new high in lows for AirTran

[Suellen]

It's not just here. People are mean all over disboards.

It's too bad ~ I am sure it scares a lot of people from being a contributing factor here.

I am 100% there are tons of lurkers who are afraid to post.

 

[maxiesmom]

I don't think anyone here has been mean. I think some people see having a different point of view as mean.

The statement there is no pixie dust on the transportation board is true. But we would be doing no one any favors if we just blindly agreed with whatever someone else posts. And as bad of an experience as the OP feels she had, the fact is every major airline will do what Air Tran did to the OP. And the OP does shoulder some of the blame as it is apparent she either didn't read or didn't understand the Contract of Carriage.

Saying Air Tran is just a bunch of meanies would get us nowhere. It would not change how Air Tran delt with the OP's issue. And if we all jumped on the blame Air Tran bandwagon, and the OP used a different air carryer and the same thing happened (which it could!) then what service did we do her?

You cannot let pure emotion rule how you travel by air. You need to know and understand the facts of air travel. And the facts are most airlines will change flight times. With them loosing money it would be beyond foolish for them to fly planes that were not full. Departure times and connecting or non-connecting flights are all subject to change, which is spelled out in the Contract of Carriage. If you choose to not read it, or don't understand it and don't have someone explain it to you then you have no one else to blame but yourself for any grief you run into by your misunderstanding or ignorance.

Not trying to be rude, but trying to be matter of fact. Know what you are buying when it comes to air travel. Don't blame the airline for acting in its own best interests.

 

[dacky041208]

Okay, I'll say it.....There's no pixie dust on the transportation board!

I just think it is a shame that most of the problems brought up in this thread could have easily been prevented if people would have just looked into what they were doing.

I try to avoid AirTran, but when have flown them, I know to watch the schedules and if they change our flights, call, and they are willing to work things out. I learned that a few years ago here on the disboards. What the boards lack in pixie dust, it makes up with tons of great info for those willing to search for it.

 

[valeriekc]

Okay, I'll say it.....There's no pixie dust on the transportation board!

If there was pixie dust then none of us would have to endure commercial air travel would we!

 

[tj4disney]

I don't think anyone here has been mean. I think some people see having a different point of view as mean.

The statement there is no pixie dust on the transportation board is true. But we would be doing no one any favors if we just blindly agreed with whatever someone else posts. And as bad of an experience as the OP feels she had, the fact is every major airline will do what Air Tran did to the OP. And the OP does shoulder some of the blame as it is apparent she either didn't read or didn't understand the Contract of Carriage.

Saying Air Tran is just a bunch of meanies would get us nowhere. It would not change how Air Tran delt with the OP's issue. And if we all jumped on the blame Air Tran bandwagon, and the OP used a different air carryer and the same thing happened (which it could!) then what service did we do her?

You cannot let pure emotion rule how you travel by air. You need to know and understand the facts of air travel. And the facts are most airlines will change flight times. With them loosing money it would be beyond foolish for them to fly planes that were not full. Departure times and connecting or non-connecting flights are all subject to change, which is spelled out in the Contract of Carriage. If you choose to not read it, or don't understand it and don't have someone explain it to you then you have no one else to blame but yourself for any grief you run into by your misunderstanding or ignorance.

Not trying to be rude, but trying to be matter of fact. Know what you are buying when it comes to air travel. Don't blame the airline for acting in its own best interests.

The point of the original post was to express frustration with AirTran. It was not for lack of understanding AirTran's rights. This is the third time in the last 18 months that I've tried to fly with AirTran. The first time flight times changed, but it all worked out. The second time, I booked with them and when they cancelled flights and changed schedules, I was able to cancel, get a refund, and go an another airline. However, this time I'm stuck. So, 3 times in 18 months...1 success, 1 cancellation, 1 "wish it worked to cancel". Not a great track record...thus the reason I'm done with them.

So, I'm well aware of their rights, and their tendency to invoke those rights. I just got burned this time. In my opinion, it just doesn't make much sense for a company to inject that much uncertainty for their customers. At some point, it's just not worth it anymore. Sure, some people will still put up with it, and that's fine. But my opinion is that AirTran may not have a long-term business model that will work. They are not a bunch of meanies...they are just not good at running a business. While airlines (and all businesses, for that matter) need to ultimately work in their own best interest, there is such a thing as "customer satisfaction" that comes into play for businesses. Mess with that enough, and you've got problems.

And the argument that "all airlines do it" just doesn't cut it for me. That is, as I stated earlier, it's a matter of degree, as I do know that other airlines have issues too. However, after flying regularly for a couple decades, I've never run into issues like I've had with AirTran in 18 months. That tells me it's something systemic, and not just a few cases here and there.

 

[goofy4tink]

I'm home after flying for the first time with AirTran. Would I fly with them again? Yes. I had no issues. When I checked in, online 24 hrs beforehand (and yes, I did pay an addtl $20 for my exit row window seat), I found that I was in zone 99. Really? Just how long is this plane going to be????
When I got to the airport, I waited until they started boarding to check and see what zone I was really in. The gate attendant, who seemed to be having a less than stellar day, told me I was in zone 1, so could board then. But, she certainly didn't have a perky attitude..somewhat grumpy. Now it was only 9am!!!! Much better attitudes when confronting SW and JB gate attendents. But other than that, all went fine. BUT...I did book just 10 days in advance, so not much room for them to change anything and I did book a connecting flight, which I seldom do but wanted to keep the costs down.

Really everyone...it's all about informing yourself about what the deal is, with each airline, before flying. You need to know all the possibilities. But, we sometimes get conplacent and just don't give any thought to the airlines making changes...and make changes they do. I think Delta and AirTran are the worst from my experiences. But, most do make a change or two..with the possible exception of SW.

But...long story short....do your homework before flying and/or booking that flight. It will pay off in the long run.

No one has been mean here..just trying to stick to 'facts' rather than emotion. And that's where we have gotten our 'no pixiedust on the transportation board' reputation. It just doesn't pay off to be all warm and fuzzy when talking about something this important.

 

[kaytieeldr]

You cannot let pure emotion rule how you travel by air.

When you think about it, this is true of travel, period (well, life, really - but we're just talking about transportation ).

A couple of years ago, I was going to Las Vegas in December with plans to arrive late in the evening and rent a car, then drive to my hotel by midnight. The best-laid plans...

• All flights the day before had be candelled for weather (this plane full);
• Plane took off on time;
• Unscheduled but prealerted refueling stop made - strong headwinds (choice between that and not making it to destination )
• Wait for deicing
• Arrive after midnight
• Line up for car rental 1:30 two agents on duty
• One agent leaves 2 AM, not replaced
• Complete paperwork 3:30 AM, go up to garage, no cars
• Return to counter 3:35, get told to see supervisor in garage
• Find supervisor 3:45
• Given "choice" of ONLY cleaned and returned car - the one with squealing brakes
• Arrive at hotel 4:15 AM (now awake over 24 hours straight, driving unfamiliar roads)

I could have had a variety of reactions. I could have gotten emotional. I could have caused a scene. I could have come here and complained about either or both companies ("stupid airline we paid for nonstop and they made us stop somewhere" never mind it was for safety) - but what good would that have done?
Nope, instead, when I returned the car (at a better-staffed time), I explained my experience to a manager - and that person discounted my total bill.

Yes, I know it's not the same as not sitting with one's toddler on a plane.

 

[toywaltz]

Really? All the SW maintenance issues don't bother you at all? Why not?

Like I said, I'm familiar with the airline biz and aircraft and I think a lot of it was blown out of proportion. They don't have planes falling out of the sky or 100 emergency landings in a year....and like I said Airtran does not concern me NOW. I will hop most any plane/airline and don't concern myself too much. I'm on small biz-jets and twin-props fairly regularly and in general those have much lower safety histories than commercial airliners. I take more diligence when putting the family on a plane and IMHO the more senior staff, long-standing safety history, and more comfortable planes make SW a better choice even if the price is higher. If it comes down to Airtran being the only one flying direct to where we're going...then we'll take them. I avoid flying the family on regional airlines as well, but sometimes you just have to use them.

 

[kaytieeldr]

It's not just here. People are mean all over disboards.

It's not mean (the DIS has guidelines). Blunt, truthful, possibly offering responses an original poster doesn't want to hear - but not mean.

If you choose to not read it, or don't understand it and don't have someone explain it to you

That "someone" can easily be the airline's Customer Service Reps. If you have ANY questions - not simply pricing or ticket-related - call. If the person on the phone can't answer you, they can FIND the answer.

So, I'm well aware of their rights, and their tendency to invoke those rights. I just got burned this time. In my opinion, it just doesn't make much sense for a company to inject that much uncertainty for their customers.

Again, though, it's not just AirTran, and flight schedules/routings are NEVER changed simply on a whim, or with the intention of inconveniencing passengers, or with the attitude "ha, we've got your money, now we can juggle you around any way we want and there's nothing you can do about it".
Routing/schedules can change for a wide variety of reasons. Intentionally inconveniencing the passengers is NOT one of them - and you AirTran passengers know, that airline will work with its passengers more than, apparently, most to make their passengers happy when times do change. Entirely respectfully, air passengers wanting 100% control over flight times and patterns should consider private planes - either as a passenger, or buying a share of one and getting one's pilot's license.

However, after flying regularly for a couple decades, I've never run into issues like I've had with AirTran in 18 months

Respectfully, again, there's also coincidence. In those eighteen months, do you know how many flights, total, AirTran has flown? Sure, it's unusual that all three of your flights have been changed - but that is only three out of thousands.

 

[eroilersgal]

We have flown Northwest, Delta, American, and Airtran. EVERY airline has extra charges and schedule changes, those things are an industry standard. We flew Airtran Sept 09 and on the plane they did everything they could to make sure families were together. My husband was asked to switch to an exit row seat and the stewardess was concerned that she was moving him too far away from us. (He was in the row directly behind our sons, ages 9 and 11 and I was in the seat across the aisle from our sons.) Perfectly acceptable to us but a number of times she commented about not wanting to get in trouble for splitting us up. We have always had great service from AirTran.

 

[dis-happy]

The point of the original post was to express frustration with AirTran. It was not for lack of understanding AirTran's rights. This is the third time in the last 18 months that I've tried to fly with AirTran. The first time flight times changed, but it all worked out. The second time, I booked with them and when they cancelled flights and changed schedules, I was able to cancel, get a refund, and go an another airline. However, this time I'm stuck. So, 3 times in 18 months...1 success, 1 cancellation, 1 "wish it worked to cancel". Not a great track record...thus the reason I'm done with them.

So, I'm well aware of their rights, and their tendency to invoke those rights. I just got burned this time. In my opinion, it just doesn't make much sense for a company to inject that much uncertainty for their customers. At some point, it's just not worth it anymore. Sure, some people will still put up with it, and that's fine. But my opinion is that AirTran may not have a long-term business model that will work. They are not a bunch of meanies...they are just not good at running a business. While airlines (and all businesses, for that matter) need to ultimately work in their own best interest, there is such a thing as "customer satisfaction" that comes into play for businesses. Mess with that enough, and you've got problems.

And the argument that "all airlines do it" just doesn't cut it for me. That is, as I stated earlier, it's a matter of degree, as I do know that other airlines have issues too. However, after flying regularly for a couple decades, I've never run into issues like I've had with AirTran in 18 months. That tells me it's something systemic, and not just a few cases here and there.

I understand your frustration, but really, you've only flown (or tried to fly) with them an average of once every 6 months. In the same time period my dh has probably had 60 flights with them, and other than a couple of weather delays (not the airline's fault...and the AT plane still left eventually while the comparable USAir flight was cancelled) and one mechanical delay, all of his flights have been without issue.

People say they like SW, but SW doesn't post its schedule until much later. Lately people have also said that SW fares are much higher than previously and sometimes higher than other carriers. Finally, compare the $6. seat fee on AT to the $10. Early Boarding fee on SW. People have complained about all these things here on the DIS.

No airline is going to be perfect. They are all trying not too bleed money. The backbone of airline finances is business travelers and their ability to pay higher fares and with the ecomony those people are in short supply. Changing people over to a connecting flight allows for the plane to fly full. Airlines cannot afford to fly planes half empty anymore (unless they need that plane to be at a particular airport for another flight).


If you (a general "you") hate changes, book later and pay the higher fare. But that is still no guarantee you will:

get the seat you were assigned (I was on a flight--not AT---where they decided to change equipment at the gate and entire rows of assigned seats disappeared).

leave on time (weather and new security alerts and mechanical issues and runway congestion and FAA equipment failures impact every airline)

make your ADR for the day of arrival (just because you are supposed to land
at 3:02 doesn't mean you should count at Chef Mickeys at 5:02). Same thing for departure days.


Know what to expect, what the limitations are, plan for the worst case scenario (hopefully just a delay, not an emergency landing....where's CarolA talking about safety when you need her???), and enjoy your trip.

Finally, FWIW, over the years several DIFFERENT airlines have been given the "worst airline to fly" designation, not here just on the DIS but plastered in the media. A few years ago USA Today dubbed United Airlines the worst airline ever. Delta has taken some hits too. I don't think there's an airline that hasn't made the list at some point (certainly SW made news with their fines for maintenance). As stated previously, unless you have your own plane (or a share in NetJets...my personal dream ), best laid plans are only that.

 

[Lewisc]

People say they like SW, but SW doesn't post its schedule until much later. Lately people have also said that SW fares are much higher than previously and sometimes higher than other carriers. Finally, compare the $6. seat fee on AT to the $10. Early Boarding fee on SW. People have complained about all these things here on the DIS.

Good point but the infrequent flier doesn't know Airtran is accepting reservations against a "hypothetical" schedule but Southwest is accepting reservations on their final schedule. People who book early with some airlines (like AirTran) are locking in a (presumably) low fare but aren't locking in a N/S flight, a direct flight or even what time of the day their flight will land/takeoff. Passengers who wait and book with SW might not pay the lowest price but can be very confident the flight they book will be the flight they wind up flying (subject to weather and mechanical issues).

Families eligible for "mid-boarding" don't have to pay the $10 fee for EBCI. People who are willing to check in at T-24 have gotten numbers low enough to get seats together. This is subject to change.

 

[Alexander]

I'm sure if I wanted to take the time, I could post links to threads about how bad:

Delta is
JetBlue is
Continental is
American is
Southwest is
Etc, Etc, Etc

Get my point? This just happens to be the AirTran bashing thread of the moment. It too will die down when something happens on another airline, and EVERYONE will point out all of the bad things the airline did to them over the course of their lifetimes.

 

[doggydoc]

This board sucks!

 

[emmabemmainc]

I'm sorry to the people who got screwed over by them. That really stinks.

Also--there are a few people on this board who ONLY post negative things--one in particular (I think she must own stock in AirTran)--to state that it would not be a big deal to not sit next to your 3 year old during a 3 hour flight? Are you kidding me? That could be the most ridiculous thing I've ever read on this board.

It's not just "blunt and truthful" or whatever else you said---it's also laughable. You obviously have no clue what it's like to be on a plane with a small child. Oh wait--I'm sure you have--you'll come back with your stories about flying with your ten children, all under the age of 10.

 

[dacky041208]

I'm sorry to the people who got screwed over by them. That really stinks.

Also--there are a few people on this board who ONLY post negative things--one in particular (I think she must own stock in AirTran)--to state that it would not be a big deal to not sit next to your 3 year old during a 3 hour flight? Are you kidding me? That could be the most ridiculous thing I've ever read on this board.
It's not just "blunt and truthful" or whatever else you said---it's also laughable. You obviously have no clue what it's like to be on a plane with a small child. Oh wait--I'm sure you have--you'll come back with your stories about flying with your ten children, all under the age of 10.

But when people try to blame the airlines for being separated when it is the consumer who is at fault, that bothers me. Pretty much all of the major airlines have tips and such on their website about their seating and baording procedures. It isn't something that should surprise people who failed to pay for their seats or at least check in as early as possible.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Regrettable that facts and a lack of pixie dust are interpreted by some as "only negative things".

Relatively certain that "being separated from a three year old by several rows on an entirely secured (sealed) airplane isn't them flying alone" is not the same as "no big deal being separated from your three year old"

Having flown - at the flight attendant's request - 'with' a five year old unaccompanied minor, yeah, I sort of do have an idea what it's like being on a plane with a small child.

Pretty much all of the major airlines have tips and such on their website about their seating and baording procedures

Simply because the example on AirTran's website was "choose aisle/middle/window" doesn't mean any passenger or potential passenger should assume anything in relation to seating assignment. Those specific options affect, or could affect, every passenger. With whom you are seated, not so much - sometimes it matters to the passengers, sometimes it doesn't.
"Pay $6 per passenger to select your seats in advance" very reasonably means "if you want any say in where you and your party sit on the plane, you must pay the advance seat selection fee for each person". It's not this airline's responsibility to determine - even based on an individual passenger's age - that they need to be seated with one or more other specific passengers. It's the responsibility of, in this case, the parent.

Not that it's anyone's concern, but I have no business or interaction with AirTran. Never have, have no desire to, never plan to - as either a passenger or as an investor.

 

[Suellen]

Just so you know. There is a HUGE difference between 3 and 5.

Many, many, many 3 year olds are still in diapers, most 5 year olds are NOT. Most 5 year olds can buckle and unbuckle themselves. 3 Year olds can not.

Close .... but not quite the same.

 

[maxiesmom]

Just so you know. There is a HUGE difference between 3 and 5.

Many, many, many 3 year olds are still in diapers, most 5 year olds are NOT. Most 5 year olds can buckle and unbuckle themselves. 3 Year olds can not.

Close .... but not quite the same.

Well, then if you are a parent of a 3 year old, you should make sure you either fly an airline with free seat assignments, or make sure you pay for them! If you don't, you only have yourself to blame if you are split up.

This all comes down to knowing what you are buying, and taking the time to read ALL of the info the airlines provide. If you (in general) choose to skim thru it and miss the fact that you have to pay for seat assignments, that is your own falut. Stop blaming the airlines for a mistake you(again, in general) have made.

 

[maxiesmom]

This board sucks!

Why? Because many of us refuse to pat people on the head and say "There, there! You are right! Air Tran is a bunch of heartless meanies!"? And what exactly would that solve? Wouldn't you rather know that you have to pay for seat assignments? Wouldn't you rather be aware that almost every single airline out there makes schedule changes? What good does it do to just be mad?What good would it do just to sympathize with posters and not share where they went wrong so that others do not make the same mistakes?