Flights/Irene

[TwistGrl101]

Ok, so I know most of the talk has been about how Irene will affect our Disney vacations next week, but my question is about the flights.

We are scheduled to fly out Saturday morning, and even if the storm passes (or never even hits) central Florida, what if it is in Georgia or the Carolinas at that time?

Will the flights still fly out as scheduled, and just take a different route (i.e., around the storm and still make its way to Orlando?) Or do you think my flight may be delayed a day? If so, will I need to SLEEP at the airport with my 3 young kids, or would I be fine to stay home and keep checking the flight updates online?

Thanks for all your input! I hope the storm takes a right

 

[grimley1968]

I'd just keep an eye out on the weather and on your airline. Even if the storm doesn't come anywhere near Orlando, and the parks are unaffected, there could still be winds that close the runways (though not the airport) for hours or even a day. This can all happen even with blue skies, but a storm 200 miles away.

Or it could come closer to Orlando, but be a compact storm that doesn't generate heavy winds any farther than the area it directly hits. You just have no way of knowing until much closer to the time you leave. Sorry.

 

[DanenRox]

Here's what I know.... (based on blizzard activity in January)...
Check with your airline. When there's a storm appoaching (like a blizzard, or a hurricane) our airline (SWA) posts warnings a couple of days ahead. SWA posted on their site, information regarding the opportunity to rebook/reschedule flights ahead of time at no additional cost (based on availablity of course). It still becomes something of a crap shoot as you wonder if you should rebook in preparation for the storm or should you wait to see if the airline cancels. If the airline cancels, they will rebook you on "next available flight" but I have too many control issues to sit back and see what happens. In our case, we prefer to rebook ahead if the warnings are posted, opting to add an extra night to our vacation. Again, no additional cost beyond another night in Orlando (hotels can come cheap in Orlando). Good luck....

 

[jlewisinsyr]

Planes can fly above the storms or around them. I wouldn't be concerned unless you are flying/connecting in a mid-Atlantic state.

Delays are always possible, it would depend on not just your location, but where your plane is coming from (planes don't just go between two cities), connections, crews being stuck in other airports (due to weather/maintenance), etc. As forr this specific situation, it's probably to early to tell what, if any, impact there might be to your flights, you probably won't really know anything until Thursday/Friday.

 

[POOHS3]

OP-

We are due to arrive in Orlando around 5:30 pm Friday. I am keeping my fingers (and toes) crossed that all goes well. We are planning on just keeping and eye on the weather and the airlines website. Good Luck!

 

[parmtoo]

We are scheduled to land on Friday at 952am. Jet blue had nothing posted yet.
Good luck to everyone traveling this week!

 

[Va-bear]

that's similar to our timing Parmtoo...watching the weather a bit too much already!

 

[edbo77]

I'd be concerned about Friday arrivals into Florida. Saturday should be OK.

 

[TwistGrl101]

But if the hurricane is in the Carolinas on Saturday, that's what I am worried about...oh man, I'm worried about my ADRs!!

 

[LOVETHATMOUSE]

We are flying in weds am so I am not concerned with the flight down. However, we fly back to NY on Sunday - that's what I'm worried about if they will get any bad weather then. We are not flying out till 6:20 pm, but I always find the later the flight, the more chance of delays. Does anyone know what the policies of keeping a rental car for an extra day due to bad weather?

 

[valeriemouse]

I was due to fly into Orlando on Friday afternoon, but I changed my flight to Thursday afternoon instead, hoping to beat the storm there. All forecasts for Friday seem a wreck, so I'd rather not chance it. Worse case scenario - I'm gaining an extra day in Disney

 

[silmarg]

i am supposed to fly on Saturday at noon from LaGuardia. Sunday is on the Disney Dream.

If the flight is cancelled, I may just drive. But if the weather is bad, it may take longer then usual.

Not a pretty scenario.

 

[Va-bear]

I was due to fly into Orlando on Friday afternoon, but I changed my flight to Thursday afternoon instead, hoping to beat the storm there. All forecasts for Friday seem a wreck, so I'd rather not chance it. Worse case scenario - I'm gaining an extra day in Disney

I dont want to ask a nosey question but did making that change cost an arm and a leg? Seems like it would at this late date....but I would LOVE to do that!

 

[valeriemouse]

I dont want to ask a nosey question but did making that change cost an arm and a leg? Seems like it would at this late date....but I would LOVE to do that!

It didn't cost me anything! I'm just as surprised as you are. It ended coming out even. The flight I picked on Thurs morn was slightly cheaper then the one I originally booked, but then the taxes were more so it ended up the same. Good thing I changed it though, cause that same flight skyrocketed in price right after I re-booked.

 

[Jazzerfan]

My Family is leaving Sunday @ 11:20 out of Phila. I am so nervous that heavy rains from Irene will cause delay or possible cancellation. Will the airline reroute to avoid such delays/cancellations??? Anyone else leaving from PHL?

Just very, very worried!

 

[piglet1234]

we are leaving saturday morning out of philadelphia and we are concerned too...

 

[Va-bear]

It didn't cost me anything! I'm just as surprised as you are. It ended coming out even. The flight I picked on Thurs morn was slightly cheaper then the one I originally booked, but then the taxes were more so it ended up the same. Good thing I changed it though, cause that same flight skyrocketed in price right after I re-booked.

Wow - that is so great - so happy for you!!! I guess I thought there was always a 'transfer' fee so that even if the flight was cheaper the extra fee would add to the cost.

That would be my dream - to get there BEFORE it all started (I dont mind it hitting while Im there safe in my hotel - just dont want to fly in it). Enjoy the extra day!!!

 

[NotUrsula]

Here is USAir's statement re: no-fee changes related to Irene. So far, PHL to MCO does not qualify, but if you're flying USAir you might want to watch that page: http://www.usairways.com/TravelCenter/Advisories.aspx

SWA has not announced yet, though of course they don't charge change fees at all. IME they will sometimes put you on earlier flights for your original fare when space is available if a storm is imminent.

MSN has the known cruise ship re-routes posted here: http://overheadbin.msnbc.msn.com/_n...irene-forces-caribbean-cruise-ships-to-divert

 

[Mamapapa]

Southwest may not charge change fees, but they sure jacked up the prices. I called today and they could switch me from Sunday to Saturday, but it would be $600 more for three tickets to change. Yeah, I don't think so....

 

[DanenRox]

Southwest may not charge change fees, but they sure jacked up the prices. I called today and they could switch me from Sunday to Saturday, but it would be $600 more for three tickets to change. Yeah, I don't think so....

Keep watching their website. If the storm looks like it'll effect your travel dates, SWA will post the opportunity to change your flights at no additional charge...no change fee, no fare difference. If you choose to change your flight before they post you will pay a fare difference. It's our experience that as you draw close to your travel dates, fares go up, up, up. I don't think this is a reflection of the impending storm, I think that's just normal operating procedures. We went through this with a blizzard in January and SWA made it as easy as possible (under the circumstances). Wishing you the same good luck and safe travels.