AirTran

The morning started very early, 0430! Kevin, Madyson and I were out the door by 0500. All of us exausted but ready to go. Kevin would not be going with us as he is off for a "man-cation" with his buddies to hike Yosemite. Madyson and I am headed east to visit family and friends. Very excited and nervous. Excited to see everyone, but nervous because this will be the first time Madyson will be flying. How will she do?

As I got to the ticket counter, I began pulling up my reservation, with no help, or greeting, from the women behind the desk. Once complete with my check-in, I ask if I can get a gate pass so that my husband could help me and Madyson through to the gate. Mind you, I have her stroller, her car seat, my purse, a camera bag and her diaper bag. They have a discussion behind the counter. One states she would not give me one if it were her and as if that were enough, the woman then looks at me and says she can't give me one for security reasons. What is a gate pass for? They exisit, but for who? Not a big deal, I am a big girl and I have dealt with much worse things.

As I kiss Kevin goodbye, Madyson and I are ushered to a different line for those with things to claim, such as formula, medications etc. I put everything in the bins like I know I need to do, take Madyson out of the car seat and put that on the conveyor belt and ask the attendant what I should do with the stroller as I don't think it will fit through. She tells me it will and to fold it up. Ummm, I have a baby in one arm and cannot fold this thing down, but she insists that I do so, until finally a man decides to help me. Mmmmm, I wonder if THIS is when a gate pass would have been helpful?

We get to the gate and they start boarding the plane "Zone 1". They don't even let the elderly or those with small children needing assistance get on first. Long story much shorter than it really could be, AirTran has horrible service all around. To top it off, at the end of the flight, after getting home, my personal laptop was stolen from my baggage and they basically said, Oh well, you should have taken it on the plane with you. Really? Flying AirTran was like riding a very dirty bus. I felt like I needed a shower afterwards. From here on out, I promise I will never sacrifice good service, comfort and experience for cheaper fares. It's worth a little extra money to deal with professionals.

Oh and Madyson did awesome! She had many passengers flirting with and constantly smiling at her. She slept during both take-offs and landings and played quietly in between. She even won over a tough cookie sitting next to us on the second leg. He didn't even acknowledge we were there but by the end of the flight I caught her looking at him and when I looked over he was making silly faces at her. I have an awesome baby!