Do you think this is a good deal - Flying from/to NYC area on SW and JetBlue?

[shebjo]

Been looking almost everyday for a couple of months for some decent fares and travel times ... this past Saturday I decided to book my air flights for my travel to Florida (going to Orlando first in late August followed by a few days in the Miami/Ft. Lauderdale area. It's me, hubbie and twin 7 year old daughters. I am paying about $820 total for the 4 of us ...but using 2 different airlines leaving out of 2 different airports and there is a stop over on 1 leg of the flight ...do you think this is okay? Here's my story:
I live in NYC and starting in June, Southwest will fly out of Laguardia Airport. For Saturday August 22nd, I got Southwest going down for $79 per person plus tax and fees - came to about $400 total. I jumped on this price because the days before I booked this, the fare was at $129 on SW and that's the fare it's at now. Jet blue fares for this time is running about $179 per person. I was a little reluctant to book this SW fare at first because I am used to flying non-stop but this flight for $79 makes 1 stop in Baltimore.
But I think I did okay booking this flight ....for $79 and besides the total flight time includdng the 1 stop, is just about 1 hour and 15 minutes longer than the non-stop flights.
Coming back, we are flying Jet Blue from Ft. Lauderdale to Newark Airport non-stop. LaGuardia airport is closer to our home but Newark isn't that far away and I couldn't resist their price of $94 per person plus tax and fees to Newark (total about $420) .. .this is about $25 per person cheaper than the flights to Laguardia. I think this is an okay deal too.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Looks okay. Both airlines will give credit toward future flights if the fare drops and you call and ask.

 

[Lewisc]

You're saving $100? How are you getting to the airport? At least half of your savings will probably be going to increased ground transportation.

 

[shebjo]

it's $200 savings going down and $100 savings coming back. Getting to/from airport - friend will probaby drive us. I did take into consideration transportation costs to and from the airports. If friend can not drive us, car service from where we live to Laguardia is about $45 including toll. We also have a bus service near me (for $2 per person) which goes to Laguardia .... in less than 45 minutes ...have taken that previously with suitcases so may do again. On return trip, Newark airport to where I live is about $20 more than flying into Laguardia. So we are still saving $80 on return home. Thanks for all feedback.

 

[etail]

We have a similar plan. Newark going down and Westchester coming back. The in-laws will be able to do the driving and the savings were significant.

 

[a1tinkfans]

I avoid NON non stops like the plague!
some things to consider:

I prefer NS for several reasons, one of which is in Aug is RAINS...which usually means with a non stop there is even more likelihood of delays with multiple stops and starts....last year...we got to MCO and had to wait 1 1/2 hours due to the rain and lightening...mid day...

Then there is the travel factor, getting to another airport when another is closer, extra time....extra cost....

If there is anyone with any type "ear issue" up and down EXTRA times is not fun.......

SW is a great airline, but I would not fly out of LGA even though it is cheaper for us too.....
we have FREE on DELTA and don't use it cause it is not non stop, so I guess it is what you can handle, for us
It is NON stops ALWAYS!

 

[a1tinkfans]

I avoid NON non stops like the plague!
some things to consider:

I prefer NS for several reasons, one of which is in Aug is RAINS...which usually means with a non stop there is even more likelihood of delays with multiple stops and starts....last year...we got to MCO and had to wait 1 1/2 hours due to the rain and lightening...mid day...

Then there is the travel factor, getting to another airport when another is closer, extra time....extra cost....

If there is anyone with any type "ear issue" up and down EXTRA times is not fun.......

SW is a great airline, but I would not fly out of LGA even though it is cheaper for us too.....
we have FREE on DELTA and don't use it cause it is not non stop, so I guess it is what you can handle, for us It is NON stops ALWAYS!
It is generally less to fly tues and wed than other days......Good Luck and have a safe trip!

 

[NUHuskies#1]

We are doing something similar this June- SW out of Manchester, NH ($73NS) to MCO and returning Jetblue ($74NS) to Boston. I couldn't wait any longer. SW return kept going up and up and when I saw the return flight on Jetblue for $74, I jumped on it. We are much closer to Boston but fly SW for the (once low) rates. We decided to rent a car for one day one way to pick up in Boston and drop in Manchester- its about the same as it would cost us to park our car at the airport for one week. We will cab home for $20 from Boston.

These days I think we must be creative and every litttle bit counts.