Direct Air to Lakeland - Awesome!

[Sprockie]

We just returned from our Disney trip. We flew from Plattsburgh NY to Lakeland on Direct Air and I am happy to report, it was the best flying experience I have ever had. Both airports were very small, which was fantastic, parking was inexpensive and there was time to chat and have a joke within the security screening line. The flight was only half filled which allowed us to stretch out for more room. The flight got in 45 minutes before scheduled and we had our rental car from Hertz and were at Windsor Hills in 40 minutes (very easy). The flight back was as flawless.
For those of you on the fence about Lakeland and Direct Air, I can't recommend it more highly. Our experience overall was very positive.
The only thing that concerns me is the lack of filled seats. I hope they stick around. The value of Direct Air and the small airports is unbeatable.

 

[WeLuvTink!]

Thanks for the report! We're nervous about our upcoming Direct Air flight from Springfield, IL to Lakeland, FL, as we've never flown them before. Glad to hear you had a great experience!

 

[totallytigger]

Thank you soooo much for your post!! We are headed out of Plattsburgh on 3/8 and also staying at Windsor Hills. I have been worried about the Lakeland airport since there hasn't been much written about it. We are renting from Budget in Lakeland but using Hertz for return to the airport. Our return flight leaves at 7am so Hertz only option but they were quoting rental price several hundred $ more than Budget for entire vacation. It will be kind of a pain to trade rental cars but worth the savings!!

 

[Sprockie]

Thank you soooo much for your post!! We are headed out of Plattsburgh on 3/8 and also staying at Windsor Hills. I have been worried about the Lakeland airport since there hasn't been much written about it. We are renting from Budget in Lakeland but using Hertz for return to the airport. Our return flight leaves at 7am so Hertz only option but they were quoting rental price several hundred $ more than Budget for entire vacation. It will be kind of a pain to trade rental cars but worth the savings!!

It's so great. You get off the plane in Lakeland, walk around the corner to the one and only luggage carousel and the Hertz counter is about 40 feet away and you walk out the door to your parked car which is in the first row of the parking lot. When we returned, Hertz was closed so we simply dropped our keys in the drop box on their counter. There is a Hertz location at the end of Old Lake Wilson Rd. where it meets 192 near Windsor Hills. I hope that helps you in your swap.

 

[totallytigger]

Thanks for the info!! Did you rent a home from Allstar Vacation Homes in Wndsor Hills? That's what we are doing--usually we stay on property but there will be 13 of us this trip so a house was a better choice. I'm a little nervous about staying away from the "action"--but I've read alot of positive posts here about staying off property.

 

[pigletto]

Wonderful to hear!! We have booked for late April out of Niagara. I am not worried about a half full flight very much because when I booked they only flew 2 days a week and now my week has five dates open so obviously the demand is there!

Also thrilled to hear you had a good experience with Hertz. We've booked a 10 day rental with them. Our return flight leaves at 7:30 in the morning so I am glad to hear we can drop off the keys as well!
We booked the Hilton Garden Inn next door for the night before. From other reviews I have read it's just a quick walk across the parking lot from the hotel.
Getting really excited for this trip now.
I caught a sale for these Direct Air tickets and 4 of us are flying round trip with seat selection and bag fees for about 700

More than enough savings on that to pay for the rental car!

 

[Sprockie]

Thanks for the info!! Did you rent a home from Allstar Vacation Homes in Wndsor Hills? That's what we are doing--usually we stay on property but there will be 13 of us this trip so a house was a better choice. I'm a little nervous about staying away from the "action"--but I've read alot of positive posts here about staying off property.

We rented through VRBO and got a townhome for the same price we were looking at for a condo. Pool heat, taxes etc. included for $100/night.
We love staying off property, we did a lot of things this last holiday away from disney - go carting, mini golf etc. and weren't so immersed in Disney. The breakfasts at home and the lunches we packed saved us huge money.

 

[Sprockie]

Wow, great deal. There is a Subway a stones throw away from the Hilton Garden, just across the street - which was great to feed our crew on the flight. Have a great time.

Wonderful to hear!! We have booked for late April out of Niagara. I am not worried about a half full flight very much because when I booked they only flew 2 days a week and now my week has five dates open so obviously the demand is there!

Also thrilled to hear you had a good experience with Hertz. We've booked a 10 day rental with them. Our return flight leaves at 7:30 in the morning so I am glad to hear we can drop off the keys as well!
We booked the Hilton Garden Inn next door for the night before. From other reviews I have read it's just a quick walk across the parking lot from the hotel.
Getting really excited for this trip now.
I caught a sale for these Direct Air tickets and 4 of us are flying round trip with seat selection and bag fees for about 700

More than enough savings on that to pay for the rental car!

 

[pigletto]

Wow, great deal. There is a Subway a stones throw away from the Hilton Garden, just across the street - which was great to feed our crew on the flight. Have a great time.

Thanks! We love Subway so that's perfect. I'll post in here if I ever see another 50% off sale. One warning though, the super low cost flight was the catalyst for booking the whole trip. So saving some money sure cost us some money

 

[mousemamma]

That is awesome to hear. We are flying Direct Air tomorrow from Worcester to Punta Gorda/Ft. Myers and then from Sanford/Orlando back. I've been worried but it seems like you had a great experience. Thanks for the info.

 

[minniemomof3]

Thank you for your post. I am flying with them in July from Niagara for the first time and have been worried. We usually rent a car anyway, so transportation to the resort is not an issue. Although, I am finding the rental rates quite high compared to MCO.

How were the condition of the planes?

 

[Sprockie]

Thank you for your post. I am flying with them in July from Niagara for the first time and have been worried. We usually rent a car anyway, so transportation to the resort is not an issue. Although, I am finding the rental rates quite high compared to MCO.

How were the condition of the planes?

They were fine. The seats looked a bit worn, but not more so than many other flights I've been on. There weren't any complimentary beverages or snacks, but hey, no big deal. The flight attendants were fine. Our captain on the way back was a woman, how great!

 

[fitmom3]

We're flying Direct Air in 3 weeks from Niagara Falls to Lakeland. This will be the CDN march break - paid only $69!!!!!!!!!! I'm looking forward to the small airport. My friend just flew Direct Air from Niagara Falls to Punta Gorda. This was her second time using Direct Air and she has had no problems.

 

[canlafre]

I agree with the original poster, We just returned on 2/18 from Lakeland (left on 2/12 from Plattsburgh) it was a great experience with 3 small children! We will definitely fly with them again!

 

[TLPL]

We're flying Direct Air in 3 weeks from Niagara Falls to Lakeland. This will be the CDN march break - paid only $69!!!!!!!!!! I'm looking forward to the small airport. My friend just flew Direct Air from Niagara Falls to Punta Gorda. This was her second time using Direct Air and she has had no problems.

Fitmom3, Can write a review about flying Direct Air from Niagara Falls to Lakeland when you come back. I want to know how you like it, the parking, the flight, the drive to WDW... etc. I am interested in flying with them next time we go. thanks!!