Atlanta
(2012-02-12)
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A worker installs luggage scales at Southwest's ticket counter. Southwest will eventually take over all of AirTran's space at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.
Jim Burress, WABE News
But those first few flights are just one step in what's expected to be a long integration process.
Travelers and employees are starting to see that process unfold before their eyes.
Take Martha Williams, director of customer service in Atlanta for AirTran. Even though she technically works for Southwest, she still identifies herself as an AirTran worker. The only hint you see of the transition in her uniform is the blue, red and white Southwest Airlines lanyard around her neck.
Other signs of transition are more apparent.
As Williams motions toward AirTran's ticket desk at the airport's North Terminal, her voice indicates a hint of sadness.
"All of this AirTran signage is going to disappear eventually," Williams says.
Crews have already replaced some terminals with Southwest's logo, and AirTran's presence here will slowly dissipate.
Southwest executives say completely phasing out the AirTran brand will likely take another two years.
Meanwhile, Southwest is holding a 1PM press conference Monday to announce what it calls a "special surprise and gift for the state of Georgia."
© Copyright 2012, WABE
