AirTran

[JennyT2]

Hi .... has anyone flown AirTran lately? We normally fly SW out of Buffalo but right now both the flights are $180 each which is outrageous. I don't think I have ever paid more than $100 each way. So AirTran is $100 for a non stop but then they have increase baggage fees to $25. So still saving money. So my questions are - how have the flights been, and can you still use DME when flying AirTran ... I think it's yes? Thanks

 

[katallo]

We have flown Air Tran many times with no problems. We are flying AT this trip because of prices. Even with a baggage fee it was so much less expensive than SWA. Thanks for info about the fees. I'm assuming this means if you booked prior to 12/15, the baggage fee remains $20 for the first bag.

"Effective for tickets purchased on or after December 15, 2012, for travel on or after February 13, 2013, first checked bag fee is $25 and second checked bag fee is $35 when bag fees apply"

 

[partypa]

We use Air Tran and or Southwest quite a bit, they are both fine, go with the cheapest fare, taking into account those baggage fees of course. Yes, anyone staying at a Disney Resort can use the Magical Express. AirTran is included in the Airline departure Check in at your Disney Resort

 

[JennyT2]

Thank you everyone! Booked my flight down today and may play roulette with the return

 

[kstorms27]

We just just flew on Airtran from Michigan the first week in December and had no problems with DME going to our resort, or going back to the airport.

 

[bbwex]

We just got back from WDW and a cruise having flown both ways with AirTran. Additionally, I have used them various times in the past. They have always been a good airline, and the only complaint I ever had was that their standard announcements (seat belts, emergency exits, etc.) always seemed to have an "edge" years ago. That has seemed to disappear, and their service is as pleasant as any other airline. Bear in mind that AirTran has been purchased by Southwest, and the integration is an on-going process. I look for the service end of things to improve to Southwest's standards.

 

[lylone]

"I look for the service end of things to improve to Southwest's standards."

I wonder what makes you think that SW standards will be an improvement? I haven't noticed any service issues with Airtran...and was wondering what great improvements SW will bring.

Free bags and "cattle call" boarding?

 

[PatMcDuck]

I also "had" to book Air Tran from PHL to WDW in March, but we are returning on Southwest.

And yes, I look forward to Air Tran becoming SW! I prefer the no penalty to change flights, the free baggage, and I like the boarding. It is fast to board on SW, people board faster when they are grabbing seats.

 

[Dis_Dreamin]

"I look for the service end of things to improve to Southwest's standards."

I wonder what makes you think that SW standards will be an improvement? I haven't noticed any service issues with Airtran...and was wondering what great improvements SW will bring.

Free bags and "cattle call" boarding?

Last time I flew SW, there was no "cattle call". Everyone lined up in order of the letter group and number on their tickets. First one on the plane picked their seats first. Next one on the plane got their choice of whatever is left...and so on until the last person was on. Only saw a couple people looking to swap seats (I didn't offer since they were in a middle and I prefer window). I saw fewer people milling about by the gate waiting to get in and fewer people trying to board in the wrong groups.

oh, and the bags were free.

 

[lylone]

I like the option of being able to choose where I sit when I book a flight. I guess I haven't had to change my flight unless I get to the airport early and I ask about changing to an ealier flight, but didn't pay extra for that. And I have heard of situations where boarding wasn't orderly and there were incidents where people were pressured to change seats for families to sit together.
I guess we can agree to disagree on the boarding policy.

But what is the better service you speak of? Do they give out better snacks?