Originally Posted by FL_f/a
I really don't feel this would be practical. For one thing, because our 717s don't have a closet where we can stow onboard wheelchairs, there is a place to secure them at 10AC. So I really don't think that side could ever be released to be prebooking. I think it would make more sense to release the exit rows to elites, unless they are unable to occupy them, in which case I think it would be okay to sit them in row 10.
The benefit is getting seat that has both extra legroom and is close to the front for quick deboarding. Exit rows really mean nothing to me - On an hour flight I'd rather be in 11 and deboard quick than waste an extra 10 minutes for the exit row. However, I really do not understand how the other carriers are able to allow the elites to reserve the bulkhead row and Airtran can't. And I would much rather be able to reserve row 10 and be bumped, than have no chance at all of getting it. And there is no reason that I would have to be bumped to a middle seat - there is no reason that Airtran cannot just reserve rows 11-15 aisle & window seats, for example, for Elites, and not allow any others to reserve those seats until just before boarding. The seat assignment issue is one item I think needs major improvement at Airtran.
Maybe even do something like UAL does with E+ - make the first few rows in coach have a bit more generous pitch and reserve the aisle & windows for elites.
Originally Posted by FL_f/a
As an f/a, I think this would be horribly awkward. Most people have not a clue what it means to be elite. You would have to explain every time why the person next to them is getting the "good" snacks. Whereas it is very easy just to not ask an elite member for their credit card when they order drinks.
The not asking the elite for their cc is a nice gesture. Does Airtran do this? (Since I'm still working on Elite in first quarter of flying Airtran - see no status match comment above - I would not know). I agree that it would be awkward if Elites are spread all over coach. However, if row 10 is elites, it would work better. They could even make the seats in the coach elite section a different color, like UAL does.