SW flight operated by Airtran

[conniehar90]

So, we have already booked our trip in July through SW. However, I check the fares everyday in case there is a drop and I can bank a credit. Today, up pops some flights operated by Airtran! They are significantly cheaper. As in I would get a $78 credit each. I am nervous as I am a diehard SW fan. What should I expect from an Airtran flight?

Thanks!

 

[paults]

If you book through SW site for AT your bags fly free. What you need to check on is if you can buy your seat, if not then you will most likely be the first bumped if they overbook. Those that paid for their seats through the AT site should not be bumped.

 

[ellie&mattys mom]

I was just wondering the same thing!!
We are going in July and didn't book air yet as it has been too high!!

I see a flight & it states operated by Air tran for $135 one way plus I have a credit!!

I might call SWA & see what they say!! Just wondering if I can change the times if I need to.

 

[mmouse50]

I didn't call southwest so I don't have any more info than anyone else but what if you bought EBCI? Unless the flight goes through Atlanta I don't think that being serviced by Airtran would mean anything more than getting on an Airtran plane - I don't think that the would mix up the passengers, some buying an Airtran ticket (paying for seats and paying for checked bags) and then you have Southwest people (not paying for bags and not paying for seats - except with EBCI) - how would you keep it all straight. People not sitting paid seats etc. -

 

[paults]

I didn't think you could use EBCI for AT by booking through the SW site

 

[mastermind307]

I was checking prices yesterday for my June trip. We are planning to drive, but I like to check just to see what the cost is to fly.
Anyway here's what it says after you select flights.

This itinerary is operated by AirTran.

Don't forget to check in for your flight(s) 24 hours before your trip on southwest.com, your mobile device, at the AirTran Ticket Counter, or Airport Kiosk.
AirTran has assigned seating. Advanced seat assignments are not available. Customers who purchase an AirTran segment on Southwest channels will be assigned a seat at the time of check in.
Once you check in, you will not be able to change your seat until arrival at the airport.

 

[treehugnmama]

i have the same question. we always fly southwenst know the policies and love to fly with them. Flew airtran once and not impressed. The timeslot I want says it is operated by airtran and it is 45 dollars each way cheaper x 6 people. I am flying with a disabled father.....air airtran policy now the same as southwest?

 

[conniehar90]

Thank you for all the replies. I think I am going to stick with my more expensive flight until we get more info from others who have flown this way. I did buy EBCI and don't like the statement that seats are assigned at checkin and can't be changed until at the airport. Too much of an unknown at this point to take the risk.

 

[April7901]

EBCI is only valid for the Southwest portion of the flight - when I booked a dual flight yesterday (1st leg SWA, 2nd AirTran) and looked into EBCI, it was only possible to purchase for the SWA leg. The charge was only $12.50 - one way. Whether or not you purchase EBCI for the SWA portion of your flight has no effect on your AirTran flight - so, when you check in online (up to 24 hours ahead), your seat is assigned then.