Southwest-AirTran merger on track to close in 2011 first half

I'm truly sorry to see AirTran being taken over by SouthWest. AirTran has built a loyal following and has put Delta on notice that they (Delta) are no longer the airline passengers favorite carrier. SouthWest is good and I just hope they don't screw up the fine people who work for
AirTran

Are you serious? Air Tran could only dream of being the airline that Southwest is, and have the people that it does. Southwest will do Delta what Air Tran hoped to do.

Phil, On behalf of the hardworking Crewmembers of AirTran, thanks for your kind words. We are very proud of what we have accomplished in the past and look hopefully to to the future by adding some of our corp culture to what is already a great industry leader that is Southwest Airlines. Maybe an ever better company will emerge.

I have a few comments from an industry insider. Air Tran is a quality product in the air. However they are let down when you call the reservations department. The people there are mostly - not all - rude and very unexcited - whoever heads up that department will need the ax during the merger. Southwest on the other hand at ALL levels offer a well oiled machine not only in the air but also on the ground and in their reservations department the Southwest Spirit is alive an kicking - this is where AirTran will finally be able to compete with an ever impressive Delta behemoth. I think DL and FL/WN will compete well in ATL and cant wait to see the results.

Does anyone know what is happening to the MD95/Boeing 717's? Will they stay in the fleet? I am hoping so... its the last of a dying breed. quiet comfortable and efficient ... who says RR doesnt know how to build a good engine.. just look at the 717.. :-)

Both are good airlines, however, being from Houston, I am glad to see SW coming to Atlanta. This will upgrade services and allow us to fly to places we have not been able to do so before at a reasonable price. We despise DELTA and their price gouging ways.

You must don't fly much. Airtran is a very good airline. I fly them all the time and the service is great. and crew is very friendly.

Does any one know how much it cost to bring golf bags on a flight? Flying out first of Feb.

Free bags. No change fees. I switched to Southwest from Delta years ago, and couldn't be happier. Free ticket every 8 round trips. On Delta, you can earn as few as 1,000 miles per round trip, and the only seats that seem to be available cost 40-60k miles (they kept upping the "prices", so I have no idea what they are these days). I stopped falling for the marketing about how great Delta's frequent flyer program is. Then there are those business class upgrades. I was a silver medallion SkyMiles member, but was traveling to a smaller town on the regional jets that have no business class, so I had a huge pile of upgrades-- that I NEVER got to use. I went on vacation on a full sized jet, but because I bought a cheap ticket, I couldn't upgrade, so being a loyal customer was worthless. I once got involuntarily bumped off a flight (didn't know that would ever happen as a Silver Medallion flyer). Then there were the very frequent flight cancellations which drove me to other airlines. Phew. Glad to have broken Delta's spell. You can walk away from your bank of miles and still be better off.

I had understood that SWA would continue to use the same airports that ATW did if they did not now. Will SWA begin to use Huntsville, AL where ATW is now?

I'm an "A Lister"on SWA. That means I fly 32 flights per year or more. Have been for nearly 5 years. I dread flying anyone else. Why? Because the other airlines could give a rats butt about getting me to my customers on time and feeling good about doing it. SWA will bring good service, attitude and efficiency to those in ATL. You don' know what you have been missing...Air Tran was the top of the second tier...now they will rise to the top and Delta clients will begin to see what flying is all about.

Here's my personal SWA experience. Flying them since 1998, A Lister since they created it 5 years ago. They have lost my bags 2 times. Once in a blizzard, the other was their mistake (they offered me cash for the inconvenience which I refused). I have had 2 mechanical delays, and one cancellation (last week with the blizzard in Western NY). Compare that to anyone. If you take your business travel seriously...fly anyone you want. If you wan to get to where you are going mostly on time...SWA is the only way to go. That's why they get 90% of my travel dollars.

I am sorry to see this happen. I have been flying AirTran since it was Value Jet and have always had good experiences. I hope that southwest will do us good in ATL, but I have my doubts.

I second Jim's comments. I have had wonderful experiences with Airtran and I hope Sothwest doesn't cancel any of their routes some of which serve under-served markets (Milwaukee, Portland Maine, Rochester NY, etc.) (Hopefully they won't because the flights are always packed but who can predict what airlines will do?) Their flights are almost always on time and the people are pleasant. Very sorry to see them go.

Last March I gave up my seat on an overbooked AirTran flight in exchange for 2 complimentary round trip tickets. I have tried numerous times to use these complementary tickets (usually with a 4 to 6 week lead time) only to be told that no seats were available. I look forward to Southwest's takeover and an improvement in customer service.

John G, I see what you're doing there and your point is well taken. Also, I acknowledge that I'm neither a frequent flyer or a business class flyer.

For my situation, Southwest (and their model) remains the best carrier. I travel from the west coast to the east coast about twice a year, visit my grandson, and return home. I ALWAYS have bags to check as I stay for 2-3 weeks and schlep gifts to him. My trips are planned out in advance and I book the flights when I have worked out suitable dates.

AirTran would charge me an additional $95/RT for the checked bags, bringing your quoted fares up significantly.

Additionally since I usually book well in advance, with Southwest, I am able to take advantage of lowered fares even after my reservations have been made. Multiple times, in fact, and there are no change fees for doing so.

Again, I realize I'm an atypical passenger, but Southwest and their model work for me, and I'm not alone.

Any word what will happen (& when) with the DFW/Dallas Love field markets? Will SW be forced to give up Airtrans DFW spots??

This merger is really putting Delta in auncomfortable spot. For years, they have cried foul every time that southwest wanted to get into Atlanta and at the same time and behind the scenes bullied to keep them out. With this merger they have got some real trouble due to the fact that Airtran has 20+ gates at Atlanta.

Silver Medallion?? Pffft...please.lol