Experiences with Air Tran Airways?

Eaglesfan27 · 06-07-2009, 04:16 PM

I just found out about my Grandmother's upcoming 80th birthday in early August. I'm likely going to be flying to NJ for a weekend for the party, and for a variety of reasons I'd like to fly into the Atlantic City airport. Apparently, Air Tran is the only airline flying into the airport (understandable as it is a small airport.) Anyone have any experiences with them? I may just fly into Philly, if they are a bad airline.

Ronnie Dobbs2 · 06-07-2009, 04:18 PM

They're a discount airline, but they've always gotten me where I'm going.

They used to be called ValuJet.

Lathum · 06-07-2009, 04:19 PM

I've used them a bunch of times and never had any problems

Galaxy · 06-07-2009, 04:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ronnie Dobbs2

They're a discount airline, but they've always gotten me where I'm going.

They used to be called ValuJet.

Are they really any worst when it comes to it's product than the "full-service" carriers (at least AirTran has in-flight radio you can listen to)?

DaddyTorgo · 06-07-2009, 04:26 PM

no problems with AirTran

Ronnie Dobbs2 · 06-07-2009, 04:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galaxy

Are they really any worst when it comes to it's product than the "full-service" carriers (at least AirTran has in-flight radio you can listen to)?

Well, to be honest haven't flown AirTran in years, but probably not much difference anymore. They all act like discount carriers (save JetBlue and Virgin from my experience).

henry296 · 06-07-2009, 04:28 PM

A couple of years ago, I flew them almost every week for work with no real issues. As mentioned best part is built in XMRadio.

fantom1979 · 06-07-2009, 04:35 PM

Noticed this on wikipedia that i thought was interesting:

Quote:

As of September 2008, AirTran's average fleet age was 3.8 years.

ISiddiqui · 06-07-2009, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lathum

I've used them a bunch of times and never had any problems

Ditto.

Eaglesfan27 · 06-07-2009, 04:50 PM

Thanks everyone. Guess I'm going to give them a try (assuming my vacation request is approved tomorrow.) The XMRadio does sound very nice.

sterlingice · 06-07-2009, 04:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fantom1979

Noticed this on wikipedia that i thought was interesting:

Wow. That's ridiculously young

SI

Radii · 06-07-2009, 05:11 PM

I flew round trip from Atlanta to Atlantic City back in November 2007, the only time I've flown Air Tran, had no issues at all.

Eaglesfan27 · 06-07-2009, 05:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Radii

I flew round trip from Atlanta to Atlantic City back in November 2007, the only time I've flown Air Tran, had no issues at all.

I'll be having a 3 hour lay over in Atlanta both ways. Only downside to the flight as I prefer to fly non-stop when possible, but it still seems worthwhile.

Alan T · 06-07-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sterlingice

Wow. That's ridiculously young

SI

They were hammered so hard with bad publicity due to poor maintenance of their fleet as well as those crashes that occurred fairly near each other back in the late 1980s or early 1990s or whenever it was that they had to seriously turn around their image. I believe they changed to the Airtran name, fired alot of their board, and implemented better policies for maintenance and plane age at that time.

That said, I still never got over my irrational fear to not fly them so can't really give any other feedback on whether or not they are good however.,

mrsimperless · 06-07-2009, 05:52 PM

Isn't this the airline that changed their name from ValuJet?

JonInMiddleGA · 06-07-2009, 06:06 PM

About the only negative I've had with AirTran versus other airlines is that when flying in & out of Atlanta (because it's a Delta hub) their gate assignments are pretty shitty, like on the ass end of the airport instead of the easiest to reach after clearing security. They're almost in a different county than the rest of Hartsfield (or that's how it feels when you're rushing to make a flight).

Support staff on the ground (ticket agents, baggage people, etc) are maybe a little lower quality too but you can get suckitude from nearly every airline now so I'm not sure that they're all that much worse overall. One thing I will say is that we had several problems with them with checked at the gate luggage back in the day; i.e. baby strollers & the like. They seem to have a knack for damaging that sort of thing but these days I'm not sure whether that's even something you're allowed to do anymore between security & new restrictions on luggage amounts, so it may not even be an issue.

Lathum · 06-07-2009, 06:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

but you can get suckitude from nearly every airline now so I'm not sure that they're all that much worse overall. .

QFT

Pumpy Tudors · 06-07-2009, 06:34 PM

love airtranny

CraigSca · 06-07-2009, 07:01 PM

It's my understanding that all their planes are the new 717s. They look like old MD-80s, but they're brand new. I took the family on them once, and the trip was without incident. I would fly them again.

sterlingice · 06-07-2009, 07:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pumpy Tudors

love airtranny

Motto: A surprise in the skies?

SI

Galaxy · 06-07-2009, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Thanks everyone. Guess I'm going to give them a try (assuming my vacation request is approved tomorrow.) The XMRadio does sound very nice.

I can't remember if they provide the headphones.

larrymcg421 · 06-07-2009, 08:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

About the only negative I've had with AirTran versus other airlines is that when flying in & out of Atlanta (because it's a Delta hub) their gate assignments are pretty shitty, like on the ass end of the airport instead of the easiest to reach after clearing security. They're almost in a different county than the rest of Hartsfield (or that's how it feels when you're rushing to make a flight).

QFT.

That's really my only problem with Airtran. Not only are you often on the furthest terminal from the airport entrance, but the gate is usually at either far end of that terminal.

However, it's worth it for the difference in cost for me not to be a lazy fuck and walk another couple hundred yards.

revrew · 06-07-2009, 10:27 PM

My first experience with Air Tran was awful - got stuck in LaGuardia for almost 10 hours while other flights left for Atlanta ahead of us, etc. etc. Passengers irate, almost ready to riot. And New Yorkers to boot. 4 flights of New Yorkers stuck at one gate in LaGuardia for 10 hours. Not pretty.

Though the gate crew were unusually professional in the face of a mob of angry idiots, it really was the result of the airline's screwup.

That said, they granted us free round trip tix to anywhere in U.S. good for the next year. We used them and had best vacation of our lives. So, 50/50 experience for us.

Samdari · 06-08-2009, 08:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

I'll be having a 3 hour lay over in Atlanta both ways. Only downside to the flight as I prefer to fly non-stop when possible, but it still seems worthwhile.

Isn't it incredibly expensive to fly to AC?

Mizzou B-ball fan · 06-08-2009, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samdari

Isn't it incredibly expensive to fly to AC?

Yes, it's pretty pricey. Most people like to fly into Philly and just rent a car for the short drive over.

Hammer755 · 06-08-2009, 08:43 AM

I have family in Atlanta, and they have used AirTran several times over the past couple of years to travel between here and there without incident.

miked · 06-08-2009, 08:46 AM

Live in ATL, wife works for an unnamed ATL airline that is not Airtran and I've flown them a few times for business. Never any problems, in fact, better than my experience on United. Really, if you just need to get where you are going and don't need to feel like you are flying your personal gulfstream, quite a few of the low cost carriers will do.

One thing though, I'm not sure if they have free beverage service though I could be wrong. I seem to remember the cashless cabin (they had it before most) and certain things costing some loot. But then again, I was on business and probably didn't care.

Eaglesfan27 · 06-08-2009, 09:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Samdari

Isn't it incredibly expensive to fly to AC?

Actually, it is almost 100 dollars cheaper than any other flight I can find from New Orleans to Philly. Of course, this is the only option that includes a "discount" airline. The Air Tran flight is about 300 dollars from New Orleans to AC with the 1 stop in Atlanta.

Mizzou B-ball fan · 06-08-2009, 09:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eaglesfan27

Actually, it is almost 100 dollars cheaper than any other flight I can find from New Orleans to Philly. Of course, this is the only option that includes a "discount" airline. The Air Tran flight is about 300 dollars from New Orleans to AC with the 1 stop in Atlanta.

Yikes. Guess it just depends on where you're coming from then.

Fighter of Foo · 06-08-2009, 10:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by revrew

My first experience with Air Tran was awful - got stuck in LaGuardia for almost 10 hours while other flights left for Atlanta ahead of us, etc. etc. Passengers irate, almost ready to riot. And New Yorkers to boot. 4 flights of New Yorkers stuck at one gate in LaGuardia for 10 hours. Not pretty.

Though the gate crew were unusually professional in the face of a mob of angry idiots, it really was the result of the airline's screwup.

That said, they granted us free round trip tix to anywhere in U.S. good for the next year. We used them and had best vacation of our lives. So, 50/50 experience for us.

Airtran tends to have one gate at most airports they service other than Atlanta where they are based. This means that:

1) Almost all of their flights go through Atlanta
2) If there's a delay anywhere along your route, you're pretty much screwed.

For example, say you're flying to New York but the Airtran plane currently in New York is having a mechanical problem. Even though your plane in Atlanta is perfectly fine, you can't go anywhere until the NY plane leaves.

For any other airline, this isn't a problem. They just go to an open gate. Airtran doesn't have that option and as a result, the delays pile up, especially if there's weather in Atlanta.

In summary, cheap prices, but don't fly them if you're on a schedule.

Galaxy · 06-08-2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fighter of Foo

Airtran tends to have one gate at most airports they service other than Atlanta where they are based. This means that:

1) Almost all of their flights go through Atlanta
2) If there's a delay anywhere along your route, you're pretty much screwed.

For example, say you're flying to New York but the Airtran plane currently in New York is having a mechanical problem. Even though your plane in Atlanta is perfectly fine, you can't go anywhere until the NY plane leaves.

For any other airline, this isn't a problem. They just go to an open gate. Airtran doesn't have that option and as a result, the delays pile up, especially if there's weather in Atlanta.

In summary, cheap prices, but don't fly them if you're on a schedule.

I know AirTran is slowly building up a supporting hub at Baltimore/Washington International Airport.

CamEdwards · 06-08-2009, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JonInMiddleGA

About the only negative I've had with AirTran versus other airlines is that when flying in & out of Atlanta (because it's a Delta hub) their gate assignments are pretty shitty, like on the ass end of the airport instead of the easiest to reach after clearing security. They're almost in a different county than the rest of Hartsfield (or that's how it feels when you're rushing to make a flight).

Support staff on the ground (ticket agents, baggage people, etc) are maybe a little lower quality too but you can get suckitude from nearly every airline now so I'm not sure that they're all that much worse overall. One thing I will say is that we had several problems with them with checked at the gate luggage back in the day; i.e. baby strollers & the like. They seem to have a knack for damaging that sort of thing but these days I'm not sure whether that's even something you're allowed to do anymore between security & new restrictions on luggage amounts, so it may not even be an issue.

True, but at least there is a smoking lounge near the Air Tran gates... not that EF really cares about that.

06-07-2009, 04:18 PM	#2
Ronnie Dobbs2 Pro Rookie Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: Bahston Mass	They're a discount airline, but they've always gotten me where I'm going. They used to be called ValuJet. __________________ There's no I in Teamocil, at least not where you'd think

06-07-2009, 04:26 PM	#5
DaddyTorgo Hall Of Famer Join Date: Oct 2002 Location: Massachusetts	no problems with AirTran __________________ If I've ever helped you and you'd like to buy me a coffee, or just to say thanks, I have my Bitcoin and Ethereum addressed listed below :) BTC: bc1qykhsfyn9vw4ntqfgr0svj4n9tjdgufryh2pxn5 ETH: 0x2AcdC5cd88EA537063553F5b240073bE067BaCa9

06-07-2009, 04:28 PM	#7
henry296 College Starter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Pittsburgh, PA	A couple of years ago, I flew them almost every week for work with no real issues. As mentioned best part is built in XMRadio. __________________ "It's a great day for hockey" - "Badger" Bob Johnson

06-07-2009, 04:50 PM	#10
Eaglesfan27 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: New Jersey	Thanks everyone. Guess I'm going to give them a try (assuming my vacation request is approved tomorrow.) The XMRadio does sound very nice. __________________ Retired GM of the eNFL 2007 Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles (19-0 record.) GM of the WOOF 2006 Doggie Bowl Champion Atlantic City Gamblers. GM of the IHOF 2019 and 2022 IHOF Bowl Champion Asheville Axemen. Last edited by Eaglesfan27 : 06-07-2009 at 04:50 PM.

06-07-2009, 05:52 PM	#15
mrsimperless College Prospect Join Date: Apr 2003	Isn't this the airline that changed their name from ValuJet? __________________ "All I know is that smart women are hot. Susan Polgar beat me in 24 moves in a simultaneous exhbition. I slept with the scoresheet under my pillow." Off some dude's web site.

06-07-2009, 04:19 PM	#3
Lathum Favored Bitch #1 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: homeless in NJ	I've used them a bunch of times and never had any problems

06-07-2009, 05:11 PM	#12
Radii Head Coach Join Date: Jul 2001	I flew round trip from Atlanta to Atlantic City back in November 2007, the only time I've flown Air Tran, had no issues at all.

06-07-2009, 06:06 PM	#16
JonInMiddleGA Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Behind Enemy Lines in Athens, GA	About the only negative I've had with AirTran versus other airlines is that when flying in & out of Atlanta (because it's a Delta hub) their gate assignments are pretty shitty, like on the ass end of the airport instead of the easiest to reach after clearing security. They're almost in a different county than the rest of Hartsfield (or that's how it feels when you're rushing to make a flight). Support staff on the ground (ticket agents, baggage people, etc) are maybe a little lower quality too but you can get suckitude from nearly every airline now so I'm not sure that they're all that much worse overall. One thing I will say is that we had several problems with them with checked at the gate luggage back in the day; i.e. baby strollers & the like. They seem to have a knack for damaging that sort of thing but these days I'm not sure whether that's even something you're allowed to do anymore between security & new restrictions on luggage amounts, so it may not even be an issue. __________________ "I lit another cigarette. Unless I specifically inform you to the contrary, I am always lighting another cigarette." - from a novel by Martin Amis

06-07-2009, 06:34 PM	#18
Pumpy Tudors Bounty Hunter Join Date: Oct 2000 Location: Pittsburgh, PA	love airtranny __________________ No, I am not Batman, and I will not repair your food processor.

06-07-2009, 07:01 PM	#19
CraigSca Pro Starter Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: Not Delaware - hurray!	It's my understanding that all their planes are the new 717s. They look like old MD-80s, but they're brand new. I took the family on them once, and the trip was without incident. I would fly them again. __________________ She loves you, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah! She loves you, yeah! how do you know? how do you know?

06-07-2009, 10:27 PM	#23
revrew Team Chaplain Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Just outside Des Moines, IA	My first experience with Air Tran was awful - got stuck in LaGuardia for almost 10 hours while other flights left for Atlanta ahead of us, etc. etc. Passengers irate, almost ready to riot. And New Yorkers to boot. 4 flights of New Yorkers stuck at one gate in LaGuardia for 10 hours. Not pretty. Though the gate crew were unusually professional in the face of a mob of angry idiots, it really was the result of the airline's screwup. That said, they granted us free round trip tix to anywhere in U.S. good for the next year. We used them and had best vacation of our lives. So, 50/50 experience for us. __________________ Winner of 6 FOFC Scribe Awards, including 3 Gold Scribes Founder of the ZFL, 2004 Golden Scribe Dynasty of the Year Now bringing The Des Moines Dragons back to life, and the joke's on YOU, NFL! I came to the Crossroad. I took it. And that has made all the difference.

06-08-2009, 08:43 AM	#26
Hammer755 High School Varsity Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: Houston, TX	I have family in Atlanta, and they have used AirTran several times over the past couple of years to travel between here and there without incident. __________________ I failed Signature 101 class.

06-08-2009, 08:46 AM	#27
miked College Starter Join Date: Jun 2001 Location: The Dirty	Live in ATL, wife works for an unnamed ATL airline that is not Airtran and I've flown them a few times for business. Never any problems, in fact, better than my experience on United. Really, if you just need to get where you are going and don't need to feel like you are flying your personal gulfstream, quite a few of the low cost carriers will do. One thing though, I'm not sure if they have free beverage service though I could be wrong. I seem to remember the cashless cabin (they had it before most) and certain things costing some loot. But then again, I was on business and probably didn't care. __________________ Commish of the United Baseball League (OOTP 6.5)

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