Last Monday (May 5) I found out I needed to be home this past weekend, so I started shopping around and also heard that FL was about to launch new service to SFO. As my parents live in San Jose, I first made sure I could get a pick up at SFO. After all that was figured out I booked my flight for just $200 r/t with 4 days notice. Without further ado..

Because the majority of time was night - I didn't take my camera along.

Thursday, May 8
Airtran 327
MKE-SFO
Depart 740PM (Ontime) Gate C24
Arrive 10:00PM (Ontme) Gate 32 (Continental Gates)
Equip 737-700
Seat 3A (upgraded to business for $74 as I had already purchased my seat assignment previously)
Take off 7R
Landing 28L (Last minute switch from 28R)

Got to MKE about 5:15 and after parking my car in the remote lot, waited for the shuttle. Got to the terminal and reprinted my boarding pass. Cleared security in about 5 mins and went to get a drink and a snack before my flight. The food in the C Concourse really sucks at MKE as there is a limited supply of vendors. The pizza hut was out of pizza and I really wasn't in the mood for quiznos. After chilling for a bit boarding was called for my flight. I talked to the agent when I was upgrading and possibly SJC could be on their radar...let's keep our fingers crossed.

Boarding was very quick - the load factor was about about 65%

A quick takeoff roll turning west over downtown - could see my apartment and we quickly leveled off at 41000. A snack basket was offered for Business Class - chips, cookies, crackers, etc, and the bacardi ran freely.

The flight attendants were very pleasant and coridal and offered several services during the flight. I didn't use the XM as I had my iPod and prefered that. The Business class seats were a 9/10 as the recline was not as much as I was expecting, but never the less were comfortable and roomy. Gradual decent over the sierras and east bay hills put us originally inline for 28R and just about 1 min from touchdown you could feel the plane bank and rudder to the left as we changed runways. A nice smack down of a landing sent the unsecure wine and booze flying through the forward galley and we taxied right in to our gate.

Sunday, May 11
Airtran 343
SFO-MKE
Depart 11:30PM Ontime Gate 32
Arrive 5:04AM (25 Min Early) Gate C25
Seat 3A (Business Class Upgrade)
737-700
Take off 1R
Arrive 1L

Got to the airport about 10:00PM on Sunday nite - reprinted my boarding pass and headed to the gate where I again cleared security in about 5 minutes. Walked around and watched some of the US departures to PHL, CLT than over to the Continental area to watch the EWR and CVG departures. Our a/c pulled in, deplaned cleaned and started boarding around 1105. We were about 65% full and only 50% in business. Push back put us #3 for take off and quick climb out over the bay with a left turn along the city following the delta over fairfield, sacramento and then a very bumpy trek over the Sierras. A glass of wine was enjoyed prior to my nap. Woke up to see the sunrise towards the east as we started our decent into MKE with a long-nose up flare before settling in to the runway.

This was my first time with Airtran - and I was quite impressed with their service. While the crew on the flight out was very much personable (and kept the glass full) both flights were well attended to and the staff was great on both ends. They were having a 3X credit bonus so I am going to try and take them again soon to rack up points quickly. If they keep up this level of service, they will be successful! I was a happy flyer.


Got to the airport