CT to MCO recommendations

[Goofygirl17]

We are flying down in April and I'm starting to research our flights. We have used SW in the past- flying out of Islip last time- about $970 round trip for 4 of us. I'm a little worried about flying SW now because of the early bird seating etc. We need to at least be able to sit one of us with each DD because DD10 has an anxiety disorder. We also have to fly non-stop. So- I'm checking out my options.

Right now Delta r/t from Hartford is over $400 per person. Delta does not seem to have non-stop from Providence or White Plains.

I guess I'm looking for suggestions from CT people. Any preferred airlines or airports? I appreciate any and all advice!

Thanks!

 

[ruadisneyfan2]

I don't live in CT but just want to say, any time I want to find out what airline flies non stop from one airport to another, I do a search on Expedia. It will list all of your choices.
Also I personally wouldn't discount the new early bird thing on SWA. You'd be paying more than that in luggage fees to book with another airline.

 

[francie57]

We always use Delta out of BDL (1st non-stop of day to and last non-stop back). The fares were high when we first started looking for this past Aug. but they did come down. I also has checked Delta out of LaGuardia and it was much less. I also know people that use JetBlue out of White Plains and AirTran. Not sure what they have for schedules but they might be an option.

 

[DebbieB]

If you are worried about the early bird seating, just add $20 per person roundtrip when comparing prices.

 

[Goofygirl17]

I don't mind paying the $10 per person for SW but I'm concerned about not getting A boarding passes. We have to be able to sit together at least in pairs and have to fly non-stop. It's hard enough getting DD on one plane never mind letting her get off and trying to get her on the connecting flight

I checked out Delta and right now it's almost $2000 r/t from BDL I tried to check jet blue but they haven't released April yet. Airtran was almost as expensive as Delta. Hopefully the SW situation will work out. We've always enjoyed flying with them. Last time we went, April 08, we flew out of Islip on SW because it was about $500 cheaper than BDL and almost $1000 cheaper than Delta.

Thanks for the replies. I'll check out Expedia to see who has non-stop. My friend told me that sometimes airtran changes their non-stop to a connecting flight which would not be good.

 

[Hannathy]

Paying the automatic check in on southwest especially if you buy your tickets early probably gives you the best actual chance to have a parent with your 10 yr old out of any of the airlines. If you pay for it early you will not be at the end of the boarding and if you get on anywhere from the beginning until probably 2/3 of the plane, 2 people should be able to sit next to each other. You at least have control over where you sit, on an airline that uses assigned seats your seat can be changed at anytime before you take off and then it is a pain (if possible) to get it switched.

 

[pooch]

4 years in a row out of BDL on SWA always non-stop. IMHO people make too much out of the boarding process and A BP. Two seats can be had together well into the B's and, despite all that is posted here, I have always seen people willing to help out when necessary to accomodate a considerate, polite request accompanied by a heartfelt thank you. Our flights (in Sept) have ranged from $59 to $94 pp each way. This year, we are flying Delta down on a non-stop early Sat morning for $69 each plus 1 bag fee (short trip- packing light) and SWA back on Wed night for $79. I did sign up for Early Checkin on the way back so I don't have to take time out to do it myself.

The great Delta price was only offered for 2 days. I find you really have to look every day to catch the deals.

 

[lats118]

Have you considered flying out of White Plains? The prices for AirTran and Jet Blue from that airport have consistently been much lower for our trips than anything out of Hartford. The only drawback to White Plains is the parking (few spots and very expensive). If you can get someone to drop you off down there, you should get much better fares than out of Hartford.

 

[dbogen]

We normally fly out of BDL on SW its not that hard to get an A pass, and like others have said, people will move to have you sit with your child.

Next month we are trying Jet Blue out of HPN. People have told be once you go to jetblue you will never go back to SW. We will see. The prices were actually cheaper and its nonstop.

I don't know where in CT you are, but have to priced out of RI?
Good luck with your decision.

 

[prncess674]

IMHO people make too much out of the boarding process and A BP. Two seats can be had together well into the B's

Have to agree. I feel like all the talk about EBCI is "chicken little" the sky is falling. If you are really worried, just pay the $20 per ticket which still seems to make your fare quite competive.

Believe it or not most of the general public does NOT read DIS and has no idea about EBCI or the need to obsess by the computer at T-24hr.

Also realize that Delta or any other mainline carrier does not guarantee seats together. They guarantee transportation from A to B. Flights can be changed or canceld which could mean that there aren't enough seats together. No amount of stomping or screaming is changing that.

Personally I would just pay the $20 and go with SWA.

 

[francie57]

If you should find a good fare out of White Plains, the La Quinta Inn will let you park for $10/day and runs a shuttle to and from the airport. I just read an article on-line saying that the airlines are now offering the fewest flights ever so this is probably figured into the higher fares since they have fewer seats to offer. We will be watching for good fares for next Aug. to MCO. At least two of us have enough miles for tickets and I am actually going to check and see if its cheaper to buy the extra miles needed for the other two.

 

[Goofygirl17]

Thanks for all the replies. I'm waiting for SW to release spring fares (Oct 13th I think) and will also check out Jet Blue and Air Tran from White Plains.

It sounds like most of you use SW. What airport do you use? We've flown SW out of Bradley and Islip. I always check Providence too because we have relatives there and could get a ride to the airport and leave our car at their house. The prices have never worked out though.

I checked White Plains last time but Islip was the cheapest.

Thanks!