Air Tran

[dwelty]

Has anyone had experience with AirTran Airlines? They consistently have the lowest fares from LAX to MCO. Before I book, I would like to get some opinions.

 

[TMB1203]

I took them for the first time in Feb.
They are a low cost airline, so no "frills" except for XM radio.

I didn't have any problems. Flights were on time, crew was friendly.

Also, they offered RAC for Airtran. It was great not having to touch our luggage at all!

I am booking them again for our Nov. trip...

 

[kim532]

My coworker in Feb flew AirTran Milwaukee to Orlando. I asked her about it becasue we are scheduled with AirTran for our flight in April. She said it was a nice flight. She didn't have any complaints.

They were consistently the lowest price when we were booking or airfair.

Kim

 

[jekjones1558]

We also have used and liked AirTran. Lots of threads on the Transportation board.
http://www.disboards.com/forumdisplay.php?s=&daysprune=30&f=16
Note that RAC for AirTran is currently only at some resorts and is only a pilot program. Many of us are hoping that it will become a permanent thing.

 

[tkd lisa]

I've travelled them for business in the NE area. I'm not a big fan. The XM radio is nice, but most of the flights that are direct on other airlines have a stop on Air Tran. And I've had 3 experiences (out of about 10 legs) where the flight was delayed with no communication at all. I understand delays. But all I ask is tell me when you expect it. If it hasn't even left it's existing location (happened 2 out of the 3), then tell me so I'm NOT sitting at the gate waiting when I'm starving to death.

I've also found they are in the older terminals which often don't have good services (food, newstands, etc.).

I do have to say their personnel have been very nice on every flight I've taken. If they were just DIRECT, I'd put up with the other hassles. As it is, I try to work it so I don't have to take them.

Now this may not apply at all on the west coast.

 

[vbarry]

We have flown Airtran several times and will again on our upcoming trip. We have never had a problem.

Does anyone know which resorts participate in the resort luggage check-in??

 

[mbhoxsie]

I have never taken them, but I have a friend that has taken them a few times out of Flint to MCO...

He's never had bad service from them and continues to use them...

 

[dwelty]

Also, they offered RAC for Airtran. It was great not having to touch our luggage at all!

RAC?

 

[Demosthenes]

I fly Airtran 20 or so times a year. While I prefer Delta, Airtran has a few really good advantages. The first is that when coming out of places with limited flights, they are rarely late. They only have three departing flights a day out of LAX, so you will likely be in good shape there. Also, they have 13 flights a day out of Orlando (all flights connect in Atlanta), so even if you miss your flight, you are in pretty good shape. Finally, when you show up to check in, if there are available Business Class seats, you can upgrade for $39-$79 (depending on the flight) per seat.

It isn't a perfect airline (none are), but the fares are right and the service is fine.

 

[lisareniff]

We fly Airtran. It is the only non-stop flight from ROC->MCO.

They consistantly have low fares and we have had good experiences on the flights.

The one negative with Airtran is that they often change their flight times with out notifying the customer until close to the dates. HOwever they have a very liberal change policy when they change their flight times. So, if you don't mind checking on your flights (on the web site) every once in a while and dealing with a possible change in flight times, then I think they are a fine choice. Also a non-stop flight reduces the problems of a time change.

They were doing a trial with RAC this winter which ended the end of March. I haven't heard if they will be joining the particaping airlines or not.

 

[TMB1203]

RAC?

Resort Airline Check-in

We checked in at the hotel and they transported our luggage to the airport for us. It was nice.

AirTran was a trial at the time we went...I hope it stays!!

 

[lisareniff]

Participting Airline Info taken from the Transportation Sticky

Okay, so there still seems to be some confusion about the term, "Participating Airline" so I figured I'd help explain this.

"PARTICIPATING AIRLINE" ONLY REFERS TO THE RESORT AIRLINE CHECK IN DESK.


IT DOES NOT REFER TO GROUND TRANSPORTATION TO/FROM THE AIRPORT, OR INBOUND LUGGAGE TRANSFERS.




Inbound to Walt Disney World:


- Anyone who flies into Orlando International Airport with a Disney resort reservation can take advantage of Disney's Magical Express ground transfers, along with luggage transfers, provided you have specifically made DME reservations prior to arriving at Orlando International Airport.
- You do NOT need to use the luggage tags to take advantage of the ground transportation. You are more than welcome to claim your luggage at baggage claim and bring it on the bus with you.
- You can still take advantage of luggage transfers without using the yellow tags. Just proceed directly to Welcome Center and give them your claim tickets. (Be advised, luggage transfers will take slightly more time than usual)
- You DO need to use the ground transportation to get your luggage transferred.
- You MUST have reservations prior to arriving at OIA.


Outbound to Orlando International Airport:

- Anyone who flies out of Orlando International Airport with a Disney resort reservation can take advantage of Disney's Magical Express ground transportation.
- Only those flying participating airlines may check thier luggage & get boarding passes at the Resort Airline Check-in Desk. EVERYONE must be present (exceptions: Adults over 18 can check in for spouse & kids). Bags may be checked 12 to 3 hours prior to flight departure time. Desk is open from 5am-1pm, daily.
- Those who are not flying a Participating Airline may still recieve thier boarding passes at thier Lobby Concierge desk, so long as the airline has internet check in.
- Non-participating and international airline guests will have to bring thier bags onto the motorcoach, and check it at the airport itself.

Current Resort Airline Check-In Participating Airlines (Domestic only): American, Continental, Delta/Song, jetBlue, United/Ted, Northwest and Alaska Airlines.


A pilot program will begin on December 19th, through the end of March. Guests flying on Air Tran will be able to check in with the airline at the following resorts:
Animal Kingdom Lodge
Beach Club Resort
Boardwalk Inn
Contemporary Resort
Coronado Springs Resort
Fort Wilderness Resort & Campground
Grand Floridian
Polynesian Resort
Wilderness Lodge
Yacht Club

Despite rumors floating around the internet, these are the ONLY participating airlines for the Disney Resort Airline Check-In Desk. This page will be updated as soon as others get added. But until you see it on this page, they are NOT participating for the RAC desk.
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[ADP]

Fly them frequently from IND to MCO. They do a great job! They are usually on time, polite, courteous. Never lost any of our luggage. I would recommend them to anybody!