AirTran — and the snow

Last week, a colleague told me that she planned to travel from Baltimore (BWI) to Boston (BOS) for the weekend.  She was going to leave Baltimore on Friday afternoon.

With the huge storm that was predicted, she contacted AirTran, and they agreed to get her out of Baltimore on Thursday night.  With all the crowds, the airline made a mistake with the overbooked flight.  And she was left on the ground after the plane left.

So, what did AirTran do about it?

First, they apologized!  That’s nice!

Second, they put her up for the night at the Westin at BWI.

Third, they got on the first available flight (Friday morning).

Fourth, they upgraded her to Business Class.

Finally, they compensated her with a voucher for anywhere AirTran flies.

Good for AirTran!

I have had nothing but good luck with AirTran.  It makes me wonder even more about the role of American “legacy” airlines.  If you want “full service” these days, you stand a better chance of getting it if you fly on the “no frills” carriers.