Icky icky AirTran!

[Minnie_me]

First of all, I should say that overall, our experience with AirTran was positive.

But my 6-year old DD and I really suffered through our first flight (almost 2 hours from Western NY to Atlanta), and no one would do anything to help us.

We were seated in the first row of coach, directly behind the business class section. So the little curtain was hanging there to keep us from seeing what goes on up there - LOL. But here's the thing: that little curtain was abso-freakin-lutely FILTHY. I mean FILTHY! And what's worse - - it REEKED of VOMIT! And what's even worse -- the thing that fastened it to the seats in front of us was ripped, so that dirty smelly thing was hanging in our faces for the whole flight, just inches from our noses. EEWWW!!!

When I tried to fix it by -- yes, touching it! EWWWW! - - tying it to the side, I was reprimanded by a flight attendant. She stated that FAA regulations required it to be in place. I pointed out that it wasn't "in place" because the tie was ripped. I also told her that it was filthy and smelled terrible. She said that there was nothing she could do.

I'm pretty annoyed. I did email the company to complain. Haven't heard anything yet.

 

[mika911]

That is disgusting. I'd try to find the CEO's email address.

 

[traci]

the smell of vomit would make me vomit. ugh that is just GROSS.

 

[seashoreCM]

She said that there was nothing she could do..

That's a lie.

Could she have reseated you?

Or at the very least required that the seat the curtain was attached to be fully forward (upright)?

Or replaced the curtain with a blanket?

Disney hints: http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm

 

[mika911]

On Seatguru, they seem to try to push one away from that front row because of the curtain. More reason to get the $5 seat assignments I guess.

 

[abk96]

Oh I'm so sorry about your flight. That would really make me sick too.

Thanks for telling us about it, so we can avoid the first row from now on.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

It is my understanding that since 9/11, most US airlines no longer use these curtains, and I have never seen them closed on any flight since then.

 

[slbeaute]

Unfortunately - not surprised. We had very unpleasant dealings with them last summer that I won't go into again. We e-mailed, tried calling, writing, about a much more serious problem with one of their employees, though the vomit thing is pretty gross and would have ruined my trip too. We never heard a thing back from them, not even an acknowledgment. My husband will not even consider flying with them again. I have heard others in different parts of the country that have great flights and experiences with Airtran.

 

[TMB1203]

I flew them for the first time in Feb. with no problems so I decided to fly them again in Nov.

This story may convince me to purchase my seats in advance to avoid a situation similar to the OP!! That's gross!!

 

[refillable mug]

Yes. Definately spend the extra $ to avoid them seats.