Any thoughts about Driving vs. Flying

[razamataz]

I posted this in another thread, and then realized that this board would be the best place to ask this quetion
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We are planning to go in September. We are trying to decide whether we would rather fly than drive. Because this will be hurricane season, we are trying to plan for the worst, but are hoping for the best!!!

We have purchased trip insurance from Disney, in case, a hurricane is supposed to get there at the same time we do. However,I am just in need some opinions:

Would be better to fly or drive? If we drive and hurricane comes, we could always leave a day or two early and be no worse for wear. However, I know the gridlock on the road that occurs whenever this happens.

But, what would happen if we flew? Would we be allowed to re-schedule our flight without having to pay to do so? or would be stuck and have to ride it out? Have the Orlando airports ever had to close because of hurricane? Has Disney ever had to close down?

Being from Mississippi and having ridden out Katrina last year, I am a bit gun-shy of being stuck in another hurricane.

Thanks for your help.
razamataz

 

[clkelley]

Yes, the Orlando airport did close for Charlie, Frances, and Jeane in 2004 (maybe for one more, not sure) When we were there in Sep 04 during Hurrican Jeane, my son was scheduled to fly home Sunday evening to go to school during the week. I knew on Friday night when we arrived that the airport would be closing, so I called Delta and they rescheduled him with no extra fees for Monday evening. (However, I was on hold with Delta for well over two hours to make this change).

So if they were definitely planning on closing the airport, you should be able to change your flights with no extra charges.

 

[DJNOWICK]

If there is a Hurricane warning, Florida will not impose tolls on the Turnpike to improve traffic flow - that helps a lot. Until last year it was pretty unusual for the entire state to be threatened, too so you might not have to evacuate that far.

For flying, the airlines will usually let you change flights at no charge but the rules on doing so (i.e. what day your original flight was scheduled for) can be pretty strict.

Either way it will be a hassle - imho which you choose depends on your personal tolerance for gobs of traffic or long waits on telephones and in airports.

One tip my friends shared - when they travel to hurricane-prone areas during hurricane season (be it Florida or the Outer Banks, etc.) they make a "just in case" reservation at a hotel a decent amount of miles inland in case they need it -- they cancel it if they find they don't. This way if they do have to evacuate they have a destination and reservation, unlike most of the other million people driving inland.

Jackie

 

[razamataz]

If there is a Hurricane warning, Florida will not impose tolls on the Turnpike to improve traffic flow - that helps a lot. Until last year it was pretty unusual for the entire state to be threatened, too so you might not have to evacuate that far.

For flying, the airlines will usually let you change flights at no charge but the rules on doing so (i.e. what day your original flight was scheduled for) can be pretty strict.

Either way it will be a hassle - imho which you choose depends on your personal tolerance for gobs of traffic or long waits on telephones and in airports.

One tip my friends shared - when they travel to hurricane-prone areas during hurricane season (be it Florida or the Outer Banks, etc.) they make a "just in case" reservation at a hotel a decent amount of miles inland in case they need it -- they cancel it if they find they don't. This way if they do have to evacuate they have a destination and reservation, unlike most of the other million people driving inland.

Jackie

The idea about making a reservation at a hotel further inland is a great idea. I had not even considered this before.

Thanks for the info regarding the airlines, that makes me feel a little more secure.

razamataz