I did it-- actually committed to Maui alone. Found great fare of $455 (FYI from Astrid @ Michael's Travel in Westlake, CA 8/707-7245 on American Trans Air). I'm such a wimp -- after doing it I suddenly felt terrified of flying over body of water for 5 hours! I must be nuts, I used to do it-- people do it every day. Why am I so nervous...anybody else get last minute jitters? And anybody ever fly American Trans Air? Help.

I've never flown American Trans Air and never intend to, as it is the new name for the airline formerly known as Valujet.

dear Edward-- Yikes! are they dangerous? accidents? bad planes? bad drivers? no money?

Cindy,
Valujet had a few, um, problems a couple of years ago. They have reorganized and are under FAA scrutiny, so I wouldn't worry too much.
Have a great time.

Actually Valujet is now Air Tran and American Trans Air is another new airline.

Thanks for clearing that up, Steve. ATA is one of my favorite airlines. Definitely no frills attached, but have never had a problem with them. Have a great time, Cindy--and relax!!

ATA is not the former Valuejet. It's been in business for over 25 years, first as a charter airline, now as a commercial. Flew it to Phoenix in April. Its not my favorite, but the price was right. Just behave yourself, they had to force an 'abusive' passenger off the plane I was on. Before leaving that is.

Thank you all so much for your comments. Part of me wants to cancel and go away with my guy instead (i bought travel insurance) the other part says go. I'm just confused.

Cindy-
Take a deep breath and hold it. Picture the lovely beach. Now you're on it, doing exactly as you please. No one is complaining, no one is offering suggestions for activities you don't care about.
Okay, you can breath now. You are going to have a super time, and provide a great vacation for the rest of us to vicariously revel in. Don't forget to have an umbrella drink!
PS- the time spent on the plane is shorter than the time spent sitting in your office/cube/chair at work all day.

dear cp-- that one reallllllyyyy helped. thanks for your encouragement. i've been "go"/"stay" all day. job has been so hectic, 3 days on a beach w/no phones, no responsibilites could very well be paradise. and I know about the vicarious part, after reading this board for a couple of weeks -- i wanted nothing more and made a snap decision when the travel agent offered it.

thanks again, i really love how everyone shares information and supports each other on this board. it's great.

Cindy, there's no one and I mean NO ONE who's more terrified of flying than I. However, I fly because sometime I just have to get away! I've made several trips to Europe (10 hour flights, etc.), and if I can, you can. What a fantastic trip you will have!