Never let it be said that low-cost carriers don’t respond quickly to competition. Both AirTran and Southwest may be known for going their own way, but recent events indicate that even these rugged individualists can play the copy-cat game.

Last month on the same day, both carriers announced new online bonuses. AirTran Airways is offering double credits to its A+ Rewards members for all travel booked at airtran.com through Jan. 31, 2005, and completed during the same time period. Members can earn a free one-way coach ticket after only 1 1/2 roundtrips in business class, or two roundtrips in coach. Credits earned from the airline’s partners will not be doubled. All other A+ Rewards program terms and conditions apply and can be found online.

Not to be outdone, Southwest Airlines is offering double credit to Rapid Rewards members when they purchase airfare on southwest.com using a Visa card. Purchase and travel must be completed by Dec. 15.

Coincidence or good corporate intelligence? Who cares – either way, we all win.