Here's my 2¢...

Sure -- I've flown them a couple of times between ATL and MDW. There not too bad, but my opinion has always been -- for just a tad more, you get so many more choices on "main-line" carriers (DL, UA, AA, etc.). This is of course, if you plan a few weeks in advance. For example, a 14-day advance round-trip ticket on Air Tran from ATL to MDW is around $149, while a 14-day advance round-trip ticket on Delta/United/American from ATL to ORD is around $165.

AirTran did indeed used to be ValuJet, so don't expect many frills. They fly around 34 older DC-9-32s and 4 737-200s. At last count, they were indeed operating approx. 16 brand new Boeing 717's, and I'm told it's a beautiful aircraft to fly upon...

They also have an interesting frequent flyer program in that if you buy 12 segments (6 round trips), I believe you get one round trip ticket for free. No freq. flyer miles credits, just segments counted. I believe it's also only 6 total business class segs before a free bus class r/t ticket.

All that just to say -- they're a decent airline to fly on, particularly if you're looking for cheaper last minute fares and no frills. You do have to admire them for coming through and prevailing (at least so far) after such horrific press following ValuJet 592 in MIA.