Any experience with AirTran out of Indy or Bloomington, IL?

[momsgoofy]

I was just looking at airfare for our December trip (12/18 - 12/25) and found some great fares with AirTran...the nearest airports are Indianapolis and Bloomington, IL...not a huge deal considering we drive at least 2.5 hours to the nearest airport anyway. I've been reading some previous threads here about AirTran, but most deal refer to Eastern departure locations...not many midwest other than Moline...so does anyone have experience traveling AirTran with the two cities I am looking at?

I would appreciate any comments, both good and bad, because it's how I can learn more about AirTran in order to make an informed decision.

Thanks a bunch!

 

[Tinks]

Our family has flown Airtran out of Bloomington many times. We've only had one bad experience with them and that was checking in for our flight home out of Orlando. It took 2 hours to get through the line and then when we got to Bloomington, they lost our carseat. I was peeved, but we've used them several times since and haven't had a single problem.

Are you aware that Allegiant Airlines now has a nonstop to Orlando from Peoria? The round trip is less than Airtran. The only drawback is that their schedule is limited (No flights on Monday - Wednesday) and it flies into the Sanford Airport, which could be a pro depending on your outlook. Allegiant flight times are great.

Good luck deciding!

 

[Snurk71]

We're here in Bloomington and love the airport. We've chosen Airtran over AA the past few years due to the nonstop flights. (They have cut back on the days they offer the nonstop, and the time back from MCO to BMI on the nonstop is rather early in our opinion (I think 11:30) - it limits what we do that last day in the World.) We have enjoyed using Airtran and the airport is great - small, no crowds, and free parking.

 

[momsgoofy]

Thanks for the replies. I really appreciate it!

I honestly hadn't considered Bloomington for a departure city until I went to the AT site and saw it listed. For us Peoria is a bit far...we live down by Carbondale, so Bloomington is still almost a 4 hour drive, but if I can save a bundle it's only a couple hours more drive than St. Louis so what the hey.

Again, thanks!

 

[Traveliz]

I love love love using Airtran out of Bloomington. The airport is soooo easy and convenient. We have only had minor inconveniences -- a delay once while a light was changed on the plane -- nothing big.

Liz

 

[Coll0610]

We've flown AirTran out of Bloomington 7 times in the past 6 years and have never had a real problem. Once our flight from Orlando to Atlanta was late but they held our connecting flight to Bloomington so it was no problem. Another time my suitcase went to Denver instead of Bloomington but it got here the next day.

Parking is free at the Bloomington airport and it's pretty small so you don't have to be there quite as early as you would at one of the bigger airports. The donut shop is open before the early flight in case you need a donut to get going in the morning.

 

[NancyIL]

I have flown roundtrip between Orlando and Indy, and one way from DFW to Bloomington. AirTran has been just fine.