US air travel bargains for 18 to 22 year olds

While researching the various airlines for group airfare to New Orleans I discovered a link on AirTran Airways for AirTran U.

To me “U” stood for university and in my quest for knowledge I clicked on that link. I way was off base but pleasantly surprised.

AirTran University is a program for travelers between the ages of 18 and 22. Here’s your chance to make the best years of your life even better as you get out and explore the world. Anyone between the ages of 18 and 22 can fly standby for just $69.00 per short haul segment or $99.00 for long-haul segments. Now that’s the beauty of youth.

Flying standby (space available or space A) means that you do not have a reservation but if the airline has a seat free then they’ll put you on the plane. If they’re full then you wait for the next flight.

In the military and as an airline employee I’ve logged plenty of space A miles. Just be flexible, have a good book and don’t guarantee any hotel reservations.

To qualify for Air Tran U you just must be 18 to 22 years old; you don't have to be a student. But once you've reached your 23rd birthday, you're no longer eligible. You are allowed to carry an infant less than two years of age in your arms at no additional charge.

The closest gateway for Huntington, Ironton and Ashland area folks is Columbus OH. From here you can get to AirTran’s Atlanta hub and connect on their network.

It's nice to see a program for young adults. I believe that to travel is to learn and by doing so you'll develop rich rewarding life experiences.