AirTran Reviews: History, Latest Development, And Reviews In 2026 

Nov 22, 2023

Last Updated on: Sep 28, 2026

Travel Blog

AirTran Airways was an American low-cost airline originally headquartered in Orlando, Florida. It ceased operations after the acquisition of Southwest Airlines.

Furthermore, it was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines under the management of two small airlines. These were 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?

In 1994, AirTran Corporation purchased the airline and renamed it AirTran Airways.

It later exited AirTran Corporation’s new holding company, Airways Corporation.

The holding company of ValuJet acquired the airline.

Then, Airways Corporation’s holding company acquired the struggling ValuJet Airlines in 1997.

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 operated nearly 700 flights per day, primarily in the eastern and midwestern United States.

Moreover, its main hub at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport served 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

This was founded in 1993 as Conquest Sun Airlines.

It went on to begin operations with 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.

This is because AirTran management later claimed 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.

It then placed it under the new subsidiary, AirTran Airways.

After that, it 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.

This included Atlanta (at the time the largest U.S. 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 that, Delta Air Lines leased the Boeing 717 fleet 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.

This is 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 AirTran.

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

AirTran Reviews: From Legacy To The Evolution In 2026

While AirTran Airways formally vanished from the skies in 2014, its influence on the American aviation landscape remains palpable in 2026. 

The merger with Southwest Airlines did more than just consolidate two low-cost carriers.

Moreover, it fundamentally shifted the competitive dynamics of major U.S. hubs, particularly in the Southeast.

Reshaping The Hub-and-Spoke Model

AirTran’s primary legacy is arguably its transformation of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. 

Before the acquisition, AirTran served as the scrappy, low-fare challenger to Delta Air Lines’ dominance. 

When Southwest absorbed AirTran, it inherited a massive “hub-and-spoke” operation, a stark departure from Southwest’s traditional “point-to-point” model. 

By 2026, this integration has evolved into a hybrid network that allows Southwest to dominate corporate and leisure travel in the East, a strategy pioneered by AirTran’s aggressive expansion in the early 2000s.

The 717 Fleet: A Second Life At Delta

Perhaps the most unique chapter of the AirTran story is the fate of its specialized fleet.

AirTran was the launch customer and largest operator of the Boeing 717, a nimble, rear-engine jet perfect for high-frequency short-haul routes.

Because Southwest maintained a strict all-Boeing 737 fleet strategy, it chose to lease AirTran’s 88 Boeing 717s to Delta Air Lines.

Even today, many of these aircraft continue to fly under the Delta brand, serving as a “workhorse” for regional business routes.

For aviation enthusiasts, every Delta 717 flight is a subtle reminder of the “Critter’s” DNA.

Impact On Fare Competition

Aviation economists often cite the absorption of AirTran as a turning point in industry consolidation. 

As of 2026, with the recent cessation of other ultra-low-cost carriers like Spirit Airlines, the historical importance of AirTran as a “fare stabilizer” has become even more apparent. 

It proved that a low-cost carrier could offer a premium experience, including a legitimate business class, without losing its budget-friendly soul.

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.

If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, then please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!

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Sibashree is a travel, culture, and leisure writer who has been writing since the age of 12 and professionally since 2014. With more than a decade of travel writing experience and journeys across India and several parts of the world, she brings a deeply personal and thoughtful perspective to her work. A student of English Literature and Mass Communication, Sibashree has always viewed travel as more than movement — for her, it has been a way of understanding people, cultures, and herself. Her passion for spiritual exploration has also led her to many unusual and meaningful destinations over the years. Outside of writing, Sibashree enjoys watching European cinema, reading about global politics, and reflecting on the stories hidden within everyday places.

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BY  Sibashree Aug 24, 2026

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Ramakalmedu There is one famous saying about Ramakalmedu. It is the place where “the wind never stops.” However, around 40 km away from Thekkady, this mountain peak gets its name from the mythological legend of Lord Rama setting his foot on this rock. Also, once you reach the summit, you will find the Kuravan and Kurathy statues, the biggest in Kerala and inspired by local legends. It is a peaceful area, offering sweeping views of the Cumbum and Bodi villages on the eastern slopes of the Western Ghats. 2. Kurisumala Kurisumala, the tallest peak in Thekkady, means the “Mountain of the Cross.” This is a pilgrimage for Christians, who climb uphill with a cross. At the top, there is a peaceful monastery. Also, on the eastern side of this Kurisumala, stands Muruganmala. It has a Murugan temple, constructed by cutting a rock. 3. Mangala Devi Temple I reached the Mangala Devi Temple after a trek of around 11 km through the forest. Kannaki, the protagonist of the Tamil epic Silapathikaram, is the presiding deity in this 100-year-old temple. After facing betrayal at this place, she transformed into a divine figure and blessed all the locals here. Thus, she became famous as Mangala Devi, or the deity who brings blessings. Unfortunately, the temple was closed when I visited it, and it only opens during the annual Chithrapournami festival. 4. Peermede Peermede, around 44 km away from Thekkady, is a plantation town. However, I visited it after knowing it was named after a Sufi Saint, Peer Mohammed. The town still has the mausoleum of the saint and the summer palace of the Royal Family of Travancore. After visiting these historical and spiritual places, you can also explore the rubber, cardamom, and tea plantations here. Also, for some more adventure, you can trek to Kuttikanam or Thrissanku Hills. How Many Days Are Enough To Visit Thekkady Tourist Places? Plan Your Itinerary Three to four days are enough to visit Thekkady tourist places. Here is an itinerary you can follow for a comfortable, rush-free experience. DaysFocusLocationsDay 1Wildlife and Town•Periyar Tiger Reserve  •Elephant Junction ChellarkovilDay 2PlantationsVandiperiyar RamakalmeduDay 3Peaks and HeritageKurisumala and Muruganmala Peermede So, when are you planning a trip to Thekkady? Remember that October to March is the best time to visit this hill town. Read Also: What Are The Best Family Vacation Spots In The World? Here Are Our Favorites What Are The Things To Do In Unawatuna With Family? Ultimate Guide to Your Next Family Vacation in Israel