Another AirTran question

[brewcrew26]

Can someone explain to me the different fare classifications that AirTran uses? Since Midwest's future is in limbo, we're thinking of trying a different airline for a direct flight.

I was confused by the different R, Y, etc. classifications on their web booking site. Why is one so much cheaper? Is it like Southwest where they put you way in the back of the plane?

Also, my brother is a pretty big guy (roughly 380 and 6'3") Will he be comfortable in the coach seats? Do they provide seat belt extenders or will he need his own? Or, should I consider upgrading him to business class if I can?

[Ed]

Fare class codes vary somewhat from airline to airline, but many use these codes:
B = Economy/Coach Discounted
E = Shuttle Service (No reservation allowed), or Economy/Coach Discounted
G = Conditional Reservation
H = Economy/Coach Discounted
K = Economy/Coach Discounted
L = Economy/Coach Discounted
M = Economy/Coach Discounted
N = Economy/Coach Discounted
O = Economy/Coach Discounted
Q = Economy/Coach Discounted
S = Economy/Coach
T = Economy/Coach Discounted, or Premium
U = Shuttle Service (No res. needed/Seat guaranteed)
V = Economy/Coach Discounted
W = Economy/Coach Premium
Y = Economy/Coach
AirTran uses only two types of aircraft - Boeing 717 and Boeing 737. Neither have what I would consider "generous" seat sizes. Airlines are required to provide seat belt extenders on request; they cannot legally take off unless every passenger is properly buckled up.

Just to clarify ~~ Southwest does not "put you way in the back of the plane"; they have what is called "open seating", where you pick your own seat from whatever is available when you board.

[brewcrew26]

Thanks, Tigg.

Are you saying that the letters are just discounts? It has nothing to do with where you're situated in the plane because you can pick those seats, correct?

[Maleficent's Dad]

It has nothing to do with where you're situated in the plane because you can pick those seats, correct?

My experiences with AirTran have been that when you purchase your tickets, you can choose your seats for an extra fee.

If you waive the extra fee, your seats are assigned at check-in (24 hours in advance on-line).

[rookie]

Thanks, Tigg.

Are you saying that the letters are just discounts? It has nothing to do with where you're situated in the plane because you can pick those seats, correct?

Letters signal the type of ticket which can vary based on full fare vs discount, coach vs business class, refundable vs non-refundable. These classes can influence what section on the plane you will be assigned (First class, preferred, economy). Not sure if Air Tran has preferred seating but many airlines save the first set of seats in economy for their preferred passengers.

That being said on a plane with 25 rows an example that you might see is rows 1-3 first class, rows 4-12 preferred and rows 13-25 economy.