AirTran Airways A+ Rewards - Desperately seeking viable alternative BWI - TPA, MCO, SRQ, FMY, JAX (other than WN)

In short, I've always used Airtran to fly to Florida, and I was always completely satisfied. Now that they are going away, I need to find another carrier with decent business class that leaves from BWI. Have not really been able to hit on one yet. Any suggestions? I will not convert to WN. Please help!!!

I make this run at least once a month, maybe two months at times.

I only want to leave via IAD or DCA if there is no other way. Help! :(

US Airways connecting through CLT would be an option. Their domestic First Class is very similar to AirTran Business Class. But no nonstop flights from BWI to Florida.

Their domestic First Class is very similar to AirTran Business Class.

Except it is usually significantly more money, unless you get a free upgrade. The problem is no US legacy has 'business class' - that is slightly better seating and service for a little more money.

Sorry, thanks to Southwest.The business upgrade that so many others had taken advantage of, gone as will be most of Airtran. As one who has flown from/to the cities in FLA for many years, there just isn't any real alternative now. My recent USAirways experience was not too good but they did offer at time of purchase a FC upgrade.I will miss Airtran ( and thanks,SWA for now cutting flights on both SW and Airtran out of TPA as well as SRQ service). Spirit seems to be wanting to fill some of the gap from some destinations to FLA,(see expansion at DFW)but that sure won't be Airtran!DL has moved fares up since the new Airtran "SWA" price structure and that will be the only alternative, hang on to your wallets!

Should a carrier decide to fill this Florida niche, I will not walk...I will RUN to them.

Looking at Flightstats.com for tomorrow, if you want non-stops BWI - the listed Florida destinations, Southwest/AirTran is it.

I will not use WN. I may have to change to a DC airport. This stinks.

BWI is my primary airport, however with the FL acquisition I've moved my business to US at Regan ... the drive down to DCA is a little more stressful and parking is more expensive (they were pretty much equidistant, but the traffic is a huge variable for DCA flying), but the actual airport is much nicer & easier to fly in and out of. I do miss the Airspace lounge in Concourse D at BWI however, but not those horrid security lines.

In the end, it's a wash I guess.

Should a carrier decide to fill this Florida niche, I will not walk...I will RUN to them.

B6? VX? reconstituted AA?

Pick one.

I will not use WN. I may have to change to a DC airport. This stinks.

US Airways is going to have a lot more DCA slots in a month or so, but I haven't followed their DCA expansion plans. There are UA non-stops IAD/-JAX/MCO/TPA.

I will not use WN. I may have to change to a DC airport. This stinks.

Curious why you think a legacy, as a passenger with no status, is that much better than WN with no status.

UA flies non-stop IAD - TPA, MCO, JAX... You can buy an annual pass for Economy Plus for $499. Plenty of leg room if that's all you need and it amortizes fine if you're flying at least once a month. Add a United Explorer Visa and get priority boarding and one free checked bag.

UA flies non-stop IAD - TPA, MCO, JAX... You can buy an annual pass for Economy Plus for $499. Plenty of leg room if that's all you need and it amortizes fine if you're flying at least once a month. Add a United Explorer Visa and get priority boarding and one free checked bag.

This is by far the most economical alternative (assuming RT fares aren't outrageous which UA loves to do on non-competive routes).

Make sure you understand pros and cons of E+. I personally love it. It will give you more leg room, a seat towards the front of the plane, and you can get the other perks previously mentioned.

It will not give you additional seat width, so if that is your issue, E+ is not the answer. It will also not get you a free drink.

Thank you all. I have flown UA economy plus one time before, and I liked it very much. I think this is going to be my choice, as there really is no other viable alternative at this time. I could do US out of BWI -- but then there is a plane change in Charlotte (don't like). Maybe use that as my second choice.

United just announced that the E+ annual purchase option ends March 2. So you'll have to act soon if you want to commit to this.