Direct Air from Worcester - $136 RT

[MapleGirl]

I was just playing around and found flights from Worcester to Stanford/Orlando airport for $136 round trip (including all taxes and fees). There and back are both nonstop flights on DirectAir. I know there is a lot of concern with this airline/charter service. It is pretty hard to pass up a deal like this. I wish I could get this price on South West!

Has anyone flown them from Worcester? What were your thoughts?

 

[Lewisc]

I wouldn't turn that kind of deal down BUT I'd probably use it for an extra trip, one that I was prepared to cancel. I don't think I'd use it for a cruise or a once in a lifetime vacation. You could get a dramatic schedule change. I wouldn't book anything with cancellation penalty issues for the day you arrive or the day you leave.

You know this isn't a profitable fare. It's good if it works for you but Direct Air won't stay in business if they the only way they can fill their flights is to sell seats at the fare you paid.

SW is a profitable airline. It makes no sense to match prices offered by small charter (and charter like) airlines. I'm glad you can't get that price on SW, it means SW is committed to profits.

 

[vassar36]

I agree with lewisc.

But I'd also add that if it is for a trip in the very near future take it, just don't do it if it is months away, because it could pull out of worcester. We booked a flight from Worcester to disney about 2 years ago with another airline, had aabout 6 months to go, and then the airline stopped service to worcester with a about 3 months to go, and we got our $ back but rebooking at a reasonable rate at that time was problematic.

Other than that, if you live in or near the worecster area, the airport is nice, small, and much easier to get in and out of then Boston or PVD. the parking is cheaper etc..you don't have to worry about checking in 2+ hours ahead of time, its a more relaxing way to fly...but also keep in mind Worcester gets alot of snow, more so than boston or Pvd, so if you are going in the winter months i would not book it as well b/c there is a chance of cancelation...

 

[goofy4tink]

I know a lot of people who have flown DirectAir out of Worcester with very good results. The thing that bothers me is this....they fly only on certain days, one flight a day. If something goes wrong, there is no way you are going to get on a different flight with them. You make the flight you booked or you could have a problem. Shouldn't be an issue with good weather, but from mid-Nov to mid-April, I wouldn't take the chance.
Add to that the fact that I would have to either rent a car at Sanford, or hire a car service. That adds on more money. And DirectAir does have some extra fees that add up. Be sure you take everything into consideration when booking with them.

 

[Lewisc]

Add to that the fact that I would have to either rent a car at Sanford, or hire a car service. That adds on more money. And DirectAir does have some extra fees that add up. Be sure you take everything into consideration when booking with them.

Good point. A car service can cost close around $200 with tip. Not an issue if you'd otherwise rent a car or are traveling with a family. A couple who flies into Sanford could wind up paying $100 each for a car service. That might wipe out much of your savings. Direct Air might not be worth it if your $136 flight winds up costing $236 you to get to WDW.