AirTran Airways A+ Rewards - Pick your seat - $5 - Exit Row $15

Air Tran started this TODAY!

If you buy one of the cheap fairs, you can choose your seat for $5 per seat. Or, you can get exit row, for $15. You can modify your existing reservation too.

Anyone familiar with the exit row on the 737-700 Airtran uses? Is it worth the extra space? Details please! :) Please let me know, so I can upgrade maybe! :)

Also, if there are 2 traveling should I get the window and aisle on the exit row and hope no one comes in middle and if they do swap the aisle seat with them, or should I get side by side?

Thanks a bunch!

The $5 pick your seat charge on the cheaper fares is nice. Allowing the Exit Row to be booked for $15 is ridiculous and royally pisses me off.

To answer your questions, the Exit Row on the 73G is 18 and is rather roomy...worth paying for regardless. My suggestion would be to book aisle and window, then trade one if someone shows up in the middle. No one is going to want to sit in the middle if you offer them the aisle. On the other hand, if you book window and middle, then someone will certainly show up for the aisle.

Thanks. Good to hear it is a decent exit row. I got them. $60 for my roundtrip 2 people. $15 adds up, but I think it's worth it as you suggest.

For my return flight though I had booked elsewhere so I couldn't select the seat online, and the rep wouldn't let me get the window and aisle, so I'm stuck with window and middle, which is how it might work out anyway, so I'm happy. :)

Does anyone know what they consider a cheap fare warranting the charge?

Does anyone know what they consider a cheap fare warranting the charge?

Sure. The Web special and discount coach fares, if you are booking on air tran site, require the fee to select a select. However, a quick test when I tested out a full coach fare, it allowed me to select a seat with no charge, but exit row was still $15.

Previously, web special and discount coach had to wait until check-in to select seat.

Thanks for the information. This definitely will affect my decision to use them in the future.

Does this affect award tickets too?

Exit rows should be free for Elites like it is on every other airline-this is ridiculous.
Let's complain!

Yeah, it's Web Special and Discount Coach...those fares choose seats upon check-in (up to 24 hours before the flight), if they do not pay the $5. I'm ok with paying $5...it's way cheaper than buying Regular Coach. But the $15 for Exit Rows (and supposedly the bulkhead aisle seats???) irks me to no end. As someone who books flights on short notice, it hurts me as I have virtually no chance to get the exits now. It used to be that you showed up early to the airport and got them there because they only gave them out at ticketing/gate. Now some lame tourist who books 6 months in advance will get them. They're doing quite a number on business passengers, and it almost makes me agree with the YX guys on the lack of service.

I view it as discrimination against tall folks (me). AirTran's going to get a nasty letter from me, and it's not going to be a web email. It also frustrates me that they're not giving the free Exit Row perk to Elites...again, tourists over business passengers apparently.

I view it as discrimination against tall folks (me). .

Tell me about it. I sat in row 19 and had to put one of my legs in the aisle.

citrusMCO,

I'm not sure about the $15 for bulkhead aisle seats. I thought it still said those were only at the airport. ?

citrusMCO,

I'm not sure about the $15 for bulkhead aisle seats. I thought it still said those were only at the airport. ?

Ah, good then. The Orlando Sentinel had reported early in May that the bulkhead and perhaps some good aisle seats in the front of coach might be offered for an additional price. I'm glad they've decided not to do that. Hopefully they'll rethink this Exit Row nonsense as well.

Exit rows should be free for Elites like it is on every other airline-this is ridiculous.
Let's complain!

This is one of the reasons why they do not get all of the business they could from me. If delta has the same fare or close I will fly with delta so I can get the exit row seat. I feel like that is one of the few perks that is important to me.

So if I don't want to pay the extra $5 per person do I get seats assigned to me?

So if I don't want to pay the extra $5 per person do I get seats assigned to me?

No, you choose your seat at check-in, up to 24 hours before the flight online.

This is one of the reasons why they do not get all of the business they could from me. If delta has the same fare or close I will fly with delta so I can get the exit row seat. I feel like that is one of the few perks that is important to me.

Well, as an Elite I was unhappy that I couldn't book an exit row before. Now they at least have the option available. Until now, they've blocked them for assignment at airport.

With all of you "elites" complaining on here about exit rows, $15 charges, etc., I'd like to know how many of you are true elites and not just a comped elite?

I'm a loyal SWA flyer, but every two weeks I have to fly a route that both AirTran and NWA fly. I've been flying AirTran, but with this new policy, I am switching to NWA. I don't know about anyone else, but I think this is a horrible policy! Just charge the extra $5...quick trying to make fares look cheap, and then make up revenue by adding charges.

AirTran doesn't have any "comped" elites so far as I know. They don't even status match. Unless you're A2B Corporate, you have to fly the legs to get Elite status.

As to flying NWA, you might stick with FL and realize that you can now view the available seats and just get the Exit Row if you want it...the fare's still cheaper for sure.

I've actually changed my mind on this after my initial reaction...at least for now. It's nice to be able to see what seats are available before booking the ticket and to reserve the Exit. I guess the problem we'll run into is later when early bookers (read: tourists) are possibly taking the Exit away from business flyers.

AirTran doesn't have any "comped" elites so far as I know. They don't even status match. Unless you're A2B Corporate, you have to fly the legs to get Elite status.

As to flying NWA, you might stick with FL and realize that you can now view the available seats and just get the Exit Row if you want it...the fare's still cheaper for sure.

A2B corp no longer gives out elite status.
However FL will status match...

AirTran doesn't have any "comped" elites so far as I know. They don't even status match. Unless you're A2B Corporate, you have to fly the legs to get Elite status.

As to flying NWA, you might stick with FL and realize that you can now view the available seats and just get the Exit Row if you want it...the fare's still cheaper for sure.

At least on the route I fly, MDW/MSP, NWA matches the fare or AirTran.

At least on the route I fly, MDW/MSP, NWA matches the fare or AirTran.
Of course they do...until Airtran stops flying MSP-MDW

I wonder how they will deal with someone paying for an exit row that is not eligible? I haven't looked into this possibility at their website but it seems like it could be an issue.

I hope all are having a good day.
:)

Exit rows were one of the best kept secrets at AirTran as you could not select it when making your reservation, however, show up an hour early and you could request a free change to an exit row and get it. Now they will be gobbled up in advance.

Don't take a chance and leave a seat between you and your traveling partner or you will get somebody between you.

Have been Elite since they began the Elite program. Earn it every year and think this is a devaluation of the program.

I don't see how it's devaluing the Elite program, since the Elites never had priority on the Exit Rows to begin with...I've actually completely changed my mind on being opposed to this, at least for now.

A2B gives the same benefits as Elite, I believe. It's not "Elite status" though. And I'm pretty sure they don't status match...that's what the website says. Do you know if you call them up and chat with someone that they'll match? I think it's in their interest to do so, especially for DL FFs.

I'm an Elite via BIS (Butt in seat), not comped. My company is also A2B.

While A2B gives many of the same benefits as Elite, the Elite card (that you don't necessarily get with just A2B) allow you to go through the Elite security line, which for someone who flies every week, is a great benefit. Also, not everyone works for a company that qualifies for A2B.

I don't know if FL currently status matches, but if you do a search on this board you will find out that several years ago FL gave out plenty of status match "Lifetime" Elites to Delta FF's. There are plenty of Delta flyers who have FL lifetime Elite who have never once flown FL. A good number of them travel FL infrequently enough that they would not qualify for FL Elite.

I think the selling of the Exit Rows devalues the Elite benefit, but FL really has no clue how to treat it's Elites. They are missing the business traveler big time.

I don't see how it's devaluing the Elite program, since the Elites never had priority on the Exit Rows to begin with...I've actually completely changed my mind on being opposed to this, at least for now.

A2B gives the same benefits as Elite, I believe. It's not "Elite status" though. And I'm pretty sure they don't status match...that's what the website says. Do you know if you call them up and chat with someone that they'll match? I think it's in their interest to do so, especially for DL FFs.

Elites can now book exit rows for free at time of booking for Y and B fares. Didn't think they had that before. Don't you elites find Business Class upgrades more desirable than an exit row anyway?

I just had to book a ticket for a friend and her 2 yr old son
because the child is a minor i had to pay the extra $10 to make sure they had a seat beside each other

i'm down to a $75 credit remaining on air tran and 5 credits lefts

Regarding the $5.00 fee to pick your seat, I think this is a way for FL to do away with discount fares. Simply another way to gain revenue. You can now view the seat map on FL's website without loggin in with your A+rewards number. But this is where the deciete from FL comes into play: If you view the seat map not logged in, rows 10-14 appear on the map as "reserved". This will make you think people are actually paying for these premium coach seats, and that you better get a step on it any pay for your seat now. However if you log in usuing your A+number and book a flight like I did, rows 10-14 on the same flight says "blocked". I called FL and the reservation agent advised me rows 10-14 and all other pay in advance seats will unblock 24 hrs before the scheduled flight and you will not have to pay a fee for these seats. She also said this program is a trial basis. So I guess the question is to pay or not to pay. I'm a frequent flyer on FL and consider myself loyal but I just don't agree with this program. What do others think?

I'm so confused now. The Orlando Sentinel had reported that they were going to charge or do something for some "premium coach seats." I really object to charging for them, blocking them off, whatever. If they want to charge for the Exits, that's fine, but other than just being closer to the front of the plane, Rows 10-14 don't have anything else...minimal increases in legroom at best.

I just had to book a ticket for a friend and her 2 yr old son
because the child is a minor i had to pay the extra $10 to make sure they had a seat beside each other

i'm down to a $75 credit remaining on air tran and 5 credits lefts

If they had not been able to get seats together at check-in 24 hours before the flight, FL would have changed someone's assignment to put them together. Minor children will always be seated with a parent.

Elites can now book exit rows for free at time of booking for Y and B fares. Didn't think they had that before. Don't you elites find Business Class upgrades more desirable than an exit row anyway?

Just wanted to highlight this, as this has actually increased the value of the Elite program, not devalued it as some are claiming.

AirTran doesn't have any "comped" elites so far as I know. They don't even status match. Unless you're A2B Corporate, you have to fly the legs to get Elite status...

Up until recently, Airtran "comped" Elite status to all employees of the company I work for. Now they offer us a status match.

Ah, well you learn something new everyday. I picked up mine by flying the necessary flights, though I won't fly enough to renew it next year.

Ah, well you learn something new everyday. I picked up mine by flying the necessary flights, though I won't fly enough to renew it next year.

Once you make elite on air tran it never seems to expire. ^

Here is what amazes me about this concept of charging for Exit Row seats - there are 10 exit row seats and if all are actualy booked through the $15/ seat - thats a whopping $150 for AirTran in extra revenue.
The exit row seats dont recline add to this the most uncomfortable seat cushions in the airline industry and believe me you dont want to ride in the exit row seats.
This is really for very tall people who just need the legroom.
I can see paying the $5 for general seat selection - as believe me you dont want to get a "center seat E" on AirTran - this is a seat from hell even for a guy who weighs 150lbs.
AirTran should just drop this Exit Row charge - really the only ones who want these seats are tall folks who need the leg room - otherwise they are the worst seats in the plane.

Here is what amazes me about this concept of charging for Exit Row seats - there are 10 exit row seats and if all are actualy booked through the $15/ seat - thats a whopping $150 for AirTran in extra revenue.
The exit row seats dont recline add to this the most uncomfortable seat cushions in the airline industry and believe me you dont want to ride in the exit row seats.
This is really for very tall people who just need the legroom.
I can see paying the $5 for general seat selection - as believe me you dont want to get a "center seat E" on AirTran - this is a seat from hell even for a guy who weighs 150lbs.
AirTran should just drop this Exit Row charge - really the only ones who want these seats are tall folks who need the leg room - otherwise they are the worst seats in the plane.

The exit row on the 737 reclines like regular seats. It's the seats in front of the exit row that don't recline. I've sat in business class and exit rows, and the exit rows have about as much legroom as business class, just not the width. $15 is a good deal for extra legroom, especially on 4 hour east coast-west coast routes. Plus, you also get priority boarding when you have an exit row.

Here is what amazes me about this concept of charging for Exit Row seats - there are 10 exit row seats and if all are actualy booked through the $15/ seat - thats a whopping $150 for AirTran in extra revenue.
The exit row seats dont recline add to this the most uncomfortable seat cushions in the airline industry and believe me you dont want to ride in the exit row seats.


Even if only 5 of those seats are sold on 50% of daily flights in the AirTran system, that adds up to nearly $30K in additional revenue a DAY.

As for not reclining, it's actually the rows in FRONT of the exit rows that don't recline. On AirTran that would be row 17 on the 73G, and rows 20 and 21 on the 717 (yes, row 21 is an exit row - but it does have some limited recline due to spacing from row 22).

My philosophy is this: anything that generates revenue by charging minimal fees for a service that wasn't available before is a good thing. Hell, if they only sell an average of 10 seats at the advance assignment charge of $5, and 2 exit row seats at the $15 charge on flights, that adds up to over $20,000,000 a year in additional revenue!

Finally, the guy arguing about NWA is comical. AirTran took this page straight from the NW operating manual - they started doing the exact same thing in March of 2006.

Finally, the guy arguing about NWA is comical. AirTran took this page straight from the NW operating manual - they started doing the exact same thing in March of 2006.

That is correct but they still give the exit row to elites of sky team for free. Air Tran should give it to there elites for free as well

That is correct but they still give the exit row to elites of sky team for free. Air Tran should give it to there elites for free as well

I agree. I'm certain if Elites complain to the A+ department enough, they likely will.

With all of you "elites" complaining on here about exit rows, $15 charges, etc., I'd like to know how many of you are true elites and not just a comped elite?


I'm not sure why you think Elite members would LIE about their Elite Status. This is a discussion forum - where we as frequent travels exchange our experiences and out thoughts - not to impress others with program status.

I see all these folks actualy defending AirTrans policy on chargings for seat assignments - we have to believe these folk(s) are AirTran employees who are paid to track this forum and post appropriate responses on behalf of AirTran.

:rolleyes: Actually, I'm two things...an AirTran FF and a shareholder. I've come around to the charging for Exits for two reasons -- it guarantees I can get an Exit when booking the ticket, versus making a dash to the airport. Not to mention my #1 concern is legroom, and I've often booked Business Class solely for this reason. Well booking coach and buying the Exit Row is a lot, lot cheaper than Business. And for the second reason, because it increases revenue, thereby possibly increasing the value of my shares.

And, I'll even admit to being an AirTran apologist. I defend the company because it's my hometown airline in a hometown known for little but Mickey Mouse.

The extra fee might not be worth it on short haul flights but on the San Diego to Atlanta redeye it's a bargain if you need to get some sleep before work the next day. I've paid for business class on this flight but the exit row seat pitch is equivalent if you plan on sleeping.

If they had not been able to get seats together at check-in 24 hours before the flight, FL would have changed someone's assignment to put them together. Minor children will always be seated with a parent.

This is not exactly true. If someone paid for their seat assignment we can not remove that seat until 10 minutes prior to departure. If people are already checked in, we can not remove their seats. This is usually taken care of on board the aircraft. Flight attendants will ask people if they would move to accomodate the other passengers. However we can not force anyone to do it. In 11 years, I have never had any issues of passengers not beig accomodating. In general, on most flights, there is not a problem getting seats together if you check in on the internet 24 hours in advance or even if you get to the airport early. The problem we get sometimes is a family of 6 who did not reserve their seats, did not check in online, and get to the airport 45 minutes before departure and demand that we move passengers around to accomodate them.

check in online....get to the airport early;)