Fencing.Net user ivlobane reported:

On my way from Atlanta however, I was quite surprised to have my bag measured and told that it’s over-size and therefore I need to pay $50. Understandable, if it weren’t for a golf bag that was not charged right before me! Fencing, it turns out is not on their list of “accepted sports equipment”.

So, golf equipment gets a free ride, but a fencing bag gets a $50 charge?  Vote w/your dollars and don’t fly AirTrain, or better yet, email them (custserv@airtran.com) and let them know they’re losing out on a valuable set of customers.

 Here’s an email that one fencing.net member sent:

Dear Air Tran,

As a fencer who previously used Air Tran to fly to Atlanta for competition some years ago, I was very surprised to hear from my fellow fencers (AirTran: charging $50 for fencing bag on return from Atlanta.) that Air Tran has begun charging a $50 fee for fencing bags. This surprised me, because I was not charged a fee on past trips ; and because I understand that golf bags (which are equally large and equally heavy) are not charged these fees. In the future, this will deter me from using Air Tran, since other airlines (to date, Southwest, Delta, United, and American) have not charged such fees. I travel by air at least 4-5 times per year for national fencing tournaments, and these additional fees would make Air Tran’s fares significantly less attractive.

I suggest that you review this policy. Over 3000 fencers came to summer nationals last year – many traveling with family members and coaches. Most of the attendees flew to the host city – and they fly to the other seven national events that occur over the season. I look forward to your response.

Now, I’ve never had to pay extra for my fencing bag, but it could have happened at any time.  Doesn’t seem to be a good policy, so send off an email and try to change it for the next NAC.