Midwest to ground all MD80's by the fall [MERGED]

[AdamsPrincess]

we booked our January flights back in February, the flights just changed to the 9:20am to 1pm, 1:35pom to 3:25. The flights times don't bother me as much because we arrive in orlando just 90 minutes later, even though we are coming home 6 hours earlier, but what got me was, my husband and I are flying with our 2 infant sons. His seats didn't change, but mine did I am in the way way back now. that will be interesting.

 

[McKelly]

we booked our January flights back in February, the flights just changed to the 9:20am to 1pm, 1:35pom to 3:25. The flights times don't bother me as much because we arrive in orlando just 90 minutes later, even though we are coming home 6 hours earlier, but what got me was, my husband and I are flying with our 2 infant sons. His seats didn't change, but mine did I am in the way way back now. that will be interesting.

This happened to us as well. We were originally all seated together, but now we are sitting apart, but still two by two, which I am thankful for. My kids are 6 and 8, but still need an adult to sit next to them. My DH and one of the kids will have to sit in the very last row. I told my DH to cheer up, at least you are right by the bathroom, because my DS is a frequent visitor. But then again, that could be a bad thing.........................

 

[AdamsPrincess]

This happened to us as well. We were originally all seated together, but now we are sitting apart, but still two by two, which I am thankful for. My kids are 6 and 8, but still need an adult to sit next to them. My DH and one of the kids will have to sit in the very last row. I told my DH to cheer up, at least you are right by the bathroom, because my DS is a frequent visitor. But then again, that could be a bad thing.........................

he is in one of the signature seats and I am in the back in a 3 row, we will have a 16 month old and a 3 month old. definitely looking into getting that fixed, we are flying with my in-laws too, I dont know where they are yet. they did this on our may flight too but were able to put us back together, so crossing my fingers...if I can ever get through!

 

[OhMari]

I'm out.
Called at 8:00 a.m. 2 busy signals, 3rd time the charm.

Spent over 30 minutes trying to figure out scenario.

We could all fly out on Nov. 7 and the boys Nov. 13. Both flights were Milwaukee to Indy and Indy to Orlando.

But we were flying home from Fort Lauderdale. They could get us out of Fort Lauderdale to Indy,on Nov. 17, but nothing from Indy to Milwaukee. We would have to pay an extra $440 a piece since there were no openings on a return flight. I really didn't understand since they couldn't get us home, why did I have to pay? But "Nancy" was really nice and we both concluded to just go with the refund in the end. She even put me on hold for 10 minutes to try to erase that extra fee. It was so complicated.

Now can anyone help me get tickets with Airtran-how reliable are they?
I found flights for $260 round trip, slightly less for the boys since they are flying on a Thursday?

 

[McKelly]

he is in one of the signature seats and I am in the back in a 3 row, we will have a 16 month old and a 3 month old. definitely looking into getting that fixed, we are flying with my in-laws too, I dont know where they are yet. they did this on our may flight too but were able to put us back together, so crossing my fingers...if I can ever get through!

Yes, I would DEFINATELY want my DH within helping distance of me with kids that small!! So he got a signature seat? They are putting people in those, you mean the ones that cost more at time of check-in? My DH told me he was going to upgrade himself and one of the kids to the signature seats so he didn't have to sit in the back, but leave me and one of the kids in coach. Nice guy!! I would love to tell him he can't do it because they are full.....................even though I already told him he can't, just because I said so , I told him to suck it up, it is only 2-3 hours. Geesh. I am just happy we are still on a plane!!!!

 

[PRINCESS VIJA]

HURRAY!!!! I got my refund!!!!


I was just checking my flight status and it said there were changes. I did not get an email. Anyway I tried getting through for about 30 minutes. and then when we got through we were on hold for about 5 minutes. All the flights were booked solid. I know she offered me 2 options, but I don't remember what option #1 was because I just wanted the refund. She said all of the flights are booked so it was either another airline or a credit, but I don't remember, I was just so focussed on getting the CREDIT! WOOOHHHOOOOO!

I am SOOOOO Happy that I took the chance and booked with another airline way early when this all started. The flights that we are on now have jumped to $100 more per person, and there are still seats available, I know that those prices are just going to jump even higher.

Good luck to everyone still searching!

 

[shyjade]

I'm out.
Called at 8:00 a.m. 2 busy signals, 3rd time the charm.

Spent over 30 minutes trying to figure out scenario.

We could all fly out on Nov. 7 and the boys Nov. 13. Both flights were Milwaukee to Indy and Indy to Orlando.

But we were flying home from Fort Lauderdale. They could get us out of Fort Lauderdale to Indy,on Nov. 17, but nothing from Indy to Milwaukee. We would have to pay an extra $440 a piece since there were no openings on a return flight. I really didn't understand since they couldn't get us home, why did I have to pay? But "Nancy" was really nice and we both concluded to just go with the refund in the end. She even put me on hold for 10 minutes to try to erase that extra fee. It was so complicated.

Now can anyone help me get tickets with Airtran-how reliable are they?
I found flights for $260 round trip, slightly less for the boys since they are flying on a Thursday?

No clue on how reliable ATA is but right now, I don't think any airline can be considered stable and secure. Midwest was the BEST, and look what happened to us?

I have rebooked our flights on ATA and sure hope they don't go belly-up before our November trip. I really don't want to have to drive from WI to Orlando...

 

[Inkmahm]

I am SOOOOO Happy that I took the chance and booked with another airline way early when this all started. The flights that we are on now have jumped to $100 more per person, and there are still seats available, I know that those prices are just going to jump even higher.

I just checked and the Air Tran flights I booked in June as backup to our December Midwest flights are now $23 higher each. Not much of a difference but I'm still glad I booked them when I did.

 

[Inkmahm]

No clue on how reliable ATA is but right now, I don't think any airline can be considered stable and secure. Midwest was the BEST, and look what happened to us?

I have rebooked our flights on ATA and sure hope they don't go belly-up before our November trip. I really don't want to have to drive from WI to Orlando...

ATA did go bellyup awhile ago. I assume you mean AirTran?

 

[VanessasMom]

Just re-booked for our September trip on American Airlines out of O'Hare. Didn't really want to go out of O'Hare, but American is pretty stable for now and I got non-stop flights at good times for only $20 more per person. We will offset the parking with a park & fly hotel which will make the hotel free and the 6:30am flight bearable. We booked 6:30am-10:00am flight down there and the 7:30pm-9:00pm flight back. Price was $239/person. Pretty happy with that. Not as happy as going on my original flights on Midwest, but not totally unhappy. It worked out ok. Still room left on the American flights. They also have some other non-stop flights out at 11:30am and back at 4pm available.

 

[CarolA]

he is in one of the signature seats and I am in the back in a 3 row, we will have a 16 month old and a 3 month old. definitely looking into getting that fixed, we are flying with my in-laws too, I dont know where they are yet. they did this on our may flight too but were able to put us back together, so crossing my fingers...if I can ever get through!

I posted this on your other thread.
Do the kids have tickets????

If not you and DH cannot sit in the same row.

It's ONE lap child per row.

 

[AdamsPrincess]

I posted this on your other thread.
Do the kids have tickets????

If not you and DH cannot sit in the same row.

It's ONE lap child per row.

never heard of that as we have flown with more than one lap child before, but my husband and I both had aisle seats so we were in 2 different rows

 

[bab31]

I'm out.
Called at 8:00 a.m. 2 busy signals, 3rd time the charm.

Spent over 30 minutes trying to figure out scenario.

We could all fly out on Nov. 7 and the boys Nov. 13. Both flights were Milwaukee to Indy and Indy to Orlando.

But we were flying home from Fort Lauderdale. They could get us out of Fort Lauderdale to Indy,on Nov. 17, but nothing from Indy to Milwaukee. We would have to pay an extra $440 a piece since there were no openings on a return flight. I really didn't understand since they couldn't get us home, why did I have to pay? But "Nancy" was really nice and we both concluded to just go with the refund in the end. She even put me on hold for 10 minutes to try to erase that extra fee. It was so complicated.


Now can anyone help me get tickets with Airtran-how reliable are they?
I found flights for $260 round trip, slightly less for the boys since they are flying on a Thursday?

I have never flown air tran- cant comment- but I would grab those tickets while they are still available. Lots of people having to move

 

[Inkmahm]

I have never flown air tran- cant comment- but I would grab those tickets while they are still available. Lots of people having to move

I agree. Lots of people trying to fly and lots less seats than there were before- if you see a good price on tickets that will work for you, grab them.

I have flown with AirTran before when I had to. Midwest was always my first choice. The airline is okay, I just don't like paying extra to pick my seats. That said, I DO like being able to pay extra to pick the exit row.

 

[Mouseaholic!!!]

I agree. Lots of people trying to fly and lots less seats than there were before- if you see a good price on tickets that will work for you, grab them.

I have flown with AirTran before when I had to. Midwest was always my first choice. The airline is okay, I just don't like paying extra to pick my seats. That said, I DO like being able to pay extra to pick the exit row.

Midwest just announced it will cut 40% of it's flights AND staff....the rumor is they could be one of the first to go.

I have just flown Air-Tran for business into Atlanta. Flights were seriously over-booked so don't be late to the airport with this airline. Otherwise, I was flying into Atlanta (not a tourist destination airport) so the schedule remained the same. If you are planning to fly into a tourist destination, I would be prepared for schedule changes....just check often.


We have all been told (USA Today and Peter Greenberg) that the changes will begin with flight schedules and layoffs around September 15th.

Look for an airline that has the most on-hand cash and a strong stock price. You also may want to consider trip insurance. If crude prices remain above $100 p/barrel there are up to 5 carriers that are expected to have a very tough fall and winter. Yes, that was a statement in early March about oil prices above only $100 p/barrel.

 

[goofy4tink]

never heard of that as we have flown with more than one lap child before, but my husband and I both had aisle seats so we were in 2 different rows

I believe it is because of the oxygen masks...there are only so many per row. But, I could be wrong.

 

[sksjasams]

In reply to JACKie SPARROW... I had booked our flight way back in beg of April, departing MKE 11/27. I FINALLY got thru after a busy signal for hours. There are NO flights from MKE to MCO on 11/27 at all anymore. I got a full refund. I had to get "supervisor approval" to get our $30 ($10 per ticket) in booking fees refunded, if you can believe it. They were actually going to keep our $30. Anyway, I did end up booking same flight dates thru AirTran, minimal change in times, we will arrive 1 hour later and depart 1 hour earlier. I guess it could be worse. I just pray AirTran will not suddenly announce flight cuts as well...

Good luck to all!!!

 

[AdamsPrincess]

I posted this on your other thread.
Do the kids have tickets????

If not you and DH cannot sit in the same row.

It's ONE lap child per row.

Actually this is wrong...I just got off the phone with midwest and they have never heard of this One Lap Child per row...they said they actually try to keep families with small children together. So I don't know where you got your information from but you might want to stop giving advice especially since it is wrong!

Yes...finally got threw, have been calling since 8am and now 12:48pm. I talked to Joan and she was so awesome!

 

[brandylouwho]

After a few hours of holding yesterday and a busy signal all morning today--

I finally got through to Midwest--they did have us rebooked on a different flight, but we had already decided to add a day to our trip now (yay!)and book through Delta. It is only about $100 more total and we will get more time at WDW. The layover won't be the end of the world, the kids will be able to get their wiggles out.

I was lucky enough to be able to get the same room on 12/13 (a value 1 bedroom at AKV--something there is not many of) so I feel like it was all "meant to be."

Now let's hope Delta gets me there (times can change, but just get me there & home)! I know no airline is immune to these oil prices, but I gotta gamble on one of them, right?

 

[crashbb]

Actually this is wrong...I just got off the phone with midwest and they have never heard of this One Lap Child per row...they said they actually try to keep families with small children together. So I don't know where you got your information from but you might want to stop giving advice especially since it is wrong!

Yes...finally got threw, have been calling since 8am and now 12:48pm. I talked to Joan and she was so awesome!

Cannot find anything on the Midwest site, but Jet Blue, Frontier, and United (only three I've checked) all state on their websites that there can only be one lap child per row due to the oxygen masks.

Perhaps Midwest doesn't care if you have to chose one child to have no air to breathe.