AirTran Airways Welcomes X-Fare Travelers in 2003; Popular Standby Program for the 18-22 Traveler Continues Its Success.

Business Editors/Travel Writers

ORLANDO, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Jan. 13, 2003

AirTran Airways today announced the relaunch of its popular "X-Fares" standby program for young travelers.

Through the X-Fares program, young adults between the ages of 18 and 22 can travel on a standby-only basis to any of the 41 destinations AirTran Airways serves (excluding Grand Bahama Island) for a fare of $52 per segment of travel. To participate, travelers simply select the destination, dates and times they want to travel, and arrive at the AirTran Airways counter at least 90 minutes before the scheduled time of departure. All available flights are listed on AirTran Airways' X-Fares Web site at http://www.x-fares.com.

AirTran Airways created X-Fares in June 1997 to fulfill increased consumer demand for affordable air travel. To date, over 500,000 young adults have participated in the program.

"We look forward to welcoming more young X-Fare passengers aboard," said Kevin Healy, vice president of planning and scheduling for AirTran Airways. "AirTran Airways is proud to be the only airline to offer this group of travelers such an innovative and affordable way to fly."

X-Fares provisions include:

-- Travelers must be 18 to 22 years of age

-- The cost is $52 per segment (a segment is defined as one takeoff and landing)

-- Segment taxes of $3 per segment are not included

-- September 11th Security fee of $2.50 per segment are not included

-- Passenger Facility Charges of up to $4.50 per segment may apply

-- For placement on a standby list, travelers must arrive at the AirTran Airways ticket counter in advance of the flight's scheduled departure

-- Reservations cannot be made in advance

-- Travelers must present valid, government-issued photo identification

-- Only one, small carry-on bag per X-Fares traveler is permitted, and luggage cannot be checked

-- X-Fares travel is not permitted on Fridays or Sundays

-- Service to Grand Bahama Island is not included in the X-Fares program

-- Certain holiday blackout dates apply (see below)

-- All travel must be completed by December 17, 2003

To learn more about X-Fares, call 1-888-4XFARES (1-888-493-2737) or log onto AirTran Airways' X-Fares Web site at http://www.x-fares.com.

The following dates are blacked out for travel in 2003: All Fridays and Sundays, as well as, February 13-17, April 17-21, 27, May 23, 26, June 27, July 5-7, August 29, September 1, November 26, 30 and December 1.

AirTran Airways is America's second-largest low-fare airline - employing 5,000 professional Crew Members and serving 404 flights a day to 41 destinations. The airline never requires a roundtrip purchase or Saturday night stay, and offers an affordable Business Class, assigned seating, easy online booking and check-in, the A-Plus Rewards frequent flier program, and the A2B corporate travel program. AirTran Airways also is a subsidiary of AirTran Holdings, Inc., (NYSE:AAI), and the world's largest operator of the Boeing 717, the most modern, environmentally friendly aircraft in its class. For more information and reservations, visit airtran.com (America Online Keyword: AirTran), call AirTran Airways at 800-AIRTRAN (800-247-8726) or 770-994-8258 (in Atlanta) or your travel agent.