Airtran March Break

[Hoogy]

I was looking at Airtran and they have extended their dates. The prices aren't bad considering the time period (94-$124 one way from Detroit) Buffalo and Rochester are ok too. It is no $59 flight but it is March Break!

 

[KerriMc]

I didn't know that Air Tran released so much sooner than SouthWest. I figured I would have to wait until November too. Now I am torn as to whether we should book or not. I know they get booked up quickly!

For us to fly right now with our dates of March 8 to 17, it would be $191 each way US ... or $2400 for the six of us ... compared to $5300 on West Jet this year, that seems like a good deal. It also gives us non-stop and we get to pick our seats ahead of time, which means no stressing about booking in 24 hrs ahead. I know it isn't as good as the ones you listed, but still better than here!!

Oh man ... what to do what to do ... I HATE waiting and taking risks!!!!!

Kerri

 

[who's ur daddy?]

I didn't know that Air Tran released so much sooner than SouthWest. I figured I would have to wait until November too. Now I am torn as to whether we should book or not. I know they get booked up quickly!

For us to fly right now with our dates of March 8 to 17, it would be $191 each way US ... or $2400 for the six of us ... compared to $5300 on West Jet this year, that seems like a good deal. It also gives us non-stop and we get to pick our seats ahead of time, which means no stressing about booking in 24 hrs ahead. I know it isn't as good as the ones you listed, but still better than here!!

Oh man ... what to do what to do ... I HATE waiting and taking risks!!!!!

Kerri

We are going March 9 to 16, so I'm in the same boat as you!

Air Transat = Cdn$3744 (Sunwing was cheaper, but I haven't heard good things about them)

Air Trans + one night stay at a local hotel (say US$150) = Cdn$1662 (converted at 1.065).

That's over Cdn$2000 in difference flying out of Buffalo vs Pearson. I wonder what Southwest will be like...

 

[KerriMc]

Looking at the flights that were released on March 7th for South West, the rates aren't any better than the ones Air Trans has just released, so I am tempted to book. I like the fact that the rate of 191 includes picking your seats!! I like that option

I will have to look again tonight and hope there are still some there for that rate and then I'll decide ... for now it is back to school / work!!!

Kerri

 

[mollyseven]

I also saw amazing rates for our dates..we were thinking going out of buffalo march 5-15th and we can all 4 of us fly for 900.00 and we can get flights after lunch going so we don't have to overnight in buffalo.
Anyone gone out of buffalo....is it easy?
I don't think i want to wait for southwest or jetblue...these are so good.

 

[cey]

Airtran flights were $149 each way from Rochester to MCO yesterday. I just wish Jet Blue would post. It would save me about 1 1/2 hrs driving time and in the winter that can mean alot! Air tran is still a possibility though! Has anyone flown out of ROC?

________________________________________

Cheryl

 

[who's ur daddy?]

I also saw amazing rates for our dates..we were thinking going out of buffalo march 5-15th and we can all 4 of us fly for 900.00 and we can get flights after lunch going so we don't have to overnight in buffalo.
Anyone gone out of buffalo....is it easy?
I don't think i want to wait for southwest or jetblue...these are so good.

We just did a trip out of Buffalo (we live in Markham) and it was a piece of cake. The only issue would be the drive from Port Hope to Buffalo. With rush hour and stops at the border, it took us four hours. Time your trip with some Buffalo Outlet Shopping and you can avoid rush hour.

I am all for paying for convenience, but the price differential between Pearson and Buffalo is just too great! Saved Cdn$800 on our flights for our recent August trip.

 

[mickeywho?]

I'd check on the transportation board about people's opinions on Airtran. We just did a trip out of Buffalo and there were a few ladies that I spoke to going to every ticket agent trying to get a flight out. They had originally booked with Airtran and it was cancelled at the last minute - no reason given. I don't know if this is fairly typical for that airline. (Of course - Airtran offered them seats on the next available flight but they would have had to pay the difference which was apparently significant)
We flew Southwest with no issues. We made sure to check-in online at the 24hour mark from home and at the hotel in Disney - we were guaranteed A seating and lined up at the gate as soon as we got there. Both flights were sold out so we were glad we did.

 

[Jo-Anne]

We flew Air Tran from Buffalo last week and had no problems. Our plane took off on time and I noticed that the Southwest flight in gate beside us going to Orlando was delayed by over an hour and everyone was standing up in their ABC lines for over an hour. It was nice to be able to have a seat pre-selected on Air Tran and I just sat and waited for my zone to be called!

 

[surfer_ed]

I am going those dates too and waiting for SWA, looked at the march 7th rate last night and it seemed high.

Maybe we should all just charter a plane?

 

[KerriMc]

Yes our own charter may be just the ticket!!! It sure would make it easier wouldn't it!

I am seriously thinking of booking with Air Tran. I had friends who travelled with them in May and had a wonderful experience. The only thing is that I want a non-stop flight and the only one going down on the 8th doesn't leave until 3:20 pm. I am debating if we should book the flight on the 7th instead as it is the same time. That way we have an extra day!! Although how long do you think the wait will be at the border to cross on that Friday?? I bet it will be long, although with prebooked seats we wouldn't have to worry about getting there way ahead or booking in 24 hrs prior.

I better make up my mind soon. Going down we can get $191 and that includes prebooked seats (no 149 rate left) and coming home we can get $149, plus $5 extra to book a seat. It came to $2100 and compared to our quote from West Jet at $5300, I would think that is a pretty good price!!! (even with exchange)!

Better check with the rest of our travel gang and see what they think. I have learned I am very indecisive and it cost me the villa I wanted to rent, so I am trying to be a little more decisive!!

Kerri

 

[who's ur daddy?]

I better make up my mind soon. Going down we can get $191 and that includes prebooked seats (no 149 rate left) and coming home we can get $149, plus $5 extra to book a seat. It came to $2100 and compared to our quote from West Jet at $5300, I would think that is a pretty good price!!! (even with exchange)!

Imagine what you could do with $3000!

I'm stuck too with the flight down - basically seems like you would lose a day in Orlando since you probably wouldn't get to Disney until 7ish at the earliest...

I am think Southwest on the way down and then Air Tran on the way back!

 

[KerriMc]

I'm just worried that even when the SW rates come out that if I don't get the immediately I won't get any better deal than what I can get with Air Trans right now. I am just waiting to hear from the other group (my parents) and if they are ok with it, I am going to book. I don't want to wait any longer! I also have to check with the villa owners to see if they are available a day earlier! Can't forget that!

Kerri

 

[mollyseven]

WOW....there is something I never thought of. Southwest going down and Airtran coming home.....is that possible for the same rates? you don't have to book a return trip on the same airline?
Oh my gosh,,,,another hour online gone that I won't get back checking new things....if i don't decide soon my husband is going to go loopy with me constantly on the laptop.
when do you think southwest will have their fares out for march...beyond the 7th?
.....ahhhhh

 

[KerriMc]

I heard the fares would be released for SW in early November. Not positive though.

 

[mollyseven]

I am so not waiting until then for the fares ....the airtran will never last that long!

 

[KerriMc]

I read your message and thought I'd look one more time ... the 191 flights down on the 7th are gone ... they were there an hour ago!! I dont' think I'm willing to pay 249 (next best rate) ... so I think I'll book for the 8th at the 191 ... I can't wait that long for South West. I'm not patient and I like to PLAN!!!

Kerri

 

[mollyseven]

O.k I guess I waited too long also..the 900 dollar fares are GONE...yea and it doesn't look good for returning the 15th now at all....I am gonna kick myself for this I can see it coming.
Now if we leave on the 5th it's gonna be a connecting flight and an overnight on the 4th in buffalo meaning we have to drive here late at night etc etc and come home on the 14th ....this sucks.
now....do i bend and book something I really don't like or wait for southwest knowing I gotta get them as soon as they are out......crap
ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh

 

[KerriMc]

Yes I'm sitting here saying crap and a few other words. I waited on a friend to email me back about their experience, but of course they haven't yet. I am now spending $300 more, but I just did the conversion of US and Can, which is currently at 1.07!! So that is good ... so for me is would convert $2500 to $2675 Canadian. That is still half of what West Jet is/was asking three months ago ... and I don't see the SW flights being much better on teh March Break as they weren't that great up to MArch 7th. Lowest price on the 7th was 180. So I wouldn't imagine they'll be better as they know the Canadians are just waiting for those important dates!!

I wonder how much further it would be to drive to Detroit? I think about double my time unfortunately. They have more open still. Have you looked at their rates? Also check Rochester, which is also in Buffalo, but not as many to choose from, esp. non-stop.

Oh and do you think you need insurance from the website or can I get it through my credit card? Wouldn't that be enough? Oh the decisions ... I can't take it anymore!! Why isn't my dh more interested in this???

Kerri

 

[mollyseven]

I just don't know what to do....
I have to get my husband to commit to some dates...he just thinks it's too early to decide....but the flights are filling as im typing this...soon it will be the same price to fly out of toronto....god why didn't i book the 900dollars 2 days ago then i saw it.
unbelievable
why can't they have 2 direct flights a day....jeepers.
i hate to have to drive all that way plus pay for hotel/parking and much more than i have to for the flights...
do you know what hotel is closest to buf airport that you can park at safely also??