[philemonv6]

You remind me of the customer relations people at Airtran. Why would you believe a customer? We are your enemy, isn't that right? (Hint... maybe you should look for a job you like; or take some Dale Carnegie classes... truly serving people and listening and helping people is a blast!)

Why is it so hard to believe this gate agent did not make an announcement before closing the gate? Why would I get to the airport 90 minutes in advance if I didn't want to get on the plane? Have you ever been to a gate when no one made an announcement before closing the gate? How was it two of us banged on the door as soon as it closed? Why did an Airline employee open the door and plead for us? Do you think I could see, and run, but not hear?

From the rest of my flights, I can see that Airtran starts boarding about 45 minutes before scheduled departure. It is all about trying to leave early. That is fine as long as you make announcements so everyone can get on. They were done boarding before I got to the gate, even though I heard no announcement sitting at Starbucks not far away.

It is fine for you to say they don't need to make an announcement by name... most airlines do have this much courtesy. I hope you don't have this happen to you one day!

I guess I am used to travel on an airline that is service oriented and cares about each customer. An airline that treats comments with respect and cares about its reputation. They are great at communication and even humor... and they are growing and doing very well while airlines that seek to discipline their 'bad' customers are having serious problems. Hello!