Hubby and I are going on a cruise to Eastern Carribbean but pick up cruise line in San Juan; so will fly from DFW to Atlanta and then on. Will be flying Air Tran for the first time. We read on reviews that Air Tran's check-in (for bags, etc.) could take 2 hours but then were told by another person that it was a breeze for them so we would not have to arrive at DFW at 4:30 am for 6:30 flight. Anyone had any experiences with Air Tran or any other tips or advice would be helpful. Thanks and thank you to all who have helped me out in the past!
We fly by airtran a lot and never had any problems.
We actuall flew to San Juan 1.5 ago for the cruise through Atlanta and Orlando and did not have problems
The only problem we had was in San Juan on the way back. Crazy crowded airport, poor customer service...
This is just my opinion, so take it as you like....
I have flown on several airlines. The rule is to be at the airport 3 hours in advance for an international flight and 2 hours for a flight to a destination in the US. Since you are flying to Atlanta, you fall in the 2 hour group.
With all that is going on in air travel and around the world, I would be there 2 hours in advance just so I could be relaxed and certain that I'm at the airport, checked in and through security in plenty of time. We were going to Orlando (early one Sunday morning) and didn't sweat being late. We arrived 2 hours in advance only to find that I had missed on the news that all flights had been canceled the day before because of a wind/sand storm. We missed our flight because we could not get through checking in and security in enough time.
Another time, we arrived 2 hours in advance, but a lot of other people had chosen to fly at 7 am Sunday morning. We barely got through security and walked on to the plane, at the last minute. I don't like cutting it that close.
Try getting there early and if you have extra time, walk through the shops or have a meal, or even buy a snack to eat on the plane. It is so nice to start your trip in a relaxed state instead of worrying about what you will do if you miss your flight.
Have a great time!
Air Tran is know as "the cattle cars of the airways." They are notorious for overbooking flights, and having mechanical malfunctions which lead to extended layovers and delayed flights.
With that being said, I highly suggest that you get there at least 2 hours before you flight is due to leave.
I would just play it safe. There are always unforeseen variables.
Two hours gives you time to check something in instead of carry it on, gives you time to run something back to the car, retrieve something you may have left in the car, buy and change clothes if you have a wardrobe malfunction...
You just never know what could come up. It is better to be safe than sorry!
My mother was a flight attendant for 30+ years and that meant we got to travel for 90% off. Believe me when I tell you that while getting up early can be a pain in the rear, not having enough time if something comes up is a much bigger pain.
