Airtran from Portland, ME

[englishteacha]

We still are trying to find cheap fares to Orlando for early August. We live in Central Maine. Airtran is beginning service from Portland, ME in June, offering a non-stop flight for $217 RT on Saturdays only. The times aren't terrific (leave ME in the afternoon and FL in the morning) but it's cheaper than their flights that have layovers once you figure in the taxes and fees. Portland is about 1.5 hours away, and while flights are cheaper in Manchester, NH, it's about 3.5 hours away. I know $217 isn't too bad, but I'd love a better deal. Does Airtran ever have sales or coupons? Jetblue flies out of Portland, too, but they don't have any nonstop flights. I love nonstop flights as it gives me more time at my destination, I don't have to navigate an unfamiliar airport, and I don't have as many concerns about my luggage getting lost. Should I hold out for a lower price or book at $217? We haven't flown often and don't know the ins and outs of airfare!

Thanks for any advice!

 

[Maine-iac]

We still are trying to find cheap fares to Orlando for early August. We live in Central Maine. Airtran is beginning service from Portland, ME in June, offering a non-stop flight for $217 RT on Saturdays only. The times aren't terrific (leave ME in the afternoon and FL in the morning) but it's cheaper than their flights that have layovers once you figure in the taxes and fees. Portland is about 1.5 hours away, and while flights are cheaper in Manchester, NH, it's about 3.5 hours away. I know $217 isn't too bad, but I'd love a better deal. Does Airtran ever have sales or coupons? Jetblue flies out of Portland, too, but they don't have any nonstop flights. I love nonstop flights as it gives me more time at my destination, I don't have to navigate an unfamiliar airport, and I don't have as many concerns about my luggage getting lost. Should I hold out for a lower price or book at $217? We haven't flown often and don't know the ins and outs of airfare!

Thanks for any advice!

I would say if you are planning on doing your flying on Sat then that is a good price. Air Tran does not seem to charge more for the non stop flight or any Sat flight out of PWM. You would pay more for Delta, US Air, United etc.

I don't see Air Tran having specials flying out of PWM . There are only 3 flights out each day except 4 on Satudays so I don't think they will have problems filling those flights.

If driving to Manchester is going to save you money and you don't mind the drive then you could do that. I prefer not to make the drive especially coming back home.

I posted a few days ago at my disappointment for the flight times for Air Tran from PWM to MCO. here it is if you are interested
http://disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1409005

 

[englishteacha]

I found a flight out of Manchester for about $158 RT ($118 cheaper for 2 tickets). The trouble is a) driving 3.5 hours and b) it doesn't get in for the return until very late at night, meaning either a hotel (which negates any savings) or a very long, tired drive. I do have family in Nashua that we might be able to crash with, but I don't want to count on that unless I know they're willing to let us show up at 1 AM!

Should I hold out for a cheaper fare out of Portland? It's much more convenient. I don't care what day we fly on. The nonstop looked appealing, that's why I asked about it. I wish Allegiant was still flying in the summer from Portsmouth! We flew last June for under $140 RT.

 

[Maine-iac]

I found a flight out of Manchester for about $158 RT ($118 cheaper for 2 tickets). The trouble is a) driving 3.5 hours and b) it doesn't get in for the return until very late at night, meaning either a hotel (which negates any savings) or a very long, tired drive. I do have family in Nashua that we might be able to crash with, but I don't want to count on that unless I know they're willing to let us show up at 1 AM!

I know what you mean. We flew out of Boston once. Stayed the night at a Holiday Inn left our car there and flew out the next day. In the end we didn't save any money and the car ride home was so long.

Should I hold out for a cheaper fare out of Portland? It's much more convenient. I don't care what day we fly on. The nonstop looked appealing, that's why I asked about it. I wish Allegiant was still flying in the summer from Portsmouth! We flew last June for under $140 RT.

Well you could hold out but I don't know if they will get any cheaper from Portland. You could check Air Tran again. The $99 each way (as long as you can get one stop or non stop) is a decent price for Portland and you can get the non stop on Sat. If I can get a $198 round trip from Delta or US Air or United as soon as April '08 fares come out I will probably take it. Yes it will be during school vacation.

Good luck.

 

[Waseller77]

I live in the Portland area and will be using the non-stop Airtran flight when I travel to Orlando on Saturdays. If your vacation is planned Saturday to Saturday, I would book the flights for $217. They may have sales, but you can't count on them. Better to book the flights at this decent price then be stuck without a flight and paying more!

 

[Maine-iac]

I live in the Portland area and will be using the non-stop Airtran flight when I travel to Orlando on Saturdays. If your vacation is planned Saturday to Saturday, I would book the flights for $217. They may have sales, but you can't count on them. Better to book the flights at this decent price then be stuck without a flight and paying more!

It is good to have that non stop choice for once.

 

[Susiesnowflake]

You might also check flights out of Portsmouth on Allegiant. Allegiant does fly into Orlando/Sanford. Not sure if you are familiar with that airport. It is small and very easy to navigate. If you are renting a car, you'll end up in Disney World faster than you would getting through MCO.