Talk to me about Air Tran!

[CJK]

I've been checking flights from Buffalo to MCO daily for over a month now and I just can't get over how expensive it is, especially for direct flights! I noticed today that the cost has dropped, slightly, on Air Tran. Even with $15 bag fees, the cost is $300 cheaper than Southwest is at the moment. I'm wondering if I should go for it.

I was hoping someone could talk to me about their experiences on Air Tran. Do you pay for pre-assigned seats? I know dh won't do it if an extra fee is necessary since we're already paying for bags. How are the actual flights? Any movies/snacks? Thanks for any insight!

 

[Ted in Halifax]

I flew Air Tran before ... it was fine. Yes, I would pay for the seat assignment, if I had kids involved in the Trip. Flight was fine, but no frills .... $15 bag fee is cheaper than others like Delta/Cont/United ($25)

 

[tone.def]

I've been checking flights from Buffalo to MCO daily for over a month now and I just can't get over how expensive it is, especially for direct flights! I noticed today that the cost has dropped, slightly, on Air Tran. Even with $15 bag fees, the cost is $300 cheaper than Southwest is at the moment. I'm wondering if I should go for it.

YES. You'll kick yourself later if the price goes up again. I will always purchase a price I can live with and then I won't look again.

 

[jemmouse]

Not my favorite airline, I feel they nickel and dime you for everything. But after reading your post it seems the nickel and diming is in your favor ...they are a no frills airline, with very narrow seats. Just be sure your luggage is not higher then the recommended proportions. They actually pulled a measuring tape out on mine and said it was a 1/4 inch over, well that cost me $49.00 or something on those lines. If your suitcase is correct height and in weight limits it's all fine. I agree with above poster do pay for your seats.

 

[phabric]

I have not used Air Tran yet, booked for Aug direct Buf-MCO. On their website, they state they will email if time changes. I booked in Feb, and they have only emailed me 1x and the times have changed 4x. Keep checking the times of flights after booking. I paid to pre book the seats.

 

[CJK]

Thanks so much for all the info. I think I'll give it a go. Now the problem is Buffalo airport vs. Detroit! For some reason Detroit is $350 cheaper! However, it's a much further drive for us. Not sure if the savings is worth the extra drive. Thoughts?

 

[son3disfan]

Thanks so much for all the info. I think I'll give it a go. Now the problem is Buffalo airport vs. Detroit! For some reason Detroit is $350 cheaper! However, it's a much further drive for us. Not sure if the savings is worth the extra drive. Thoughts?

Just be aware that airtran, as well as others, are notorious for changing flights and flight times.

We booked a nonstop flight from Buffalo to Orlando last year.
They changed the time about 4times. Not a big deal, as we booked 5 months out. But might be a big deal for someone else.
But then they took the nonstop flight away. Gone completely for that day.
Only connections , very late in the day were left. they changed us , and did not notify us. They only way I knew was reading other people's blogs, and being told to constantly check reservations. It was a good thing I did!
We complained and they did refund our flight, but we were left, three weeks before our trip looking for another flight. We booked Jetblue, and they were fantastic. Cost a bit more, but seats and one bag were included.
We do not feel comfortable booking Airtran anymore.

 

[son3disfan]

Also, we have flown out of Detroit as well., because it was much cheaper. For a family of 5, the savings for us, were worth the three hour drive.

Both airports are great.

 

[Susan595]

I shopped around forever and also found Air Tran the cheapest out of Detroit, never flown out of there always just out of Toronto, so i'm pretty excited about it, I preooked our seats I think it was 6 bux per person so cost me 36 bux to guarantee we're all sitting together well worth it. Now that I know to keep checking to make sure there are no changes good to know ugh.

 

[Polarone]

They are definitely no frills, and you can assume that anything that isn't specifically covered in the price will cost you extra (I've heard that they are now considering charging a fee for each carry-on in addition to each checked bag) - but if you're starting off $300 per ticket cheaper you'll definitely save money.

Just don't expect it to be any better than a bus ride inside the plane - no snacks or drinks unless you pay for them, nothing offered without a hand out for the payment!

Good luck!

 

[phabric]

Do they offer free soft drinks, juice, coffee, water or tea or do you have to pay for that? If not I guess, we can live without it for the 3 hours.

 

[flossin74@sympatico.]

Thanks so much for all the info. I think I'll give it a go. Now the problem is Buffalo airport vs. Detroit! For some reason Detroit is $350 cheaper! However, it's a much further drive for us. Not sure if the savings is worth the extra drive. Thoughts?

Just take a look at Delta out of Detroit, I know you said it was farther but I am a bit addicted to looking at flights- I must go on 4 or 5 times a day. I got a great seat sale for Feb and paid $86/pp total taxes in. Right now I am looking to go in Nov and prices are about 200/pp taxes in. Just compare and decide if the drive is worth it. I live equal distance from both airports and always fly out of DTW. I love that I can fly out at 8am and come home around 4-6 pm so I feel like I get an extra day out of my vacation. Just a thought!!! Good luck!

 

[CJK]

Thanks to everyone for their advice/input! We decided to book Air Tran out of Detroit. It's a much further drive for us, but the total cost for 2 including pre-assigned seats is just over $400USD. It just made more sense to do that rather than pay $350 more just to save a couple hours of driving. Hopefully the flight schedule won't change too much between now and then. But thanks to you guys, I'll be sure to keep checking closer to the time!