AirTran when a better deal is released

[chell]

When AirTran releases a better deal than what you already have booked will they give you a credit for the difference? Right now they have December flights from Asheville, NC to Orlando for $159. But they have been running specials through October for $49 each way. We are going in December. If the prices keep dropping I want to go ahead and buy our tickets, but if they do the $49 each way deal I don't want to be upset with myself for paying too much. Then again I don't want to pass up a good deal and end up paying too much later waiting for the $49 deal either.

My husband and I decided we would rather fly out of Asheville instead of Charlotte since the airport is much smaller and it is a direct flight. Unless we can get a direct flight just as cheap from another airline from Charlotte (last year we booked a direct AirTran flight to MCO then they stopped them) it looks like Asheville is the way to go.

So, if the price drops will they refund or give us a credit to use later or for an upgrade to Business class?

 

[dioxide45]

Most likely, no they will not give a credit.

 

[chell]

Thank you. I know some will and some won't - just don't know who those are.

 

[n2mm]

Currently, SW and Jetblue offer credits if the price goes now. (I say currently, because you never know when a policy will change.)

 

[JoyG]

Orbitz has some price guarantee thing going now. I don't know if it's still up, but last Monday when I bought tickets for Airtran it was going. If anyone else booked the flight for a lower price, they would send you a check for the difference. I don't know if they always run that special or if it was for a limited time.

 

[chell]

Thanks! I was reading about the Orbitz refund policy. It says if someone books the same flights at a cheaper price you get a refund.

We have since decided to stick with Charlotte because the times for Asheville just don't work. I thought we would just deal with it since Asheville is so much easier for us, but I don't want to give up two whole park days for an easier airport and a much cheaper flight. HA!

There are more airline options out of Charlotte.

 

[OzFan]

Yes, sad to say Airtran doesn't offer a credit or refund if the price goes down. They did last year. I love flying with them. Just be warned they are pretty well known for changing flight times. Mine has changed once so far. It has been to my advantage. If they do change your flight (by more than 30 minutes), you can simply call and have them book you on a different flight at no charge.

 

[kristenrice]

If they do change your flight (by more than 30 minutes), you can simply call and have them book you on a different flight at no charge.

I booked us on a non-stop flight for $59 that was scheduled to depart at 5:55pm. I really preferred the morning non-stop that left at 11:30am, but it was $129 and that was out of our budget. I crossed my fingers and hoped that our flight would change. When it changed to a 6:07pm departure (12 minutes!) I called to see if I could switch. The conversation went something like this:
ME: "Hi. I have a flight scheduled for June and the times have changed. Can I get on a different flight?"
AIRTRAN: "Sure. What date is your flight?"
ME: "June 6, from Detroit to Orlando."
AIRTRAN: "Ok, I see we have an 11:30am non-stop. Would you like that one?"
ME: "YES, please! Will there be any additional fees?"
AIRTRAN: "No. Any time we adjust the flight schedule, you are free to choose a different flight without any additional cost. I see you've pre-selected seats 17 and 18, C and E. Would you like me to move you to rows 12 and 14 instead?" (*there is no row 13....to accommodate the superstitious folks)
ME: "Absolutely! Wow, better seats and a better flight."

...all for a 12 minute change!

In short, yes, AirTran may (and probably will) adjust your schedule, but once you've purchased the tickets, your price is essentially "locked in". They are very easy to work with.

 

[fac]

From what I read (haven't tried it myself), if they were to change your flight, you may cancel and have a refund. By that time, you can rebook at a lower rate.

As far as changing the schedule, I have done it a few times and even request changing airport for me without any additional cost.

 

[Inkmahm]

Yes, sad to say Airtran doesn't offer a credit or refund if the price goes down. They did last year. I love flying with them. Just be warned they are pretty well known for changing flight times. Mine has changed once so far. It has been to my advantage. If they do change your flight (by more than 30 minutes), you can simply call and have them book you on a different flight at no charge.

Mine changed by 18 minutes and I changed flights, no charge, with AirTran. I COUNT on them changing flight times when I book as I'll book the cheapest fare and then switch later to the flight that I actually want.

 

[chell]

Thanks everyone. We went through the whole changing of the flight times last year. Good thing we didn't book last time because they have an even better deal now but we just don't like the flight times. But they only offer two flights a week from the Asheville airport to Orlando and the times aren't good for us - they cut the vacation short. You guys understand that you have to stay in WDW as long as possible. I'm afraid if they do change the times they may cut it even more short.

We'll just fly out of Charlotte. Last year when they changed the times on us after stopping the direct flights we also were able to change to a more expensive flight that arrived much earlier and left much later. I figure we'll do the same this year. I wonder why they change the times so much...

 

[kaytieeldr]

Service changes, anticipated passenger load, airPORT take-off/landing schedules (and the related fees)...