CHicago to MCO

[threeprincesses]

We usually fly out of midway on ata or sw but just wondering if anyone has any experience with spiritair and if its worth the drive to ohare for us? also, how soon before a flight does ata go on sale? we are travelling in june. thanks.

 

[Ralph&Pam]

We flew Spirit Air ORD-MCO one time, January 2001, about 3 months after they added the Orlando service. We were very disappointed and have only flown ATA since.

The current ATA promotional fares are available though February 11. Right now, I'm watching ATA fares for a March trip and a June trip. I also may call about fares using the ATA discount certificates currently available with each $50 purchase at Jewel Food Stores ($79 each way plus taxes and fees MDW-MCO).

Ralph

 

[threeprincesses]

Thanks Ralph. I will have to check on the Jewel promotion; i haven't heard of that one yet. We are downstate near Bloomington so maybe its not available down here. Sounds like sticking with midway is probably the best alternative since its an easier drive for us anyway. I just like getting on one plane and being there rather than connections, layovers, etc. Thanks for your help.

 

[sgtdisney]

I have never personally flown on Spirit, but my Brother in law has a couple of times from Ft. Lauderdale. He has never had an issue with them from what he has told me. I don't think that they have pre-assigned seating though like ATA does. They also seem to have less flights scheduled most of the year.

Southwest has non-stops to MCO from Midway, and both American and United Airlines also have non-stops from O'Hare to MCO as well. ATA tends to be cheaper then United or American but on a few of our last trips American was actually cheaper than ATA and we used them since O'Hare is my preferred airport. I will say I have never had a bad experience on ATA though. Good luck.

 

[f0rdfx4]

Three,

We were in the same boat. my GF hates to fly and the only option was Midway or Ohare ( since Peoria and Bloomington doesn't offer any non stops ) I have flown SW out of Midway and they were great but this time I opted to try ATA out of Midway as well. I choose Midway since it was closer to my parents ( good for drop offs and pick-ups ) and it isn't as busy as Ohare....


Have fun on your trip....

 

[benhannah's mom]

We live in central Illinois and just booked tickets with ATA from IND to MCO for March for 136.50 RT. I don't know if that too far from you. It is about the same distance for us to IND as MDW.

 

[GRAYWIFE]

We have flown out of Midway on ATA four different times over the last year and a half (WDW twice, NYC and Phoenix). Nothing but problems on every trip. Security at Midway was a nightmare the last time we flew (March 2003) so we decided to try Spirit out of O'Hare for our last trip. It was perfect flying to Orlando. O'Hare security took about 3 minutes for 4 people...of course they had to x-ray my shoes again!! The flight took off on time and landed ahead of schedule. Same with the trip back. We are going back in January and hope never to fly out of Midway or fly ATA again.

Good luck with any airport/airline you choose...hope my experiences help in your decision.

note: Spirit does have pre-assigned seating if you book online.

 

[kel3420]

I have flown Spirit Airlines several times and highly recommend them. With Transmeridian Airlines just starting service out of Rockford, that is where we are flying out of for our next trip.

 

[DemoBri1]

Kel,

You said you were flying Transmeridian? Take a peek at this thread. It might interest you.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=450646

 

[DemoBri1]

Originally posted by GRAYWIFE
We have flown out of Midway on ATA four different times over the last year and a half (WDW twice, NYC and Phoenix). Nothing but problems on every trip. Security at Midway was a nightmare the last time we flew (March 2003) so we decided to try Spirit out of O'Hare for our last trip.

What happened in these cases? Was it simply the security lines or something else. DF and I are flying out on ATA in December from MDW.

Brian

 

[DemoBri1]

Originally posted by Ralph&Pam
I also may call about fares using the ATA discount certificates currently available with each $50 purchase at Jewel Food Stores ($79 each way plus taxes and fees MDW-MCO).

Have never heard about this deal myself, but...we did get our airfare for the same price for early December w/o going to Jewel. I think now it is even cheaper. Should've waited.

Brian

 

[f0rdfx4]

I know how you feel about the cheaper price... I am also wondering what went wrong with ATA... I am almost regretting going with them over SW and I haven't even flown them yet....

 

[3AmigosMom]

Hope to calm your fears alittle. My husband and I have flown ATA to MCO over the last 4-5 years at least 10 times. Did try SW once, but thought there was nothing too "special" with them. We like the convenience of booking online and then printing our boarding passes at the terminal ourselves to avoid the big check in lines. I believe you can print your boarding passes at home as well now with ATA. Not sure if SW offers that service.
Have a great trip!!!

 

[inkkognito]

We fly ATA at least once or twice a month (MDW to MCO). They are a very decent airline, but be aware that if you use their web check-in, there is a high potential for problems. They're screwed it up by taking away our seats on four out of our last six flights. Other than that, they are fine...nice, new aircraft, usually good with being on time, and a free companion ticket with no blackout dates after three roundtrip flights.
Barb
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