[Dana]

I am still in search of airfare for my October trip. Southwest still isn't taking reservations for my time, but I noticed that Airtran is only $79 one-way for me. Southwest is currently offering the same deal for september. Who has flown with airtran? Are they a decent airline? Take off on time? Should I just wait for Southwest?

[Disneywife]

I've never heard of that airline....is it new?

[Dana]

Sharon -
I am not sure how new they are. I have no experience with them at all. They popped up when I was searching for airfares this afternoon while using travel zoo. I know I read about them before on here, but can't remember who mentioned them.

[karliebug]

Dana, I have used them a couple of times without any problems. They are a discount airline, like southwest.

[goofyguy1958]

Dana, We used Airtran last May when we went on our Magic cruise and were VERY happy with the service. The fleet is much newer than US scare or any of the other "established" airlines. They were on time both leaving Philadelphia, PA and returning. In fact we had a return flight at 3 PM but were at the airport by 10 AM and the staff went out of their way to try and get DW, DD, DS and myself on one of their earlier flights. They were so good that I only had to go to the counter once and after that they came over to where we were sitting to give me updates every 1/2 hour or so. I would highly recommend them!

[Andrea]

Just heard yesterday on Clark Howard (consumer guy, if you're not familiar with him) that AirTran just rated even higher than Southwest in customer satisfaction & comfort. JetBlue was the highest, immediately followed by AirTran & Southwest. I've never flown with AirTran, but I wouldn't hesitate to do so. Go for it!

[mickeymotto]

We used airtran in Nov. for our last trip to Florida and they were great. I had a hard time making a decision between U.S. Air and Air Tran at the time, but was glad I went with Air Tran because just about a week later US Air cancelled the flight I would have booked. We are in Pittsburgh and they are no longer a hub here....but it could happen any where I suppose. I would recommend Air Tran

[EmpressJenny]

Dana I want you to know that AirTran is just ValuJet under a new name. I have family that has flown AirTran (they bought the tickets before telling me, so I didn't want to scare them by telling them they're really on ValuJet) and their experiences have been positive, but does anyone remember the FL Everglades? If I ever got on a plane again, it certainly wouldn't be one that's trying to hide their safety record.

[disneycouple30]

I use Airtrans all the time to go to WDW out of BWI. They are great and you end up at concourse C most of the time.

[Dana]

Air tran it is then. Thanks all for the opinions.

[slist]

I have flown this Airline 6 times from Phil to Tampa and Orlando. The planes are new the crew is mostly based out of Alanta and are all very nice. We always upgrade to business class when we get to the Airport I think its between $35 and $50 dollars. Yes they were value jet before but alot has change since then. Join their frequent flyers club and they will send you updates for cheap flights to different destinations.

[tink74]

We took Airtran in January and loved it. On time, good service. Nothing fancy, but all I was worried about was getting there!

[EmpressJenny]

Originally Posted by slist

I have flown this Airline 6 times from Phil to Tampa and Orlando. The planes are new the crew is mostly based out of Alanta and are all very nice. We always upgrade to business class when we get to the Airport I think its between $35 and $50 dollars. Yes they were value jet before but alot has change since then. Join their frequent flyers club and they will send you updates for cheap flights to different destinations.

Well, you buy a couple of new planes, move your base of operations, etc., but many consumers find it very deceitful. A great many people have no idea that this company is essentially Valuejet in Airtran's clothing. I've done a lot of internet research on this, and my motivation isn't to scare anyone, just to educate people who may not have known.

It's very easy to write my opinion off because it's no secret that I refuse to get on an airliner again in this country, having nothing whatsoever to do with 9/11, but the reason I've developed such an issue about it is because of the amount that I HAVE looked into the state of affairs of the airline industry, cost vs. benefit (you wouldn't believe it if I told you) decisions that they are allowed to get away with.

I understand that all airlines have accidents, but most of them aren't having accidents because of transporting explosive and illegal cargo. Look into it, I'm just sharing what I know because I truly care about my DCers.

[Disneywife]

Originally Posted by EmpressJenny

Well, you buy a couple of new planes, move your base of operations, etc., but many consumers find it very deceitful. A great many people have no idea that this company is essentially Valuejet in Airtran's clothing. I've done a lot of internet research on this, and my motivation isn't to scare anyone, just to educate people who may not have known.

It's very easy to write my opinion off because it's no secret that I refuse to get on an airliner again in this country, having nothing whatsoever to do with 9/11, but the reason I've developed such an issue about it is because of the amount that I HAVE looked into the state of affairs of the airline industry, cost vs. benefit (you wouldn't believe it if I told you) decisions that they are allowed to get away with.

I understand that all airlines have accidents, but most of them aren't having accidents because of transporting explosive and illegal cargo. Look into it, I'm just sharing what I know because I truly care about my DCers.

You are lucky you live in an area that is close to the places you want to be...but...what if you want to venture beyond WDW? What if you do get a job with Yellow Shoes....and you need to travel? What if you boss wants to send you to an industry conference in, say...California? Las Vegas? Wherever? (Fwiw, Disney sends my husband all over the country for conferences...most salaried employees are expected to attend a certain number each year!) What will you do?

My point is... if you research air travel like you do I'm sure you know that air travel, even with its faults, is still much much safer than car travel. You are statistically much more likely to die on a US highway than on a US plane.

What if the future holds something different for you?

[Dana]

Originally Posted by EmpressJenny

It's very easy to write my opinion off because it's no secret that I refuse to get on an airliner again in this country, having nothing whatsoever to do with 9/11, but the reason I've developed such an issue about it is because of the amount that I HAVE looked into the state of affairs of the airline industry, cost vs. benefit (you wouldn't believe it if I told you) decisions that they are allowed to get away with.

I understand that all airlines have accidents, but most of them aren't having accidents because of transporting explosive and illegal cargo. Look into it, I'm just sharing what I know because I truly care about my DCers.

Jenny -
I wasn't writing off your opinion at all. I read what you wrote and appreciate you telling me what you know. Thank you for posting your information and for caring enough to.