Flights help

[FutureMrsF]

Hi all

We are looking at going to Disney world florida for 14 nights next year at the start of the summer holiday and I am hoping for some advice on better airline to choose.

We are restricted with our budget so will be flying economy whoever we go with and are now looking at our cheapest options.

Is there any advantages or disadvantages any of you lovely folk have experienced with the following possible airlines:

Thomas Cook
British airways
Aer Lingus
Virgin

I also have a seriously intense fear of flying so much so I'm not even sure I will be able to book but I am trying to be brave so our kids don't miss out on a holiday of a lifetime

Any opinions welcome

Thank you

Andrea

 

[Holstar]

We're flying Virgin, as a part of a package, which is most definitely not the way to go if you want to save pennies!

I'm sure someone will be along very shortly who can give more info, but I believe flying indirect is by far the cheapest option - so changing some where in the US. It takes a bit longer, but from what I've read it can be considerably cheaper.

Also, I know Virgin have a sale during which flights can be quite cheap. I can't speak personally, but I would imagine BA would do similar? But I'm not 100% on that.

Personally, I've flown Thomas Cook, BA and Virgin, and I always prefer Virgin. But, thats got nothing to do with price, as they may well be more expensive for your dates. Have you had a look at Sky Scanner? They can give you a broad over view of prices per month over a variety of locations! I use them for pretty much all of my flights, to get an idea of when is cheapest to fly

 

[FutureMrsF]

Thank you Hollie that's helpful I will have a look at sky scanner

Can I ask what makes you prefer virgin as although price is important the flight will be important too

Thank you

 

[Holstar]

Well, we've had some pretty rubbish flights with BA in the past... the service was shocking. Which, I admit, is probably just awful luck but we've never had poor service with Virgin!

I also sort of prefer the food, and weirdly, I always feel like the entertainment is more family focussed, but that could just be me.

 

[Elise79]

All airlines in economy are pretty much the same - you will be best choosing on price/route/timings that suit you.

Have you looked at a fear of flying course? It might be worth the money in the long run. I know Virgin run them you can find more details Here - and good luck :good vibes

Edit: BA's Fear of Flying courses

 

[Disney Frenhines]

You really want to be flying in and out of Orlando International if you are staying at a Disney resort as that way you can get free transfers by the Disney Magical Express. Are you just doing flights or a package, my advice would be to get a package as it works out cheaper if you plan to stay at a hotel. I've only flown with Virgin and I have had excellent and not so excellent service with them, but, nothing bad, not like some horror stories I've heard from people using other airlines.
If you are doing flight only Holstar is right about Sky Scanner and indirect flights, my DD's boyfriend and family are about to fly out using indirect flights and I'll be asking him what he thinks of it when he gets back.

As for being scared of flying, don't be, it is really safe, safer than driving on the M4, now that is scary! The worst thing about flying is the boredom of a long haul flight, luckily today there is plenty to take on board to entertain ourselves.

 

[Kath2003]

All airlines in economy are pretty much the same - you will be best choosing on price/route/timings that suit you.

This. They are all as bad as each other. Not done TC or Aer Lingus. BA and Virgin will get you there, though we were thoroughly fed up with Virgin last time we flew. We have also used a number of North American carriers - American Airlines, Air Canada, Delta etc. and have found no difference between any of them, nor any difference between them and the UK carriers. Choose on price and timing alone.

 

[scoobydooby]

Packages do not, generally work out cheaper for flights. Sorry I don't mean to be argumentative but that just isn't accurate.

 

[Elise79]

Packages do not, generally work out cheaper for flights. Sorry I don't mean to be argumentative but that just isn't accurate.

I would agree as a general rule packages are more expensive however sometimes you can get a good price on a package or a fly drive.

We booked a fly drive for our last trip as it was cheaper than car & flights seperate!

 

[flortlebap]

Hi all

We are looking at going to Disney world florida for 14 nights next year at the start of the summer holiday and I am hoping for some advice on better airline to choose.

We are restricted with our budget so will be flying economy whoever we go with and are now looking at our cheapest options.

Is there any advantages or disadvantages any of you lovely folk have experienced with the following possible airlines:

Thomas Cook
British airways
Aer Lingus
Virgin

I also have a seriously intense fear of flying so much so I'm not even sure I will be able to book but I am trying to be brave so our kids don't miss out on a holiday of a lifetime

Any opinions welcome

Thank you

Andrea

If you want to beat your fear of flying then I can't recommend these guys highly enough!

http://www.flyingwithoutfear.co.uk

I was utterly terrified of flying before, to the point of having panic attacks in the airport and nightmares nightly for months before I knew I was flying - since doing the course in May 2012 I've flown without being scared 14 times (hadn't flown in years before that).

I would strongly recommend looking into it, I'm convinced the reason for my phobia was seeing my mums phobia as a child - however much you try and conceal it from your kids, they do pick up on these things.

Anyway - from a fellow former nervous flyer, I would say make sure you pick a direct flight with an airline you know you will be comfortable with. I like VA, because they have an awful lot on board to take your mind off things!