Anyone fly AirTran - BWI to MBJ?

[vucko]

We fly Philadelphia to MBJ every year for Christmas. We used AirJamaica but, of course, they no longer fly out of Phila. Now we fly UsAir out of Phila. The AirTran flights out of BWI have a nice schedule and are alot cheaper. Reading reviews on AirTran in general are all over the board. Some love it, others relate horror stories. Anyone have any experiences with this flight? Thanks.

[Michelle]

I used them in December and then again in March. We had no problems at all - on time and the lines moved quickly checking in. I pay an extra $20 each way to get the Exit Row just to have more leg room. Also, they do charge for checked bags.

[Capitol J]

I just used Airtran for BWI-Montego Bay last week. It is basically the same as flying USair in my opinion and a lot cheaper. I actually fly Airtran domestically about once every other month to visit my parents and never had serious issues with the airline. The Boeing 737 for the BWI-Montego flight is rather comfortable compared to their smaller jets they use for domestic flights. You may find leg room a little restricted if you are over 6ft tall like myself but this is normal for most US airlines. And unlike some US airlines, they at least give you pretzels or cookies on your flight. Plus, the Airtran flight got us to Montego Bay before 11am! More time to party!

A good resource I use when flying is www.seatguru.com It will show you which seats are the best on any flight.

[love2travelchic]

I fly Airtran from BWI to MBJ often and prefer it since AirJamaica no longer leaves from BWI...neva had an issue with them and like Capitol said usually get there early then scheduled and in some cases earlier flight home for the return.

[Lola]

I don't fly that route but I fly Airtran most of the time. Happy with the pricing, service is great, reasonable upgrades to business class etc.

[Marko]

flew AirTran a lot in the last year and enjoyed them...just make sure your checked bag is under 62" in total...
cause they do measure them if they think they are over.....then it will cost ya another $50....
mi was 64" last trip and had to pay....now that bag was allowed to be over 50lbs cause you're paying the $50....lol

Cool Runnings, Marko

[JahC]

I have used AirTran ever since AirJamaica stopped flying out of BWI. Have never had any major problems. Was held up one time at MBJ for the return flight, but have often arrived at MBJ early going over. The flight that leaves at 8:35 AM seemed to be the more popular flight, but lately the one out of BWI at 10:35 am seems to be the more popular one.

[Mike_D]

It looks like AirTran out of BWI does beat the US Air price out of PHL on most days. I actually live only 20 minutes from PHL, so it's hard for me to justify travelling to another airport just to save some money on the flight ticket. But its great to have some other options.

I have found that you get the best the US Air prices for round trip PHL to MBJ if you book Wednesday to Wednesday. Most of the time, the price is comparable to AirTran.

[Luvsdaislands]

The USAir flight from Philly used to be cheaper than AirTran. Never had problems with AirTran to Mobay, I just advise you to get to BWI early because lots of folks use AirTran for flights to different islands and its always packed in the mornings. Another option is Southwest...some days you can book an AirTran operated by Southwest or vice versa.....if you see that flight go to the Southwest site to book instead of the AirTran site and your luggage will be free.

Also United flies direct out of IAD (Dulles Airport). If it says operated by Copa Airlines you will get FREE FULLY meals and beverages.

[Ti2m]

Great info Luvs. Thanks. I plan on using AT if USAir doesn't put up some decent air mile dates. Right now AT is offering direct flight RT BWI-MBJ for $350 in Aug Sep Oct. That is a fantastic price. Just waiting for the November/December prices to drop since they were just released and are at $450.