Southwest Acquires AirTran

By now you’ve heard all about Southwest Airlines’ major announcement: that it has signed an agreement to acquire one of its competitors, low cost carrier AirTran.

Actually, the two won’t integrate (as they say in merger-speak) until the deal is done, which includes the regulatory okay from the Dept. of Justice, a process that could take as long as two years.

But this we do know: the new and improved Southwest will have access to many more cities and flight-route opportunities, including Atlanta and the Caribbean – but some things won’t change.

Like free bags.

Bags Will Continue to Fly Free

That’s right: Southwest executives say there are “no plans” to change policies regarding its two free bags or open seating on planes.

Comparison of Southwest and AirTran Fees

AirTran does charge for bags – and charge for other things that Southwest does not. Will all of AirTran’s fees disappear in favor of the Southwest model? That’s not clear – and probably won’t be known until the integration process is complete.

But let’s assume for the moment that all Southwest policies prevail. How much could flying on the “new expanded” Southwest hypothetically save you over the “old” AirTran?

Let’s compare fee prices and see:

Compare Airline Fees – Southwest vs. Airtran

(For more information, see Domestic Airline Fee Chart to compare all fees)

Checked Bag Fees

You want to check two bags; most airlines will charge you for both.

• Southwest – Free
• AirTran – First bag $20 each-way, second bag $25 each-way

Southwest Savings: $90 for checking two bags roundtrip

Ticket Change Fees

On most airlines, if you alter your itinerary, it’s going to cost you.

• AirTran – $75
• Southwest – Free

Southwest Savings: $75

Phone Reservations

Most of the time, if you don’t book online, you’ll pay.

• AirTran – $15
• Southwest – Free

Southwest Savings: $15

Overweight Bags

Remember, overweight and oversized bag fees are in addition to the checked-bag fee.

• AirTran – 75 pound bag costs $79
• Southwest – 75 pound bag costs $50

Southwest Savings: $29

TOTAL Southwest Savings

If you take advantage of all-of-the-above you will save $209.

So that’s $209 in savings before you even purchase your ticket. Let’s hope Southwest sticks to all their policies of low or no fees once the two airlines combine under the Southwest banner.

Will Bags Fly Free when Southwest Moves Into:

Atlanta: Southwest adds business travelers and more from Hartsfield

Boston: With few overlapping routes, Boston is a coup for Southwest

Dallas: Find out – Will Southwest fans fly from DFW?

Washington, DC: Southwest’s acquisition of AirTran is certainly a smart move

New York: A growing footprint, Southwests adds more LaGuardia slots