DirectAir for April Vacation out of Mass $235/pp R/T

[magiroux]

I had expected the flights for MA spring break week to be high but was not prepared for the prices JetBlue came out with yesterday .

We were toying with the idea of driving, getting creative with multiply carriers and even just cancelling due to not being able to get there at a reasonable price.

Instead, I just booked 3 R/T tickets with DirectAir, Worcester to Sanford, for $705 total. That's about what it would have cost for just 1 person to fly on JetBlue. The flight days Sunday/Sunday are exactly what I was looking for so it works for me. Their terms do make me a little nervous but I'm thinking with the crazy prices out of Boston (and I'd be shocked if SW was any better when they come out) more people will be jumping on these holiday flights.

Has anyone flyed out of here recently?

 

[goofy4tink]

Can't say anymore than I already told you, but I can bump you on up a bit to see if anyone has any experience!!

 

[RainbowsMist]

I too am very interested in someone who has flown with Direct Air and this particular route. I'd never heard of them until this post. I just looked up our dates March 13-27 and the price came in at $99 ...only downfall is it's into Sanford where car rental prices are quite a bit higher than MCO.

 

[Brian Noble]

My only hesitation would be the same as for Allegiant and any of the other "scheduled charter" airlines. They don't have many flights (sometimes only a few per week) and they don't have interline agreements (meaning they won't write your ticket over to another airline if things go wrong.) So, if for some reason something happens to cancel your flight, it could be a very long time before you get where you are going.

If there's a huge huge price difference, it might be a chance worth taking, but think about it first.

 

[magiroux]

Yes, it is a huge price difference. $736/pp + taxes & fees on JetBlue. And that is for the crappiest fly times

Being a compulsive planner for these trips I am more than apprehensive about my choice but I am going in eyes wide open. I used to take puddle-jumpers to Newark all the time out this airport when Continental serviced it and I loved it. It just seems that airlines never last here which is too bad. It is a great little airport.

Guess I will have to be the one to give the scoop after I fly in April (hopefully)

 

[Brian Noble]

Could be a good time to get trip insurance, which will cover some of your costs to buy a last-minute ticket on another carrier if you are delayed significantly. Read the fine print to check to see what's covered and what's not.

 

[magiroux]

Could be a good time to get trip insurance, which will cover some of your costs to buy a last-minute ticket on another carrier if you are delayed significantly. Read the fine print to check to see what's covered and what's not.

Thanks - I did check into insurance and it would seem that I would not be covered under the standard insurance agreement since it is the airline that is responsible via their contract to get you from point A to Point B. Of course, that doesn't apply to this airline.

BTW, I am heading to WDW courtesy of one of your sightings OY...

 

[TomD]

I flew Worcester to Sanford August 23 and came back the 29th. You do not need to get to either airport more then an hour in advance.

Flights were great. Ontime on takeoff and we left a little late leaving due to weather in Worcester. I am waiting to book in April with them myself and I am hoping for another 50% off code to surface. Seems every other month they have one From what I have seen they had 1 in May, July and August.

 

[Silent1CB]

My SIL & MIL use DirectAir Worcester to Sanford all the time. MIL just flew home to FL on 8/27 from Worc. Its easy. They just don't fly many days per week so you need to accept their schedule.

I've always wondered what happens if flight cancelled due to weather & the next scheduled flight isn't until 2 or 3 days away. lol Do you sit for 2-3 days or does the plane leave as soon as it can, like maybe the next day? I would think they would need that plane where it was supposed to be.

when they use it, they are just visiting each other, so I guess they aren't as uptight about being late a couple of days.

 

[Brian Noble]

Thanks - I did check into insurance and it would seem that I would not be covered under the standard insurance agreement since it is the airline that is responsible via their contract to get you from point A to Point B. Of course, that doesn't apply to this airline.

You might be able to find a policy that will reimburse you some costs for travel delay---and that might include last-minute fare on another airline. Depends on the fine print---some only kick in if the airline completely ceases operation for 24 hours, but for a carrier like DirectAir, that's not too hard---they cancel one flight, and they don't operate from that airport for two days.

BTW, I am heading to WDW courtesy of one of your sightings OY...

OY, or OT? I can never keep them straight

Either way, enjoy!

 

[Lewisc]

Trip delay insurance generally provides a dollar benefit, intended to help cover the costs of a hotel room and meals. (Very) few policies will pay $$$ for replacement airfare with another carrier. It's up to your airline to get you to your destination, travel insurance is intended to cover other expenses.

Some policies either don't cover financial default of an airline or limit coverage to a specific list of carriers.

Access America has a very limited list of carriers that qualify for financial default coverage.

http://www.accessamerica.com/Docume...es/CoveredSuppliers/Covered Supplier List.pdf

 

[Edd]

Allegiant airlines is not a "scheduled Charter airline." It has been licensed as a commerical carrier a year before "Jet Blue" was licensed as a commercial carrier. So Allegiant has been around a while. Its only problem is that some posters seem to think that landing in Sanford and not being able to take the free DME is a big handicap. Get over it, not being able to ride the DME is not a big deal, but guess what, flying Allegiant for many years has put a lot of extra money in the people's pockets who have flown into Sanford and not used the DME or the airlines that fly into Orlando.

Interline agreements do not work when a carrier goes bankrupt and to me that would be the only reason they would be good. Allegiant does have agreements where they work with the airlines that fly out of the airport they fly out, but I don't think I know of any case they have used them.

 

[DVCBELLE]

I found this on DirectAir's website - they aren't an option for me but thought this might help someone else!


What is Family Ties?
Direct Air is pleased to bring back its Family Ties sales event for Fall 2009! While Family Ties was originally for the benefit of members of the Myrtle Beach community and their families, Direct Air's popular sales event is now available to customers in all Direct Air cities for all of its routes!

Customers who are familiar with this popular sales event will recognize its benefits:

• Deep-discounted round-trip airfare: Just $149.00 round-trip per voucher including all taxes and Reservations and Convenience Fees!
• Flexible purchasing: With Family Ties, you can purchase now without passenger names or travel dates, and schedule at your convenience! Use your Family Ties voucher to fly any time between October 15, 2009 and October 31, 2010.
• Ability to purchase in bulk: As with previous Family Ties sales, participants may purchase up to 20 round-trip vouchers. Purchasing in bulk means that you may transfer your voucher to any friend or family member for their use at no additional fee!
• Membership: Each Family Ties voucher includes a "Passport" membership entitling voucher passengers to complimentary coach seat selection, reduced upgrades to First-Class 48 hours from departure, and pre-boarding.

Participating in the Fall 2009 Family Ties event is easy! Purchase your round-trip electronic vouchers by clicking the "Buy Now!" button below (Family Ties customers are advised not to select coach seat assignments as an option on the payment page, as this service is complimentary when scheduling travel). Once your purchase is finalized, you will be emailed a verification of your purchase, including a single Confirmation Number for all Family Ties round-trip vouchers included in your purchase.

To schedule your Family Ties Fall 2009 vouchers, please call Direct Air’s Reservations Department beginning October 13, 2009 by calling toll-free 1.877.432.3473. For fastest service, please refer to the Confirmation Number at the top of your emailed receipt when you call to schedule travel.

 

[Brian Noble]

Trip delay insurance generally provides a dollar benefit, intended to help cover the costs of a hotel room and meals. (Very) few policies will pay $$$ for replacement airfare with another carrier.

Absolutely. That's why you need to carefully read the fine print. But, for the right price, I'm guessing you could find such coverage if it was important to you.

Edd, "scheduled charter" is a common term though perhaps not a standardized one. It's similar to the terms "low-cost carrier" and "legacy carrier"---it's descriptive, not proscriptive. Scheduled charter airlines are characterized by a very infrequent flight schedule, and a complete lack of interline agreements. With such airlines, you have a risk should your flight be cancelled, because it can be days before you can get where you are going.

As a counter-example, I *think* Southwest also has no interline agreements. But, as they fly many different flights between the same endpoints on any given day, you have a better chance of getting where you are going more quickly. So, I would not use the "scheduled charter" term to describe SW.

I've had tickets written over on more than one occasion from legacy carriers. It's not as common as it used to be, but it does still happen. It's more common in mechanical delay situations than weather.

I have no problem flying into Sanford---it's preferable to MCO in many ways, because it's smaller and therefore easier to navigate, clear security, get bags, etc. Of cousre, I'm sure you wouldn't mind more people using that airport, as it would presumably mean an increase in your business.

 

[Lewisc]

I don't think anyone in this thread is suggesting avoiding Sanford so they can use DME. The OP is saving over $1,000. More then enough to pay for a car service or car rental.

A couple of posters use (misuse?) the term "scheduled charter airline" to refer to a small airline that doesn't have very many flights on a given route Allegiant for example. The OP is booking with Direct Air. Their flights are public charters as per their website.

Most of the airlines we use to fly to Disney don't have interline agreements; including SW, JetBlue, Airtran, Spirit...

Interline agreements benefit passengers when weather/mechanical issues result in a cancelled flight. At least some passengers might get accomodated on another airline.

Direct Air is run by an owner/management team of 5 employees.

Allegiant airlines is not a "scheduled Charter airline." It has been licensed as a commerical carrier a year before "Jet Blue" was licensed as a commercial carrier. So Allegiant has been around a while. Its only problem is that some posters seem to think that landing in Sanford and not being able to take the free DME is a big handicap. Get over it, not being able to ride the DME is not a big deal, but guess what, flying Allegiant for many years has put a lot of extra money in the people's pockets who have flown into Sanford and not used the DME or the airlines that fly into Orlando.

Interline agreements do not work when a carrier goes bankrupt and to me that would be the only reason they would be good. Allegiant does have agreements where they work with the airlines that fly out of the airport they fly out, but I don't think I know of any case they have used them.

 

[Lewisc]

People need to review airline policies prior to booking. Fees for assigned seats. Checked bags fees. Do you get a credit if the fare goes down.

What is the passengers recourse if the airline make a schedule change? How much of a change is major? Enough of a change and you might want a refund so you can book another airline, cancel your trip or drive. I hope anyone booking Direct Air is comfortable with their policy:

If Direct Air makes major changes prior to departure, the Participant shall have the right to cancel the reservation on the Charter Flight and receive a full refund. The following are major changes: (1) a change in the origin or destination city of a Charter Flight, unless the change is only the order in which cities the cities are flown; (2) a change in the departure or return date of a Charter Flight experienced by Direct Air of greater than 48 hours; or (3) a Charter Flight price increase of more than 10% occurring ten or more days before departure of the Charter Flight.

Some posters think a change of under an hour is a catastrophe. Direct Air doesn't owe you a refund if the change is less then 48 hours (2 days).

 

[casjen]

It is such a nice travel experience compared to Boston. Small airport, cheap parking, friendly staff, better than average TSA screening.

I just snagged 4 friends and family vouchers so for $600 for 4 of us we will fly to Sanford or Myrtle beach. Can't beat that price. We are flexible with our dates so I'm not too worried about the voucher seats selling out. If we do get seats for April vacation $600 for 4 people with the seat assignements included (it is with the vouchers) is an amazing rate. I got a car already for $250 from Sanford which I think I can get better as the date gets closer.

I wouldn't fly them in Feb or winter though. Too much unpredictability with snow around these parts.

 

[Edd]

I contend Allegiant is not a chartered airline company, they are a licensed commercial airline, by the federal government. Their license dates before "Jet Blue" got a license as a commercial carrier. They have the same reqiuirements to follow as any other commercial airline has to stay in busines, for example Delta, American.

There is a difference, as in chartered, a separate company books the plane full and than charters the airline for the flight. Many of the bigger airlines also have chartered flights, many sports teams charter Delta and American for their trips out of town. Outsiders cannot fly on chartered flights.

Commercial airlines have departure and pick-up airports that fly to and from. Their passengers are passengers who book their own flight with the airline and can travel any of the routes the airline flies. In charter a group flies a pre-determined route and destination. Tickets are not available for outside purchase. Sanford airport also has international charter flights into Sanford.

I have seen it where some posters have tried to talk down the quality of the flights into Sanford or maybe just grade one step down the services of Allegiant. That is definitely not the story. Allegiant flies direct flights into Sanford from smaller airports, approximately 25 locations and almost 100 flights per week. They are a company that is profitable and is very good on their schedule. There are some glitches on that, but for the most part they are as good as the airlines that land at OIA.

I know Direct Air lands in Sanford, but i have no idea how they are doing as they fly in here maybe twice a week.

I talk good about them because many families have saved plenty of money and time flying into Sanford and yet there are posters who want to steer others toward landing in Orlando. Allegiant has also developed an on-time routine that is just as good as any of the other airlines. Actually many times passengers can get to WDW faster when they land Sanford than when they land Orlando even though Sanford is 25 more miles away from WDW.

 

[magiroux]

Thanks for all the feedback. Nice to hear good things.

The plane must be selling seats since the fares for the same flights are already rising. They are now $129 to SAN & $169 back to Worcester

I hope anyone booking Direct Air is comfortable with their policy:
Some posters think a change of under an hour is a catastrophe. Direct Air doesn't owe you a refund if the change is less then 48 hours (2 days).

I wouldn't exactly say I was comfortable, but for this trip, it's the only game in town for me. Even if the Sunday gets cancelled and we can't get out until Thursday, 3 days will be better than none.

My SIL & MIL use DirectAir Worcester to Sanford all the time. MIL just flew home to FL on 8/27 from Worc. Its easy. They just don't fly many days per week so you need to accept their schedule.

I've always wondered what happens if flight cancelled due to weather & the next scheduled flight isn't until 2 or 3 days away. lol Do you sit for 2-3 days or does the plane leave as soon as it can, like maybe the next day? I would think they would need that plane where it was supposed to be.

Well, I would think that it would take off as soon as weather permitted - but where too????? Probably fly to where it's next scheduled flight is (not necessarily yours) supposed to be.

I called to ask what happens if your flight is cancelled and basically you are SOL and have to wait for the next "scheduled" flight. In my case would be 4 days later

It is such a nice travel experience compared to Boston. Small airport, cheap parking, friendly staff, better than average TSA screening.

I wouldn't fly them in Feb or winter though. Too much unpredictability with snow around these parts.

I agree. Too much can go wrong in February. But then again, remember the JetBlue fiasco a few years ago during February vacation? I guess even the big airlines can flush your vacation as well.

OY, or OT? I can never keep them straight

Either way, enjoy!

ahh, I think it was OT. You are part of my 6AM reading ritual

Allegiant airlines is not a "scheduled Charter airline." It has been licensed as a commerical carrier a year before "Jet Blue" was licensed as a commercial carrier. So Allegiant has been around a while. Its only problem is that some posters seem to think that landing in Sanford and not being able to take the free DME is a big handicap. Get over it, not being able to ride the DME is not a big deal, but guess what, flying Allegiant for many years has put a lot of extra money in the people's pockets who have flown into Sanford and not used the DME or the airlines that fly into Orlando.

Interline agreements do not work when a carrier goes bankrupt and to me that would be the only reason they would be good. Allegiant does have agreements where they work with the airlines that fly out of the airport they fly out, but I don't think I know of any case they have used them.

Can only speak for myself, but flying into Sanford is the least of my worries. I happen to like small airports. Unfortunately, Allegiant was the last carrier that didn't last out of Worcester.

 

[Lewisc]

Ed This thread is about Direct Air not Allegiant. Direct Air is an "indirect" carrier providing public charter service. Direct Air picks the routes, contracts with charter airlines and sells tickets to "participants".

Allegiant isn't a charter airline. Some posters say it's similar to a charter airline in that it services smaller airports and doesn't offer daily service many routes. Typically a charter airline might only have a couple of flights a week out of an airport.

Very few posters have an issue Sanford. Passengers should research ground transportation prior to booking airfare. Sanford doesn't have a service like Mears which provides low cost shuttle service for one or two passengers. A couple of posters wanted to rent a car but discovered the rental agencies closed before their flight was scheduled to land. A family is likely to save enough money to offset $200+ for a car service. I'm not sure a couple will save enough.