V-Flyer

I would just like to say thanks to everyone for all the great advice offered on here. I have really enjoyed reading everyone's trip reports
I have a couple of questions to ask.
We did our 1st upper class flight to Orlando last year which was fab, and I'm really struggling to bring myself to book economy seats now I've had a taste of Upper Class. We are looking to go back to Orlando next easter and I found some cheap(ish) flights a couple of days ago going via Atlanta to Fort Myers (economy). The premium seats were double the cost so I can't really justify the extra cost when there are 4 of us. I went back on the website yesterday to book them but the price had gone up by almost £200 each. I know these dates have only just gone on sale so do you think they will go back down in price if I wait a while.? The flights flying direct to Orlando from Manchester are almost double the cost.
Also how long do you think we need to leave for a connecting flight in Atlanta? I have never flown via Atlanta and I believe it's quite a big airport. The connecting flight only has 1 hour stopover so I am worried that it's not long enough.

Thanks

I am no expert but Easter is a peak time for flights to the sun and I would be surprised if flights to Florida will drop, but maybe shopping around you could find cheaper options? Have tou tried Expedia/ Ex-EU options?

We are flying MAN - RSW via Atlanta in August and have 1hr 50 mins stopover which I was assured was enough time but I am panicking it won't be. I too have never been into ATL before but have heard it is a large airport, combined with having to collect and drop bags on outbound if you can I would try and get longer than an hour stopover.

Hi there,

Was helping my mum with Easter flights recently. I doubt they will go back down in price; it's become the busiest time to visit the mouse.

Keeping it within the UK, the cheapest I found was from Birmingham via JFK for £580. It's now £662 on SkyScanner. This is 26th -> 9th. Good Friday is very £.

From Dublin, £440 rtn including BA on the LGW->MCO leg.

A 1 hour connection from a Transatlantic to a domestic flight? I wouldn't risk that at any U.S. airport.

Remember you have to clear immigration (which could take 5 minutes or 50, depending on how many other international flights have arrived ahead of you), reclaim your luggage, clear customs, recheck your luggage and get across the airport to your domestic gate.

If your VS flight is early or on time you might make it but if it's even 15 minutes late you'd be in trouble (although if your itinerary's all on the same booking they'd put you on the next flight).

Hi and Welcome to V Flyer.

With it being school holidays, the cost of flights (with any airline) is going to be driven by supply and demand (no doubt why parents incur the fine and take youngsters out of school )

The first day the fares are released are always the highest and then drop back a little the next day - thereafter expect them to remain high as it is Easter.

You say flights to Orlando but have a route to Fort Myers. If you are looking at Orlando being your final destination, then it is worth considering going via New York.

The Golden rule with connecting flights is to book them as a complete routing (using the phone to book is sometimes best) so that you are protected if one gets delayed

buns

We used to fly to Savannah via Atlanta and normally had a 4 hour stop which was horribly boring. But I would certainly like more than one hour.
On one trip they made a late gate change and it was a 20 minute walk to the new gate which put us in a bit of a panic.
Now we fly to Orlando stay overnight at the airport and drive the 335 miles to our destination.
Atlanta to Orlando is about 440 miles which is a long days drive but might be worth considering as an option. If you do an overnight stay at Atlanta airport you would be fresh to set off in the morning.
Dick D

Having re-read this thread this morning my first thought is, if you find an obvious bargain, buy it then and there. Often you may have a "cooling off period" of 24 hors when you can cancel should you, in the cold light of day, change your mind.

Though I do appreciate that immediate purchase is not always an option when you have to get leave approval from work, discuss with partners and spouses etc.

As I alluded to before, Easter, half-term and Florida are a costly combination. If you find another good flight deal I would not delay in securing it.

I try and avoid connecting flights but if you go for one, you really need to ensure you have adequate tramsfer time, especially with children in tow, and make sure all the connections are on the same ticket.

Best of luck in your search.

Airlines offer these tight connections (which must be longer than the minimum connection time) with the expectation that the vast majority of people the vast majority of the time will make the connections.

They are prepared to take the risks (and possible associated costs) of having to rebook people onto later flights.

This does not mean people can dawdle through the system but nor does it mean you have to run at the speed of Usain Bolt.

And whilst ATL is a large airport it is pretty efficient at moving people around. As is (despite perceptions) LHR!

If you are worried then try and get the earliest ex-UK flight you can so you have more time to make a connection and more time to play with should there be any delays.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. I am going to look at different airlines and see what I can find, maybe going via New York with a couple of days stopover.

Another newb question booked on 8th August to mco via jfk on vs3 turning left of course as got cheap tickets in Easter sale have a 1hr 40 min transfer is this enough time plenty of time on way back as I arrive 4hrs before vs4 return any advice for this trip