AirTran 17 June Class

[Lifter]

I'm starting class on the 17th and haven't received my welcome package yet. I'm trying to set up hotel info and was wondering if anyone from the 3 June class (or anyone else knowledgeable) can provide some advise.

Where is the best place to stay? Price versus convenience? What is the price? Do they have kitchens, etc.

Is a car needed or just nice to have?

What is the attire for class?

Anything you wish you would have brought with you and didn't, now that class has started?

Is it going to be possible to commute home for the weekends (or weekdays)? Do you get a firm schedule for the training or does it change day to day?

How did they determine which aircraft you would get? They are suppose to have 8 717s and 8 737s for the 17th class.

Any other helpful information you can provide would be appreciated.

What time does the beer start on the 16th? Looking forward to meeting you guys.

Thanks, Lifter.

 

[Music]

LIfter,

Congratulations on your class date, I think that you will really like it here. I'll try and answer your questions the best I can:

Where is the best place to stay? Price versus convenience? What is the price? Do they have kitchens, etc.

You will be receiving a packet shortly that will explain all of the hotel options around the training center. There are to many to list but some of them offer special rates to AirTran employees. I have a crash pad in ATL so I can't give you a recommendation but there are many on this board that can (some are attending class at this moment).

Is a car needed or just nice to have?

It's not absolutely needed but would make life a lot easier.

What is the attire for class?

Business casual, i.e. Polo shirt and dress pants.

Anything you wish you would have brought with you and didn't, now that class has started?

Most all that you need is provided to you at the training center. Also, the packet that is mailed to you will have a list of things that you should bring. Generally, bring a notebook, pens/pencils, a highlighter/marking tabs etc.

Is it going to be possible to commute home for the weekends (or weekdays)? Do you get a firm schedule for the training or does it change day to day?

Yes it's possible on the weekends, probably not on the weekdays at first because your class will be M-F for the first few weeks. Yes you get a schedule in the first few days of class but I wouldn't exactly use the word "firm". One thing about this airline and dates; you have to be flexable. It does not change day to day however.

How did they determine which aircraft you would get? They are suppose to have 8 717s and 8 737s for the 17th class.

Seniority based. Seniority of all new hire classes is determined by age. As far as the aircraft slots go everything is subject to change until you are sitting in A/C specific ground school.


As far as other advice is concerned, just relax and enjoy it; be flexable because things change often; and keep a positive attitude.

Again, congratulations. I look forward to seeing you at the training center.

Music

 

[UALX727]

I would go with a nice dress shirt and tie on the first day. I started last year and we were told business casual as well. However, on the first day our instructor said he was disappointed that many of us didn't show up with a tie. Not sure if that is still how it works, FWIW.

 

[Flying Freddie]

Do what Noel wants. He brings the donuts every day.

 

[cl65capt]

Lifter, I too am in the June 17th class and have not recieved the package. I talked to Greta on Tuesday and she said they would be being mailed out that day so hopefully we'll have them by Saturday. See you on the 17th!

 

[FLB717]

You can fly home on the weekends, BUT you had better be back on Monday, or you may not need to show on Tuesday. That is not written in stone (98% unless you have a darn good reason) but at most airlines it is more than looked down on.

 

[75M]

The GSI (Noel) made the same comment to our class about the tie, but it had no bearing whatsoever on how we were treated, which was very well.

You'll need (want) a laptop. There are several CD-ROMs that you'll be given (FMS, T/O Data as well as the entire CBT course) and it's better to be able to review them on your schedule without making a trip to Alteon to check something.

I went through last August and we were given everything we needed. The schedule held up and we were treated great.

 

[On Your Six]

Hey Lifter,

Any idea which aircraft you would choose (717 or 737) if given the option?

I'd pick the 717 - more schedules and more route variety - plus, the 717 is evidently a real kick in the pants to fly - nice power and great flight deck...

Let us know - good job.