ATA Air
 

Hi, <BR>Is ATA air a dependable airline to fly from NYC to Chicago? Also, which airport in Chi. is best to fly into if I am staying in the center of the city? <BR>Thank you <BR>Bruce

Bruce, <BR> <BR>ATA is a very dependable airline with corporate headquarters in Indianapolis, but it is a discount, no frills type (think Southwest airlines). Don't expect escargot for your meals. But they are great for affordable vacation getaway destinations on a shoestring budget. <BR> <BR>O'Hare airport is the busiest airport in North America; that is one reason ATA uses Midway (and many travel advice columnists recommend Midway as an easier alternative). In fact, I believe getting downtown is 5-10 minutes quicker from Midway. Try your best to arrive during non-rush hour, since all veins to and out of downtown are usually gridlocked! <BR> <BR>Enjoy Chicago! Even if you're going for business, take in the museaums (check online for free days at some -- usually Tues or Weds). Eat great pizza and leave graffiti at Genos, dine french at Bistro 110, grab a REAL Chicago hot dog (you'll never be able to get the toppings right in NYC!), and see if you can get available seats at Second City.

Can someone clarify what ATA stands for? Is it the same as AirTran (formerly Value Jet)? Or is it en entirely different airline? Confused.

bruce- ATA only flies into Midway, which is actually closer to downtown-- you can take the train (orange line) directly into the Loop from there if you won't have a car-- inf act, if you're arriving during rush hour, I recommend it- why pay a cabbie to sit in traffic? I've flown ATA once, and had no problems. <BR> <BR>HT, ATA is a different company than AirTran-- I'm not sure what it stands for... American Trans Air, maybe?

I live in chicago and have flown ATA to Laguardia and back 3 times with no problems. They are are "cheap" airline and have alot of direct flights out of midway (the small airport in chicago- which I prefer. I would not consider them on the same level as Southwest though. southwest is definitely a step above ATA. Usually ATA are MUCH older every SWA plane I've been on is always fairly new and very clean, not always so with ATA. My last flight the plane was noticeably rundown seats ripped and a musty odor, but there were no problems and i didn't really mind. Infact the staff is very friendly. I arrived at the airport 1 1/2 hours prior to my flight 9you have to be there at least an hour ahead) and the flight to LGA before mine was really delayed and hadn't taken off yet so they just let me hop on that one as it wasn't full. this was great especially since that flight was delayed meaning my scheduled flight out of the same gate would have been delayed as well. <BR> <BR>I always thought ATA stood for Air Tran Airways and they were the same as Air Tran but I could be wrong, it doesn't really matter. <BR> <BR>Coming to Chicago via Midway, i would not hop on the train. Remember you will have luggage with you to keep up with and you may not know where you are going. Midway to downtown is not a bad cab ride as Midway is on the South side of town where there is MUCH less traffic than the north side where O'hare is. This area is not nearly as heavily populated and the train ride through this semi rough area is not worth it, i always take cabs to and from Midway when I'm traveling by myself and i live in Chicago!

ATA stands for American Trans Air and is not related to AirTran (f/k/a ValuJet)

ATA flies out of OHare too now. In fact they have terrific rates with hotel pkg. also to Las Vegas. Right now there is a $99 and less rate on from Midway to many eastern cities. I fly out of Midway all the time and like it much better than OHare. Hopefully we will get the third airport in Peotone and will use that one too. ATA is often delayed if you take the afternoon or evening flights. Take morning flights, if at all possible. I was stranded in NYC using ATA and got a free round trip to San Francisco because of it. I would rather fly Southwest and the newer National than ATA, but ATA is fine most of the time. What I really like about Midway is that I can get my luggage and get out quickly. It does not have a lot of bars, restaurants, stores etc. as OHare does. The orange line is safe and very efficient but goes the wrong direction for me.