Airtran- is it worth it to pay for seats?

[kmk1180]

My daughter and I are on Airtran (husband and other daughter on Southwest) and I was looking at our rez online...noticing no seats assigned. I see that you can pay for seats or wait to check in. What are the odds we wont get seats together if we wait until the day we check in? I know they will have to seat us together as my daughter is only 6... but I would rather not cause a hassle at the airport. Thanks!

I understand your concern and share it. So I understand if you feel better about paying.

But..
We plan to fly Air Tran this month.
We won the tickets from our airport.
When we picked up the certificate for the flight from the Airport director she specifically said don't worry about paying for seats when we book.
Air Tran will not seperate us from our kids they will make sure we sit next to each other even if they move someone else.

Take it for what it's worth but that's directly from the Airport Director
And Air Tran is HUGE at our airport with direct Orlando flights 4 days a week.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

I understand your concern and share it. So I understand if you feel better about paying.

But..
We plan to fly Air Tran this month.
We won the tickets from our airport.
When we picked up the certificate for the flight from the Airport director she specifically said don't worry about paying for seats when we book.
Air Tran will not seperate us from our kids they will make sure we sit next to each other even if they move someone else.

Take it for what it's worth but that's directly from the Airport Director
And Air Tran is HUGE at our airport with direct Orlando flights 4 days a week.

1. That's not HUGE for AirTran, it's a small staion. (Sorry!) And since they KNOW they have the airport over a barrel by being the "HUGE" carrier that tends to mean the airline does what it wants while the airport bends over backwards to avoid losing thier one big carrier.

2. The AIRPORT DIRECTOR?? Unless it was the Airtran Station Manger and you have it in writing.. you have NOTHING. The Airport Director has NO control over how AirTran seats thier passengers

3. Those of us who fly AirTran a lot are telling you that they WILL not move us. But feel free to stand on the plane and make this same announcement. (It will make us even less likey to move.. you got free tickets and were STILL to cheap to make sure you got to sit with your kids and you want ME to give up my paid seat. Not going to happen)


The Airport Director has told you a story. Sorry that you have placed such faith in it, but... hopefully it will work out for you. Please don't come on here and whine if it doesn't.

 

[uva185]

Air Tran is HUGE at our airport with direct Orlando flights 4 days a week.

The ONLY flights AirTran has from your airport are the 4 flights a week to MCO. They don't fly anywhere else. United has more flights each day than AirTran has all week so AirTran is not even "huge" based on your airport's standards.

Believe your airport director if you wish but if you want to be guaranteed to have seats together you should pay for them. Simple as that.

 

[azdizzymom]

I understand your concern and share it. So I understand if you feel better about paying.

But..
We plan to fly Air Tran this month.
We won the tickets from our airport.
When we picked up the certificate for the flight from the Airport director she specifically said don't worry about paying for seats when we book.
Air Tran will not seperate us from our kids they will make sure we sit next to each other even if they move someone else.

Take it for what it's worth but that's directly from the Airport Director
And Air Tran is HUGE at our airport with direct Orlando flights 4 days a week.

Sorry but they WILL NOT MOVE PEOPLE SO YOU AND YOUR CHILD CAN SIT TOGETHER. THEY CAN'T MAKE PEOPLE MOVE WHO PAID FOR A SEAT!!!!!

Like others said YOU got free tickets and can't shell over the money for seats....how silly is that. You expect people to move for you...good luck with that especially since more likely than not those people will have checked in online at the 24 hour mark and have gotten the 'freebie' seats together. The others will have been paid for. Do you think people who are smart enough to pay for seats or check-in online at 24 hours will move for you. I wouldn't count on it. So this airport director promised you these seats together...have you asked to see verification that you are seated together or do you plan to waltz in 2 hours or less before flight and find out you are in row 6 and child is in row 22. You can threaten all you want about having someone have to take care of the kids BUT that won't make someone move from their window or aisle seat to a seat in the back row by the restroom.

I would GET ON THE PHONE NOW AND PAY FOR THE DARN SEATS! You got a free ticket...that is great. Fork over the money or be prepared for tears from your kids and UNSYMPATHETIC agents at the desk who could care less when you walk up and say the airport director said we will sit together and people will move for us. They will probably have to keep themselves from laughing at this. You are not a celebrity or anyone special to them....just someone not smart enough or too cheap to buy seats together after getting freebie tickets.

Sorry if this is nasty but I mean this really takes it for silliness!!!!

 

[Disney Ella]

I don't think the airport director's promise is going to help you find seats together either. Most likely, you'll be told that the director doesn't work for AirTran and isn't aware of their policies. Last year when I flew AirTran to Orlando, I was sitting near the gate attendants and saw two families arguing with the attendants and insisting that they had to be seated near their children. The attendant told them then they should have paid for seats. There was a lot of "I'm never flying this airline again" but that didn't help them get seats together.

 

[aubriee]

I don't think the airport director's promise is going to help you find seats together either. Most likely, you'll be told that the director doesn't work for AirTran and isn't aware of their policies. Last year when I flew AirTran to Orlando, I was sitting near the gate attendants and saw two families arguing with the attendants and insisting that they had to be seated near their children. The attendant told them then they should have paid for seats. There was a lot of "I'm never flying this airline again" but that didn't help them get seats together.

I agree! I fly Air Tran several times a year, always arrive a the airport early, and always sit near the desk just for the entertainment. Almost every flight (no, make that every flight), I hear some version of, "of course I didn't pay for our seats. I just assumed Air Tran wouldn't separate me from my kids. You've got to move somebody, so we can sit together". The response is always exactly the same "sorry sir, if it was important for you sit next to your family members then you should have purchased your seats". Then the customer starts with the excuses, then the whining, then finally the threats of never flying Air Tran again. The customer rep then again explains that there are alot of families on the flight and they all want to sit together and how most paid for their seats in order to do so. The angry customer then says something like, "Well there must be people flying solo on this flight. Move them." The customer rep explains that even solo flyers often pay for their seats or choose them at the 24 hours mark and have a right to those seats and say they can't move them. The customer then winds up yelling at the gate agent, 'well do something because we have to be seated together". I have yet to see them move anyone else to accommodate these families. What I have seen, is some families asking politely when they get on, if someone will switch seats. Sometimes they're successful and sometimes they're not. I have also seen people who demand that someone change seats with them and every time have seen those folks refused. I have also seen people threaten other people with their kids misbehaving if they didn't switch seats with them. Sorry, that's what a glare and head phones are for. The people who paid for their seats are not responsible for those who chose to be cheap.

Heck, I've posted on here before about adults who wanted to sit together and tried to bully me out of my seat. Sorry, not happening. I really, really hate flying and absolutely refuse to sit in the back half of the plane. I feel like I can't breathe back there and looking up that long thin tunnel of seats really gets to me. I did it one time when I switched seats for a family several years ago and swore I'd never do it again. I spent the entire flight clinching the arm rests, tried to keep my eyes closed most of the time, and did alot of deep breathing exercises. As a frequent solo flyer I have my own reasons for needing my aisle seat close to the front and so pay for the seat I need. If you want me to give up that paid seat because you were too cheap to pay to ensure your family got to sit together then, #1. you'd dang sure better be polite when you ask me (if you demand it then the answer is going to be an immediate no) and #2. you better be able to offer me a seat at least comparable to the one I paid for (in the front half of the plane at least). My last several flights I have paid for the more expensive $15.00 seats because I wanted not only my preferred aisle seat close to the front, but also wanted to make sure I was in boarding zone 1. Only people who pay for those seats (not those who pick them at the 24 hour mark) get those zone 1 boarding passes. If I pay an extra $30.00 r/t to make sure I get those boarding passes and seats, I am not giving them up without a dang good reason and shouldn't have to. I think it's rude for people who were too cheap to pay for their seats to demand that people who did, give those seats up for them. If they really didn't know then that's different, but when you book on Air Tran it clearly asks if you want to pay for your seats and on that page just before you click 'choose your seat' it even has three little pictures showing something like: 'choose to sit together', 'choose aisle seat', 'choose window seat'. Those little pictures should be a clue.

 

[aubriee]

oops! duplicate!

 

[dudspizza]

I agree! I fly Air Tran several times a year, always arrive a the airport early, and always sit near the desk just for the entertainment. Almost every flight (no, make that every flight), I hear some version of, "of course I didn't pay for our seats. I just assumed Air Tran wouldn't separate me from my kids. You've got to move somebody, so we can sit together". The response is always exactly the same "sorry sir, if it was important for you sit next to your family members then you should have purchased your seats". Then the customer starts with the excuses, then the whining, then finally the threats of never flying Air Tran again. The customer rep then again explains that there are alot of families on the flight and they all want to sit together and how most paid for their seats in order to do so. The angry customer then says something like, "Well there must be people flying solo on this flight. Move them." The customer rep explains that even solo flyers often pay for their seats or choose them at the 24 hours mark and have a right to those seats and say they can't move them. The customer then winds up yelling at the gate agent, 'well do something because we have to be seated together". I have yet to see them move anyone else to accommodate these families. What I have seen, is some families asking politely when they get on, if someone will switch seats. Sometimes they're successful and sometimes they're not. I have also seen people who demand that someone change seats with them and every time have seen those folks refused. I have also seen people threaten other people with their kids misbehaving if they didn't switch seats with them. Sorry, that's what a glare and head phones are for. The people who paid for their seats are not responsible for those who chose to be cheap.

Heck, I've posted on here before about adults who wanted to sit together and tried to bully me out of my seat. Sorry, not happening. I really, really hate flying and absolutely refuse to sit in the back half of the plane. I feel like I can't breathe back there and looking up that long thin tunnel of seats really gets to me. I did it one time when I switched seats for a family several years ago and swore I'd never do it again. I spent the entire flight clinching the arm rests, tried to keep my eyes closed most of the time, and did alot of deep breathing exercises. As a frequent solo flyer I have my own reasons for needing my aisle seat close to the front and so pay for the seat I need. If you want me to give up that paid seat because you were too cheap to pay to ensure your family got to sit together then, #1. you'd dang sure better be polite when you ask me (if you demand it then the answer is going to be an immediate no) and #2. you better be able to offer me a seat at least comparable to the one I paid for (in the front half of the plane at least). My last several flights I have paid for the more expensive $15.00 seats because I wanted not only my preferred aisle seat close to the front, but also wanted to make sure I was in boarding zone 1. Only people who pay for those seats (not those who pick them at the 24 hour mark) get those zone 1 boarding passes. If I pay an extra $30.00 r/t to make sure I get those boarding passes and seats, I am not giving them up without a dang good reason and shouldn't have to. I think it's rude for people who were too cheap to pay for their seats to demand that people who did, give those seats up for them. If they really didn't know then that's different, but when you book on Air Tran it clearly asks if you want to pay for your seats and on that page just before you click 'choose your seat' it even has three little pictures showing something like: 'choose to sit together', 'choose aisle seat', 'choose window seat'. Those little pictures should be a clue.

but you are flying solo! You could sit anywhere and be fine, at least according to the thinking of some of the people who fly, especially families with young children who also don't chose to pay for their seating assignments........

I totally see where you are coming from and don't blame you at all....

Duds

 

[edk35]

I just don't get it. I mean paying a few bucks for a seat to WDW is really NOT that big a deal in the grand scheme of things. Think of how much money you shell out for these trips. I mean really??? I will under no circumstance MOVE for someone that had the chance to GUARANTEE their seat just like I did. PERIOD. My kids are now 20, 17 and 12. As a parent I have always made sure we sat together when they were little and if that meant paying for seats on Airtran we did. I am not a mean person, but there is no GRAY area here.

 

[Inkmahm]

I agree! I fly Air Tran several times a year, always arrive a the airport early, and always sit near the desk just for the entertainment. Almost every flight (no, make that every flight), I hear some version of, "of course I didn't pay for our seats. I just assumed Air Tran wouldn't separate me from my kids. You've got to move somebody, so we can sit together".

Hey, good idea! I think I will purposely sit near the desk on our next Airtran flight just for the entertainment factor.

 

[sunnydays28]

We will be buying our seats but I have a related question about very young children: Have any of you that fly Airtran often actually SEEN children separated from their parent? What happened and how was that trip? Who helped the kid in and out of their carseat for the bathroom and walking around?

Relatedly, I called Airtran because I had questions about our carseat and she said carseats are required to go in a window seat and if none were available when we bought our tickets that they would make someone move when we boarded. I asked if the child would have to sit by themselves and she said no, the guardian would be the only one to install/uninstall the seat and buckle/unbuckle the child and would be required to sit next to them. So I guess a flight attendant can and will make someone move even if they paid for that seat.

 

[maxiesmom]

We will be buying our seats but I have a related question about very young children: Have any of you that fly Airtran often actually SEEN children separated from their parent? What happened and how was that trip? Who helped the kid in and out of their carseat for the bathroom and walking around?

Relatedly, I called Airtran because I had questions about our carseat and she said carseats are required to go in a window seat and if none were available when we bought our tickets that they would make someone move when we boarded. I asked if the child would have to sit by themselves and she said no, the guardian would be the only one to install/uninstall the seat and buckle/unbuckle the child and would be required to sit next to them. So I guess a flight attendant can and will make someone move even if they paid for that seat.

It is very easy for someone on the phone to tell you what they think you want to hear. But that person on the phone will have absolutely no control over what happens on the airplane.

Are you asking because you purchased a ticket, knowing there were no window seats available for your car seat? Do you really think the thing to do is to try and "make" someone move? Airtran charges for seats. They might ask someone to move to accomodate you but I have not seen them "make" someone move.

If you do plan on asking someone to move for you, you need to try to give them a better seat, not a worse one. Don't expect someone to jump at the chance to move from their up front window seat to a middle seat in the back of the plane. If you haven't paid for seats yet, you need to now so that you can try to get seats that have some trade value. Or else you better keep an extra $20 on you to entice someone to give up a seat they paid for.

I'm sorry if this is sounding a bit harsh, but people need to realize that they need to take care of their own needs, and stop expecting others to do it for them. If you need seats together, pay for them. Don't expect that you can get on a plane and "make" someone else move.

 

[sunnydays28]

I am asking here if anyone saw a child separated from their family and how that went, because so far all we have are "what ifs," so for those that have flown AT, I am wondering how it really turned out.

I have no problem buying the seats I want/need, I had previously posted here because I had no idea that A) that they would separate young children (grade school and teens are no problem) and B) that buying your seats was the way AT worked.

And yes, our seats for our return trip are bought but not for the trip down there. I called and asked about the car seat because there are no 2 seats together that include a window for the trip down, so I don't have a choice of buying the ones I need. I am not going to buy 2 $13-20 seats in the aisle and center just to be told when I arrive they have to put us in $6 because of the carseat, and I am not going to buy a seat that is separate from my daughter because of their policy. If their policy is that a carseat goes by the window and that the parent/guardian installs it and sits with the child, then they will have to make that happen.

 

[dudspizza]

Or else you better keep an extra $20 on you to entice someone to give up a seat they paid for.

This is what alot of people need to do if they are asking someone to move so they can sit with their family....... or at least offer to buy a drink or two...

If someone refuses to pay for their seats, they had better be ready to compensate someone who did pay for their seats and then was asked to move.

Duds

 

[dudspizza]

I am asking here if anyone saw a child separated from their family and how that went, because so far all we have are "what ifs," so for those that have flown AT, I am wondering how it really turned out.

I have no problem buying the seats I want/need, I had previously posted here because I had no idea that A) that they would separate young children (grade school and teens are no problem) and B) that buying your seats was the way AT worked.

And yes, our seats for our return trip are bought but not for the trip down there. I called and asked about the car seat because there are no 2 seats together that include a window for the trip down, so I don't have a choice of buying the ones I need. I am not going to buy 2 $13-20 seats in the aisle and center just to be told when I arrive they have to put us in $6 because of the carseat, and I am not going to buy a seat that is separate from my daughter because of their policy. If their policy is that a carseat goes by the window and that the parent/guardian installs it and sits with the child, then they will have to make that happen.

You can also call Airtran and explain them your situation. The last two rows are blocked out, but not reserved. The phone agent may be able to put you in one of those rows....

Duds

 

[sunnydays28]

Duds, that is probably exactly what she was talking about. They must block those seats for a reason, especially going to MCO.

 

[dudspizza]

Duds, that is probably exactly what she was talking about. They must block those seats for a reason, especially going to MCO.

I actually switched my flights when they made a change to the itinerary. One of the rows I wanted was not available, so they put us in the second to last row. I could not book those seats online, but they were able to put us there, so it is possible. If you call and explain you have a car seat that must be in the window you can see if they will put you in one of those last rows... otherwise check in right at the 24 hour mark to see if you can grab those seats..

 

[ccgirl]

I flew BOS to MCO. Talk about a busy airport. They have about 6 flights a day to MCO. Anyway, on all of my flights with AirTran so far, the only seats available about 2 weeks out were middle seats. So, if you did not purchase seats more than 2 weeks in advance you were not sitting together. I don't get it, people pay SW $10 for EBCI for a chance at a better boarding position but won't pay $6 for an actual seat? I was pumped to know we had actual seats and were sitting together. I did have to move a mom and child out of our seats. She said it was the only two seats left together. Umm...no...they weren't left; I paid for them. THe child was about 3. She ended up sitting next to a very frustrated older woman. Sorry...I have children too and I paid to sit with them. I did overhear a conversation a mom had with a gate attendant. SHe asked who would be responsible for the child in the carseat should they not sit toghether? The FA explained the parent needed to install the car seat and get the child in and out of it regardless of where they were sitting in the plane. I don't know about you but I don't want to leave it up to a stranger to get my child out of a carseat or apply the oxygen mask in case of emergency.

 

[Disneybuckeye]

I agree! I fly Air Tran several times a year, always arrive a the airport early, and always sit near the desk just for the entertainment.

Too funny! I will have to do this on our next flight. I am usually bored sitting there and would love some entertainmnet. DH and I are flying SW in March and I was too cheap to pay the $40 for EBCI. As our oldest child is 22, we are obviously able to sit by ourselves, and we probably will split up to sit closer to the front. When we go back in December with all 3 kids I will pay what is necessary for us to sit together and we will not move for someone who makes the choice to not pay. That being said I will probably fly Delta since my kids are all in college and we would be prime candidates to be asked to move.

 

[DSquare]

Our family flew Allegiant Air last summer with 2 kids in car seats and 2 adults. They do the same thing AirTran does where you can prepurchase your seats. The airplane was laid out like AB DEF. I prepurchased A,B,D and E. It wasn't till we where on the airplane that the flight attendant said that the car seats must be by a window. We asked what to do since someone already was sitting in F. The attendant said we can ask him but they can't make him move and if he didn't move then we need to ask for volunteers. Luckily two ladies swithced places with my wife and child. I don't know what would have happened if noone volunteered.