AirTran?

We flew AirTran all the time until a year ago when they moved from the airport we used. I've never flown Southwest, but we were pleased with AirTran

I've flown with them a couple of times - nothing spectacular but no real issues either. . . .

Air Tran was aquired by SouthWest about a year ago, so you can expect the same service and policies as you'd get with SW.

They're just fine.

Have you check Jet Blue, that is who we took 7 years ago and it was cheap and each seat had a TV. AirTran cancelled my parents direct flight from DFW to BWI and gave them the worst flight replacement ever, with a 7 hour layover in ATL. They lost my husband's luggage. They did find it, but not after a lot of running around. They gave us a credit if we went to DCA to pick it up, when we did at 12:30 am, they were closed. On our trip to Bermuda out of DFW, they only had 2 people at the ticket counter with a line of over 100, and we almost missed our flight. I mean, running through the airport with a 2 year old and all the stuff that goes with that. While at DFW, they supervisor came out saw what was going on and went to the back. The first class attendant refused to help us regular folks even when she didn't have a line. That being said, for $300, I'd take my chances again.

I flew with them but for the life of me can't remember where. Yeah cause I am such a jet setter! :p Anyway I don't remember it being a bad experience so I think they are okay. If I remember correctly they are owned by one of the major airlines.

Flew with them a few months ago. Seats a bit cramped but for a 2 hour
flight very doable for the price. I recommend them.

They are now one of the same. I believe you only a short time to buy tickets under AirTran. They are both good airlines. Have a great trip!

my parents flew them out of philadelphia last week. first flight was an hour and a half late but they held the connection for them in atlanta (not by much, i'm sure!) so they didn't have any real problems.

I have flown with AirTran a couple of times out of BWI. Never had any major issues. I think for the most part all the airlines are pretty much the same in terms of customer experience - it pretty much just depends on who is working there that day and what kind of service they feel like providing. Thus, I always go with the cheapest cost.

Rachel:

I personally haven't flown with them.

I have a few friends that have - one had a horrible experience - one had a FANTASTIC experience and one was just "OKAY".

I would try them and see. I believe they were bought out by SouthWest. So if you have the SWA rewards - you SHOULD be able to use that number for points.....

Hope you have a WONDERFUL vacation!! Please tell me your MIL is paying for herself....or not going - right?

We have flown with them a few times from BWI to Atlanta. No problems at all. I don't have a preferred airline though - I go with the best price. And I'm good with things as long as they get me there :)
AirTran was indeed bought out by Southwest, but AirTran still has baggage fees, whereas Southwest does not. Be sure that your $300 savings won't be gobbled up by baggage. I think a bag is $25 each way, but check on that.
One other thing - AirTran will offer for you to choose your seats when you make your reservation, but there is a charge per seat. You can bypass that charge by waiting until the 24hr check-in period to choose your seats for free. But if you have a big family and want to sit together, I would check-in as soon as the 24 hr time period starts so you can get the seats that you'd like.

We fly with them often between PA and FL. Southwest bought them out recently so they will not be going to our destinations anymore.

I have never had a problem with them but the coach seats are a little tight. If you check in the day before (24 hrs.) you can upgrade to business class for about $69.00 a seat (at least that’s what it usually was for us). I would book soon since they fill up fast.