Air Tran operated flights with SWA

[maxiesmom]

often FA's request people to move to accommodate this

They can ask, but if they won't force someone to move who has paid for their seat assignment.

 

[LovetheMouse12302]

We just flew into Orlando this afternoon and I booked an AirTran flight on Southwest website. I checked in right at 24 hours prior and thankfully we all sat together. It did worry me a lot! This was my first (and last) time flying. The whole process really messed with my anxiety.

 

[keishashadow]

They can ask, but if they won't force someone to move who has paid for their seat assignment.

and they certainly shouldn't, but they will intercede and ask for volunteers

 

[lizzi6692]

and they certainly shouldn't, but they will intercede and ask for volunteers

Why shouldn't they? It is quite ridiculous that they are drawing this out as long as they are. And they do not make it clear that certain Airtran policies still apply if you book through Southwest. Even my husband who has followed the merger every step of the way didn't know that the two systems were still so poorly integrated. If Airtran/Southwest is going to screw over customers they should deal with the consequences when they're called out on it. The only reason they're doing it is so they continue to nickel and dime people with more fees for booking through Airtran. They need to become one airline with one set of policy and get it over with.

 

[sullins5]

We just flew into Orlando this afternoon and I booked an AirTran flight on Southwest website. I checked in right at 24 hours prior and thankfully we all sat together. It did worry me a lot! This was my first (and last) time flying. The whole process really messed with my anxiety.

Oh, so sorry it's your last time flying! I promise NOT all flights are like that! We've flown Airtran, Delta, and Northwest and all without major problems. Hopefully, in the near future, SW and Airtran will get it all ironed out and it'll be a great airline!
Personally? I think due to the merger, they should wave certain things (like the seating fees, luggage, etc when you book one or the other) to ensure better consumer service, loyalty, and goodwill...but now days, I guess they don't have too. But it'd be a great idea!

 

[lizzi6692]

Oh, so sorry it's your last time flying! I promise NOT all flights are like that! We've flown Airtran, Delta, and Northwest and all without major problems. Hopefully, in the near future, SW and Airtran will get it all ironed out and it'll be a great airline!
Personally? I think due to the merger, they should wave certain things (like the seating fees, luggage, etc when you book one or the other) to ensure better consumer service, loyalty, and goodwill...but now days, I guess they don't have too. But it'd be a great idea!

I completely agree, especially since once the two companies are one they will be following Southwest's policies, not Airtran. They're just trying to squeeze another few months to a year of fees out if people(the merger will be complete in 2014). Honestly if the price difference wasn't so big between Southwest/Airtran and basically every other airline but Spirit(but they are even worse about nickel and diming people) and they didn't have the best flight choices(no other airline has nonstop flights for the dates we fly) we would find a new airline. Unfortunately if we want to keep vacation costs down we have to fly with them.

 

[MacDalt]

I'm confused. So if I book an AirTran flight on SW site, there's no assigned seats. If I book a SW flight, I can buy EBCI? Is this right or do I have it backwards?

 

[lizzi6692]

I'm confused. So if I book an AirTran flight on SW site, there's no assigned seats. If I book a SW flight, I can buy EBCI? Is this right or do I have it backwards?

You have it right. If you book an Airtran flight on SW site your seat will be assigned randomly 24 hours before your flight. You can not pay the fee for a preassigned seat. If you book a SW flight you can get EBCI and like every other SW flight first to board will be first to pick their seat.

 

[keishashadow]

Why shouldn't they? It is quite ridiculous that they are drawing this out as long as they are. And they do not make it clear that certain Airtran policies still apply if you book through Southwest. Even my husband who has followed the merger every step of the way didn't know that the two systems were still so poorly integrated. If Airtran/Southwest is going to screw over customers they should deal with the consequences when they're called out on it. The only reason they're doing it is so they continue to nickel and dime people with more fees for booking through Airtran. They need to become one airline with one set of policy and get it over with.

They certainly 'shouldn't' force somebody to move from a seat they purchased when the playing field was level on AT and everybody had the same opportunity to purchase advance seating. Yes, even before the merger, nearly every flight we were on involving MCO on AT had this scenario.

I'm in the same boat (er plane lol) for a flight in June on AT that booked via SWA. I booked very early before their reps were even aware if you could select seats. I'd like to think they're smart enough to make it work to group parties to avoid a backlash from the public. If they can get it up and working so they can charge extra $ to book seats, i'm sure they won't let that opportunity pass. fyi, the policy is stated on the email confirmation but I admit i missed it when i made the booking.

I'm flying in a week to mexico on AT via connecting flights both ways and have had my seats assigned since the booking window opened. I have nothing but good wishes for those who booked via SWA and now need to try and find seats together such a long flight. If i had minor children and didn't want to chance being separated from them aboard a flight, i knowingly wouldn't book AT via SWA site and then assume the FA's would accommodate us by forcing somebody to give up their seat.

 

[lizzi6692]

They certainly 'shouldn't' force somebody to move from a seat they purchased when the playing field was level on AT and everybody had the same opportunity to purchase advance seating. Yes, even before the merger, nearly every flight we were on involving MCO on AT had this scenario.

I'm in the same boat (er plane lol) for a flight in June on AT that booked via SWA. I booked very early before their reps were even aware if you could select seats. I'd like to think they're smart enough to make it work to group parties to avoid a backlash from the public. If they can get it up and working so they can charge extra $ to book seats, i'm sure they won't let that opportunity pass. fyi, the policy is stated on the email confirmation but I admit i missed it when i made the booking.

I'm flying in a week to mexico on AT via connecting flights both ways and have had my seats assigned since the booking window opened. I have nothing but good wishes for those who booked via SWA and now need to try and find seats together such a long flight. If i had minor children and didn't want to chance being separated from them aboard a flight, i wouldn't book AT via SWA site and then assume the FA's would accommodate us by forcing somebody to give up their seat.

I doubt anyone is "forced" to do anything, I'm sure there are incentives for being nice and giving up your seat so a kid can sit next to their child. And I'll agree that pre-merger people refusing to pay an extra 6 dollars to get preassigned seats, but it is no longer that simple. Like I said in a previous post, there is a large price difference between booking through Airtran and Southwest for the same exact flight plus the different fees that Airtran also has that Southwest doesn't. There's a big difference between $18 and $300 price difference on 3 tickets. For a lot of people $300 would be the difference between going or not.

 

[keishashadow]

I doubt anyone is "forced" to do anything, I'm sure there are incentives for being nice and giving up your seat so a kid can sit next to their child. And I'll agree that pre-merger people refusing to pay an extra 6 dollars to get preassigned seats, but it is no longer that simple. Like I said in a previous post, there is a large price difference between booking through Airtran and Southwest for the same exact flight plus the different fees that Airtran also has that Southwest doesn't. There's a big difference between $18 and $300 price difference on 3 tickets. For a lot of people $300 would be the difference between going or not.

yes, usually a free adult beverage

thus far there haven't been many reports here as to issues with minors being separated from their parents under this new system. I'll be sure to report back if i observe any issues on my upcoming flights.

btw, no need to explain the economics of taking a family on vacation to me, i have three grown children and have learned how to make it work within my budget as I still do for my travel.

 

[LovetheMouse12302]

Oh, so sorry it's your last time flying! I promise NOT all flights are like that! We've flown Airtran, Delta, and Northwest and all without major problems. Hopefully, in the near future, SW and Airtran will get it all ironed out and it'll be a great airline!
Personally? I think due to the merger, they should wave certain things (like the seating fees, luggage, etc when you book one or the other) to ensure better consumer service, loyalty, and goodwill...but now days, I guess they don't have too. But it'd be a great idea!

I think knowing well in advance that we are sitting all together would help. I don't think I will fly again. I don't think it's particularly Southwest or AirTrans fault. Our flight was just a bit rough/bumpy for my liking. My husband has flown several times and he was nervous (don't think it helped me any). We were also on a smaller plane and I felt claustrophobic. I asked him on the flight if we could cancel our flight home and drive and he said that we could. I imagine he will change his mind during the week and he only said that because he was scared at the time.

 

[airplanegod]

I have a question, if you book an Airtran flight on Airtran's website, can you earn Rapid Reward points?

 

[delilah]

I doubt anyone is "forced" to do anything, I'm sure there are incentives for being nice and giving up your seat so a kid can sit next to their child. And I'll agree that pre-merger people refusing to pay an extra 6 dollars to get preassigned seats, but it is no longer that simple. Like I said in a previous post, there is a large price difference between booking through Airtran and Southwest for the same exact flight plus the different fees that Airtran also has that Southwest doesn't. There's a big difference between $18 and $300 price difference on 3 tickets. For a lot of people $300 would be the difference between going or not.

There are no incentives given to people who move to allow a child to sit next to the parents. I know. Our last flight, a parent put her son in my husband's seat, and my husband had to sit elsewhere. So, our family was split up. Both were aisle seats, so, I didn't say anything, but, if it hadn't been an aisle seat for my husband, I would have complained. As a person who pays the $6 in advance to pick a seat, I actually wouldn't want to move to a different seat. None of us got a complimentary adult beverage. Had we complained, maybe It's not the first time that it's happened, and likely won't be the last.

 

[DebbieB]

There are no incentives given to people who move to allow a child to sit next to the parents. I know. Our last flight, a parent put her son in my husband's seat, and my husband had to sit elsewhere. So, our family was split up. Both were aisle seats, so, I didn't say anything, but, if it hadn't been an aisle seat for my husband, I would have complained. As a person who pays the $6 in advance to pick a seat, I actually wouldn't want to move to a different seat. None of us got a complimentary adult beverage. Had we complained, maybe It's not the first time that it's happened, and likely won't be the last.

Typically the free beverage comes from the person who took your seat. Or sometimes the flight attendant will offer it if people are stubborn about moving (typically a very young child).

 

[lizzi6692]

There are no incentives given to people who move to allow a child to sit next to the parents. I know. Our last flight, a parent put her son in my husband's seat, and my husband had to sit elsewhere. So, our family was split up. Both were aisle seats, so, I didn't say anything, but, if it hadn't been an aisle seat for my husband, I would have complained. As a person who pays the $6 in advance to pick a seat, I actually wouldn't want to move to a different seat. None of us got a complimentary adult beverage. Had we complained, maybe It's not the first time that it's happened, and likely won't be the last.

If you didn't complain that was your own fault. If you had said your husband wanted his seat the other person would have had to move or you would have been offered something in return for moving. FAs aren't mind readers. For people that are asked to move there are incentives and I'm sure if they can't find anyone to move at first the incentives are more than a drink.

 

[keishashadow]

If you didn't complain that was your own fault. If you had said your husband wanted his seat the other person would have had to move or you would have been offered something in return for moving. FAs aren't mind readers. For people that are asked to move there are incentives and I'm sure if they can't find anyone to move at first the incentives are more than a drink.

I'm not sure of anything with this new mess they've created by not being more clear upfront. It's causing a goodly amount of ill-will towards the airline based upon comments I'm reading.

Many who post here fly far more frequently than I do, perhaps they can share their experience(s) as to what they've observed in this scenario. As in all things YMMV, I just hate to see people think that they will be guaranteed specific seats if they haven't paid for them on AT (yes, i realize they aren't able to currently do so when booking AT seats on SWA website).

There's always the likelihood they can work things out at the counter when they check in day of travel or find somebody who is willing to accommodate them when on the plane, it's just not 'a given'.

imo airtran is not going to offer anything other than the customary free drink to try and persuade the accommodation, however, this is not the same sort of situation as an oversold flight.

I am curious as to whether they might offer an option of assigned seats together on next flight out (complimentary, when checking in at gate) if available to those won't accept their seat assignments, at least it'd be another option.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you didn't complain that was your own fault. If you had said your husband wanted his seat the other person would have had to move or you would have been offered something in return for moving. FAs aren't mind readers. For people that are asked to move there are incentives and I'm sure if they can't find anyone to move at first the incentives are more than a drink.

I agree. You can't complain about this if you willingly gave up your seat to a seat poacher. I have had this happen 2 or 3 times and I just politely asked the person to move, as it was my seat.

Sometimes FAs will give a very small token for inconveniences such as changing seats, usually a free drink. If you are a very elite FF program member, your chances of being compensated increase. We were on a United Airlines CDG-IAD flight last year, sitting a row behind one of the rudest/craziest PAX I have ever encountered and the FA quietly brought us a free bottle of wine from first class and gave me a certificate for some free FF miles. I'm sure this would not have happened if I hadn't been traveling with my UA 1K/million miler husband.

 

[andrews_dad]

My 2nd flight on AT via a SW.com booking. Flew BWI to MCO on Friday, May 10. Checked in online about 20 hours before the flight. 4 of us on one reservation number, paid with Credit Card, not rap. rewards points this time. Seat assignments were printed on my boarding pass printed out at home. It had 2 together, 1 solo at mid of plane, 1 solo at bck of plane. My kids being 4 and 2 years ols, that was not an option. At the check in counter (2 hours before take off), asked for seat change to put us together. The lady first offered us 1 solo in middle of plane, 2 together with 1 across the aisle. I said that was not acceptable as my 4 year old was not goingto last 2 hours across the aisle from me. It took several minutes of typing at her computer, but she did something to get us all together near the back of the plane. 3 in one row together with the one in aisle directly across. Nicest part was the FREE bags! I figured with a 2 and 4 year old, we would at least get 3 together no matter what. The flight attendant would help beg people to get us moved if worst came to worse, I am sure. But, if you are willing to pay for the bags fees and seat fees to pick the seats at air tran directly, I don't blame you.

 

[TamaraQT]

This whole AirTran/Southwest thing is becoming a nightmare to me. My son is only able to join us for part of our vacation. I initially booked us all on a SW flight together for Wednesday 7/17 when airfare from PHL to MCO was only $99. Now that is a fare of the past. ANYWAY....I found out he will not be able to join us until Saturday due to work related issues. So now I have to change his flight and pay the difference. Believe me, I am not complaining about that. I love the fact that with SW there are no change fees. However, I am starting to panic of what is going to happen at the airport because for that Saturday the flights we want are operated by AirTran. I am so afraid of what is going to happen if the flight is overbooked. I wish they would let you choose seats for AirTran flights booked thru SW and just charge the same fee as if the flight was booked thru AirTran. It would make one less thing to worry about. I was TOLD by a SW representative that the choosing seat options is NOT available in the SW computer system so thats why it isnt an option when booking an AT flight. Same thing with baggage fees, the SW system cannot accomodate those fees.

Oh well, I guess I really just stopped by to vent more than anything. There isn't anything I can do about it, so I need to just get over it and NOT let it worry me.