Actual experience airtran through southwest

[MushyMushy]

I flew AirTran this past Saturday and it was booked thru southwest. I checked in right at the 24 hr mark, and was at the gate 1.5 hrs before the flight, only to find out that they didn't have a seat for me at all, and I got bumped to the next flight

I wish I would have known about issues like this when I booked. There are 5 of us going, including a 4-year old and I'm not keen on encountering any problems (who is?).

I've always loved Southwest, but it seems like they're treating their customers like second class citizens when they book AirTran.

 

[tyzzle]

I flew AirTran this past Saturday and it was booked thru southwest. I checked in right at the 24 hr mark, and was at the gate 1.5 hrs before the flight, only to find out that they didn't have a seat for me at all, and I got bumped to the next flight

Just curious did your boarding pass have a seat assigned on it?

 

[keishashadow]

I flew AirTran this past Saturday and it was booked thru southwest. I checked in right at the 24 hr mark, and was at the gate 1.5 hrs before the flight, only to find out that they didn't have a seat for me at all, and I got bumped to the next flight

not great unless you are agreeable to a bump.

did they make a general announcement offering those at the gate compensation to try and get you seated since they oversold?

curious as to what compensation you were given and if you tried to leverage their first offer.

Just curious did your boarding pass have a seat assigned on it?

/\ good question!

 

[lurkernj]

My boarding pass did not have a seat number, I was told I would be assigned at the gate. When I got to the gate, I was not asked, I was told. I don't believe they asked for volunteers as there were only 3 other people there, but there was a high school trip that apparently had the rest of the flight full.

I have an active thread here on the transportation board with my whole saga called "Southwest booted me from my flight" (I actually got the boot twice from the same flight). I can't remember how to post the link from my iPad. Lots of useful information provided by more experienced travelers about flyer rights.

Edited, here is the link to the referenced thread
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3073804

 

[tyzzle]

Thanks I only ask because whenever I print out an airtran pass it has a seat assignment. So i guess my next question for future posters is did your boarding pass have a seat assignment?

 

[andrews_dad]

I flew AirTran from BWI (Baltimore) to MCO on a flight booked at SW.com with Rapid Reward (SW) points. Because I paid for all 4 of us with points, we had 4 separate confirmation numbers. Checked in online at SW.com about 8 hours before the flight. Had seats assigned on the boarding pass. They came out as 2 pairs (2 beside each other in one row, 2 beside each other several rows back). Checked in 2 hours before flight at the counter. Checked 6 bags and 2 car seats for free (YES!). The agent gave us 3 together and one across the aisle, as we wished. We were pretty far back in the plane, but together. Easy ... and free bags .. counter agent sat us together ... and paid with points! YES! Awesome!!! And direct flight with a time we liked to MCO!!

 

[Soon2B4]

I was able to change my flight down to a SW flight that was still direct and left 20 minutes later than my original airtran flight. It was pretty much the same price, only a few dollars different. I am more comfortable knowing we are responsible for getting our seats together over some random assigning system.

I did have to leave our flight home as an Airtran bought through SW. I am hoping for the best or some miracle that the flight prices drop and I can change to SW.

 

[MushyMushy]

I flew AirTran from BWI (Baltimore) to MCO on a flight booked at SW.com with Rapid Reward (SW) points. Because I paid for all 4 of us with points, we had 4 separate confirmation numbers. Checked in online at SW.com about 8 hours before the flight. Had seats assigned on the boarding pass. They came out as 2 pairs (2 beside each other in one row, 2 beside each other several rows back). Checked in 2 hours before flight at the counter. Checked 6 bags and 2 car seats for free (YES!). The agent gave us 3 together and one across the aisle, as we wished. We were pretty far back in the plane, but together. Easy ... and free bags .. counter agent sat us together ... and paid with points! YES! Awesome!!! And direct flight with a time we liked to MCO!!

Glad for the positive review too!

I've been stressing endlessly about how our flight is going to go. It doesn't help that I'm terrified of flying and suffer from anxiety. Xanax will be my best friend.

 

[andrews_dad]

Glad for the positive review too!

I've been stressing endlessly about how our flight is going to go. It doesn't help that I'm terrified of flying and suffer from anxiety. Xanax will be my best friend.

I never stress it.. it is vacation!! LOL. We fly Air Tran at least once per year, BWI to/from Nassau Bahamas as we stay at Altantis. We do BWI to MCO for 3 trips per year, (well, either Allegiant MDT to SFB or Southwest or AirTran BWI to MCO). My 5 year old has been on 26 flights thus far, has a page and a half filled on his passport. What we have learned in all of that is to not stress it getting there and back. AirTran and SW has always been great. Bags lost once, they had a van drop it about 20 hours later.Some flights delayed due to weather. One actually left an hour early to avoid weather! That was an adventure to get to airport on time when they called!! If something goes awry, be calm and kind and the staff will try to help. The worst we ever had to do is split on Southwest into 2 pairs for the 2 hour flight. AirTran we've never had a problem getting 4 together. Just got back from a 4 day cruise and 5 days in the Dis and SeaWorld parks. Booked at SW.com for the AirTran route... it was a breeze. No meds needed. Sit back and enjoy!!

 

[DebbieB]

Thanks I only ask because whenever I print out an airtran pass it has a seat assignment. So i guess my next question for future posters is did your boarding pass have a seat assignment?

If the flight is oversold, they only assign the seats they have, people who check-in after the seats are gone will get a BP without a seat # on it. People could always cancel or miss the flight so seats could open up.

 

[keishashadow]

lurkernj oh i remember that thread, you handled the situation with grace.

andrews dad that is encouraging to hear. I was told by both SWA & AT customer service that we wouldn't receive seat assignments until we check in at airport.

also told we couldn't use AT credits to upgrade to business class either @ 24 hr mark or at the gate. maybe that'll work too!

 

[n2mm]

Just curious because my DD is flying them next month. Does she have to log on 24 hours prior for the flight home to get her seat assignments? How does that affect using RAC for printing her BP and checking her bags. I was surprised that she chose them to fly out of BWI, normally she flys SW.

 

[lurkernj]

lurkernj oh i remember that thread, you handled the situation with grace.

Lol, thanks, I'm still handling it since they are not responsive to my latest concern and my grace is deteriorating

 

[butsy113]

I always fly SW and have never had an issue. People are always accommodating, and trade seats to help with kids if necessary. It sounds like the problem has been that each airline is doing their own thing. People flying AT have seat assignments and therefore shouldn't have to change seats, but people booked through SW do their pick a seat thing. A lot would be solved if AT stopped assigning seats on future flights, so everyone would be seated in the same manner.

I am looking at booking through SW for an AT flight MCO to STL. It gives us a few more hours in the parks! I'm feeling kind of nervous about it after reading this. Has anyone used EBCI on an AT flight? Wondering if this would make a difference?

 

[msjprincess]

I always fly SW and have never had an issue. People are always accommodating, and trade seats to help with kids if necessary. It sounds like the problem has been that each airline is doing their own thing. People flying AT have seat assignments and therefore shouldn't have to change seats, but people booked through SW do their pick a seat thing. A lot would be solved if AT stopped assigning seats on future flights, so everyone would be seated in the same manner.

I am looking at booking through SW for an AT flight MCO to STL. It gives us a few more hours in the parks! I'm feeling kind of nervous about it after reading this. Has anyone used EBCI on an AT flight? Wondering if this would make a difference?

If you book an Airtran flight through SWA you are assigned a seat. You don't board and pick a seat like on SWA.

 

[tyzzle]

I always fly SW and have never had an issue. People are always accommodating, and trade seats to help with kids if necessary. It sounds like the problem has been that each airline is doing their own thing. People flying AT have seat assignments and therefore shouldn't have to change seats, but people booked through SW do their pick a seat thing. A lot would be solved if AT stopped assigning seats on future flights, so everyone would be seated in the same manner.

I am looking at booking through SW for an AT flight MCO to STL. It gives us a few more hours in the parks! I'm feeling kind of nervous about it after reading this. Has anyone used EBCI on an AT flight? Wondering if this would make a difference?

Yep you cannot purchase ebci. You do not pick your seat on the airtran flight. Airtran will randomly assign seats to your family. You can attempt to change them at the airport it they are scattered but there are no guarantees your family will be seated together

 

[butsy113]

So If u buy through SW your seats are assigned at the gate? Bought through AT they are assigned when bought? I usually buy Early Bird for our return flight, would this even help?

TIA! Trying to get a handle on this merger before I book

 

[serene56]

My boarding pass did not have a seat number, I was told I would be assigned at the gate. When I got to the gate, I was not asked, I was told. I don't believe they asked for volunteers as there were only 3 other people there, but there was a high school trip that apparently had the rest of the flight full.

How far in advance did you book your flight?

A person I work with-- booked AT through Southwest in February for flights this past week.
I checked the status of the flight a few days before they were scehduled to go- the flight was fully booked.
When I checked them in at exactly the 24 hour mark there was seat assignments. they had boarding passes next to each other. When they arrived at the gate they were bumped off that flight and put on another flight. No compensation- no say in the matter. They arrived home 3 hours later then what they were supposed to.

--
this worries me. We have a family of 16 members. We are booking flights as soon as they come available. I am thinking the longer you wait the more your chances of being bumped happens, The AT flight is really a lot cheaper then a SW flight-- but it the grand scheme of things-- what will we be saving in the long run

 

[serene56]

So If u buy through SW your seats are assigned at the gate? Bought through AT they are assigned when bought? I usually buy Early Bird for our return flight, would this even help?

TIA! Trying to get a handle on this merger before I book

You are given choices of a SW flight or an AT flight.

IF you book an airtran flight-- people book that flight directly on the Airtran site and pay for their seats. The flight that is sold on SW site--- you get whats left over.

 

[msjprincess]

So If u buy through SW your seats are assigned at the gate? Bought through AT they are assigned when bought? I usually buy Early Bird for our return flight, would this even help?

TIA! Trying to get a handle on this merger before I book

If you book through Airtan you have the option of paying to pick your seat when you book or waiting and picking it for free when you check in online. If you book through SWA you are assigned a seat when you check in online.