Weird email response from Airtran

[dudspizza]

I am flying Airtran in October to MCO from Minneapolis (MSP). They have moved my flights 4 times already (gradually later each time on the departure time), so I thought I would email them to see what is up. I am very aware that flight times change and can live with that, I was just curious if they were going to make further adjustments to their non-stop schedule from MSP to MCO.

Here is Airtran's response.

Unfortunately, we have discontinued our operation in MSP non stop to MCO
We have been unable to profitably continue the service.

Though the decision has been made, I have forwarded a copy of your
comments to the appropriate department for their review and consideration.

Sincerely,

Customer Relations

Now, is this person totally out of it? They are still selling non-stop flights at airtran.com through early March 07. In fact, my flights are basically sold out for October since it is MEA break. Is this CS agent totally wrong?

OR

Is this person letting me know that they will be ending the non-stop service from MSP to MCO? In that case, I would need to keep an eye on the flights to make sure I get on a decent one with connections that are not outrageous....

Your thoughts?

Duds

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Why waste so much time emailing? I would just call AirTran and ask.

As for still selling tickets if they are actual planning on stopping operations in Minneapolis, that's typical. Up until the actual announcement that they were shutting down operations Independence Air was still selling tickets and insisting that they were going to continue their business.

 

[cruiserkaren]

Why waste so much time emailing? I would just call AirTran and ask.

As for still selling tickets if they are actual planning on stopping operations in Minneapolis, that's typical. Up until the actual announcement that they were shutting down operations Independence Air was still selling tickets and insisting that they were going to continue their business.

Because calling Airtran and talking to a live person is almost impossible!! For me it has been impossible. Everytime I go thru the prompts only for it to tell me "Please visit Airtran.com" and hangs up. EVERY TIME!

They've moved our flight 3 times so far. We're still nonstop though so not complaining too much, I know it could be worse. I'm just holding my breath while vowing for the *second* time to never fly AirTran again.

This time I mean it!

ETA: Still haven't received any kind of notice of the time changes. I just keep checking b/c I had read so many stories of them changing flight times so often. I feel for those who book it and never look again. They'll be doing some waiting at the airport.

 

[kaytieeldr]

It doesn't sound like they're stopping service out of MSP, just that there are/will be no more non-stops from there to Orlando. I don't know what AirTran's hubs are, but chances are all MSP passengers going to Orlando will actually be changing planes at a hub.

 

[dudspizza]

It doesn't sound like they're stopping service out of MSP, just that there are/will be no more non-stops from there to Orlando. I don't know what AirTran's hubs are, but chances are all MSP passengers going to Orlando will actually be changing planes at a hub.

If they stop non-stop flights, all MSP passangers will have to change in Atlanta or Chicago.... I just want to keep an eye on things so if they do discontinue non-stop flights and eliminate my flight, I can get my party on to the earliest flight out of MSP as possible.

Duds

 

[CarolMN]

How odd - we have reservations on the non-stop flights MSP - MCO and MCO-MSP for our late November/early December trip.

Our flights have also been moving to a later and later departure (both ways). So far I do not mind, but if they really are discontinuing the non-stop service, they really should be notifying those of us with reservations and getting us rescheduled instead of continuing to take reservations.

I think I will try to call and see if I can confirm that or not. Will post back if I get any info.

Best wishes -

 

[CarolMN]

OK. I just called Air Tran's Customer Relations number (866-247-2428). Rep said they haven't gotten any memo about this and since the flights are still being offered for sale, she doesn't believe the non stops have been cancelled.

Guess I'll also just keep checking as I would also want to make sure whatever flights we get "rebooked" on will work for us.

Duds - Have you thought about replying to the email and asking why the web site still shows the nonstop option? And why the Reps at CR still say the nonstops are Ok to purchase?



Carol

 

[dudspizza]

Duds - Have you thought about replying to the email and asking why the web site still shows the nonstop option? And why the Reps at CR still say the nonstops are Ok to purchase?


Carol

I replied last night and am waiting for a response from them. I am not really that worried about it as this is an adults only trip, so connections wouldn't be a big deal. I am more concerned about getting to MCO at a decent time... I don't want to totally lose my first day since this is only a 6 day/5 night trip over MEA break.

Duds

 

[zulaya]

If profitability IS really the reason, why not stick to a time that gets the most people on the plane and keeps that flight full? I mean they have to have that market information somewhere.

The fact that their non-stop flight is so late in the day for me to get to MCO AND that to get a non-stop coming back you have to leave so early, is why I haven't booked with Airtran yet. Maybe there are others out there who don't particularly care for the times, but if Airtran wants it to be successful, then why not play with the times in a better way?

Hopefully you get the real answer from them. I'm curious to find out what it is they are doing.

 

[dudspizza]

If profitability IS really the reason, why not stick to a time that gets the most people on the plane and keeps that flight full? I mean they have to have that market information somewhere.

The fact that their non-stop flight is so late in the day for me to get to MCO AND that to get a non-stop coming back you have to leave so early, is why I haven't booked with Airtran yet. Maybe there are others out there who don't particularly care for the times, but if Airtran wants it to be successful, then why not play with the times in a better way?

Hopefully you get the real answer from them. I'm curious to find out what it is they are doing.

I totally agree with you. I really like Sun Country's early am flight to MCO. I don't particularly like an afternoon non-stop like the one Airtran is offering. When I booked it was actually 930am or something like that.... it was a time I didn't mind... now it is 135pm and getting later with every time. I will take it since it is the only non-stop, but we are going the wrong way.

I am flying Airtran this time due to gathering Wendy's cup points for flights...... I will see what my opinion is of them when I actually fly them....

Duds

 

[zulaya]

I remember when you booked that...can't give up a good deal like that Wendy's promo.

I'll be interested in hearing what response you get.

I flew with them MSP-MDW for the first time a few weeks ago. We had an ontime departure from MSP and arrived 20 minutes early to MDW. Coming back, we were ontime at both ends. Staff was pleasant onboard the aircraft.

The only improvement I felt could be made was their check-in process. It was slow at HHH...I probably should have gotten in line for regular check-in rather than the web checkin because that line was much shorter. But I didn't realize it until too late. At MDW, check in was really really bad. None of their kiosks were working and even if they were, they had a sign that said for carry-on only which didn't help me. They didn't have anyone working a web checkin line and there were only 2 employees working and the line snaked around past the queue area.

Hopefully you won't have that experience at MCO.

 

[deide71]

Hey Duds:

We are booked through Airtran from MSP to MCO over MEA as well. I just checked our itenerary, and the departure times have changed as well, but no mention of a stop. That would not be good for us as we are flying with 3 small children. Let us know what you find out from Airtran.

I would hate it if they dropped their non-stop to MCO. It seems there are fewer and fewer options from MSP and it drives me crazy!

 

[dudspizza]

Hey Duds:

We are booked through Airtran from MSP to MCO over MEA as well. I just checked our itenerary, and the departure times have changed as well, but no mention of a stop. That would not be good for us as we are flying with 3 small children. Let us know what you find out from Airtran.

I would hate it if they dropped their non-stop to MCO. It seems there are fewer and fewer options from MSP and it drives me crazy!

I am really hoping that the CS agent that responded to my email is way off base. I can live with the later times, though I am not real happy about them. I just hope they are not cancelling the one non-stop they offer.....

I am still waiting for an email reply...... if all works out, see you on the plane to Disney in October!

Duds

 

[kidsicet]

We are booked on an Air Tran flight over MEA (we leave MSP Oct. 13, and come back Oct. 22). I booked through Travelocity. That will be the last time I book through them, as it has been nothing but trouble.

Our flight changed several times, and the last time we had a good 4 hour lay-over in Atlanta. I called Travelocity to complain, and was directed to contact the airline directly, as they couldn't change anything.

When I contacted Air Tran, they were very pleasant, and were able to put us on a direct flight, leaving MSP later, and arriving MCO earlier. I'm very pleased, and hope nothing changes between now and when we depart!

 

[dudspizza]

We are booked on an Air Tran flight over MEA (we leave MSP Oct. 13, and come back Oct. 22). I booked through Travelocity. That will be the last time I book through them, as it has been nothing but trouble.

Our flight changed several times, and the last time we had a good 4 hour lay-over in Atlanta. I called Travelocity to complain, and was directed to contact the airline directly, as they couldn't change anything.

When I contacted Air Tran, they were very pleasant, and were able to put us on a direct flight, leaving MSP later, and arriving MCO earlier. I'm very pleased, and hope nothing changes between now and when we depart!

That worked out for you... I just hope they don't cancel the non-stop flight! LOL

Duds