Please reassure me!

[michelle1]

I have just been reading on another thread about the troubles people have been having with Air Tran and poor customer service, missed connections etc.
We are booked with them in August and I am now officially worried! We have only ever flown with SW and had great experiences but I booked through Disney and Air Tran had the flight times I wanted...please tell me I didn't make a mistake!

 

[DebbieB]

I've flown with them several times and never had a major problem. They did change the schedule on a flight last year at around 30 days from an 11:00am departure to MCO to 1:00pm, not really a big deal. As with any airline, it's not a good idea to take the last connection of the evening (I've always flown non-stop with them).

 

[Dopey & Grumpy]

We've flown Airtran from PIT ever since they started flying out of that airport. We've never had a problem. Occasionally, the flight times are changed but it's that way with all airlines. For the price, I'd fly with them every time.

 

[dis-happy]

My dh flies with Air Tran every single week. I just used some AT ff miles and traveled to the west coast, 2 legs each way including a change in Atlanta. No problems for me! The times when my dh has had a problem were due to weather, when all the airlines were having issues. He got home late from Baltimore the other night, but at least he made it home---the flights on USAir were cancelled completely. FWIW, the flight crew (not the pilots, just the attendants) timed out, but they still chose to go ahead with the flight. Yeah for them.

What's your itinerary? I could give you some opinions. Also, you can get an idea of potential problems by checking the FAA data re. on-time performance, lost bags, etc.

 

[Kaybee]

I just used Air Tran for my trip in May. We actually were boarded and left the airport 10mins early!! We were in MCO by 9:15 am!! We had no problems with them at all. I used 24hr online checkin to get my seat assignments and print boarding passes. We went hassle free. Don't worry...

 

[michelle1]

My dh flies with Air Tran every single week. I just used some AT ff miles and traveled to the west coast, 2 legs each way including a change in Atlanta. No problems for me! The times when my dh has had a problem were due to weather, when all the airlines were having issues. He got home late from Baltimore the other night, but at least he made it home---the flights on USAir were cancelled completely. FWIW, the flight crew (not the pilots, just the attendants) timed out, but they still chose to go ahead with the flight. Yeah for them.

What's your itinerary? I could give you some opinions. Also, you can get an idea of potential problems by checking the FAA data re. on-time performance, lost bags, etc.

My return flight home is nonstop so no concerns but the flight to MCO has a stop in Atlanta but I believe we don't get off the plane (#867 Aug 20 Buff to MCO)....is that possible or would we get off and reboard? Since I've only flown non stop I think I'm a little concerned with lost luggage also.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I have just been reading on another thread about the troubles people have been having with Air Tran and poor customer service, missed connections etc.

These problems are not unique to AirTran; they happen on EVERY airline. Search the boards, you'll find complaints about lots of other airlines for the same thing, including SWA.

Summer is a very busy travel time with huge numbers of travellers and problems with weather related delays (usually thunderstorms). There is no point in worrying about it beforehand.

 

[Dopey & Grumpy]

Since I've only flown non stop I think I'm a little concerned with lost luggage also.

We've flown tons of times and not once (knock on wood) did the airline lose our luggage. I know people have had it happen to them but, fortunately, never to us.

 

[ksumn1]

Don't worry. All airlines have their issues. NO airline has 100% customer satisfaction. Because there will always be weather delays, ground stops, a gate agent that has a bad day, and also customers that are hard to please even whe you do your best...just like in every facet of every business. Your flight coming back is a through flight. You 'll stop in Atlanta for 51 minutes, let passengers off, pick up a few more and you'll be on your way. You know if it's nonstop because it will say non stop, a through flight shows 1 stop but no change in flight #'s (870) and a connecting flight with a change of planes will show 1 stop AND a diffrent set of flight #'s (ex 870/455). I do urge you to get do your online check in for your return to get your seat assignments in advance. You can get someone at home to do them for you (DON'T print the boarding pass) and then get your boarding pass reissued at the airport the day of floght. If you have any other ?'s let me know. I'm subscribing right now!

 

[juligrl]

We flew out from PIT in January with Air Tran and had no problems. Out of MCO was good too.

 

[michelle1]

Thanks to everyone!! I admit I get a tad nervous because we fly out of Buffalo instead of Toronto but it is a much easier airport but I feel more at ease..thanks again

 

[dis-happy]

My return flight home is nonstop so no concerns but the flight to MCO has a stop in Atlanta but I believe we don't get off the plane (#867 Aug 20 Buff to MCO)....is that possible or would we get off and reboard? Since I've only flown non stop I think I'm a little concerned with lost luggage also.

Okay, I think you are in good for shape for the following reasons:

Your flight is in the morning. Thunderstorms are most likely to cause problems in Atlanta in the late afternoon.

There are lots of alternate flights that come later in the day if by chance they have to re-book your connection.

Your originating flight out of Buffalo is very early, probably the first flight of the day for that plane. So no need to worry about it taking off late because it hasn't yet arrived from a different city.

Your turn around time in Atlanta looks pretty tight, but since you are on the same plane, no problem! No need to go running through the airport to get to another concourse.

FYI: when I flew AT last week, some people were continuing on the plane to it's final destination. When the flight number changes, they make you get off and reboard (they announced this as a FAA rule). However, it looks like your flight number may stay the same all the way through, in which case it is your choice. Regardless, on at least one of those flights they let the re-boarders have priority boarding with the business class passengers. So I would take advantage of this if you do get off.

I wouldn't be concerned about lost bags. Your flights are pretty straightforward. As long as you get to the airport an hour before your flight (as recommended) you should be fine. Pay attention when they tag your bag that it has the right destination on it. Make sure you put your id both on the bag and inside the bag in case it gets misplaced. Add a colorful patterened ribbon to the handle so you can easily tell someone else what to look for if needed (if you really want to). Pack your valuables in your carryons.

Hope you have a wonderful trip!!!

 

[DISBeth]

OK. Now I'm nervous. We leave on Sept 22 at 8:42 pm (the last flight that day). This is the first time We have ever flown. What problems could I run into?

 

[luvchip]

KYBEE-
Did you have the 7:00 am flight out of Flint?? Was the plane full, and what time was your return flight? We fly out in AUgust and noticed that our return flight they have already changed our times. We have the only nonstop home and now it will leave 3 hours early. We were to leave at 7:40 pm and now it is 4:45. This will be our first time with AirTran also so hope all goes well!!!

 

[DISBeth]

bump!