Anyone ever fly on AirTran? About This Page:

[trinigirl]

How are they? I got a fairly decent airfare with them, but when I went to pre-book our seats, they charge a fee to do so! i'd never heard of that being done before so it took me by surprise. It made me wonder what else I'll be nickled-and-dimed with once we get onboard (i.e. fee for pillows, blankets, refreshments, etc.) So if anyone's ever flown with them to Orlando, let me know your thoughts. Thanks!

[Lemap760]

We flew with them in May and didn't have a problem. We didn't pre-select our seats and the three of us were able to sit together. I just checked in online as close to 24 hours ahead of time as possible. You don't get charged extra for drinks of the nonalcoholic kind. I didn't see any pillows or blankets however.

[OffKilter_Lynn]

Being able to select your seats in advance of the normal 24-hour check-in is new and, yes, they do charge you (anywhere from $5 to $15 per seat, depending on location). We've flown twice since they started the new seating choice and both times did not choose our seats ahead of time. 'Good' seats were still available to select 24-hours before the flight so it was money saved for us. Airplane seating is very much a matter of personal preference - everyone has their favorite spot but since the whole plane gets there at the same time, it doesn't matter where I sit.

Tiny blankets and pillows are limited, but available from the flight crew (stewardess, air hospitality staff, etc) - you may want to ask when you board as they go quickly.

[Olivia's Mom]

I have flowen Air Tran about 20 times in the last five year's. I have also flown Delta and there was no difference in service. Air Tran is just more affordable. I flew them in July and they gave us free headphones. But service and on time record is the same as far as I can tell. I recommend Air Tran to anyone that asks me.

[Pfishgirl]

We use AirTran when we can't get a better deal from Spirit.. Never had any problems

[cynholjot]

We flew on AirTran in Aug. I chose to purchase seats because of the 5 of us flying the two under 9 had never flown before, so it calmed my worries about seating. The service was prompt and friendly. We flew Delta back and I did not see any difference in service. I will be using them again next year.

[cruisindisney]

We've flown with them several times Philadelphia to Orlando and have always had excellent experiences.

[jamielynn]

My DF2B and I fly them several times a year. We are lucky to have family down in Coco Beach so we fly from Dulles (VA) to Orlando at VERY reasonable rates. Service on board is GREAT and the staff are WONDERFUL. We have been early for arrival on all but one trip and that was due to a rainstorm coming back.

[scarlettsmom]

We are using them from Philly this time and I have heard nothing but great things. I'm excited! We usually do Delta or US Air but US Air is ALWAYS late getting to vacation and 10 minutes early to the gate coming home.....

[abcangie87]

I book a lot of airtran and everyone seems happy with it. We liked them when we flew them in May. When I log-in under my travel agent ID to book tickets, it allows me to select seats for my clients. Ah-- a perk to using a travel agent

[Marv]

I haven't flown air tran since they started charging for assigned seats (but not because of that). I flew many times prior because I could always find the best deal, however, the last two times, I was not seated next to the others in my party. First time was o.k. cuz Dh and I were each with a child. The very last time, I was flying with with just my son and and I and I did online check in 24 hours in advance. We were about 1/2 the airplane apart! I had also booked my mom and 2 kids (2 months after I booked my son and I) and they got seated together even though I checked them in AFTER me! I couldn't figure that out and when called to ask about it, they said we could switch it when we got to the airport. When we got there, that was not an option. Plane was full. So, I haven't flown airtran since, just on the principal. I chose other airlines because I would gladly pay a little more to pick my seats out ahead of time. It's just not worth it to not sit by my son!

Now, with all this said, I did choose to fly airtran for one leg of my journey this upcoming Dec. I'm flying all alone. I did the preassigned seat thing, it cost me 7.50 for one way. I love to be on the aisle and it was worth it to pay 7.50 for that. I like to be able to go to the bathroom and not disturb the others in my row. Airtran offered the time I wanted to fly and the price was right, so I went for it. I have to say though that I would never fly with my family without paying the extra for pre-assigned seats. For me, I have to add that cost into the flight and see if it's still cheaper than other options. I suppose it all depends on whether the plane is full or not, but I'm not willing to take that chance.

[Ginns1]

My first ever airplane flight was with AirTran. I was nothing like the horror stories I had in my mind for flying. The landings were so smooth. Even other passengers commented about that. We left on time and arrived in Orlando ahead of schedule! My boyfriend and I booked our seats by phone 48 hours ahead and I was very happy to pay the fee to be seated together. They also offered upgrades on both flights. Non-alcoholic drinks were free and the crew was pretty neat!

[smilechaser]

Love Airtran....we fly them as our prefered airline whenever possible. Only problem was some lost luggage last week, which was found a few days later. Flights run on time in our experience. No charge for in flight drinks snacks etc. We usually fly out of Flint Michigan, sometimes we use Detroit if the price is alot better.

[Jennifer2003]

We just used Air Tran for the first time two weeks ago. They were fine. We did prepick our seats and paid extra for alcoholic drinks inflight. (Coffee, juice, pop is complimentary) AirTran is a cash-free airline, so if you are looking to have alcohol on board, you pay by credit card.

I will definatley use Air Tran again!