Allegiant or SW a better bet for us, going out of Iowa in December?

[niklynn1]

Please help me decide which would be a better option for us. I should be excited because I've booked our first ever cruise for me and my two kids on the Wonder leaving 12/30/10. However, the flight part of this is really stressing me out.

We have just come out of a HORRIBLE winter in Iowa--2nd snowiest winter on record. We were literally BURIED in snow. Typically, my kids and I vacation in summer, and prefer to drive to Kansas City and fly SW, which is usually much cheaper by the time we factor in flights and no baggage fees, even if we have to get a room in KC and pay to park.

However, flying out in December worries me. The drive to KC could be dicey if the weather is bad, so I've been looking at flights out of DSM instead, which are more expensive, but might be "safer" if weather is an issue? I'm planning on going to FL a day ahead, to play it a bit safer, since this is a cruise and we CAN'T get delayed or we'll miss the boat!

I've looked at Allegiant, but rates are still higher out of DSM than I've typically paid for SW out of KC and they have SO many fees. Plus, they only fly on certain days, so we'd have to go to FL TWO days ahead and then factor in the cost of extra hotel/food for those two days.

I've read a lot on here about the dangers of using these smaller carriers, because if they have a problem, there are no other flights that they can book you on.

So, for those of you who are more seasoned travlers, what would you do? Take your chances on driving to KC in rough weather, or take your chances on a small carrier that is closer to home, but may be more expensive and may have more risks?

Thanks in advance! Once I get airfare figured out, I can relax and be actually excited about the cruise. Right now, I'm too stressed...

 

[Taja]

Personally, I would go with Southwest and make the drive a day earlier--particularly if there is bad weather! If something happens with the flight, you have a better chance--but not guaranteed--of reaching your destination before your cruise.

Fingers crossed for you!

 

[DVC4US]

I would make the trip to KC and fly SW. Just watch the weather and drive down early if you need too. You nailed the problem with Allegiant (only one flight on specific days) and with a cruise you don't want to risk it.

We live in Iowa also and we will be sailing on the Magic on Dec 18th. We had the choice of flying Allegiant out of Cedar Rapids or Des Moines, or Airtran out of Moline and I chose Airtran. Flying out a day early is a good thing too, we do this for all of our cruises.

Flying out of Iowa in the winter time can be tricky. I always pay attention to the weather and if it looks like we might get a storm on flight day then I will call the airlines and see if we can get out early. Good Luck and have a great trip!

 

[simzac]

If you're planning on using DME, SW is your only choice.

 

[debster812]

I'd also take my chances with the drive to the airport where you can fly Southwest. You've definitely pegged the issue with Allegiant. When things go well, it's all good. However, when there are issues, there are MAJOR issues. And like you said, it's a cruise, you can't arrive 3 days later.

Good Luck

 

[DebbieB]

If you're planning on using DME, SW is your only choice.

Allegiant's DesMoines flight flies into MCO, so they could use DME if they were going to Disney. But they are going on a cruise.

 

[PlutoPony]

This may be a really dumb line of thinking, but what's the cruise line's obligation to get you down there if you book air through them? Would they have a better shot of getting you there on time if there were problems with weather or a mechanical? Just a thought.....

That said, there is no way I would consider Allegiant for a cruise unless I was going down multiple days in advance (enough time that I could drive it if I had to). They don't fly a full enough schedule for me to be comfortable with their ability to get me there if problems arise.

 

[simzac]

Allegiant's DesMoines flight flies into MCO, so they could use DME if they were going to Disney. But they are going on a cruise.

Sorry, my mistake

 

[DebbieB]

This may be a really dumb line of thinking, but what's the cruise line's obligation to get you down there if you book air through them? Would they have a better shot of getting you there on time if there were problems with weather or a mechanical? Just a thought.....

That said, there is no way I would consider Allegiant for a cruise unless I was going down multiple days in advance (enough time that I could drive it if I had to). They don't fly a full enough schedule for me to be comfortable with their ability to get me there if problems arise.

It's really not the cruise line, it's Disneys Travel Agency. I don't think they have any more "pull" than any other travel agent, it's in the hands of the airline. I would definitey buy the travel insurance.

 

[rhiansmom]

Is Omaha an option? SW flies out of Omaha also. We are in northern Iowa so Minneapolis and Airtran is an option for us.

 

[Megan07]

Is Omaha an option? SW flies out of Omaha also. We are in northern Iowa so Minneapolis and Airtran is an option for us.

I was just gonna ask if Omaha was an option for you. It's my home airport, and I know a lot of people from Iowa come here. Give it a try!