V-Flyer

Flying to Orlando in November and want to know whether it is worth booking the later flight.Probably in economy but maight try to upgrade at airport to PE using miles or cash.

Am I right in my assumption that the 12.55 flight would be less crowded with most opting to get to the destination early? Am I less likely to get good exit seats on the later flight if the earlier flight get cancelled? Do peolpe get bumped from the 11.15 to 12.55? Also is the choice or hire car going to be restricted following a later flight?

Lots of questions I know, but for the sake of a couple of hours later leaving at this end I would prefer an emptier flight.

Depends when you're traveling - I've done that route the last 2 years in early Feb time - both in Upper which was full but premium was not so busy and Economy was empty with whole rows free all over the place.

Last time we did the earlier flight it only left a few minutes before the late one ;-(

Cant remember the last time there wasnt a delay flying out of gatwick

Generally the later flight is the quieter of the two. If the two daily flights get merged then it's the VS027 that gets cancelled and passengers are transfered to the VS015.
As for upgrades at the airport the price has now been fixed at 199 but of course is subject to availability.

-Steve

The immigration hall will be quiter if you get the later flight. The VS 27 lands about the same time as BA and LH. And yes the VS 15 usually has a lighter load, but they can both be full some of the time. People rarely get bumped from the 27 to the 15. If they decide to merge the two flights, the decision is usually taken several months before the flight and yes it is the VS 15 that operates. Also if you get the later flight you dont have to get up so early and you miss the rush hour traffic. Same for the way home, you land about 8.30am and miss all the traffic, which is why I prefer the later flight.

The other benefits to the VS015 include being able to get the later shuttle into LGW if flying from Scotland and not the one at stupid o'clock in the morning, having more time in any lounges/clubhouses when applicable, but probably more important for us is that when landing into MCO later, you arrive at your resort later and so there's less time to stay awake which inturn helps you settle into the time difference quicker.

On the carhire question, I haven't noticed any difference in availability of cars between the 27 and the 15

David

We always try and get the 27 out and the 16 back to maximise our time in FL [:D] Usually immigrations ok but we fly Upper so I guess that has a positive effect. On our travel day we always just want to get there already so when we have flown on the 15 I always feel like I am waiting around at home itching to get out the door LOL.

VirginBoy please make me happy and tell me you are working the 27 next Thursday???? [:w]

Sorry Nemmie, no MCOs for me this month, which is unheard of! Got ORD next week instead. Hope you have a fab trip x

Thanks for all the advice, will probably opt for the later flight and enjoy an extra hour or so in bed.

Ellador

Another thing to consider is where you are driving to after the flight, as in November it will definitely be dark if you catch the VS15. I always take the VS27 as I have to drive to the Gulf Coast and I find I am less tired for the journey[|)]

I took the VS15 though on my last flight and Avis had run out of my catagory of car but they upgraded me for no charge[:D] so that wasn't a problem.

Check the prices of the two different flights as it can vary considerably on the same day...hence I was on the VS15 instead of my preffered VS27[n]

Sunshine[8D]

quote:Originally posted by sickbag
Last time we did the earlier flight it only left a few minutes before the late one ;-(

Cant remember the last time there wasnt a delay flying out of gatwick
Agree 100% - last time I did the VS27 it left only just before the VS15. Immigration at MCO was not too bad though (but I was in the mini Y cabin at the front, so off with the UC & PE pax).

James

quote:Originally posted by virginboy747
Sorry Nemmie, no MCOs for me this month, which is unheard of! Got ORD next week instead. Hope you have a fab trip x


I'll just have to keep my fingers crossed for our return in Sept then [ii]
Thanks, we'll try to [:)]

I totally agree with everyone about the usual delay from LGW-MCO. I used to get so stressed about it (back when I was a smoker). Now I tend to be so excited about my vaca I'm just happy to be sat on the plane [}:)]I also always expect to be delayed by, very best case, 30 mins or so.

quote:Originally posted by Stevieboy
Generally the later flight is the quieter of the two. If the two daily flights get merged then it's the VS027 that gets cancelled and passengers are transfered to the VS015.
As for upgrades at the airport the price has now been fixed at 199 but of course is subject to availability.

-Steve


That's why I always now fly the VS15 - having experienced being 'merged' from the VS27 to the VS15 the previous year, at least if you're on the VS15 you still keep your seat, if you're on the VS27 and there's no availability in the class you're travelling on the VS15, you get downgraded.