Best options for south central PA to Orlando... Saturday flights?

[NLD]

Hi all,

We are going to Orlando March 16-23, 2013. It's not a Disney trip (though we'll probably throw in one day at MK), so flying into Sanford is a possibility.

Here's the thing... I can't figure out how to do this.

We always used to fly Southwest, BWI-MCO. We've been VERY fortunate to find good fares, on nonstop flights with good times.

This year, Southwest's fares have skyrocketed. After looking at BWI's website, it appears Southwest is the ONLY nonstop airline to MCO anymore.

Our other option is to fly out of Harrisburg (MDT). However, Frontier doesn't fly on Saturdays. Allegiant flies Saturdays, MDT-SFB... but I am totally turned off by all their fees.

What am I left with? Are there any airlines with connecting flights either out of MDT or BWI?

I really don't want to pay more than $250 per person, including luggage fees. Is this possible anymore? I know we've been spoiled in the past, but even $250 is a lot more than we used to spend.

[Horace Horsecollar]

I have no personal experience with Allegiant. When I've looked, their schedule has always seemed rather limited. I've wonder what happens if they have to cancel a flight due to weather or mechanical problems? An airline like Southwest usually has a lot of other options to get you to your destination reasonably soon.

Allegiant's a-la-carte pricing is well-documented on their website:

http://www.allegiantair.com/aaFeesForOurServices.php

Other airlines are introducing more and more a-la-carte pricing too.

So far, most airlines have not joined Allegiant in charging for carry-on bags in the overhead compartment. But who knows? Maybe other airlines will decide that's a good idea too.

As with any a-la-carte pricing, it's just a matter of adding everything up before comparing prices.

[Horace Horsecollar]

To compare multiple airlines and multiple airports (and to see available connection service), try a comparison website such as http://www.kayak.com or http://www.hipmunk.com

[NLD]

Yup, and that's my problem... when I add up all the a-la-carte fees, it's too much.

I can hit that $250 per person target if we fly out of Reagan. Maybe it's worth the extra distance. Have to see if I can talk my parents into it... they want to all fly together, but my mom HATES driving. I'd rather drive extra to save on airfare.

[NLD]

Originally Posted by Horace Horsecollar

To compare multiple airlines and multiple airports (and to see available connection service), try a comparison website such as http://www.kayak.com or http://www.hipmunk.com

Thanks, will check it out.

[NJRRK]

What about Philly? ABE?
SW flies from Philly, Frontier from ABE.

[NLD]

Same problem with Frontier out of ABE..... no Saturday flights.

SW out of Philly = same high prices as out of Baltimore, PLUS most of the flights are already "sold out" or "unavailable" on Wanna Get Away fares.

Plus I hate that Philly drive. I do it regularly for work. Would honestly rather do the DC drive.

[jerseygirl81]

Have you considered flying into Tampa? You would also have to figure in the cost of a rental car if you weren't already planning on renting one. Have you checked rates on Airtran?
Linda

[joncorr3]

We live by Altoona and we are going BWI to TPA. Airtran down, Southwest back.

[NLD]

Oooh, Tampa's a good thought, thanks. We are already planning to rent a car, so no problems there.

[Tisha_PA]

We live in Johnstown and usually fly out of BWI. However, for the second year now, we are flying out of DCA (which about the same driving time at BWI). We were able to get roundtrip nonstop flights from DCA to MCO on Jet Blue for $196.

[rwdavis2]

Although it's farther than BWI, Jet Blue out of Reagan National has had some great fairs. When we bought our November tickets they had SW out of BWI beat. $170 vs $300 round trip at the time.

Again, it's about an extra hour past BWI to get to National.

[NLD]

Tisha and rwdavis, you both hit the nail on the head.... finding much better fares from the DC area airports than from BWI.

Talked with my parents and told them if they are flying out of Harrisburg, we will just take a different flight and meet them in Florida. I'd rather drive the extra to DC for the lower fares.

However, we're also toying with the idea of driving, now. My mother never would do it, so we'd let her fly, probably send my dd on a flight with her too.... and then dad, sister and I could drive straight through, taking turns.

Kinda wild to think about driving straight through to Florida! But with three adult drivers to trade off, shouldn't be a problem.

Anyway, we'll see.... at least we have options, now.