How bad is Airtran?
 

We are taking our three guys to DC for fall break. Flights from MSP are very expensive. However, AirTran has a flight that is less than $200 fully loaded. It is a one-stop flight which goes against our "only fly non-stop with the boys" rule but it is signficantly less than all the others and when you buy 5 tickets these things do add up. So, my question is, is Airtran awful? I know you get what you pay for but what are we in for with AirTran? Also, AirTran flies into Dulles and not DCA and I am wondering if the savings will be eaten up by transportation costs.....

Thanks.
taitai

AirTran is just fine. They are very popular from the NE to Florida, with many non-stops or connecting flights to lots of cities up & down the East Coast.

Not bad at all. I fly Air Tran every now and then from DC area to FLA and Maine. I have never had any trouble with any of the flights. Flights have generally been on time.

I don't have problem with Air Tran & fly them about 2x/year. They still provide drinks, snack & comp. haedset, also have just gone completely wi-fi for a fee. My only complaint is that almost all flights go with ATL, otherwise they are fine.

Thanks for the replies. I honestly was not expecting positive comments. I bit the bullet and booked AirTran although I almost aborted the transaction when my husband heard they charge for seat selection. That is insane. However, flying with three little boys, having seats together is important to us so we paid to assure that happens. Now, of course, I am sure there will be an equipment change, our seat selections will be meaningless and my husband will lose his mind. We shall see.

It does seem all of their flights do connect via ATL. However, we managed to get ours to connect via Milwaukee. It took some searching, though.

Thanks.
taitai

Oh yes seat selections, that started about the time they started charging for checked luggage.

BTW, when you do on line check in the day before, you may pick your seats...never had any trouble EVER, getting decent seats....just do ASAP 24 hours before the flight. Airtran is FINE, IMO. Fly it all the time.

Thanks for the info. If it was just me or just me and my DH there is no way we would pay. However, as we are traveling with three little guys who will be sharing DVD players and Leapster cartridges it is important to us to sit together. I didn't want to risk not getting seats together especially as we are connecting with a really tight connection. So, I paid. Of course, after I shelled out the $60 (not awful but still!!!!!) I found out that if you go to Airtran via Kayak, you don't have to pay. At least that is what the people were saying on another board. As the deed was done, I couldn't check but might be useful to the rest of your Airtran flyers.

Thanks again. Looking forward to showing my little guys DC

taitai

That's interesting about using Kayak and not having to pay for seat selection. dou mind sharing where u read this?
Enjoy DC! thanks

I read it on the Disboards Travel forum. Lots of Airtran users there who seem to confirm that it is possible. Like I said, I can't claim that it works as I didn't try it but I wish I had known before.

Taitai

Thanks! that's good to know.

Two incorrect things in this thread.

1. Airtran does fly to Reagan National DCA out of MKE.

2. Seat assignments via kayak and some others don't work. Many passengers think it does and are upset when they arrive.

There are two ways to get seat assignment - reservation on airtran.com and pay the $6 or $20 or do online check-in as early as possible in the 24hrs prior to flight.

Actually, if you would have contacted AirTran and explained why you needed seats together, they may have done it for free. I'm not sure they would consider kids as "special needs", but then again they might. Three young 'uns would definitely do it for me!

http://www.airtran.com/special_needs_information.aspx

I have used AirTran a few times CAK-BOS (nonstop). They are fine on this route. Haven't used them elsewhere but I do know they fly out of my new "home" airport, MCO.

Also, I think AirTran only uses 2 types of aircraft (717 and 737) so you're less likely to run into change of aircraft issues at the last minute.