Air Tran experiences?

[esulerzy]

Anyone flown Air Tran recently? I have just booked them for my October 2002 trip - $178 roundtrip; direct flights; BWI to MCO. I have never flown them before and was wondering if anyone had any experiences to share - good or bad.

I usually fly US Air but figured they may not be around much longer and I really wanted direct flights; which US AIR does not offer anymore.

Additionally, is my cost ($178 roundtrip) seem reasonable? I really hate to wait until the last minute for air fares so I'm hoping that if the price comes down before October that Air Tran will issue me a credit. Anyone ever receive a credit from them?

Thanks much!!

 

[wbk]

My wife and I fly them exclusively from Moline, IL to Orlando. They are no-frills as are most carriers today. They will serve a beverage and a snack such as pretzels. When we flew in January, they were on time or ahead of time. Pre 9/11 they were late as was everyone else. In short, we are completely happy with Air Tran both for their service and price.

 

[StaceyD]

Hi! We have used Airtran for our last 3 trips. No problems at all!

 

[dtuleya]

esulerzy -

Why do you think USAir won't be around much longer? I know their profits have been down, but is it really that bad?

 

[SNOWBOARDER]

Hi StaceyD! We'll be flying Airtrand in May. Do you fly Airtran out of BWI? If so, how did everything work out? (i.e. checking in, boarding, etc.) Thanks!!!

 

[esulerzy]

Thanks for the responses!

dtuleya, I have heard that USAir is not doing well financially so I have choosen not to take the chance with booking tickets with them. Didn't want to be in a situation where I bought tickets 6 months in advance and then found out the airline could not honor them. Personally, I have always flown USAir in the past and would prefer that they keep flying (with direct flights added back to the schedule). Hopefully, the summer travel and the fact that the economy is getting better will allow them to stablize financially. That being said, I'm very pleased to find that a few airlines still offer direct flights to MCO from BWI. A direct flight is worth a switch in carriers to me. I'm always too anxious to get to Disney and a stop-over just delays that vacation

 

[StaceyD]

Snowboarder.......We fly with Airtran out of Phila because we seem to get a better rate from there. I don't know what Bwi is like, but in Phila check-in is always pretty quick and the flights are pretty much on time. Stacey