AirTran to begin charging $15 for first checked bag

AirTran Airways said it will start charging passengers $15 for checking a first bag, following competitor Delta Air Lines’ similar move last week.

The new $15 first checked bag charge on AirTran will go into effect for new bookings starting Wednesday for travel Dec. 5 or later. Those who bought tickets Nov. 11 or earlier will not be charged the new fee.

Orlando-based AirTran will maintain its $25 charge for a second checked bag and $50 charge for each additional checked bag. AirTran has its main hub in Atlanta.

“We need all the revenue we can get,” said AirTran spokesman Tad Hutcheson. “It has been a challenging year for the airline business.”

He said the airline expects to generate “a significant amount of money” with the new bag charge.

Business class travelers on AirTran and the airline’s elite-level frequent fliers will be exempt from the first checked bag charge and will continue to be exempt from the second checked bag charge.