Has anyone noticed that it is quicker to get a domestic ticket on the big three by flying Airtran than it is to fly on the big three?
eg 12 segments on Airtran will get you a free ticket versus(assuming) 500 min mileage on the big three 50 segments for a 25000 mile award. There appears to be a large section of the flying public that only wants to redeem domestically, would not flying Airtran make more sense?

There was an excellent story about this in InsideFlyer magazine a few months back - the first mention in any media about their program and how to make it work for frequent flyers. Also mentioned the American Express tie-in.

Randy, I'm surprised it took so long for it to be picked up. Withn Airtrans 717's its turned into a nice little airline thats poised to grow as big ones lose touch with their customers.

The only problem with this logic is that the ticket HAS TO originate in Atlanta and HAS TO be to a destination not served by AirTran.

I believe that AirTran also allows the ticket to originate at BWI.

Also, the routing must be a nonstop and direct flight, and you don't really get to pick your airline. However, since the routing must be nonstop or direct, you have almost an excellent guess as to what the airline will be (i.e., only Delta flies ATL-AUS nonstop). The ticket must include a Sat-night stay and advance purchase requirements apply, since AirTran actually purchases tickets on their competitors for you. The upside is that you can earn miles on that carrier, and in many cases upgrade if you are elite (unless it is Delta and the fare is non-upgradeable, etc.).

If things stay sour with US Airways, I'm planning on switching the bulk of my travel to AirTran. They have a great east coast/midwest route network, and most of their flights will be operated by fresh new 717s by year end. The 717s are every bit as good as a new 737-700/800 or Airbus narrowbody jet. The Business Class on the 717 is more spacious than First Class on a lot of airlines.

AirTran has a program called A2B for small businesses, and the benefits appear to be free upgrades to Business Class, no change fee (even on restricted tickets), double segment credits, fully refundable nonrefundable fares, and seat assignments regardless of fare paid (only higher fares qualify for advance seat assignments for everyone else).

If you don't qualify for A2B, AirTran's simplified fare structure, $35/segment upgrade fee, low $50 change fee, low walk-up fares, etc., make it a good choice.

Something to consider,