ATA out of Midway

[f0rdfx4]

I have read that ATA has gotten some new planes in the last 3 years... This is my first time flying with ATA.... Normally I flew SW... I read something about pop down video screens? I am guessing you get to watch movies on your way down to Orlando... Anyone know????

Thanks

 

[f0rdfx4]

Ok how about just ATA in general then? Anyone seen what I am talking about?

 

[jlelijah]

They're small screens about every fourth or fifth row on each side of the aisle. On flights from Chicago to Orlando, they show television shows like Friends and Sponge Bob, and some sports competitions like soccer and moto racing, but not full-length movies. You can buy a set of earphones to listen to either music stations or what is being shown on the screen. After you buy a set of headphones, you can use those headphones on all future ATA flights.

Hope that helps.

 

[jlelijah]

Sorry. Forgot to mention that the earphones cost $2. The flight attendants will sell them just before the screens start showing the shows.

 

[f0rdfx4]

Sweet... Thanks for the reply.... So basically if you want to watch it you should prolly board early and get a good seat for it...

Thanks again

 

[jlambrig]

There are enough screens throughout the plane that it is easy to see. Plus ATA has assigned seating so you can't just board early to get the seat you want.

 

[jlelijah]

You can see one of the screens from any seat on the plane. One thing I noticed is that in some rows the closest screen is right overhead and is so close that the picture looks somewhat distorted. It's best to be in a seat that is one or two rows away from one of the screens, if that's possible. On full flights you'll be seating in your assigned seat, so you won't have a choice in which screen to watch.

 

[disneyatheart]

We use to fly Southwest Airlines out of Midway (2 out of 5 trips this past year), but switched to ATA because of the times of flights. Yes, there are televisions and we use the same headphones we bought with our initial flight. The only downfall to ATA (having two kids under the age of 5) is that ATA's planes have assigned seating and to the best of my knowledge they do not have the last row of seats facing each other that provides more leg room and ideal for families. With Southwest, there is no assigned seating.

We like both airlines alot (actually we have the SW rapid reward card and ccard and have already earned one free ticket and working towards another soon).

We flew out of OHare with Spirit airlines too this past May for the first time and enjoyed their service as well. Family members feel more comfortable coming to Midway to drop off/pick up.

I hope this helps.

 

[f0rdfx4]

I got my tickets online... It doesnt say anything about what seats... I must be getting them assigned to me once I pick up my tickets at the airport... I really love Midway... Your right... Family likes picking us up there because it is alittle easier...

 

[inkkognito]

f0rdfx4,
If you have a reservation but don't have assigned seats, just call ATA and they'll do it over the phone. If you do it at the airport, you run the risk of having your party split up.
Hubby and I go to Orlando an average of once a month, and we almost always fly ATA. We have had great luck with them. They fly mostly 757-300 and 737-800 aircraft...gorgeous new planes with the video screens and leather seats with adjustable headrests. Their on-time record has been very good for us. They're a no-frills airline, but they're dependable and their prices are reasonable so that works for me!
As a matter of fact, we're flying them again tomorrow night.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[f0rdfx4]

Thanks for letting me know... I just called them to make sure we didnt get seated apart. She is scared to death of flying and wanted to make sure she was right next to me... I been watching www.flightview.com since i reserved with ATA and it appears they have trouble getting off early in the morning.... I hope it clears up by Nov.... Thanks for everyones help. You all have been great...

Thanks again

Jason

 

[inkkognito]

Interesting website!
We used to take ATA's first flight out of Midway (Chicago) for our Disney cruises prior to 9/11, and they were always on time. But now we fly in the night before (usually last flight out of the night), so we don't have any recent experience with the early ones. The only two significant delays we have ever experienced were weather-related. Other than that, we had a 45 minute take-off delay in the afternoon once due to a minor mechanical problem and that's about it.
Here's a good website for fearful flyers (like me):
www.fearofflyinghelp.com
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[f0rdfx4]

Yea I really like that website... You refresh about ever 2 min or so and it gives you new stats... Kinda neat.....