BA v Continental - why such a difference??

[oringderff]

I am about to lose my mind and need some advice! We are travelling to Orlando from Aberdeen on Dec 17 04, returning Jan 7 05. BA return tickets are approx 820gbp, whereas Continental returns are approx 400gbp. Why such a massive difference?? I thought airlines were usually similiarly priced!?

I know you are probably saying, "Duh! Fly Continental!" I would normally, but we are taking our dog with us and Continental makes you ship them as cargo, which costs approx 600gbp R/T, plus Continental would mean taking 2 connections, which is a lot for a dog (and us!). However, BA lets pups fly as excess baggage for 140 gbp R/T, and it is only 1 connection, which is easier on all of us. Plus, BA seems to have a better handle on transporting pets under the new scheme to the US.

So - what do you think? Will the BA prices come down? Am I trying to book too early - should I wait? That makes me nervous cos what if the fare goes up more? As you can probably tell, I just needs some words of wisdom and solace!!

 

[wendym]

I wish I could say the prices would come down but they are unlikely to. I am paying almost that for July with BA. Have you tried BMI/United - they often have good prices. Or can some of you travel Continental and only 1 with BA? It would save some money.
Good luck.
Wendy

 

[edie w]

Impertinent question: why are you taking dog?

 

[TinkTatoo]

Originally posted by edie w
Impertinent question: why are you taking dog?

I am curious too are you just going on holiday or is it more permenant? also how does the dog cope with the flight etc?

Hope you don't mind me asking

 

[oringderff]

Why am I taking my dog? Good question! Well... I am American but live in the UK, but all my family is still in the US. We are meeting in Florida for 3 weeks, to include xmas and New Year, and our pup, Chuy, is like one of the family as well (I know - we're sad!). Most of my family won't/can't make it to the UK, so this is our opportunity for them to hang out with Chuy too. I have a really different life in the UK, and bringing Chuy 'home' for the holidays is just a small way of including my family in my 'other' life. Hope that doesn't sound too corny!

As you may or may not know, the laws regarding pet travel from UK-US was changed recently, so now you are allowed to bring your pet to the US and back again without having to put them into quarantine. She has dealt with flights quite well thus far. The cargo hold is climate controlled and dark, which makes things more comfortable and peaceful for pets while traveling.
Hope that explains a litte better why I want pup to come and why I'm stressing about the big difference in airline prices!

 

[edie w]

How many of you are flying? There's not much in it if there are 2 of you and Chuy. And if you have kids, 2 connections sounds like a recipe for disaster!

I'd go for the single connection and consider the extra expense as a good start/end to your holiday and a better experience for your furry pal.

 

[Penny12]

BA fly to Tampa too - have you looked at that option? I flew that route just before this last Christmas for just over £500 because it was cheaper than flying to Orlando - it's only about a 45 minute longer drive too - straight road all the way, not even a toll to get in our way