Had anyone used AirTran Airways?

[anny_c_99]

I can get a very good deal for our trip in Sept. and was wondering if anyone had used them before, and what you think about them?
TIA.

 

[Skroops]

We've used them a couple of times out of MSP. They were fine. They did change our flight a few weeks prior to departure, move us to a late night flight and notify via e-mail. That flight they moved us to didn't work for me. I called and firmly (but nicely) requested to be put on the earlier flight (after I checked their schedule on-line) and they did it.
As with every airline, schedules change. Keep an eye on it and expect it. If it doesn't, no harm done.
Great deal? I'd jump on it!!
Good luck!

 

[kkmauch]

I have used Air tran a few times within the last year. What I would say is this... Airtran has good prices on their flights, usually hard to beat. But, be prepared to have your flight changed multiple times between when you book and when you actually board the flight. My flight from Atlanta to D.C. was even changed when I arrived at Atlanta, after I had checked in. So, just be ready for that and be sure to check back often to be sure your flights still exist. They are good about getting you on other flights and will work with you for refunds/exchanges/etc, but go into it knowing this is a distinct possibility.

 

[anny_c_99]

I have used Air tran a few times within the last year. What I would say is this... Airtran has good prices on their flights, usually hard to beat. But, be prepared to have your flight changed multiple times between when you book and when you actually board the flight. My flight from Atlanta to D.C. was even changed when I arrived at Atlanta, after I had checked in. So, just be ready for that and be sure to check back often to be sure your flights still exist. They are good about getting you on other flights and will work with you for refunds/exchanges/etc, but go into it knowing this is a distinct possibility.

This is our very first time flying, and now I'm wondering if any of this does happen, will I 'freak out" about it.
Would either on of you (kkmauch), use their services again?
I am really nervous about flying, can you tell?

 

[bavaria]

This is our very first time flying, and now I'm wondering if any of this does happen, will I 'freak out" about it.
Would either on of you (kkmauch), use their services again?
I am really nervous about flying, can you tell?

Be aware that schedule changes are a reality with almost any airline, and one of the realities of booking far in advance.

If you think that you will 'freak out' you may want to consider your reaction. There are many things which can and do go wrong with travelling, and if you 'freak out' it will make things much more difficult for you.

Be prepared for changes and be prepared to handle them calmly. There was a recent thread by someone who had siginficant schedule changes - she came here looking for advice and contacted the airline in a calm and reasonable manner. End result was that she ended up on better flights.

 

[bavaria]

Here is the thread I referenced in how to best deal with schedule changes

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1362884&page=2

 

[bavaria]

other AirTran threads
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=485425&referrerid=&highlight=anyone%2Bairtran

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=600108&referrerid=&highlight=anyone%2Bairtran

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1328967&referrerid=&highlight=anyone%2Bairtran

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1240811&referrerid=&highlight=anyone%2Bairtran

there are at least 10 pages of this question - if you use the search tool and enter 'anyone+airtran' you will see them. It's a very frequent thread topic - hope that helps

 

[Deb in IA]

We've flown on them once before, and will fly on AirTran again next month.


I agree with the statment that most airlines will have some changes to your schedule. We've had this with every airline we've flown. As long as you give them your contact info (e-mail or phone number) they are all very good in notifying you in advance about any changes.

Sometimes the changes are just changing the flight number, and sometimes they just change the departure times by a few minutes.

Really, don't "freak out". It should be OK.

 

[mrsmom]

I used airtran in Nov and i am using them again in April. they only changed our flight times by less than 10 minutesin Nov and haven't changes any time yet for April.. I really enjoy airtran flight.
Kim

 

[kkmauch]

I've used Airtran quite a bit the last year. Yes, I would use them again without hesitation. The only reason for pause that I ever have with them is that it has been my experience that every time I book the last flight out of MCO to MSP it is canceled and I am forced to either leave very early in the day or very early the next morning. This is not a problem for me and I have no worries about booking with them.

I would say that there are not that many airlines, at least in my experience, that change schedules with as much consistency as Airtran. In Mpls, the flights we have to pick from are limited to NWA, Sun Country, Airtran and US Air. The others tend to be far too expensive. With ragard to our choices, Airtran is the ONLY one I have EVER experienced SIGNIFICANT flight schedule changes. NWA moves by an hour or less, Sun Country has never changed for me, US Air bumped me to a direct flight after over-booking, and Airtran is a totally different story.

It's all about how you handle change. For the lower fare, I am willing to gamble with my flight times.