AirTran Stinks

Figmentathm · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 7:30 am Post subject: AirTran Stinks

I know all airlines change flights after you book them. Usually it is only a matter of a few minutes on the schedule. But AirTran has really taken the cake on this.

I booked airfare in June for my son and his family to fly home for Christmas. My son hates to fly and they have a 2 1/2 year old boy. For these reasons I booked non-stop flights Ft Myers to Boston. Up once, down once, only 3 hours in the air. No changing planes and dragging a little one through airports. Even though Providence is a much closer airport, I chose AirTran into Boston for the non stop flights. I even paid the extra money for reserved seats to make sure they would all be together.

Last week I got a change notice from AirTran. I figured, no big deal, a few minutes or so. Wrong. The 3 hour non stop into Boston is now an 8 1/2 hour, 2 stop flight. The return is still a non-stop, but leaves Boston 4 hours earlier. They'll have to get up at dark-thirty to make the hour long trip into Boston.

I've tried calling the airline, but their phones are so jammed that the recording actually tells you that they won't take your call.

Beware if you are booking any travel with AirTran. This is the worst abuse I have ever seen. I'd cancel but you know the non-refundable fares and all the change fees.

I'll keep you posted.
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kray · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:03 am Post subject:

That's terrible!!! Good luck with making the changes. Having done many flights with young children, non-stop is crucial!

I'll keep my fingers crossed for you!

daveypoo · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:04 am Post subject:

All I can say is SOUTHWEST.
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Figmentathm · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 8:10 am Post subject:

daveypoo · Posted: Mon Oct 15, 2007 10:06 am Post subject:

WDWFan · Pilot Joined: Mar 01, 2006 Posts: 10863

That s***s. My family is flying Air Tran to meet me at Disney in November. Now I'm going to worry the entire time.

Incredibles · Posted: Tue Oct 16, 2007 3:20 am Post subject:

Southwest all the way!!!!
I don't even hardly look at any other airlines anymore. It would have to be a savings in the hundreds fro me to switch airlines.

GrumpyDaddy · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 1:41 am Post subject:

I always go Southwest too. Smile

But I'll miss not having the cattle prods. Wink

Figmentathm · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 2:09 am Post subject:

Update.

Had sent an email to Airtran and figured I'd never hear back. To my surprise I did, but only to say flights change, etc,etc. Call this number and.......!

I had been calling that number and it was telling me they couldn't process the call because of technical stuff. I even called at 2:20 AM EST and got the same thing.

I called last night and got through after hearing the "Angel of Death" speech. (If you change...., if your bag.., if you are late and miss....!) Felt like I was back in Catholic school.

But I did reach a live person who appeared to be in the US and not in Banaglore. I explained the situation, and he arranged better flights. I was extremely happy, although I notice in the confirm email that of the 3 passengers, I have lost 1 seat assignment. (AirTran charges for reserved seats.) If I can't change that on line, I'll have to call back.

So the saga continues, but it is better than it was initially.
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daguru · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 2:24 am Post subject:

I am surprised you had so much trouble with them.... my brother in law (and his wife the last few times) always books AirTran when they fly from Kentucky down to MCO... They have never had any problems or issues...

Weird...

theEpiphany · Gate Agent Joined: Posts: 854

kray · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 4:50 am Post subject:

Figmentathm · Posted: Wed Oct 17, 2007 5:20 am Post subject:

Figmentathm · Posted: Thu Oct 18, 2007 4:43 am Post subject:

Update. I called again last night and was able to get the seating situation resolved quickly. (Although I did have to sit through the "Angel of Death" speech again.

I must retract my "AirTran Stinks" thought for now. Both times I called I got some very friendly and competent service reps. I also sent a thank you email to the rep who answered my email. She did respond and explain that they had a phone upgrade which caused some outages.

Thanks to all of you who responded about your knowledge of AirTran's service. My mind is at ease now.

If they only leave things alone now, I'll be happy. I'll follow up with you after Christmas.
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WDWFan · Pilot Joined: Mar 01, 2006 Posts: 10863