Airtran -- unreserved seats and a child

[Mickey'snewestfan]

I am checking out different transportation options for DS7 and I this summer. One option that I'm considering is Airtran.

DS7 is a good traveler. He tends to sit in his seat, and concentrate on his Leapster, or book on tape or the laptop with earphones if I set him up with a video game. He doesn't kick the seat or cause any kind of trouble, and he doesn't get scared.

Given all that I fell pretty comfortable with the idea of unrestricted seats if I felt confident that we'd be able to see each other. That is, if we were in middle seats across the aisle from each other, or if he were a few rows ahead of behind each other I think we'd be fine. That way if he needed something he could probably kneel on his seat and signal to me. On the other hand, I wouldn't feel comfortable if say, he was in the front of the plane and I were in the back or vice versa.

What are the chances we won't be able to get anything at all close? Are there strategies (like checking 24 hours in advance) tha might make it more likely that we'd be together?

Thanks!

 

[safetymom]

Checking in at the 24 hour mark will help. If it is a full flight the seats might already be assigned when you check in, so there may not be a lot of seats to switch to if you aren't sitting together.

 

[roliepolieoliefan]

We have flew AirTran quite a few times with the kids. Twice seats have been assigned before I went on 24 hours in advance to reserve my seats. We have always been seated together.

I don't have any complaints, except last Jan we arrived when it was pouring rain and instead of keeping my DD's stroller folded or bringing right into the gate area, they let it sit out and it was dripping wet when we got it. It took 2 days to dry out.

We won't fly them again anyhow because they changed the flight times out of PGH. But you shouldn't have a problem sitting together.

 

[DaisyD]

We always fly with kids and use Airtran. It is great to reserve your seats 24 hours in advance. We love Airtran and have never had any problems with them. My now 7 y/o DD would have a fit if she has to sit next to a stranger but with Airtran I don't have to worry about it.

 

[ldb1030]

If you book Airtran with a travel agent, they can assign seats when you book!

 

[Mickey'snewestfan]

If you book Airtran with a travel agent, they can assign seats when you book!

When I go online I'm quoted two different rates -- one if I choose my seat, and one if they do it at check in. Can the travel agent get me the good rate and still let me choose my seat?

 

[ldb1030]

They should be able to UNLESS Airtran has an "internet ONLY" fare but give them a call just to see!

 

[studog100]

Don't worry about it. We were in the same situation. When we checked in, they said they hold several seats together for this exact reason. Granted we didn't get to sit together as a family but one of us were able to sit with a child together.

 

[safetymom]

Air Tran has some fares that the seats can be assigned ahead of time but they do have internet fares and you have to wait until the 24 hour mark to get your seats.