Would You Do This? (Air Tran 717)

[inkkognito]

In searching for a one-way ticket from Orlando to Chicago on Dec. 28th (the Sunday after Christmas, always a challenge to find a good price even for a roundtrip), we found $143 on AirTran. It's for a flight that connects via Georgia, with fairly decent times. ATA (our usual airline) doesn't even come close pricewise or timewise.
I have always been leery of Air Tran because they are the old Valujet. I am a paranoid flyer, and their big crash in Florida really freaked me out. How has everyone's experiences been with Air Tran? Mostly good or mostly bad? Also, does anyone know anything about a 717 aircraft? Hubby is guessing that it's a small jet. I am very spoiled by ATA's 757-300's, but I can tolerate something cramped for one flight if I really have to.
Our other option is to pay the big bucks for a direct ATA flight on a 737 or 757, but I am a cheapskate at heart and those prices are outrageous. What would you do?
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[welovedis]

We've flown on AirTran 2xs in the past 4 months and have been really happy with their service. It is pretty much the way most of the airlines are going-no frills, but gets you there for a good price. I like that we can go online and get our boarding passes 24 hours before the flight--no cattle call like SWA-lol!

We are flying them again in Jan 04 and wouldn't hesitate to book them for a good price!

HTH!

 

[sgtdisney]

Originally posted by inkkognito
Also, does anyone know anything about a 717 aircraft? Hubby is guessing that it's a small jet. I am very spoiled by ATA's 757-300's, but I can tolerate something cramped for one flight if I really have to.

I can't answer really how flying with Air Tran is, as I have never used them. I have heard positive comments about them. It is true that they are in essence the old ValuJet, but a lot has changed since then. They are replaceing their old fleet with new Boeing 717s and I think they just ordered some 737s as well. The 717 is basically, at it's core, a DC-9 or MD-80 frame. Before Boeing bought out McDonnell Douglas, they were working on an MD-95 to compliment the MD-90 series of planes. When Boeing bought the company they renamed the aircraft. It is almost the same size as a DC-9-30. So, while it is smaller than a 757-300 (most planes are.. ) it really isn't what I would consider a 'small' jet.. It is not a commuter sized plane. It has the same 5 across seating as the DC-9 and MD-80 but has very much more advanced avionics, engines, materials.. Also, with the 3/2 seating the seats are actually slightly wider than your typical 737/757 aircraft seat. I can't answer to the seat pitch though, that varies by carrier.

 

[DebbieB]

The Valujet crash was not their fault, it was the fault of the company who packed the air canisters improperly in cargo. I wouldn't hold it against Air Tran. Almost every airline has had a nasty crash in its history.

My concern about them and other small carriers is that they seem to change schedules pretty often. Airtran pulled their PIT/PHL service with little notice a year or so ago because they weren't getting enough passengers. They don't have any backup planes like a major carrier would if there is a maintenance problem. We got stuck in Atlantic City one time for hours with Spirit Airlines because the plane needed a part and it had to be flown in from Florida on another flight. Right now Air Tran is offering PIT/MCO for $130pp roundtrip, I'm thinking about it for December since USAir is over $300 for our dates.

 

[zurgswife]

I've flown Air Tran from PHilly a number of times due to great prices but it is a basic airline...and they don't always seem to have enough staff at the check in points....but I'd fly them again if the price was right...

 

[XStAnt]

The Boeing 717's are new aircraft, so that should alleviate any concern about the crash when they were ValueJet.

Also, the 717's are not "small" planes. They are smaller than a 757, but they are not a commuter plane or a regional jet. The 717 is bigger. It is 5 across in each row and the leg room was comparable to other major airlines (not that it's great ).

It's a no frills airline so don't expect meals, etc. (They do serve drinks). If the price is right I'd have no problem flying them again.

 

[alexturner74]

Airtran was around before ValueJet, but absorbed them after the Florida crash. Airtran has a good safety record, and has one of the youngest aircraft fleets in the country.

Anyway, here is Boeing's site on the 717:

http://www.boeing.com/commercial/717/flash.html

 

[inkkognito]

Thanks for the site, Alex!
I'm not sure which configuration we'd be on, but I'm guessing it would be the one with the expanded business class. I like planes with two-across rows, and I like the fact that these are newer aircraft. I think that we'll go for it...for the price, I think it will be worth it. We've never even considered AirTran before because their flights from Chicago to Orlando have stopovers, but this time I think they will be worth it.
Thanks for the input, everyone!
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[alexturner74]

Actually, Airtran's configuration is 12 business (2x2) and 105 coach (3x2).

Here's another link:
http://airtran.com/info/aircrafts/index.jsp

 

[Riley]

All Airtran's 717's are BRAND NEW. They are nice sized jets, not puddle-jumpers by any means. As far as safety goes, I think newer planes are the way to go. I would highly recommend Airtran ~ I actually prefer them over Delta just b/c of the new planes. They may need a little help in the "on-time arrivals/departures" area, but better to get there SAFE if even little late!

 

[inkkognito]

Riley, I'm with you!
One of the reasons that I like ATA is because their fleet is so new. That will be a plus for my peace of mind on Air Tran. And although being on time is nice, for this trip it's not so critical because it's on the homeward bound leg.
I feel a lot better now. I think we're going to take the plunge and book with Air Tran because I don't think the fares will go down much for that day since it's a holiday weekend, especially for a one-way trip.
Barb
Visit the Platinum Castaway Club at: www.castawayclub.com

 

[alexturner74]

Originally posted by Riley
I actually prefer them over Delta just b/c of the new planes.

Hey, Delta has new planes too!

 

[wdwfan]

I flew Air Tran last year when we went to WDW. It was the same as flying with any other carrier.

 

[TerriP]

I've flown AirTran several times and I'm very pleased with them. For a fairly reasonable price you get pleasant, no frills service. And like so many others here have said, the new 717's are wonderful. I felt truely pampered on a brand new aircraft with an entire row to myself on the way home from a business trip last spring. I stretched out and read Harry Potter all the way home.

 

[cindy_k]

I flew AirTran from NY to MCO in April. It was a one way ticket that couldn't be beat price-wise.

It was our first time flying them and we were happy and impressed. We usually fly Delta, so we were a little leary.

But the plane was brand new. They served Beverage and snack. Twice actually because the flight had a stop over in Virginia and they served the snacks in both halves of the flights.

We got to Orlando on time and very happy. We will definitely fly them again. We filled out membership forms for their frequent flyer program.

Have a fun trip!!
Cindy in NY

 

[paults]

we used to use usair from phila all the time till I found airtrans website specials. Now we use airtran and I have to say IMHO there is more legroom than usair.