Airtran????

[ctc917]

Hi so I was thinking of maybe booking Airtran for our next trip in June but am a little hesitant since the only airline we have used in the past few years has been Southwest.

I was hoping I could get some of the good, the bad and the ugly on Airtran.

Any help would be great.

thanks

ctc917

 

[delilah]

Generally, I like airtran. It has been my most often used airline over the past two years or so since NW quit flying non-stops from Indianapolis. I have never flown SW, so, I can't compare. I have a thread about some customer service problem that I think was specific to Indianapolis. They have WiFi on the plane for a fee, if that interests you. Otherwise, they are a fairly reliable, adequate low fare airline.

 

[mommyoftwinz]

We flew last year on Airtran and had no problems. As a matter of fact on our flight out we were supposed to leave the day they were forcasting a blizzard in our area so after speaking to a customer service rep, they switched our flight to a day earlier with no extra fees, this was 2 days before they officially cancelled any flights. We were very happy. Of course my only gripe now is all the fees, they charge a separate baggage fee but most airlines do now anyway.

 

[WDWisTheBest]

Generally, I like airtran. It has been my most often used airline over the past two years or so since NW quit flying non-stops from Indianapolis. I have never flown SW, so, I can't compare. I have a thread about some customer service problem that I think was specific to Indianapolis. They have WiFi on the plane for a fee, if that interests you. Otherwise, they are a fairly reliable, adequate low fare airline.

If I am not mistaken, that thread about customer service at Indy related a specific problem on a Sunday before Christmas. The thread related irritating inefficent check in due to a large group checking in ahead of the poster. And, good customer service that day was lacking.

Air Tran is a fairly reliable, low fare airline.

OP, what is your origination city?

 

[iluveeyore]

I only use Airtran if I can get a really, really good price. They charge for your bags, Southwest allows two checked bags free each. Also, I booked Southwest for our upcoming trip, and I have changed flights three times online and now have a credit for future use. I know Airtran gives you credits as well, but only if your price drops on the flight you booked - a change fee of $75 applies to change your flight, SW does not charge you to change your flight, and since we wanted to leave two days sooner, it was no extra cost to do that.
I did however have to use Airtran for our return flight this trip because of all the high March Break fees to Buffalo, and I caught a cheap flight one afternoon with my OCD checking online. It went down the next day again, so I have enough credit to cover our luggage fees to come home.
Just be aware of the extra costs and that you have to keep the flight you book unless they change it on you.

 

[FiggyFan]

Sometime this year, SW is buying AirTran out. So if your flying later this year, your choice will be SW & SW. I hope the SW keeps all of AirTran's routes, ie: their non stops.

 

[dancin Disney style]

Sometime this year, SW is buying AirTran out. So if your flying later this year, your choice will be SW & SW. I hope the SW keeps all of AirTran's routes, ie: their non stops.

There won't be any changes until 2012.

 

[dancin Disney style]

I've used AT numerous times as well as SW. No issues at all. I agree with all that has been said about baggage fees and seat selection fees but I have often still come out cheaper with AT than SW. For me it really comes down to the non stop flights and times. The fares tend to be pretty similar most of the time so if I have to pay a $15 bag fee to get a time that is more suitable then that's OK.

 

[kaytieeldr]

I only use Airtran if I can get a really, really good price. They charge for your bags, Southwest allows two checked bags free each.

As does virtually every other airline. Southwest is the exception, not the rule - and many people pricing flights report Southwest is not cheap/cheaper than airlines that charge for luggage, even with the luggage cost added.

 

[ShootingStarMom2]

Just be sure you pay for your seat assignment. We got bumped off a flight for being 'the last to check-in'. That extra $6 each will save you a headache at the counter should your flight be oversold. Also, if you can swing it just pack carry-ons. We just did our last trip a few weeks ago that way and I was surprised we did it. Coming from a person who packs the world, it was nice to have a limit!

 

[RumpleMom]

SWA is buying Airtran. Airtran will follow the SWA model of doing business.

I'm wondering what is going to happen at PIT?

We have both SWA and Airtran at PIT. They are the only airlines with nonstop to MCO, so now we will lose the competition between them.

Competition and the free market is always good for consumers.

 

[jessrose18]

I flew airtran this past december. Booked airfare in August and our flights never changed.....even though there was only 1 nonstop from msp the whole day, I was glad that it didnt get messed with at all. Service was good. On the flight home there was a technical issue with the dash board and they let us get off of the plane while they fixed it which was great, took about an hour. I did reserve seats ahead of time, glad I did. Paid bag fees with credit from when flight price went down and i requested the credit. Overall, really happy with them. Plus they were the cheapest.

 

[thelees]

Never had any issues with Airtran. Usually good rates and good service checking in and on the plane. I always reseve seats ahead of time. Airtran was the first airline I flew on when I took my first flight about 4 years ago. It was a good experience and I've flown with them several times since without incident.

 

[lllGurulll]

My TA got me a good rate on AT today but what is all this talk about seat assignments? How much is that and is it really that necessary?

also, I need to know as much as I can about their checked baggage policies because I am hearing they are really picky about measurements and I have a bag that is exactly 61" before it is packed.

 

[jessrose18]

My TA got me a good rate on AT today but what is all this talk about seat assignments? How much is that and is it really that necessary?

also, I need to know as much as I can about their checked baggage policies because I am hearing they are really picky about measurements and I have a bag that is exactly 61" before it is packed.

To reserve a seat on the plane (thats not in the first few rows) is $6 i think it's worth it or else they do not guarentee that you will be seated next to each other....i believe 24 hours before the flight you can check in online and choose your seat for free? dont know about checked baggage, but thier overhead bins seemed roomier than delta's. last time they said we had a full flight and would stow away any arry on baggage that people wanted for free at the gate, that was nice.

 

[LilRonGal]

Airtran is not my first choice--but I'm using them in June because I save so much more over Southwest this time around. I usually go with Southwest. I like their service, the planes seem to be a bit more roomy, and there's the lack of bag fees.

Airtran tends to nickle and dime you, and their seats are cramped (and I'm short so the legroom is something I rarely notice), and I don't think they have the best customer service. But I am willing to endure to save $500 in fares. Even with Airtran's fees, I come out ahead.

And did someone say free WiFi???

 

[verticalchaos]

I haven't flown them (and won't...these alleged "low cost" airlines drive me batty and rarely save me ANY money over the "big boys"), but...

My sister and two of her friends flew them this weekend to Ohio. Late leaving, later getting in, etc. Then one of her friends got sick and (granted stupidly on sis and pals' parts) they opted to delay their flight home. To today. (clearly they pay NO attention to weather forecasts)

Now, how long has this storm been being called for? And yet the idiots at the AirTran desk ALLOWED THEM TO CHANGE THEIR FLIGHT TO TODAY. Knowing what was predicted.

Yeah... It's stupidity on all sides, but I give very little credence to an airline that allows people to knowingly rebook onto a day when in all likelihood they'll be cancelling every flight.

 

[ccgirl]

I exclusively flew SW until November 2010. Even with the baggage and seat fees, AirTran was till cheaper. I LOVED them! I thought their customer support was wonderful. They served drinks/snacks twice when SW only did once. The biggest negative difference I found is that it does seem more crowded. Other than that, I actually preferred AirTran (and I was very surprised at that). I love having an actual seat and not hoping for the best that we sit together. I don't care where on the plane we sat so I just picked the $6 seats. If it is important you sit with your family, do purchase the seats as they will not make anyone move. Enjoy!

 

[ccgirl]

My TA got me a good rate on AT today but what is all this talk about seat assignments? How much is that and is it really that necessary?

also, I need to know as much as I can about their checked baggage policies because I am hearing they are really picky about measurements and I have a bag that is exactly 61" before it is packed.

They are very picky about baggage. As in took out a tape measure to measure the overall dimension. Make sure you don't overstuff the bag as they will charge you an oversize baggage fee.

As far as seat assignments, if you have someone you want to sit next to pay the fares. I don't care where I sit so I just pick $6 seats. Also, if you are the last to check in and don't have seats and the flight is oversold you will get bumped first. You can wait til 24 hours in advance and check in and pick your seats for free. All flights I have been on have been sold out so the only seats left at the 24 hour mark were middle seats scattered about the plane. Exit rows and seats up front are more money.

 

[lllGurulll]

I called AirTran today to ask them about seating and the lady told me that I shouldn't have a problem finding at least Pairs of seats together at the 24 hour mark and that they make sure young children are not stuck sitting alone. If this is true then I could probably just wait as there are two adults and two children in my party. Is Airtran telling me the truth here or is that not very likely on a late May flight?

As far as the my luggage issue, my large piece measures exactly 61" when empty. I am so afraid they are going to tell me it is oversized even though everytime I have flown on other airlines it was just accepted and never measured.