ATA opinions?

[Brian Noble]

Anyone flown them recently? Opinions?

 

[Ralph&Pam]

We have been flying ATA out of Chicago Midway (MDW) 3 or 4 times a year to Orlando (MCO). Our last trip was in June, next trip will be in January. The service has been generally acceptable. Usually on-time except when weather problems cause backups or flights to be cancelled. Flying out of Chicago, there is always some chance of this during the winter months, but ATA does not appear to be any worse than the other carriers in this regard. Equipment is very up-to-date, including 737s and 757s. The newest planes have comfortable leather seating. On-board service is the usual discount carrier stuff, drinks and light snacks; no meals on the MDW-MCO route. Baggage handling for checked bags is okay for pick-up at the MCO end. The baggage return wait at MDW is really quite bad in most cases. We frequently have waited 45 minutes after arrival before the bags start arriving in the baggage claim area. This has been a continuing disappointment, but it doesn't deter us from continuing to book ATA.

Like a good number of other airlines, ATA is experiencing cash flow problems and has announced various plans to improve operational efficiency. This may involve a Chapter 11 filing by sometime early next year, although they continue to negotiate with their various unions regarding compensation reductions as a way to head this off. There may be some schedule changes and reductions in flight frequency and cities served, particularly for less popular destinations. I'm assuming that the MDW-MCO route will not be much affected, since this type of leisure travel is the bread-and-butter of ATA's route structure. I think they've run into some problems by expanding routes and attempting to serve additional markets dominated more by business travelers. One strategy may be that they return to their core leisure-oriented business in the future.

Ralph

 

[inkkognito]

We fly ATA so often (at least twice a month) that we were among their first Elite Class members, so I know quite a bit about them! In general, we are pleased with them. Their on time record has been good for us, with the exception of unavoidable delays. That's almost always due to the weather...it's only been mechanical twice. Our worst delay was a 6 hour diversion to Rockford, caused by thunderstorms. We love the stretch 757 planes, although by Nov. all of their planes will have the first three rows turned into business class. The other front rows are held for Elite flyers. We always do online check-in, which allows you to change seats (even to an exit row) 24 hours in advance. I'm a little worried about the bankruptcy thing, but I feel a little better that ATA just renewed the charter contract with the government.
Barb

 

[inkkognito]

Forgot to add...they sell snack packs (chip & salsa, candy bar, raisins, peanut butter crackers, an a godly M & M shortbread bar) and sandwich packs on some MDW/MCO flights for $5.
Barb

 

[Maude4Disney]

I just flew ATA for the first time last week. DH flies them for business occassionally and has always been pleased. Other than the small plane out of our local airport to Chicago I was pleased with them. And there was really nothing wrong with the smaller plane, I just don't fly that often and am more comfortable on the bigger jets. Our flight to MCO did have meals for sale or a snack pack for $5, but not on the return trip back. We will probably fly them again, depends on who has the best airfare when we're ready to book again.