Airtran Seat Assignments

[kmccoy]

Hi All,
Just went online to pick seat assignments for Aug trip. I noticed that on my return flight, all of the middle seats are showing up as unavailable (A, B, C across the aisle and B is not available in any row). Do you know if this is because seat b doesnt exist?
Thanks

 

[#1Disfann]

that is probably correct. We are flying Airtran in August and I called them when there was a drop in our fare (and they did give me credit for future flights) and I inquired about what type of planes they had and the seating arrangements. They have 717's and 737's. For our flight down we are on a 717 which has 2 seats on one side and 3 on the other and the 737's have 3 on each side. If you wanted to call they should be able to tell you what kind of plane you are on. Hope that helps.

 

[kmccoy]

Actually, our flight down is 717 and has only pictured 3 seats on one side and 2 on the other. Our flight back is 737 and pictures 3 seats on both sides, but the middle seat on the A, B, C side is listed as unavailable. I don't think that every middle seat would be sold out.

 

[jobie61]

Actually, our flight down is 717 and has only pictured 3 seats on one side and 2 on the other. Our flight back is 737 and pictures 3 seats on both sides, but the middle seat on the A, B, C side is listed as unavailable. I don't think that every middle seat would be sold out.

I don't understand that either.... I just picked 3 and 1 for the four of us.
I wish I new.

 

[Diznut84]

I checked with AirTran and it appears that the reason is a computer issue that doesn't allow the middle seats of 737s (on one side) to be booked until the day of departure at the airport. My flights are both on 737s (3x3), but only the middle seat on one side can be booked.

 

[keishashadow]

AT 717 & 737 have only 2 seats A & C (no B) on left side facing forward.

For good seat reviews see seatguru

 

[BigTigger]

I checked with AirTran and it appears that the reason is a computer issue that doesn't allow the middle seats of 737s (on one side) to be booked until the day of departure at the airport. My flights are both on 737s (3x3), but only the middle seat on one side can be booked.

AirTran used to lock out the extra middle seat in case they had to change from a 737 to a 717 due to a mechanical or other issue when they had few 737's in the fleet. With their expansion, I'm surprised they still have that hold, but it may make sense still to smooth over any plane changes and resulting seat reassignments as they have a one to one swap from plane to plane.

 

[disneyagain]

My flight for July was the same (we have 5 passengers). I was going to book the 3 on one side with the window and aisle on the other. The more I thought about it, I figured that Airtran currently has a 717 scheduled, but if the flight books, maybe they change it to a 737 and open up the middle seats.

I really wasn't sure, so I booked 3 in one row and aisle and middle of the row directly behind.

I was only going to assign the seats for the return trip, to not have to check in 24 hrs in advance, but decided that even at 24 hrs in advance, the flight might fill up for the way down and we end up spread all over the plane. It was worth the extra $25 ($50 for rt) it cost me for the peace of mind for both flights.