Just back-Quick AirTran review

[snickerboo]

For those interested in AirTran. Just did AirTran DTW (Detroit) to MCO and back. We had a good experience. We were bumped a couple of times before we left but only by a half an hour each time. The first time, it made our connection tight so I called and she switched us to a nonstop for the flight down from one stop. On the way back we had one stop in Atlanta. All flights were early to on-time, flight crew very friendly, offered pakage of pretzels and a soft drink. We had booked when you could still bring two bags and were worried we might have to prove it but when we checked in online, the computer already knew we had a two bag allowance.
All bags made all flights.

We have flown to Disney once per year for the past three years. We paid the most to fly on Delta the first year, the second year we did SW ($57 fares) and this year AirTran ($55 fares). The only one of the three that was a hassle was Delta and it was awful. We found AirTran similar to SW with some aspects of SW better and some AT better but I'd fly either again (especially at those prices!) but I will not fly Delta again by choice.

 

[nickcdn]

Was it a voluntary bump or and involuntary denied boarding? If so, what was your compensation?

Nick

 

[chasbos]

Nice to see your review! I am getting really, really tired with all the complaining about the airlines lately.

My family always fly Soutwest, Air Tran, Spirit, the odd time NWA and we have never had any big problems and I really do not foresee any.

I always go to the airport with the mentality that look, I only paid $69 to get from Detroit to Florida - as long as they get me there, things are good!

Now if I was paying top $$$ - then I would expect things to be a little different. But I am not paying for that kind of treatment - if I was flying to Australia or something that like then I would pay for some perks, but 2 hours to Florida just put me on the plane, give me a seat and wake me up when I land!

 

[crashbb]

Was it a voluntary bump or and involuntary denied boarding? If so, what was your compensation?

Nick

Given that the OP states that it was a "couple of times" and "before we left", I think the OP is using the term "bump" to mean "schedule change" as opposed to an IDB/VDB. Especially since AirTran is known for schedule changes.

 

[kristenrice]

I loved AirTran, too! I really hope that they have some nice, low fares again for June.

 

[snickerboo]

yes, sorry, should have been clearer: received the "attention: flight schedule change" email that AirTran is famous for.

I always go to the airport with the mentality that look, I only paid $69 to get from Detroit to Florida - as long as they get me there, things are good!

Here, here. I got better than what I paid for, I feel, with AirTran (and SW last year), better than when we paid to fly a major AL. I would definitely recoommend (and do!) either SW or AirTran for Disney flights, especially for Canadians willing to fly from DTW or BUF. Cost to fly Air Canada for a family of four=approx $3000, AirTran=$600, level of difference in service=none.

 

[APB513]

Thanks for the info! I'll be flying Airtran out of DTW for my trip to WDW in May. I've never flown Airtran so it's good to hear that you had a pleasant experience!