Midwest/Airtran merger-will it make a difference?

[swilphil]

There are talks again about Airtran taking over Midwest Airlines. We have DIRECT flights for Easter 2008 on Midwest. Is there a chance the flights would change if the takeover goes through? I'm concerned about the direct flight from KC to MCO being changed to one with a layover in Milwaukee or some northern city, which is something both airlines do when flying from KC to Florida--don't ask me why?

If they do cancel my direct flight would they give me a full refund? The whole reason I booked this flight was because it was direct. I don't want to take any chances of missing our cruise in March.

 

[gw_lit]

Honestly, I don't think anyone knows the answer to this... not even AirTran or Midwest. There's a chance the flights will be changed even if a merger doesn't occur. Generally, if your flights change and you will get to your destination more than an hour or two either side of your original arrival time, you'll be able to get a refund. Of course, at that point, you're at the mercy of the market prices to get other airfare.

Also, direct and non-stop are not the same. Direct means, you stay on the same plane, but may have a stop at an intermediate airport. Non-stop means you leave from the departure airport and don't land until your arrival airport.

 

[bicker]

I agree that there is no way to know now what will happen between now and then.

One note: I think Airtran is one of the airlines that does not grant refunds in cases of substantial schedule changes. I'm not sure about Midwest.

 

[keishashadow]

AT will refund fare if flight times are changed, need to be persistent and hold your ground.

Otherwise, it's not uncommon for flights (even direct ones) to be cancelled and other flight times changed substantially. We had a flight last year alter @ least 6 times, over 8 hours @ one point.

Rarely, do we get an email indicating such.

Booked a flight for early last January & flight time changed the day before (moved it up 1/2 hour)...could've been a problem - glad i checked it one last time before trip.