Airtran?

[meloneyb21]

Even though we have always flied Southwest, all if these recent fuselage developments have been making me nervous about our August trip, sooooo I was considering Airtran. How have your experiences been with them?

Thanks

 

[mickey2000]

This is suppose to be the troubled plane.

A total of 288 Boeing 737-300s currently operate in the U.S. fleet, and 931 operate worldwide, according to the FAA.

 

[Nancy F]

We only fly Airtran. Twice a year since 05 and really haven't had any problems except one flight delay due to weather in Philly.
Nancy

 

[OThopeful35]

I flew Airtran last year on our trip to the world and I had a really bad experience with them on the going trip and the return trip. So, no, I will never fly them again, however, my niece loves Airtran.

 

[minnierocks]

Just flew with them last week...and had no problems. I wouldn't hesitate to fly with them again.

 

[GCM]

My family has flown Airtran twice and had no problems. There were several flight time changes, but they were only within a few minutes of each other, so that was no big deal for us. We had excellent service every time.

 

[Dan Murphy]

In the past, I had always flown Midwest Airlines, a truly superb airlines, out of Milwaukee, and a hard act to follow. When they were absorbed by Frontier a few years ago, I started with AirTran. I have had about 6-8 round trips with them, almost as good as Midwest. They are good.

 

[aubriee]

Personally I love Air Tran. I fly four-six times a year with them. Now this past Dec they did change my nonstop/direct flight to one with a layover in Atlanta, but their customer service is great. If they change your time by just a few minutes, they will let you choose another flight, fly out on a different day, or even change airports for free. If none of those options work for you they'll refund your money. Other than the one time in Dec though, my flights have never changed by more than maybe 30 minutes at the most.

Also last Dec for the first time I saw them measuring checked bags. I've flown once with them since then though and didn't see it. You still need to make sure your checked bag is no bigger than 61" though, including wheels, handles, and any bulges.

Anyway we love Air Tran and are really dreading when Southwest takes them over.

 

[Lewisc]

I don't think the fares we're paying allows the airlines to budget any maintenance over and above the minimum required by the FAA.

 

[jemmouse]

Don't like AirTrans at all! They nickel and dime you for EVERYTHING. My DH flies weekly for his job and has NEVER ever seen the counter person get out a measuring tape and measured our luggage. Or rather my suitcase. It was 1/4 inch over the allotted size, or so she says, have used it on Southwest and United NEVER no problems but she charged us $49.00 for it, I was floored. DH who is generally very reserved even said something. The plane to me seems very old, very narrow seats.

I have several friends who also say they don't think it is very family friendly, they switch flights or cancel them a little to often for me. I don't need that added stress when my action is near.

 

[meloneyb21]

I HAVE heard about them changing times, so I am definitely concerned about that. Otherwise, I only fly once a year when we go to Disney, so I don't know much about airlines. I never had a problem with Southwest but.......

 

[Jestocost]

FWIW, AirTran (formerly ValuJet, if you remember that) is in the process of being acquired by SWA.

 

[ancestry]

I've never had issues with AirTran on the actual day of flight. I've been quite please with them as far as the actual travel goes.

HOWEVER, their schedule changes in advance of the actual flight have been awful. Not sure if my home airport has a high level of AirTran flight changes or if it has just been my luck with AirTran.

My favorite airline is JetBlue although AirTran is often cheaper (even considering seats and luggage).

I now will only book AirTran if the flight times aren't crucial to my schedule. If the flight times are important and we are booking more than 30 days out then I usually choose another airline. I have never had flight time changes on JetBlue or if I have they have been by minutes rather than 5 or 6 hours like on AirTran.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

Depending on when you fly...it may be the same airline! They will be one airline within the next year.

 

[GaSleepingBeautyFan]

I've flown primarily Airtran over the past 4 years. I really like them and have had no problems at all.
I'm going to be sad when SW takes over.

 

[HsvTeacher]

We've flown four roundtrips with AirTran this year and one roundtrip with Southwest. We prefer AirTran. We have been able to get really inexpensive tickets, and we make sure to upgrade to Business Class ($49) each time we fly. Since we upgrade, we get to check bags for free. We've also earned two free tickets, too.

The only bad experience we had was when one of the flight attendants was snotty to my DH, because he had too many carry-ons. The extra item was a medical device that cannot be checked, and when he explained that to her, she started questioning him about it in front of everyone. AirTran gave us a $100 voucher for his embarrassment.

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://pressroom.airtran.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=201565&p=irol-newsArticle&ID=1545725&highlight=

 

[CJK]

Thanks for all the info. I usually fly Southwest to MCO, but their prices are almost double Air Tran right now!! I'm a little worried about them changing the flight schedule last minute, however. For this particular trip, we're under a tight schedule with extended family, so we can't be late. Decisions, decisions!

 

[Charleneluvsdisney]

We've flown four roundtrips with AirTran this year and one roundtrip with Southwest. We prefer AirTran. We have been able to get really inexpensive tickets, and we make sure to upgrade to Business Class ($49) each time we fly. Since we upgrade, we get to check bags for free. We've also earned two free tickets, too.


Can I ask how you upgrade to Business class and when? I am already booked, but I don't see how to upgrade?

 

[Dan Murphy]

http://www.airtran.com/business_class.aspx

24 hours before your flight, do your online checkin. You will be able to upgrade there.