Following the September 11th, 2001 terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, the federal government tightened restrictions regarding air travel. As of March 2010, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) sets guidelines designed to keep the traveling public safe by preventing further attacks. These include the 3-1-1 rule (3.4 ounces, 1 bag, 1 per passenger), which governs liquid items in carry-on baggage. AirTran Airways follows TSA protocol, in addition to setting its own carry-on requirements.
AirTran Airways notes on its website that customers are permitted one carry-on item and one personal item. Personal items, according to AirTran, include handbags, umbrellas, coats, cameras, reading materials, briefcases, laptop computers and infant formula. Certain devices for individuals with disabilities or injuries are allowed aboard AirTran flights. These items, which do not count against carry-on limits, include canes, walkers and crutches. They must be small enough to fit securely underneath a seat or in an overhead bin.
AirTran Airways does not allow carry-on items that exceed 55 inches in overall dimension. The size of your item can be determined by adding its length plus its height plus its width. Bags cannot be more than 24 inches long or 18 inches wide or 13 inches tall. AirTran advises that all carry-on items must fit under a seat or in an overhead bin.
AirTran follows TSA guidelines regarding items that are prohibited from being carried onto an aircraft. Knives and sharp objects cannot even be taken past security checkpoints. They must be packed in checked bags if you wish to travel with them. AirTran does allow individuals who rely on syringe-injected medications to carry these items on. Other prohibited items include metal scissors with pointed ends and a blade greater than four inches in length, box cutters and straight razors. Disposable razors may be packed in your carry-on baggage.
