AirTran airway.....opinions

We took AirTran to Orlando in October with our 15 month old twins. I have only good things to say about this airline. They were all very friendly and helpful and the flights both ways were great. They were also very helpful when we called about our son's nut allergy. They are nut free and were so informative when we had questions. The seats coul've been a little bigger but our flight was only 2.5 hours so we didnt mind. Hope this helps! I highly recommend them. Enjoy your flight!

My husband and I used AirTran when we flew to FL a couple years ago. We had a great experience with them. We had no problems at all. I highly recommend them.

Also....We didn't have a children with us but several others did and they were very accommodating. One of the mothers was alone with 3 kids ranging in age from 1 to 5 and the Flight Attendant was very helpful with her 5 year old giving him a coloring book and crayons and even playing with him when she had time. She even took him to the bathroom once since the mother did not want to leave her other children to take him herself. She took him to the bathroom, showed him everything and waited outside the door till he was finished then brought him back to his seat.

I've flown it - just be sure to bring your own entertainment. No TVs on those planes!!

i heard its a no thrills airline thats why its cheaper i.e. no movies snacks etc. but its fine other than that.
Good luck!
From H.

My husband and I usually take Jet Blue to Florida but last year we took Air Tran. My husband described it well..."it's like taking the bus" They were nice, but the seats are crammed together and it is like riding a bus. It is the budget way of flying and to that it's not bad. But just be aware of that when flying longer distances.

I had a great experience flying with Jet Blue and they are very accomidating with kids. Its not over crowded on them and the flight attendants are very helpful and great with kids. AirTran is all about buisness (if you know what I mean). The seats are very uncomfortable and they take their time helping the people out. Its not a very kid friendly flight in my opinion. I always use JetBlue becuase I know the type of service I will be getting.

We flew this airline on a last minute flight, and everything was fine. the seats were tight but the service was the same as a regular flight.

We took Air Tran a couple years ago - it was OK - got there safe & sound. You really get the feel of a discount airline though - everything seems sort of old & basic. Don't expect anything other than basic transportation - no entertainment, pillows, blankets or snacks. Bring all your own & it will be fine!

I don't fly AirTran anymore because literally EVERY time I used them, I was delayed in at least one direction if not both. The cities I was flying to and from only had 3 scheduled departures each day, so because I'd book the early flight and it would be delayed, I'd often have to wait until the later flight. Annoying, to say the least -- and this was before I had kids. There's no way I'd fly them now that I have two children ...

Check how many times a day they fly to your destination city and how often before booking. And prepare to wait; lucky you if your experience is like other responders', however if it's not you'll want to be prepared with plenty of activities and snacks for the fam. Safe travels!

My mother-in-law flies through AirTran every time she visits us from Georgia. She seems to like it but the only consistent issue we have is that they tend to have delays, both with departures and arrivals. Have you tried JetBlue? Enjoy your trip!

I have flown on AirTran several times and I've never had a problem. They've always been on time and the crew was friendly...

If you haven't booked already, try to sit in the back where most of the families w/ kids sit...because that's a long flight.

I fly with them and always catch the early morning flights. I never had a delay. flying with children on this airline is fine only beware that all drinks are for a cost. They give a blueberry multigrain soft gronola bar as a snack. My whole family thought it was terrible. So having no snacks and needing to purchase drinks can be an issue. Bring plenty of snacks and as for drinks i dont know what to tell you because you cant bring them on the plane. Oh perhaps you can bring on the powder ones and go in the bathroom and use water to mix. That's an idea.
good luck
D.

Hi M. D,

Unless you enjoy being treated rudely, bumped from your flight, & left to sleep overnight on the airport floor, I would suggest another airline. I flew their Canadian sister company, Trans Air, on a flight from Montrael to Paris. I was on the aisle seat sitting next to two French Canadians. The flight attendant nicely handed them their meals & tossed me my meal. Not only that, but he ran over my blanket with the food cart & kept going even when he noticed he was dragging it.

Second & last ever experience with Air Tran was in new Orleans. The airport taxi didn't pick me up on time. I was told by the customer service rep that I could go on the flight a few hours later. I got to the airport & was given the run around from the desk clerk. There were three seats left on the flight. He had me stand by for two hours, then he sent me to the gate with my luggage after telling me he would radio them to tell them I was on my way. I got to the gate to be told there was a seat left, but I had to go back to the check in area to check my luggage. Now mind you, this is luggage that is small enough to fit in the overhead compartment. When I told them it was important that I got home that day, they didn't care. I went back to the check in & they were all gone. When someone did finally come out, they really could care less. American Airlines were able to help me out, but the next flight wasn't until the next morning. So, I spent all day & night at the New Orleans airport, sleeping on the floor & playing countless games of Ms. Pac Man. I couldn't leave because I had no place to stash my luggage & I wasn't about to drag it around to site see. Now mind you, this is luggage that is small enough to fit in the overhead compartment.

After all that drama, I ended up losing my job because I didn't make it to work the next day.

I will never fly with Air Tran because of these horrible experiences. If they were the only airline left in the world, I would find other means of travel. If I were to ever win a vacation, I would pass it up if they were the airline. I heard Jet Blue is good or the good old American Airlines & United airlines. Go with someone with a reputible reputation. Google them & you'll probably come up with some other horror stories. I did that after this last event & saw plenty of unhappy travelers.

Hope you have a better experience no matter who you fly with. Here's to happy & safe travels for you & your family!

~A.

My boss who I arrange travel for had to fly this airline once and he was pretty impressed for it being a "no name" airline a few years back. On his return and great experience, I was meeting my family in FL and was travelling alone with my then almost 3 year old. I had a great flight and the staff was very nice. They have very competitive pricing.

I did not experience a delay, but I see where many others did. FYI, USAIR is one of the worst for delays, so just beware and prepare....a delay can happen for any reason, especially weather this year has been a major one!

I vote yes, for a great deal, but agree with the tight seats, very slight recline, and more delays than other airlines, we think... however, we have used them many times and still feel it's worth it if you are willing to save money. I didn't know about the charging for drinks, since we haven't flown in almost a year. Must be recent. That is bad, since you can't bring drinks on. Tough call if you like nice travel, but we like the deal even with the paid drinks. Also, when we were delayed, they were very nice about giving out free trips or free meals/hotel stay.