AirTran Seat Fees Question

[ancestry]

Currently for our AirTran flight we have selected seats that cost $6 per person which are towards the back of the aircraft.

We are on a 717 (2 seats x 3 seats). Three of us are traveling and right now we we have 2 people in one row and 1 person in the row in front of the two. I would prefer to have all of us sitting together on the other side of the plane where there are 3 seats together. However there aren't any $6 seats left on the side that has 3 seats together. There are 3 seats together that cost $15 each and 3 seats together that cost $13 each towards the front of the plan.

Can any one tell me what the difference is between the $15 seats in row 14, the $13 seats in row 15, and the $6 seats in row 27/28?

If I purchase the $15 seats would I get an early boarding zone, like zone 1 or 2? According to seat guru our seats in the back of the plane we would be in boarding zone 2.

We aren't sure if we are checking luggage or doing carry-ons at this point.

 

[Daddio]

The $15.00 and $13.00 seats will be in Zone 1, so early boarding. Be careful with row 14. Some of their equipment has no windows in row 14. When you mouse over the window seat, it will tell you.

David

 

[dudspizza]

There is absolutely nothing different about the seats in terms of seat pitch. It is all about location on the plane. Airtran knows people like to sit near the front of the plane and because of that they charge more......

Check out www.seatguru.com for info on specific seats and rows.....

Duds

 

[ancestry]

Thanks. I knew the seats themselves weren't different. Rereading what I typed, I didn't really state my question clearly. I think I meant to ask, what is the benefit of the $15 dollar seats verses the $6 seats (other than the obvious that the more expensive are near the front of the plane). I was wondering if the $15 or $13 seats got a boarding preference as opposed to the $6 seats (Daddio said that they do). I just didn't want to pay $15 or $13 and still end up with a zone 5, 6, or 7 for boarding.

 

[disneymayz]

Just a curiousity question. If you have an assigned seat why does it make a difference when you you board? Your seat will be there if you board first or last. Again I was just curious why it was a big deal. Just in case we fly Airtran next time. I usually fly Southwest (Airtran's future name) and just check in early but that is differetn since we do not have assigned seats.

 

[swift]

It matters if there is not much space for carry ons. I have been on flights where the last people to board had to check their bags because the bins were full.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

If you have an assigned seat why does it make a difference when you you board?

It makes a very big difference if you carry-on your luggage rather than check it. The earlier you board, the more overhead space there will be. That is why elite members of an airline's frequent flyer program get to board first, either with 1st/class and business (depending on level of status) or just after.

 

[dudspizza]

The last two posters have stated why you would want to board early..... IMO, if you are one of that later ones to board, simply be prepared to be separated from your carry on because it may end up farther up front or it may have to be gate checked....... personally, if I am doing a roll-a-board, I also have a backpack with my essential stuff that I need on the plane. That goes below my seat and the roll-a-board has to be checked, so be it....

 

[Daddio]

It makes a very big difference if you carry-on your luggage rather than check it. The earlier you board, the more overhead space there will be. That is why elite members of an airline's frequent flyer program get to board first, either with 1st/class and business (depending on level of status) or just after.

Correct. It used to be that people in the back of the plane boarded first. The problem was that SOME would place their carry ons in the front of the plane (I guess so they wouldn't have to carry them to the back) and thus, those in the front ran out of room early. By charging the extra fee (a money grab) to let the people in the front of the plane board first, the chances of runnng out of overhead bin space is reduced (unless you miss the early boarding).

David

 

[Daddio]

Thanks. I knew the seats themselves weren't different.

Another diference, is that it can tend to be a bit bumpier in the back of the plane so if you are sensitive to motion, the front of the plane is a better place to sit.

David

 

[Lewisc]

People with a tight connection have a reason to sit near the front of the plane.