AirTran took its final flight in 2014. Some Atlantans still miss it.

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AirTran took its final flight in 2014. Some Atlantans still miss it.

A collection of photos of AirTran Airways through the years. The airline flew its final flight on Dec. 28, 2014.

100927 Atlanta: It was business as usual for AirTran Airways travelers at the AirTran ticket counter at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Monday, Sept. 27, 2010 as news of Southwest Airlines buying AirTran Airways for $1.4 billion became known. John Spink jspink@ajc.com

030828 - ATLANTA, GA. - AirTran jets as seen from their control tower above Concourse C at Hartsfield-Jackson International on Aug. 28, 2003. AirTran made a remarkable turnaround from its Valujet days. (LOUIE FAVORITE / STAFF)

Employees take pictures as AirTran Flight 1 leaves the gate at Hartsfield-Jackson International for the final flight to Tampa on Dec. 28, 2014. AirTran's operations have been absorbed by Southwest Airlines.

Employees gather on tarmac for AirTran’s final flight

AirTran’s final flight

Southwest Airlines has AirTran displays and memorabilia at its headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Source: Southwest

Southwest Airlines has AirTran displays and memorabilia at its headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Source: Southwest

Southwest Airlines has AirTran displays and memorabilia at its headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Source: Southwest

Southwest Airlines has AirTran displays and memorabilia at its headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Source: Southwest

110111 Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport: A Delta jet gets de-iced Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011, as an AirTran jet passes. John Spink jspink@ajc.com

Southwest Airlines has AirTran displays and memorabilia at its headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Source: Southwest

Southwest Airlines has AirTran displays and memorabilia at its headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Source: Southwest

Southwest Airlines has AirTran displays and memorabilia at its headquarters in Dallas, Texas. Source: Southwest

A model of AirTran Airways' Falcons-themed plane as part of its sponsorship of the Atlanta football team.

An image of a framed photo of AirTran planes lined up, including several with special liveries.

990518 - ATLANTA, GA.: Media, airport personnel, Boeing and Airtran employees take a gander at the new Boeing 717 airplane AirTran planned to roll out in 1999. (PHOTO BY CELINE BUFKIN/STAFF) for BIZ

971219 - ATLANTA, GA -- The new AirTran tail art on jets at Hartsfield International Airport on the tarmac, Wednesday December 17, 1997. (David Tulis/AJC staff)

September 6, 2012 - Atlanta - Runway and taxiway traffic at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport. BOB ANDRES / BANDRES@AJC.COM

Flight attendant Will Estrada's AirTran tattoos. AirTran's final flight, December 28, 2014.

AirTran Airways XM Radio w/Elton John decal.

May 1, 2014 Atlanta - Travelers wait in the check-in area of AirTran/Southwest at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, May 1, 2014. HYOSUB SHIN / HSHIN@AJC.COM

030828 - ATLANTA, GA -- One of AirTran's jets being prepared for flight as seen from their control tower above concourse C in Hartsfield last week, August 28, 2003. (LOUIE FAVORITE/AJC staff)

021212SWasf -- Southwest Airlines and AirTran planes.

AirTran First Officer Travis Wood is in the right seat (blue shirt) of a Boeing 717 simulator receiving instruction from Captain Robert Wittenberg left seat (green shirt) at AirTran’s training facility in Atlanta on Oct. 7, 2010. Handout photo.

Norbert Raith of Jonesboro took this photo at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in 2011. Back in 2009 AirTran Airways named a Boeing 717 ‘Falcons 1.’ It was the first time in the company’s history that an aircraft had been co-branded from nose to tail. Falcons 1 operated across AirTran’s network of more than 60 destinations. The partnership included joint promotions, prominent signage at the Georgia Dome, billboards and other advertising featuring Falcon players in full uniform.

Kevin Healy, AirTran Airways vice president of Planning & Sales. (Photo credit: Terri Hanson/Central Images, Inc.)

Contractors for Southwest Airlines took down the AirTran Airways signs at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, removing some of the last vestiges of the name at AirTran's former Atlanta hub.

Travelers wait in the check-in area of AirTran/Southwest at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport on Thursday, May 1, 2014.

A Delta airplane lands as an AirTran airplane lines up for departure near the International Terminal Monday morning in Atlanta, Ga., May 6, 2013.JASON GETZ / JGETZ@AJC.COM

Delta and AirTran planes line up at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport on Sept. 6, 2012.

Southwest and AirTran planes at an event for the merger of the two airlines.

AirTran CEO Bob Fornaro, AirTran Vice President Tad Hutcheson, Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and newly appointed AirTran President Bob Jordan (left to right) toast the merger of the two successful discount airlines.

Let's get together and feel all right: Thunder sticks were in abundance as AirTran officials and employees celebrated the merger with Southwest. "One Luv 2011" was the theme of the day as the airlines promoted a sense of unity among their employees.

July 2011: To ensure a smooth transition of operational procedures during the merger, Southwest employees answer questions from AirTran baggage handlers in the airline's ramp area break room at Hartsfield-Jackson.

ValuJet Airlines, which preceeded AirTran, was founded in 1993 in Atlanta to fill a void in the air travel market after the collapse of Eastern Airlines.

In 1997, ValuJet moves to buy a small Florida-based carrier called AirTran. The year before, a ValuJet plane crashed in the Florida Everglades, killing 110 people.

Some Southwest flights temporarily shifted back to Air Tran service during integration of the two airlnes.

AirTran unveils "Dolphin 1" as part of its partnership with the Georgia Aquarium.

A water canon salute was provided by the Atlanta Fire Department for the unveiling of Dolphin 1.

Bernie Marcus, chairman and CEO of the Georgia Aquarium, was on hand when AirTran's "Dolphin 1", a Boeing 737, was unveiled on March 31, 2011.

Bernie Marcus (left) and David Kimmel, COO of the Georgia Aquarium, were presented honorary captain's hats. Bob Fornaro, CEO of AirTran, was also on hand.

After the ceremony unveiling Dolphin 1, workers used blowers and pressure washers to remove confetti that was stuck to the aircraft after it was dropped from the ceiling of the hanger.

A Delta jet gets de-iced Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011 as an AirTran jet passes on the runway Tuesday, Jan. 11, 2011 at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport.

AirTran operated as an independent airline until the deal with Southwest was final.

In a video, AirTran takes a shot at Southwest's open seating policy, calling for passengers to "skip the stampede."

A tastier deal for all involved is the one to commemorate Little Debbie's 50th Anniversary. A plane carried the iconic girl's image, and some chocolate cupcakes.

Feeling the need for speed, AirTran put Danica Patrick on a Boeing 717, and dubbed it "AirTranica Won," after the IndyCar driver won the 2008 Bridgestone Indy Japan 300.

AirTran Airways unveiled a jet painted in the colors of the Atlanta Falcons as part of its new sponsorship of the team. The Boeing 717 -- which will fly from Atlanta to Boston then back to Atlanta before going to Minneapolis -- is dubbed Falcons 1.

The airline painted a Boeing 717 in the Falcons' black, red and white.

Falcons wide receiver Brian Finneran (left) and running back Jerious Norwood look over a scale model of the AirTran Airways 717 in Falcons livery.

The Atlanta Falcons' drum line performed as the plane was backed into the hanger.

AirTran pilot picketing: Union officials said that about 150 pilots came out on their days off to picket in groups of 50 in several areas in front of the airport.

DECEMBER 28, 2014 ATLANTA A Southwest flight heads to the taxiway as an, AirTran flight boards. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran's final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa FL, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

AirTran’s final flight

Southwest CEO Gary Kelly greets fliers as they board. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Flight attendant Sarah Wilson listens to official remarks. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Bob Jordan, AirTran Airways president and Southwest executive vice president, gives remarks during the event. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa FL, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Fliers were checked in by Netta Morgan, gate ops as they boarded the plane. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Employees take photos with Bob Jordan, AirTran Airways president and Southwest executive vice president. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Southwest CEO Gary Kelly (left) and ops agent Netta Morgan greet fliers as they board. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa FL, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Employees record official remarks during the event. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa FL, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Southwest CEO Gary Kelly gives remarks during the event. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa FL, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Employees gathered for photos to commemorate the event. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

A cake in the shape of an AirTran plane and luggage was among the refreshments. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

AirTran's final flight

Incoming passengers were greeted by employees during the celebration. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Flight attendants Karen Mowrey (left) and Jozette Brown hug during the celebration. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Flight attendants Tara Cortes (from left) Duane Ortego and Suzanne Wayda celebrate during the event. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Incoming passengers were greeted by employees during the celebration. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Flight attendants Sarah Wilson and Judy Davis share a hug during the party. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Flight attendants Sarah Wilson and Trebor McDowell dance during the party. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Former flight attendants Tara Cortes and Suzanne Wayda record the event. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Employees dance during the celebration. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

Employees dance during the celebration. Hundreds of Southwest Airlines and former AirTran Airways employees gathered at Concourse C, gates 1, 2 and 3 to celebrate the departure of AirTran’s final flight to Tampa, at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, Sunday, December 28, 2014. Southwest CEO Gary Kelly and executives Bob Jordan and Jack Smith gave remarks during the program. The full flight was waved off by employees that gathered on the tarmac as crash trucks from Atlanta Fire Rescue gave a final water cannon salute as the plane departed. KENT D. JOHNSON/KDJOHNSON@AJC.COM

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Credit: AJC

100927 Atlanta: It was business as usual for AirTran Airways travelers at the AirTran ticket counter at Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport Monday, Sept. 27, 2010 as news of Southwest Airlines buying AirTran Airways for $1.4 billion became known. John Spink jspink@ajc.com

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