Driving from ALB,NY to WDW or other Inexpensive travel

[canwegosoon]

I am getting floored by the cost of air travel out of ALbany. I tried to get the low fares on SWA checking every am for our March trip this year....no luck, but got a great rate on USAir around $250 rt. But times 4 it is the largest $$ item on our budget. We are DVC members and I would like to go a little more often than 1X per year, esp this year with the AP (oh the bug has bitten).

I am trying to start the advance planning for our Feb trip, and was wondering what other drivers have experienced in driving from Upstate NY . I have a Brother that lives in Virginia around exit 300 on 81. My gas estimate for my T/C Minivan is $250(rt), $100(rt)Tolls, $150 for Hotel 1n each way + Brother's house, and about $200 for food. That's $700... about the cost of 2 tickets + the savings of no limo or rental car in Florida. Was thinking about leaving Friday and checking in on Sunday really Early, and check out on Friday(leaving really late), and home on Sunday. Is this realstic? Is it sane? What are your experiences with your children...mine are 7yo and frequently travel 5hrs to visit family.

#2 I would love to squeeze a trip in at the end of August...I am seriously considering HArtford...it is reasonable priced, and the flight times are good. I do know about the Independance Air Summer Sale, but the lay overs are too long (longer than my drive to HArtford!!!)

Any advice or suggestions would be appericated!!!
Thanks
Terri

 

[sarahsmom73]

What about Southwest? I flew out of ALB for $49 each way non - stop! (This was over spring break!) Good Luck!

 

[sunnygirl]

When I was a child, my family used to drive from Albany to my grandparents' home in Tampa every year. But that was when we could stretch out in the "way back" of the station wagon and sleep overnight while my parents took turns at the wheel. I know a lot of families continue to make the drive these days from up north here, albeit less comfortably with carseats and seat belts and kids always in the back.

Anyway, do you have Ding! from Southwest? They just had an offer today for the end of August for $200 each (that is the total fare including taxes and everything). I'm sure if your dates are somewhat flexible that you could find a deal. Also, check out Independence Air. They just had a sale which included Albany (not sure if it's still on). The only problem with these two airlines is that you can't book as far in advance, which I know as a fellow planner can be frustrating!!!

Good luck!

 

[canwegosoon]

What about Southwest? I flew out of ALB for $49 each way non - stop! (This was over spring break!) Good Luck!

I watch...but I am never lucky enough...any tips. I check every morning aroung 8am. I guess that I want to plan ASAP...the OCD in me !!!

 

[goodferry]

Have you tried searching alternate airports that are nearby? I believe Jet Blue flys out of Rochester. My parents fly out of Albany when they travel to Fla in the winter, and that is what they did. Not to mention the difference in price, but you can also get a direct flight!