AirTran: A Nostalgic Journey Through Time And Sky

Nov 22, 2023

Last Updated on: Sep 19, 2024

Travel Blog

AirTran Airways was an American low-cost airline originally headquartered in Orlando, Florida, which ceased operations after the acquisition of Southwest Airlines. AirTran Airways was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines under the management of two small airlines, Destination Sun Airways and Conquest Airlines. They operated mainly Boeing 717s and 737s. It shuttled flyers around the US Midwest as well as the East Coast and stayed in business for 21 years.

Why does it not operate anymore? What happened to AirTran?

AirTran: A Brief Look Back

AirTran_ A Brief Look Back

Conquest Airlines’ co-founder Victor Rivas was one of the founders of Conquest Sun. Who bought AirTran? AirTran Corporation in 1994 purchased the airline and renamed it AirTran Airways. It later exited from AirTran Corporation’s new holding company, Airways Corporation.

The holding company of ValuJet acquired the airline, and the holding company of Airways Corporation in 1997, which owned the struggling ValuJet Airlines. ValuJet’s holding company became AirTran Holdings and merged with ValuJet Airlines’ AirTran Airways. ValuJet Airlines, in turn, became “AirTran Airlines” before merging with AirTran Airways.

Southwest Airlines acquired AirTran Airways and parent company AirTran Holdings on May 2, 2011. It gradually integrated them with AirTran’s last revenue flight on December 28, 2014.

It operates nearly 700 flights per day, primarily in the eastern and midwestern United States, with its main hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport serving nearly 200 daily departures. AirTran’s fleet consisted of Boeing 717-200 aircraft, of which it was the largest operator in the world, and Boeing 737-700 aircraft.

AirTran History

AirTran History
Image Source: community.southwest.com

This was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines and began operations as an original Boeing 737-200 that flew to and from Orlando.

AirTran Airways was founded by the management of both Destination Sun Airways and regional carrier Conquest Airlines. The founding of Destination Sun Airways is unclear. Which claims Destination Sun was founded in 1991 by former Northeastern International Airways CEO Guy Lindley and that the airline was formerly known as SunExpress and was based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Another source claimed that Destination Sun was founded in 1990 by a group of pilots, presumably former Eastern Air Lines pilots, as AirTran management later claimed that it was founded by former Eastern Air Lines employees. Rafael Rivas and Victor Rivas founded Conquest Airlines in April 1988 in Texas. Victor Rivas, one of the founders of Conquest Airlines, was also closely involved in the founding of Conquest Sun Airlines.

In 1994, AirTran Corporation, the holding company of Minneapolis-based Mesaba Airlines, acquired Northwest Airlink from Northwest Airlines, with hubs in Minneapolis and Detroit. After the purchase, the airline changed from Conquest Sun Airlines to AirTran Airways to match the name of the holding company. The airline moved its headquarters to Orlando and grew to 11 Boeing 737s serving 24 cities in the eastern as well as midwestern United States, offering low-cost vacations to Orlando.

In 1995, AirTran Corporation established a new subsidiary called Airways Corporation and placed it under the new subsidiary; AirTran Corporation then separated from the new Airways Corporation, becoming an independent holding that also owns AirTran Airways. After the separation, AirTran Corporation became Mesaba Holdings after its subsidiary Mesaba Airlines separated from AirTran Airways. AirTran Corporation/Mesaba Holdings then became MAIR Holdings, which liquidated in July 2012.

Latest Developments

On September 27, 2010, Southwest Airlines announced the acquisition of AirTran Airways and parent company AirTran Holdings for a total of $1.4 billion. The deal gave Southwest a significant presence in many AirTran hubs, including Atlanta (at the time the largest US city without Southwest service) and Milwaukee, as well as expanded service to Baltimore and Orlando. With the acquisition, Southwest added international service to several leisure destinations such as Cancún, Montego Bay, and Aruba.

Southwest integrated AirTran’s Boeing 737-700 series fleet with the Southwest Airlines brand and design, after which the Boeing 717 fleet leased out to Delta Air Lines beginning in mid-2013. The airlines planned to complete as well as close the deal within two years, with the two airlines operating as separate carriers in the interim. The deal closed on 2 May 2011, and the airline won a license on 1 March  2012. The full integration of all employee groups between the two airlines ended in 2015.

On February 14, 2013, Southwest Airlines announced that it had entered into a codeshare agreement with AirTran. They took the first step on January 25, 2013, launching joint routes in five markets. As of February 25, 2013, Southwest continued to launch joint routes with 39 other markets. By April 2013, joint routes were to be available in all Southwest and AirTran cities (both domestic and international).

Southwest announced that the integration would end on December 28, 2014, when AirTran Airways Flight 1 will be the airline’s last Boeing 717-200 (N717JL) departure from Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport (ATL) to Tampa International Airport ( TPA). The flight used the call sign “Critter” as a nod to ValuJet. This route and flight number was Valujet’s first flight.

Read More: Top 10 Airports In The USA: Navigating Excellence In Air Travel

Reviews From AirTran Flyers

Reviews From AirTran Flyers
Image Source: chestertravels.com

AirTran has had quite a journey in all these years, and so did its passengers. Here are some of the reviews from people after their flight with AirTrans.

1st Review

“I was given business class, which I was quite thrilled about. The seats are much bigger in this area and I felt comfortable the entire time. The arm rests were actually big enough for me to use as well. I was given a drink and a snack as soon as I boarded the plane – I did not have to wait like the people in coach. I was also offered more drinks and snacks throughout the flight. It is a small perk, but it is nice. It was also nice to be the first off the plane. I did not have to wait for everyone to debark first.”

SharonSaver

2nd Review

“I loved it! The employees were great and they even offered several snacks while in the air. It was my very first time riding on a plane, so I was kind of nervous. The Flight Attendant made me feel so relaxed and offered to sit with me if I needed it, then. Although I declined the offer, it was nice to know that an airline would go the extra mile for their customers. Every time I travel, I go with AirTran because they know how to treat you.”

mrsyoung1983

3rd Review

“I fly to Orlando and LAX several times a year and the only company I’ll fly with is Airtrain! They are one of the few airlines that offer convenient non-stop flights from my local airport. And their flights are always more than $100 cheaper than the other airlines. Their flights are ALWAYS on time. Knock on wood here, but I’ve never had a delayed Airtran flight. In fact, most of my flights arrive at their destinations a few minutes early. The staff is outstanding!”

jenniandtonyx1

Wrapping Up

AirTran Airways was a beloved low-cost airline that operated for 21 years. It offered affordable flights across the US Midwest as well as the East Coast. The airline’s history overlaps with that of several other airlines, including Conquest Airlines, ValuJet Airlines, and Southwest Airlines. They ultimately acquired AirTran Airways and its parent company, AirTran Holdings. AirTran Airways is no longer in operation. But its legacy lives on in the hearts of many who fondly remember their journeys on this iconic airline.

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Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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READ MORE best cruises for families

Best Cruises for Families: Vacationing with Kids! 

BY  sagnika Feb 21, 2025

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READ MORE bali vs thailand

Bali vs Thailand: Which Place is Better? 

BY  sagnika Mar 13, 2025

Are you confused between Bali vs Thailand? Are you unable to choose between the two popular locations in Southeast Asia? For your next holiday, let me share with you a detailed comparison between Bali and Thailand so, that you can plan accordingly. If you are looking for warm places to travel in February, these can be good options.   Making your job easier is my responsibility, especially when I keep boasting that I love traveling. There are several categories based on which you will understand which location will satisfy your plans of traveling.   I will share with you information that will give you confidence for your next trip. Furthermore, you will gain the right experience when you plan your travel to a specific location based on your needs and requirements.   Bali vs Thailand: Which Place is Better?   If you are wondering about the perfect beach location, you will see Google will suggest places that are either in Bali or in Thailand. Well, I have been to both places and I have to say the best of both places.   Yes, there are so many similar elements in the location but there are also diversities. I will share with you several categories and explain how they are in Bali and Thailand. You will get an idea of where you want to go when you go through these factors.   Basics of Bali   Apart from the beautiful beaches, the basics of Bali also include hidden waterfalls, picturesque rice paddies, and iconic temples. The tourism industry is thriving not just because of the natural landscapes. It is one of the most exotic places to travel, especially with its beautiful landscapes and culture!   However, also because of its water sports like surfing, hikes to volcanoes like Mount Batur, and delicious food. Yes, you also need to be a little cautious when visiting Bali because there is unpredictable weather, drinking tap water is not safe and beware of scammers.   Theories of Thailand   Thailand is famous for its temples and monasteries, especially when Buddhism is an integral part of their culture. Additionally, how can we forget the beautiful sandy beaches of Thailand creating the perfect picturesque view for you?   Furthermore, the locals there are popular for their hospitality and friendliness. Let's discuss how the shopping scene is there plus, the way the food and culture of the two places differ. Then you can decide where you plan to go, Bali vs Thailand!   A Detailed Comparison between Bali and Thailand   Bali is a part of Indonesia while Thailand is a whole country, so statistically, it is much bigger. Islands that you must visit if you plan to travel to Thailand are Koh Phangon and Koh Samui for natural beauty. While, if it is all about shopping and a big city feel, go to Bangkok.   Let’s not forget Phuket and Pattaya if you are a beach lover. After all, the rice terraces in the north of the country are a perfect place if you are into photoshoots and perfect DPs for your social media profiles. Coming to Bali, it is a smaller place and easier to travel.   Be it Ubud or Kuta, the beaches are beautiful and relaxing. Let us not forget the beautiful crochet dresses you get in the local market which you can then don and visit the rice paddy fields. Beautiful volcanoes on the island have created beautiful forests and waterfalls around them.   Visa   Visiting Bali will need you to purchase your visa online or after you arrive at their airport for 500,000 IDR/AUD 50/USD 35. Additionally, if you are visiting Bali, you will need to pay a tourist tax of USD 10/AUD 15/ 150,000 IDR per person.   Paying online will help you book your visa beforehand, however; you have to use a different portal to book it. Furthermore, you can also book your visa at the airport, however, I would suggest otherwise. Going to Thailand, and getting a visa is much easier as compared to Bali.   It is also one of the places to travel without a passport! You have to pay 10,000 Thai baht for a single entry which can be extended later because they provide a Visa waiver that lasts for 30 days. However, the visa-on-arrival scheme is not quite well established.   I did it and there is a huge line with so much chaos in the airport. If you have a connecting flight from there, you are doomed especially because there is a lot of partiality going on. If you are applying for a group visa, the process is much faster as compared to an individual visa so, I will suggest applying for an online visa before traveling!   Accommodation   If you want luxury, when you are booking accommodation, Bali is a better fit than Thailand, in my opinion. There are a variety of guest houses, Airbnb, hotel resorts, hostels, and homestays available in Bali with all the comforts and warm hospitality of the local people.   You will get accommodations under a diverse range, from budget-friendly to luxurious. Thailand also has a diverse range of accommodations, especially in the big cities. The concerns arises if you like spacious living quarters because Bali will give you that while Thailand, mostly is a little cramped.   Transportation   When you plan for Bali, try to select locations that are closer to each other! For a single day, create an itinerary where you visit two to three places that fall in the same direction or district. The best option is renting a scooter because it is one of the best options to explore both popular and off-track locales.   You can also book your rides on transportation apps such as Grab and Gojek. Several places are quite traffic-prone in areas such as Canggu and Seminyak. Thailand is huge, so you select any two or three cities like Phuket, Pattaya, Bangkok, and others.   Apart from renting scooters, you can get public transport such as trains, planes, and buses in Thailand which is quite easy for you! You can select Thailand as one of the best places to travel with kids.   Beaches   Beautiful beaches in Bali offer you soft powdery sand with endless blue and green water, and waves crashing! You must visit the resort town of Nusa Dua, after all, it is one of the coolest places to check out the picturesque views.   Another beautiful view that you must not miss is the black sand beaches in Bali with its aesthetics. The Indian Ocean in all its beauty is brought to the forefront because some people are crazy about the water. Even though Thailand has more beaches than Bali, you won’t be able to cover all of them because it is a whole country! Try and visit the famous beach, Railay Beach. So, I feel Bali has more natural beach beauty as compared to Thailand.   Things to Do   If you compare geographically, Bali is a smaller island compared to Thailand, a big country. Of course, we go by numbers, Thailand might give you a larger number of things to do, however, it might become more hectic as compared to Bali. However, the locations and activities are quite far apart from each other.   Surfing, snorkeling, swimming, and parasailing are some of the water sports that you can do when visiting Bali. So, when it comes to experiencing things to the maximum, Bali is a better choice as compared to Thailand.   Starting from Uluwatu Temple, Bali Zoo, Mount Batur, Tanah Lot Temple, Goa Gajah and so much more, you will see the beauty of nature, culture, history, people, and others. Thailand offers you a beautiful view of the White House of Chiang Rai and the Grand Palace.     Safety   When it comes to safety, there are some issues in Thailand and Bali. Bali is normally quite safe and the crimes that are reported are mostly petty such as snatch and grab or pickpocketing. While Thailand’s road accidents are quite high.   From a crime perspective, Thailand is safe overall however, the nightlife districts in Pattaya, Phuket, and Bangkok attract a lot of scammers. Furthermore, there have been people who have fallen victim to occasional acts of crime and violence.   Nightlife   Thailand has better nightlife than Bali so if you are a party lover, you must either be in Bangkok, Phuket, or Pattaya in Thailand. Bali on the other hand has limited places to offer you party vibes such as Kuta Beach or Seminyak Beach!   The parties in Bali are more inclusive because of the close circle, locals mostly invite you if they connect well with you. While Thailand has a seedy side of the nightlife!   Culture   Bali is a Hindu-majority Island with a natural landscape but what is more attractive is their traditional culture. With a Hindu enclave in a Muslim country, the city has a well-defined culture with temples, rituals, festivals, offerings, arts and crafts.   Thailand on the other hand has a lot of Thai and Buddhist culture persisting creating a fascinating culture. There are several monasteries and places to worship which are quite welcoming for tourists.   Overall, both places have beautiful, warm, and welcoming cultures and you can easily vibe anywhere!   Food   With a prominent culture for food, both Balinese and Thai food are delicious. However, compared to Bali, the street food culture is quite rich with delicious and high-quality food served at a very cheap price. You will also get a range of local and international fare-based Thai restaurants.   Pad Thai, Som tam, Moo ping, Khao Soi, Khao man gai, and other items are deliciously available almost everywhere. If you are a fruit lover, you have to try their mango, papaya, and other fruits, desserts, and drinks on the street.   At Bali, there is a lot of cafe culture, and it is a bit expensive especially when it comes to offering a normal menu. Some common items that you should try in Bali are Nasi Goreng, Bali Guling, Sate, and Mie Goreng.   Shopping   Everyone loves shopping, so if this is a factor based on which you choose a location for your next vacation, then let me tell you it is quite different in Bali vs Thailand. You will find high-end products at the malls of Bangkok, and night markets at different beach towns in Thailand.   You should keep the money for shopping when visiting Thailand while in Bali, things are quite cheap. Several entrepreneurial shops and small stores are giving you a variety of local options, arts, crafts, clothing, and others.   So, Is Bali Better or Thailand?   Of course, in my opinion, I enjoyed more in Bali but that could have been because I was more experienced in traveling than when I visited Thailand. Simultaneously, the diversity I have seen in Bali is a bit more as compared to Thailand!   When you are doing Bali vs Thailand when planning your next vacation, jot down the points mentioned above. Discuss it with your travel buddies or if you are solo traveling, start your research accordingly.  Also read Top 10 Most Popular Paraguay Food That You Must Try. Top 13+ Famous Wonders Of India That You Must Visit. Top Tips For Motorbike Rental In Phuket – A Guide To Exploring The Island On Two Wheels.

READ MORE Revisiting Travel Destinations

Why Travelers Return To The Same Spot Just For The View

BY  Sibashree Sep 1, 2025

Some places just stay with you. Like, you leave, but the picture never really leaves your head. Maybe it’s the way sunlight falls across a ridge in the morning, or how water sounds echo in a valley, or just that weird calm right before the day kicks in. Revisiting travel destinations brings people a nostalgic joy. Reflecting on the place again, revisiting it with a new set of people or all alone, moreover, reminds you of your past experiences of joy. Therefore, people should always revisit a place so that they can relive the moment that they had once spent there with their loved ones.  Hence, Little things like that end up being the reason people keep circling back. The Smoky Mountains are one of those places. Honestly, half the draw is just standing still and looking around. Folks go back knowing the same trail or overlook won’t feel exactly the same. Maybe the light’s different, maybe the air smells a little sweeter, maybe you just notice something you missed last time. That mix of old and new is kind of addictive. Things People Should Do While Revisiting Travel Destinations Like The Smoky Mountains Here is a list of things that you should do while you revisit the Smoky Mountains.  1. Revisiting Scenic Attractions Some attractions are really just excuses to soak in the view. A chairlift ride, a trail, even a coaster—sure, they’re fun, but it’s the backdrop that hits you. You leave thinking, “wow, I didn’t just ride something, I felt that whole scene.” That’s the part people remember.  The Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster at SkyLand Ranch is a good example of this. The Wild Stallion Mountain Coaster? Perfect example. You’re zipping down and—bam—the Smokies are stretching out in front of you. Fall colors, summer greens, or just that soft golden light at dusk—it’s different every single ride. Which is why people climb right back on like it’s brand new. Moreover, the adrenaline rush hits you very differently each and every time you tend to reexperience that adventure. People often feel scared on their first time; however, they start enjoying it once they get accustomed to it. 2. Calm Of Watching Waterfalls Or Rivers Flow Water pulls you in, plain and simple. A waterfall or river doesn’t even have to “do” anything—it just flows, and suddenly you’re standing there, totally zoned out in the best way. In the Smokies, rivers and falls are crowd favorites for a reason. They’re never quite the same. Heavy rain changes the flow, sunlight shifts the colors, and even a cool breeze can change the way it feels. People keep going back because it’s familiar, but not identical. Moreover, the nature of a place changes with every season. Therefore, the Smoky Mountains show a brand new colour in each of the seasons. The tourists should cherish the beauty of the Smoky Mountains in every season while revisiting travel destinations. 3. Sunrises And Sunsets Feel Different Sunrises and sunsets never repeat themselves. Same mountain, same viewpoint, but the sky? Completely different each time. You can watch it ten times and still feel like you’re seeing it for the first time. That’s why travelers plan around it. “Don’t miss the morning glow,” or “we’ve gotta be up there for sunset.” And funny thing—you hear people say the second sunrise hit them harder than the first. Like, how does that even happen? But it does. 4. Returning For Autumn Colors If there’s one season that pulls people back, it’s fall. Whole mountainsides flip from green to fire—reds, oranges, golds everywhere. It’s like the landscape decided to show off. The Smokies in October or November? Absolute magnet. Even folks who’ve hiked there a dozen times make special trips just to see it all over again, because it feels like a different world. 5. Overlooks Away From Crowds Sometimes it’s not about the biggest view—it’s about finding a spot that’s yours. Popular overlooks get swamped, but tucked-away ones? You can actually breathe. People talk about their “secret” overlooks in the Smokies all the time. Maybe the view isn’t the widest, but the peace of sitting there alone? Worth more than any postcard shot. 6. Perspective From High Viewpoints Standing high up, looking out across ridges and valleys—it just hits different. You feel small but also… grounded? Hard to explain, but it sticks. That’s why even repeat visitors climb back up. Same view, but it kind of grows on you. Each time you see it, it digs a little deeper. 7. Wildlife Sightings That Add Surprise Wildlife makes even familiar places feel brand new. You’re standing there thinking you know the view, and suddenly a deer appears, or a hawk swoops across the sky, or—yep—even a bear way off in the distance. Totally changes the moment. In the Smokies, that’s half the fun. You never know what’s coming, which keeps the whole place feeling alive. 8. Noticing New Details Funny thing about familiar views—they hide stuff. The first time, you miss it. Next time, you notice a rock shape, or the sound of a little creek, or just a patch of wildflowers. Suddenly, it feels fresh again. Hikers swear this happens constantly. Same spot, different discoveries. Light, season, Weather—it all shifts what you notice. 9. Weather Changes The Mood Of A View Weather flips the whole vibe. Fog rolls in? Mysterious. Clear skies? Open and bright. A drizzle? Melancholy but kind of peaceful. That’s why people go back in winter for snow-dusted trees, or summer mornings when the haze makes everything dreamy. Same place, new mood. Travelers often return just to see how the weather alters the scene. Some come back in winter to watch snow dust the trees, while others enjoy the hazy look of humid summer mornings.  Revisiting Travel Destinations To Relive Travel Memories  For a lot of folks, it’s not just the view—it’s the memory tied to it. Maybe they proposed there, or went with family, or had some quiet solo moment that stuck. Going back is like hitting play on that memory, only this time they add a new one on top. That’s the real hook. A view turns into a personal landmark. It’s not just a scene anymore—it’s part of their own story. At the end of the day, that’s why travelers return. A sunrise, a river, a quiet overlook—it’s not just what they see. It’s what they feel. And no matter how many times they go back, something—weather, season, wildlife, or just the people they’re with—makes it feel different all over again. Read Also: The Holiday Planning Trip: 4-days Itinerary Of Queensland! Are You Planning A Trip To Osaka? This Is Your Quintessential Guide Know These 5 Iconic Trekking Destination if You Are Planning to Trek in Nepal