We live in Massachusetts, but Mapquest puts the Albany airport at a 2 hr and 15 minute drive for us. That's just about a half hour more than any of the airports in New England. We are looking for flights for April, but because it's school vacation here, they are scary high! Do any of the discount carriers fly out of there? How about long term parking? Any reasonable hotels close by? Thanks for your help...trying to keep all of options open
Albany has a wonderful little airport - modern, clean, never a hassle. I just got back from there about 15 minutes ago.
(My son loves to go watch planes from the observation level.)
Southwest is the only non-stop carrier out of Albany to Orlando, but their fares aren't always as competitive as they used to be. Delta and USAir often beat them on price, but you are committing to a connection with either, plus checked bag fees.
There is relatively inexpensive garage parking directly outside the terminal ($12/day), as well as outdoor long-term parking in walking distance ($9/day) and economy parking that can be accessed by shuttle ($5/day).
I rarely use the airport parking, though. I'm a big fan of Albany Park-Ride-Fly. Their rates are about the same as the garage, but they help with your luggage and your car is right there waiting for you (and cleaned off and running in the winter, which is a big plus). I think it's about $13 per day, but I rarely pay full price because they seem to always be running a deal.
https://secure.parkrideflyusa.com/PRF_BE_V2/FrequentUsers/NewReservation.aspx
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As for the airport itself, there are a few news stand type stores, a McDonald's, a Carvel, a (new! finally!) Starbucks, a fresh snacks stand (including fruit), a pizza/pasta place and a couple of bar/grill type places.
As for hotels, there's a LOVELY hotel called the Desmond very near the airport, but it isn't inexpensive.
There's a Hotel Indigo across the street from the Desmond and a Hilton Garden Inn in the airport park. Around the corner from the Desmond (roughly) on Wolf Road there's Homewood Suites, Marriott, Best Western, Red Roof Inn, Courtyard, Econo Lodge, a Holiday Inn, a Hampton Inn and I think a Days Inn.
I do a lot of flying for work and I have to say, I really love my home airport!
ETA: the only thing I don't like about it is that the paper towel dispensers are too far from the sinks in the women's restrooms.
