Want to fly VS but cannot find suitable flight

Hi All

Have been a regular VS passenger for around 7 years and looking to meet up with family in Florida Gulf Coast Area (around Tampa area) in April or May 2013.

Have looked through all the VS flights and I am struggling to find a solution to get us there. We like to fly either PE or Upper with Virgin, so have gone through all the options.

The only flight I can find that seems suitable is to fly BA (I know, the dark side) in Club for £1700 return from LGW to TPA direct. Gatwick is not ideal for us, as we are based in the Midlands, but MAN to MCO is expensive and restrictive in UC. Have thought about LHR to JFK, then JetBlue to TPA, but seems a pain.

Any help/ideas would be appreciated.

What about Delta? They fly from MAN to Atlanta, and then into Tampa.

Hi Derby,
This may be a bit of a simple reply but why is Gatwick not ideal? If you are willing to fly to JFK and then on via an internal would it be that different?
A very brief check on PE flights from LGW to MCO in April 2013 seem to show around £1100. The cost difference from BA would mean you could travel down the night before, stop in the Gatwick Hilton, use Twilight check-in and start your vacation a few hours early.
You could also try Virgin Holidays. They have some very good PE fares a lot of the time and the car-hire would be in with the cost of the trip.
I'm sure others will have much better idea but it's worth a look.
Good luck.

Hi Miss G

Good call, but have already looked at Delata and flight comes out at around £3k each (there are 3 of us). The advantage with BA Club is the LGW lounge and arrivals in Sofitel, which seems to be missing with others.

Shame, good luck with your search!

Personally I would go for the BA option if cost and times are ok for you,I wouldn't feel guilty about not going with VS if they can't give you what you want

Hi LovingGold

Thanks for the reply. Will have a look at this.

The reason why Gatwick is a slight problem is the 3-4 hour journey back home after a trans-atlantic flight, Whereas, LHR to home is around 2 hours. The getting there the previous night is not a problem.

Personally I would go for the BA option if cost and times are ok for you,I wouldn't feel guilty about not going with VS if they can't give you what you want

I have to agree. Used to have a place in Tampa so I have had a lot of experience on this route. Whilst LGW may be further you can refresh at the arrivals lounge and
you will be a lot less stressed than if you have had to change flights. Also you will arrive in Tampa a lot fresher which is safer when you are driving on the other side of the road.

Cheers PaulS

Maybe the longer journey is actually worth it after all, especially given we get the flat bed and lounge both ways for £1700 each.

Hi LovingGold

Thanks for the reply. Will have a look at this.

The reason why Gatwick is a slight problem is the 3-4 hour journey back home after a trans-atlantic flight, Whereas, LHR to home is around 2 hours. The getting there the previous night is not a problem.

Oh I understand that. Most of my flights are from LHR and I live very close to Junction 2 of the M25 and traffic can be a nightmare. I have discovered that a look around on travel can reap rewards. I can now get a train to LHR in less than an hour which I can very rarely do in a car. Where there is a will there is a way!!!!
Just one last item to point out. If driving is a better option for you the Gatwick Hilton does offer park and fly rates. You may be able, holiday and flight times permitting, to just go straight back to the hotel at Gatwick for a post-flight chill and then drive home later or the next day.

I also forgot to add that I would ensure at least four hours connection time if you choose the two flight option. I missed several VS flights out of both EWR & JFK due to breakdowns and weather. Tampa is the lightening capital of the world and the storms can cause severe delays at times. If you have a through ticket you will be rebooked but it can be a long painful journey

Thanks all for the ideas.

Looks like we will be booking the BA option later today.

Good call. TPA is an excellent and very user friendly airport by US standards.

Agree with above. TPA is a fantastic airport , easier for immigration and if you are staying in Tampa its a huge plus. for that price I wouldnt be worried about swapping

[honey lamb]

I love TPA, albeit having travelled there from JFK on jetBlue. It really is user-friendly and excelled itself on one occasion when the airport had been closed because of a security alert, to ensure that departing passengers got to their flights