AirTran has upped the fee to check a bag one way from $15 to $20. As of Sept. 1, 2010, the charge for a first checked bag is $20 and the fee to check a second bag remains $25. Active duty military personnel receive up to three free checked bags and travelers in business class and elite members can check two bags at no charge. AirTran Airways business class upgrades start at $49 one-way so if you are checking two bags and are not an elite member, you may want to consider upgrading to first class and receive a bag fee waiver, more legroom, complimentary cocktails and priority boarding.

Bottom line: AirTran’s baggage fee now matches the first bag fee charged by low-cost carrier Frontier Airlines, which requires payment of $20 for the first bag. JetBlue still allows one free bag and charges $30 for a second bag, while Southwest continues to permit passengers to check two bags at no charge.