I fly AirTran frequently, I have flown ATA only twice. AirTran is reasonably comfortable, while ATA was absolutely cramped- I literally had my knew pushed up by the life raft container on an "exit row" seat for two hours. While the people are pleasant, I wasn't impressed.
Is AirTran buying any of the aircraft and employees? I don't understand ATA's selling of Midway, LGA, etc. It's sounds very much like they have thier backs to the wall- sort of like PanAm and TWA selling their best routes to keep everything going and then falling into a slow decline.
Hope it works out as well as it can for all concrened at ATA, or Delta, USAirways, United, etc.