AirTran Posts Profit, Takes Suggestions for New Perks

Contributing Editor Carl Unger believes that every trip is worth taking. He loves an extended trip to Europe as much as he enjoys exploring the towns and landscape near home. Basically, you'll find him wherever there is good food, fresh air, and plenty of stories to bring home.

Carl has been writing for SmarterTravel since 2005. His travel writing has also appeared on USA Today and the About.com Boston travel guide.

The Handy Item I Always Pack: "It's not revolutionary, but a small Moleskine notebook is my one travel must-have. It's great for noting things you want to remember and it takes up hardly any space in your bag."

Ultimate Bucket List Experience: "Japan. I'd love to take a month off and visit the cities, temples, and countryside. I'm fascinated by the country's juxtaposition of ancient traditions and modern ambitions."

Travel Motto: “Why do you go away? So that you can come back. So that you can see the place you came from with new eyes and extra colors. And the people there see you differently, too. Coming back to where you started is not the same as never leaving.” –Terry Pratchett

Aisle, Window, or Middle Seat: "Window."

See recent posts by Carl Unger

AirTran is the only airline so far to post a profit for the first quarter of 2009. The low-cost carrier pulled in a respectable $28.7 million in net profit, a stark contrast to the hundreds of millions other airlines are losing. This is the second straight quarterly profit for the airline.

AirTran is also running a contest in which customers can suggest a new onboard perk for the airline to offer. Head over to everyflight.com and submit your ideas. You can also vote on other people’s suggestions, and peruse a state-by-state breakdown to see what ideas are popular in which states. Right now the list of ideas includes practical suggestions like “healthy food for sale,” “internet,” and “seat back TVs.” The list also features several ideas AirTran isn’t likely to adopt, such as “pony rides,” “dragon fighting,” and “Sarah Palin.” The winning perk will be announced May 12.

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