Problem with Airtran

[justhat]

I have never flown from Philly, but we rarely get to the airport (BWI, DC-Nation or Dulles, Newark, LGA) much more than an hour in advance and always make our flight without any trouble. Typically we arrive around 60-75 minutes before the flight, and this is with an infant and all her gear too. If the worse case happened and there were long lines, they will almost always let you go to the front of the line if your flight is leaving soon. We haven't had to do this, but my mom who is habitually late has many times. They make announcements for flights departing soon and let you check in ahead (which you wouldn't really need if they have curbside check-in) and if you tell them at the security checkpoint that your flight is leaving soon they'll put you in a short line.

Another option would be for you and your kids to go straight to security and get in line (if there's a big line or if you think it will take the kids long to walk to the gate) and have your husband check the bags in (if you check in online). Then when he's done, he either meets you in the security line or he goes straight to the gate if you're already done. That way if there is a long line, at least you're already waiting in it instead of first checking the bags, then waiting for security.

I hope that helps a bit and good luck with the flight situation!

 

[kareneast]

We flew Airtran out of Philly in January. They had a seperate counter line for those who already had there boarding passes. It was very short, just a few people ahead of us. The regular line had a zigzagging queue that was almost full. After checking in at the counter where they tagged our luggage we then had to take our luggage over to the people at the x-ray machines (this was not far from the counter and only took a minute or so) then it was off to security check point. That also moved pretty quickly but we were also there early in the morning so I don't know if that had anything to do with it. I'd say it didn't take us more then 30 min. from the time we walked in the door of the airport until we got to the gate and that was with stopping to use restrooms. Plus my DH & DS(18) always take longer at security because they carry so much electronic stuff with cables and wires, there bags always get flagged to be manually checked.

I saw where you mentioned you live 20 min. from the airport. Maybe one of you could go over to the airport early in the morning and check everyone in and drop off the luggage. Then you could just go straight to security.

Good luck in whatever you decide to do.

 

[deelam]

I didn't know I could bring my luggage over early.

I've never flown Airtran. I usually fly USAIR. With USAIR at Philly you must arrive early. Everytime I've flown it's been a madhouse.

 

[justhat]

I 2nd bringing the luggage first. I hadn't even thought of that, but we've done it a few times. Usually if we have a rental car to return, we get to the airport much earlier in case there are any problems. We always check-in first since it's easier to drop off the bags curbside then just carry the carry-ons on the rental car shuttle. We also had to do it at home once, our 1st trip with a baby. We were almost at the airport and realized we forgot the stroller. Luckily we live about 10 minutes away. We checked in and I stayed with our daughter at the airport and my husband went home to get the stroller.

 

[seashoreCM]

As far as grounds for cancelling, I was told on Continental that it has to be over a 3 hour difference for you to be able to cancel. Since your change is about 3 hours give them a call and see what you can do./QUOTE]
I would at least argue that first I choose whether the replacement flight is before or after the cancelled flight and then the airline has to come up with something within three hours.

Disney hints:
http://members.aol.com/ajaynejr/disney.htm