping we are able to still use the RAC service like we always have with JetBlue.

Thanks for any additional insight on this!

You pay right at the RAC counter with a cc.

 

[ThisMomLuvsDisney]

You pay right at the RAC counter with a cc.

Thank You!

That is just what I had hoped for.

Love the DISboards and all the great DISers who share their knowledge

 

[joybeth]

Thank You!

That is just what I had hoped for.

Love the DISboards and all the great DISers who share their knowledge

Double check....unless something has changed we have always had to pay ahead of time for the bags. I didn't think you you could do pay it at RAC for Airtran. I always fly Airtran and pay the bag fee online when I do my online check in 24 hours prior to the flight to book my seats.

jb

 

[Missytara]

Double check....unless something has changed we have always had to pay ahead of time for the bags. I didn't think you you could do pay it at RAC for Airtran. I always fly Airtran and pay the bag fee online when I do my online check in 24 hours prior to the flight to book my seats.

jb

You have it backwards.

You happened to go ahead and pay for your baggage when you picked your seats at the last minute so you did not have to pay the seat fee, instead of picking your seats when booked your flight.

Anyone, even you, could pay the baggage fee at RAC.

 

[joybeth]

You have it backwards.

You happened to go ahead and pay for your baggage when you picked your seats at the last minute so you did not have to pay the seat fee, instead of picking your seats when booked your flight.

Anyone, even you, could pay the baggage fee at RAC.

This is from the Magical Express page on WDW Info:

"Guests who are flying on AirTran**, American, Continental, Delta**, Northwest or USAirways need to pay the airline's checked bag fee for all luggage prior to utilizing the Resort Check-In service. If this fee is not paid in advance, the bags will need to be checked by you upon arrival at the airport.
**AirTran and Delta charge for the first checked bag.

The checked/excess bag fees are paid via Baggage Airline Guest Services (BAGS), the contractor for this service. The extra bag fee must be paid to BAGS in advance of using your resort's airline check-in service.

BAGS can be reached by calling 407-284-1231 between 7 am and 11 pm. This call is free when made from your Disney resort room. Only Master Card, Visa and American Express are accepted as payment."

I've used Airtran 3 times this year alone and have always had to pay prior to RAC. The info to pay is always on the the Magical Express info left on the door a couple days before checkout. Maybe my info is wrong, but I don't think so.

jb

 

[Traveliz]

It is true that you used to have to call ahead before going to RAC to some certain number and pay your fees on your return home flight. I know it changed at some point and went to paying when you checked it at RAC. I have taken many Airtran flights and remember the change. That said I have not used RAC for maybe a year so I am unsure of how they do it now -- if it remains the same - paying at RAC check in or back to having to call and bring a confirmation number with you.

That said, once you get there you will get directions that will tell you exactly what you are suppose to do.

Liz