Q: What changes will travelers see on AirTran in the coming months?
A: For now, AirTran will continue to sell its flights through the AirTran website and will continue to operate its regular flight schedule. Southwest said it plans to “move quickly” to integrate AirTran into its operations — though that still means months. AirTran’s reservations system, website and frequent flier program will be integrated into Southwest’s over time. Only after Southwest gets Federal Aviation Administration clearance — probably some time in 2012 — will it start repainting AirTran planes in its own colors and replacing AirTran’s seating configuration with Southwest’s.
Q: What happens to AirTran’s business class seating?
A: Southwest plans to eventually eliminate AirTran’s business class seating and convert the planes to Southwest’s all-coach class system.
Q: What about AirTran’s assigned seating?
A: Southwest does not offer assigned seating and plans to discontinue AirTran’s assigned seating as it transitions to Southwest service.
Q: What happens to AirTran frequent flier credits?
A: Southwest plans to merge AirTran’s A+ rewards members into its Rapid Rewards frequent flier program. Southwest has not disclosed how it will convert AirTran members’ credits into the Southwest program.
Q: Will I still have to pay AirTran’s checked baggage fees?
A: Southwest does not charge fees for the first and second checked bags, and Southwest plans to eliminate AirTran’s bag fees. It has not said exactly when, however. Southwest also does not charge fees for travelers who make changes to their tickets after purchase and will eliminate that fee as well.
Q: What will happen to AirTran employees?
A: Southwest says it has “every intent” of offering all AirTran employees an opportunity to work for Southwest, though some jobs may require relocation.
Q: Will Southwest discontinue any of AirTran’s flights?
A: Southwest said it is “interested in serving the vast majority, if not all, of AirTran’s markets.” But it will have to end AirTran flights between Atlanta and Dallas because of restrictions on Southwest’s operations rooted in its origins in Texas.
Kelly Yamanouchi, kyamanouchi@ajc.com
