High & Dry
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I have just learned that AirTran Airways, which offers low priced flights to places like southern Florida, is now charging a fee of $65 ($75 if its your second bag) each for checked bags containing scuba equipment. Regardless if the bag is within the size and weight limits. This price increase is part of a "certain sporting equipment" exemption, which includes surfboards and bicycles. Interestingly golf clubs are not included in this increased fee, even though they are more bulky and cumbersome than a dive bag.
Initial excuses from AirTran Airways Customer Relations were that all airlines were doing it.... well they aren't. A check of United and Southwest Airlines shows no extra fees for scuba equipment, American Airlines only charges extra for the scuba tank. It also appears that not all AirTran teminals are charging this fee, as it is probably only supposed to apply to scuba gear with tanks, But the bloomington, IL terminal is charging the fee with any scuba gear.
I was told by a Customer Relations agent that since we reserved our flight prior to the new rule, I could get the extra fee waived when checking my bag by talking to a supervisor, but a second agent told me that they could not say what would be waived by the supervisor at the terminal and I shouldn't have been told that. I was alledgedly issued a voucher for $50 to cover part of the fee if charged. The first Customer Relations agent recommended contacting the Corporate Headquarters to complain and told me that the more people that complain the more likely the rule would be changed. Here is some contact information:
Marketing V. P. Tad Hutcheson - 678-254-7442 tad.hutcheson@airtran.com
Customer Relations Manager Judy Graham - Weaver - 678-254-7448 judy.weaver@airtan.com
It's clear from the recent additional charges for second checked bags that if this isn't stopped now other airlines will jump on board.
Initial excuses from AirTran Airways Customer Relations were that all airlines were doing it.... well they aren't. A check of United and Southwest Airlines shows no extra fees for scuba equipment, American Airlines only charges extra for the scuba tank. It also appears that not all AirTran teminals are charging this fee, as it is probably only supposed to apply to scuba gear with tanks, But the bloomington, IL terminal is charging the fee with any scuba gear.
I was told by a Customer Relations agent that since we reserved our flight prior to the new rule, I could get the extra fee waived when checking my bag by talking to a supervisor, but a second agent told me that they could not say what would be waived by the supervisor at the terminal and I shouldn't have been told that. I was alledgedly issued a voucher for $50 to cover part of the fee if charged. The first Customer Relations agent recommended contacting the Corporate Headquarters to complain and told me that the more people that complain the more likely the rule would be changed. Here is some contact information:
Marketing V. P. Tad Hutcheson - 678-254-7442 tad.hutcheson@airtran.com
Customer Relations Manager Judy Graham - Weaver - 678-254-7448 judy.weaver@airtan.com
It's clear from the recent additional charges for second checked bags that if this isn't stopped now other airlines will jump on board.