I booked a ticket on this airline through a local tour operator (Vacation Express). I didn't really know what to expect as I had never purchased airfare on a public-charter air-carrier before. I am happy to report that my experience was positive, and that I look forward to flying with this company in the future.

I paid only $61.00 (taxes and surcharges included) to fly the route (SFB - ATL). This was a GREAT deal, especially seeing as how I was flying the day after the Daytona 500 when there is a mass exodus of race fans from all central and north Florida airports (DAB, MLB, SFB, MCO, and JAX). Every other airline significantly raises the prices on their routes out of these cities after the race, because they know the race fans will pay it. That's why I was so happy to find this deal.

Orlando/Sanford is sort of a hub for TransMeridian. They fly several routes from the airport on behalf of Vacation Express. On certain days of the week, multiple flights arrive in the morning from several northern and midwestern US destinations. These aircraft then depart to resort destinations in the Caribbean and Mexico. In the early afternoon the aircraft return to Sanford and then depart at night for the US destinations where they originated that morning. Because of this set-up, my flight was leaving at night to go to Atlanta.

When I showed up to check-in, there was a dedicated TransMeridian check-in counter with 8 or so people working it. There were only 15 - 20 people in line, so I was up to an agent quickly. After approaching the counter, I was told that I would have to check in at the Vacation Express counter because I had booked the flight through them (versus booking through TransMeridian directly... where, for my particular flight, the fare was more expensive). No big deal, even though the line for Vacation Express was huge!

After checking in with Vacation Express, I went up to the gate. Seeing as how the design of the Sanford airport is lacking in several ways, the place was like a zoo! Eventually we made it on board the aircraft. It was an older 727-200, but that was no big deal. Since so few people were on the flight the attendants let us move around freely. Even though the seating is a little cramped, even tall people (I am 6'1") should be comfortable on this airline. Luckily, though, I got a whole row to myself which made for an enjoyable trip!

Unfortunately, just before departure time the Captain made an announcement that due to bad weather in Atlanta, Air Traffic Control was holding our aircraft at the gate. No big deal, even though everyone obviously wanted to go on-time. When the gate hold was finally lifted, we had taken a 2 hour and 20 minute delay. During the delay, the flight attendants did a full beverage service and kept the passengers entertained by interacting with them, and the Captain made several detailed announcements keeping the passengers informed on the situation/delay. I believe it was the Captain's continuous updates which kept the passengers from becoming upset. He was honest and genuinely cared about keeping everyone informed, and that was impressive. (FYI - I scored the "On-Time" mark a "10" because without the weather delay we would have been on-time.)

Once airborne the flight was turbulent due to all of the weather that we flew through. The Captain asked the attendants to be seated for the flight, but they still got up for a few minutes to offer the passengers bottled water. Once we reached Atlanta, where the weather was still bad, the flight got a little bumpier, but not much. When the aircraft landed it was so smooth that you could barely feel the tires touch the runway.

After deplaning our luggage was quick to arrive and so ended my journey.

I fly between 50,00 and 100,000 miles a year, and I have to say, I was genuinely satisfied with my TransMeridian experience. I would definitely fly them again. The value, service, and flight experience were all excellent.