Crazy to fly out the NIGHT after Thanksgiving?

[Plutes]

Hi all!

DH & I were planning to head to the World on Saturday, 11/28. However, when looking for airfare, Jet Blue's flight out the previous night, 11/27, is $50 cheaper. We have no problem flying out the night before (And would actually prefer it to waking up at 3:30 am the next morning to make our usual flight )

But, just as I was about to confirm the reservation, I got cold feet. This would be the last flight out of the night - and the night after Thanksgiving no less. Is that crazy? What are my chances of actually getting out of Newark anywhere close to on time??

I've never traveled over Thanksgiving weekend before, so for all I know, Friday might be a light travel day?

Anyone have any advice for me?? Please...

Thanks so much!

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

The Friday after Thanksgiving is a relatively light travel day. Most people traveling for that weekend are already at their destination and there are close to no business travelers. Even Thanksgiving itself is relatively light. And of course the Sunday after Thanksgiving is the busiest air travel day of the year.

BobK/Orlando

 

[dioxide45]

The flight is cheaper for a reason. As the prior poster indicated, Friday is a lighter travel day. I would take advantage of it if you want to save some money.

 

[DonnaL]

Don't know for sure, but, I would assume day after travel is pretty light. A few years ago we had misgivings about flying from PHL to MCO on New Years Day......totally unfounded since both airports were the MOST UNCROWDED I've ever seen either. We're doing the same thing again on NYD 2010.

 

[ADisneyQueen]

We were supposed to fly from MCO to PIT a few years ago on the day after T-day. The flight was overbooked and we gave up our seats and were given 4 free tickets and 1st class seats the next morning on our new flight. It was an evening flight and I was surprised at how many people were there. Of course, we didn't mind staying in Orlando another night, but it would be frustrating if you were trying to begin your vacation.

 

[klfrech]

Won't you have another night's hotel expense by doing this?

 

[TheWog]

I don't think you are crazy for trying to do it. You won't find the same crowds as you would the Wednesday before. However, as mentioned, you may be saving $50, but remember you need a place that night as well. Unless you are going Priceline outside the airport you may not recoup the cost. I would do it just for the sake of not getting up at 3:30 a.m. as mentioned and would be worth it to me. Good luck.

 

[Plutes]

Thanks for the advice, everyone! I feel much better about booking it now! Like I said, I had never traveled at ANY TIME during the Thanksgiving weekend before, so I had no idea what to expect.

And, as for the hotel expense, we're just going to find a cheap place to get a good night's sleep, since we'll be getting in after 11 that night, anyway. But, as TheWog mentioned, it'll be worth whatever it costs to NOT have to get up at that God-awful hour again. I used to do it without a problem, but now it just seems to make me manic the night before, worrying about trying to get at least a few hours sleep, etc. Plus, we almost ALWAYS have to crash only a couple of hours into our trip. This way, we'll be all set to go the following morning!

I think I'll give the Friday night before a shot and see how it goes.

Thanks again for all your input!

 

[Missytara]

I always fly the weekend of Thanksgiving and have had wonderful success. I also go on Saturday, but I like your idea of heading out late Friday night as well. Getting up at 3:15 am is getting harder and harder each year.

I am not sure about your airport, but I go out of BWI. They offered half price in the extended stay parking (or ESP) from Thanksgiving weekend until New Year's Day. And if they are full, they allow you to park in the hourly garage for the same price, and still pick you up at the car and take you to your airline in a van. It is good, because it is soooooo cold that morning, usually, and I hate to have to wear a coat and drag it around all day. With them picking you right up at the car and dropping you off, you can dress a bit lighter.

 

[TheWog]

We have stayed at the MCO Hyatt and loved it. Arrived after 11:00 p.m., grabbed our bags and walked upstairs. It was perfect. We were in our room in no time. Sometimes you can get it on Priceline for a really low price, there are certificates you can purchase or pay around $170-$225 for the night. It is nice.