AirTran Airways Offers Summer Travel Tips for Busy Holiday Travel

ORLANDO, Fla., May 29 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- AirTran Airways, a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc. , continues to accommodate record numbers of travelers while entering one of the busiest holiday travel periods of the summer, and the airline is offering tips to improve the experience for its loyal customers.

"During the peak summer months airlines see higher passenger levels as people take advantage of vacation time and warm temperatures," said Tad Hutcheson, vice president of marketing and sales for AirTran Airways. "Our convenient online booking and check-in at http://www.airtran.com/, as well as our 8,900 friendly Crew Members, certainly help ease the process, but taking advantage of these tips and reminders can alleviate the stress of travel even more."

With large crowds anticipated, travelers can actively improve the security process by being ready and following these guidelines. Passengers are encouraged to arrive at the airport as early as possible before scheduled flight departures to allow for possible slowdowns caused by heavy traffic, busy airport parking lots and waits at ticket counters and/or security checkpoints. Atlanta passengers can also check online at http://www.atlanta-airport.com/ for parking availability and estimated security wait times for Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

Remember to have your ID and boarding pass ready. TSA recently began using a standardized list of acceptable identification for airline travel. Passengers who present a federal- or state-issued photo ID containing name, date of birth, gender, expiration date and a tamper-resistant feature that is free from evidence of tampering can expect to be expedited through the travel document checking process.

TSA also reminds travelers to remove outerwear and place those items into security bins along with shoes, coins and other metal objects. Passengers who abide by these rules will reduce potential delays and save valuable time at security checkpoints.

The Transportation Security Administration also stipulates a 3-1-1 Rule for carrying liquids, gels and aerosols through security checkpoints: 3 ounce (or smaller) bottles must be placed in 1 quart-sized, clear, plastic zip-top bag, with a limit of 1 bag per passenger. Larger quantities may be placed in checked baggage.

As a reminder, AirTran Airways charges $20 when checking a second bag at the airport and $10 when checking a second bag online. To save time and money check online at http://www.airtran.com/.

For more information on permitted or prohibited items, visit the Transportation Security Administration's (TSA) Web site at http://www.tsa.gov/.

AirTran Airways, a Fortune 1000 company ranked number one in the 2008 Airline Quality Rating study, offers more than 700 affordable, daily flights to 58 U.S. destinations. With 8,900 friendly Crew Members and America's youngest all-Boeing fleet, AirTran Airways provides XM Satellite Radio and Business Class seating on every flight. For more information and free online booking, visit http://www.airtran.com/.

Media Contacts: AirTran Airways Tad Hutcheson Judy Graham-Weaver Cynthia Tinsley-Douglas Quinnie Jenkins 678.254.7442