Can you give me a thumbnail on ATA?
Not really, since I haven't flown them much. I was denied boarding once when I presented myself to the agent 21 minutes before flight time (flight was at 9:10; despite getting lost on the way to the airport, then getting stuck in traffic, and having to navigate Midway's "new improved" parking, I presented myself to the agent at 8:49 per the airport digital clocks; this was well before 9/11 btw). I ended up getting a walk-up fare on Southwest.
Still, the three flights I've had on ATA seemed okay. Nothing exceptional, but other than the missed flight I don't recall any problems.
Well they are an economy airline, so don't expect a meal and there is no first class. Mostly they cater to the vacationer than the business traveler, but they do have newer jets and they are usually clean and well maintained. Frequent flyer program is not like a typical airline in that I don't think you colllect miles. Right now what they have is if you fly 3 flights, you get one free, which is probably better than miles.