I missed the 14 day window and now the only way to book a ticket under $300-400 is to fly out of DCA on ATA to DSM (Des Moines, IA).

What in the world is ATA? Has anyone ever flown that airline? Is it like AirTran... please God no!
Any suggestions? I'm not a big fan of flying airlines I've never heard of.

No it is not at all like AirTran. ATA is American Trans Air (AMTR is the stock symbol). Yes, there is no first class, but they have a young fleet and provide good service. I recommend them!

ATA is American Trans Air. They were once the worlds largest charter airline. They've since gone scheduled and have concentrated more of their efforts in their scheduled markets instead of charter markets. They fly 727-200 and 757-200 aircraft, as well they fly brand spanking new 757-300 and 737-800 aircraft. From DCA I believe you would fly a 737-800 to Chicago Midway and then connect to their commuter affiliate, Chicago Express, which would be a Saab 340 prop airplane. The Saab is configured for 34 or so passengers with a Flight Attendant and lavatory facilities.

ATA is a no frills type of carrier. They don't offer a F/C cabin on their aircraft. On their new 757-300 and 737-800 aircraft they are fitted with all leather, coach seating. I don't think they offer IFE but could be wrong. They only offer snacks on board, chips, peanuts, that kind of thing.

Chicago Midway used to be a horrible facility and was worth avoiding. They've built a brand new facility there since I've last been and I hear it's very nice, very modern and very traveler friendly.

All in all ATA is a nice airline. It won't be like flying in First on UA but they are very safe and reasonably comfortable. Service is usally friendly and they are pretty reliable. Good luck!!!

ATA (American Trans Air) is an Indianapolis based airline that got its start as a charter/vacation operator. They moved into scheduled service in the early 90's, and have found themselves quite a niche in the midwest.

They offer a charter-type an all coach based "cattle" operation. Nothing bad (except a crowded coach experience), their prices are usually very reasonable.

My wife's parents belong to Ambassadair, which is their vacation/travel club.

Nothing to worry about, they're a good airline.

http://www.ata.com/

hmmm, no, i value my life far too much to fly ATA.

and last time i was at midway, it was still a HORRIBLE, HELLISH place that i NEVER want to see again as long as i live. that was summer of 2000.

ATA does have newer aircraft, but i've also heard some maintenance/delay horror stories. if you take them, be sure to go to www.mytravelrights.com and download their contract of carriage (i.e. 'rule 240'). actually, this is a good idea flying on any airline.

I flew them from LAX to Midway one time about a year ago. No problems in my mind. (I fly about 90% on AA and about 95% of that in First Class - but I also had a budget issue on a particular trip).

OK. This is good info. I feel a little better. I avoid prop planes like the plague. However, the cheapest flight I can find on a "normal" airline is $592 on US. The boss won't approve that one and then I'll get that "why didn't you book 14 days" lecture. ughhhh.

Oh well. I will wait until tomorrow to confirm, just in case someone out there has a horror story to which I should be aware.

Thanks for all of your speedy input! I love this site.

I flew ATA from SEA in mid-September and except for the pain of not earning miles (but lessened by saving about $600), it was a good experience. This was just one week post 9/11, so the load was light. Three things you don't always get on the big boys--The FAs were very friendly, there was a movie, and the snacks flowed freely. Midway wasn't that bad except for the long bus ride to the commuter flight to MDW. I would definitely fly them again.

I used to live in Indy but never travelled ATA.

I do recall that an ATA flight was once diverted to DSM because of a medical emergency and then it was determined that the plane had suffered a mechanical failure on landing. The whole planeload of pax was stuck there until the following day because parts had to be flown in as ATA had no agreement with any other airline at that facility to provide it with parts.

I think the total delay was upwards of 30 hours. This story was part of an news special on the trials and tribulations of flying commercially.

This story is not related for any reason aside from general interest. I do not mean to suggest that ATA suffers from such problems any more than or less than any other carrier.

I flew them when they were a charter outfit. The seating was most uncomfortable as charter airlines typically cram in every last seat possible. But that was in the 80s and things have no doubt changed.

I would say that ATA is EXACTLY like Airtran in many regards. My flight to DFW last year (also last minute budget reasons) was like being on a Greyhound in the sky.
Take your medicine and remember to book in advance next time.

I flew ATA only once - LAX-MDW.. and even thought it wasn't the airline's fault, there was a criminal on board the aircraft. Some guy stole one of the FA's purse (she accidentally left it on a seat).. they knew exactly who it was and all she wanted was her checkbook and credit cards .. he could keep the cash and they would keep quiet.. but he chose the hard route. The cops were waiting for him at the gate.

The moral of this story? ATA can be really cheap.. but keep in mind that petty criminals are probably cheap too.

I flew ATA from MSP to Midway and back in November. No F class but the plane was new and the service good. I'd have no problem flying it again.

Midway is still under renovation. The main areas are lovely. The ATA gates sucked.

I have actually gone to the back of the plane (where my flight bag was) and found a passenger rifling through it, "looking for something to read" he said. Scumbags are everywhere - they fly Midwest Express and ATA and Alaska Airlines. They can even be found in First Class, re; the man that we had to move to the back of the aircraft after he put his hands on the woman that was seated next to him. Apparently he was hitting on her and found it appropriate to caress her chest. I don't think trash is limited to flying on low fare airlines or even in coach.

ATA = greyhound bus with wings.