11:51am return flight home

[disneylady]

Is a 11:51am return flight home risky? Each time that we've cruised, we've always had to rent a room at MCO due to arriving back there off the ship so early. I thought that perhaps I could reserve an earlier flight home and eliminate the room cost. However, I wanted some opinions on whether or not you feel I'm cutting it too close. Has anyone had any problems with ship debarkation delays?

 

[WDWLVR]

I think you will be fine with an 11:51 am flight. We've had an 11:30 am flight a couple of times and got to the airport in plenty of time. There is always the risk that the ship may be cleared late but even with that I think an 11:51 am flight will be fine.

 

[hannahmom]

We had a 11:35 AM flight back in April and we got to the airport with 2 hours to spare. We got off the boat by 7:30 and checked in our bags at the port. You should have a problem at all.

 

[ScouterJT]

You should be okay (no guarantees, though) -- last cruise was a bit late clearing customs -- big line in the atrium waiting to disembark when they finally opened the doors around 7:45; by the time we got off it was closer to 8:20 -- we were still at MCO and through security a little after 10.

I should mention, at MCO, we were on the "B" side -- and going through security was a breeze; anytime I have flown from the "A" side, the security line seems like it stretches all the way back to the Port.

 

[Kim&Chris]

You should be just fine.

Last year, out of fear of scheduling a flight too early, I got a 1:30 flight out of MCO. I think we got to the airport around 10:00, so needless to say we sat and waited and waited and waited.

This year I got a 12:15 flight, so it shouldn't be quite as bad, but I wish I had a time closer to yours!

 

[CRSNDSNY]

We've had similar flight time from previous cruises and never had a problem -- one time were cleared late to disembark and still made it in plenty of time.

 

[BraMax]

What's the earliest anyone has flown back to Canada? We are deciding if we can return on the Sunday after we disembark or have to wait until the Monday. Thanks!

 

[mommasita]

What's the earliest anyone has flown back to Canada? We are deciding if we can return on the Sunday after we disembark or have to wait until the Monday. Thanks!

11:30, ON 2 separate occasions...Went beautifully, and I dreaded the later flight, just dreaded it..

Providing there are no unexpected events(which are rare, but can happen), you will be glad to have that time.

 

[disneylady]

I should mention, at MCO, we were on the "B" side -- and going through security was a breeze; anytime I have flown from the "A" side, the security line seems like it stretches all the way back to the Port.

How will I know which side I'm on? Does it go by airline? We are flying with AirTran.

 

[tvguy]

Despite being at the airport, checked in, and boarding pass in hand by 10:15 am we barely made a 12:35 pm flight. The metal detectors were a nightmare at Orlando. So if I cruise thru Orlando again, I will be looking for a flight at 1 pm or later. However, others have made these early flights, so I think your odds are at least 70-30 of making it. Only advice I'd give if you book this flight, make sure you have enough credit or cash available to book another flight in case you miss this flight. Of course, in my opinion, EVERYONE taking a trip like this should always have enough cash or credit left at the end of the trip to be able to purchase full fare one way air fare home for your entire party, because weather delays and cause your bargain flight to be canceled, and then you have to rebook at the last minute fare.

 

[disneylady]

Only advice I'd give if you book this flight, make sure you have enough credit or cash available to book another flight in case you miss this flight. Of course, in my opinion, EVERYONE taking a trip like this should always have enough cash or credit left at the end of the trip to be able to purchase full fare one way air fare home for your entire party, because weather delays and cause your bargain flight to be canceled, and then you have to rebook at the last minute fare.

Excellent point! I had never really thought of it this way until I was stuck in MCO for hours upon hours with a wallet of maxed out credit cards as a result of my need to buy EVERYTHING at Disney. We're traveling with grandparents and great-grandparents, all of whom we will be responsible for financially. I guess I need to payoff those cards in case I need to buy 8 emergency airline tickets due to delays, weather, or illness.

 

[cruisinluver]

Of course, in my opinion, EVERYONE taking a trip like this should always have enough cash or credit left at the end of the trip to be able to purchase full fare one way air fare home for your entire party, because weather delays and cause your bargain flight to be canceled, and then you have to rebook at the last minute fare.

Absolutely. I take this farther and take the Dave Ramsey approach. If you have credit cards that are near or maxed out, you shouldn't be taking a cruise much less an expensive Disney vacation. So many Americans are not acting their wage, it is sad.

 

[tiggr33]

And so many people, regardless of nationality, are arrogant beyond belief.

 

[cruisinluver]

Nothing arrogant at all about believing people should act their wage and start thinking ahout their needs versus their wants.

 

[tvguy]

Excellent point! I had never really thought of it this way until I was stuck in MCO for hours upon hours with a wallet of maxed out credit cards as a result of my need to buy EVERYTHING at Disney. We're traveling with grandparents and great-grandparents, all of whom we will be responsible for financially. I guess I need to payoff those cards in case I need to buy 8 emergency airline tickets due to delays, weather, or illness.

Even if you have Travel insurnance, YOU have to pay everything, and then turn it in for reimbursement.

 

[Donald & Daisy Duck]

Our flights in the past few years have been around 11:30 am and we haven't had a problem. I will tell you though that last year, there was a good possibility that we were going to be late in docking at Port Canaveral due to weather (if we docked there at all), and guest services was very helpful in contacting the airlines to find out about alternate flights. We did dock on time and made our 11:30 flight with plenty of time to spare. Just be off the ship very early. Enjoy.