Flights to MCO...How to get there from NS!!

[Trying to Plan]

I am looking to fly into MCO in May 2011. 2 adults, 2 kids. I have seen some on this forum driving from NS to either Portland, Bangor, Boston. I am completely overwhelmed at trying to figure out how to get the 'cheapest' and best flight!!!

Any advice I can get would be a big help! I was excited to see other NS Disers who might have insight!

 

[MikeyNS]

Flying out of Bangor or Manchester, NH, would be some of your cheapest options. Don't forget to account for gas both ways and a hotel. Continental had flights on for the fall for like $330/each all in, from Halifax, which was amazing. Perhaps they'll run something like that for May.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

Since I'm the airfare stalker here ... I offer the following advice:

1) Sign up on airfarewatchdog.com set up your preferences to get deals on YHZ to MCO (or another location if you want)

2) Sign up for aircanada and westjet e-mails to cover off deals from YHZ

3) There are search engines out there that will help you find a good fare (kayak ... bookingbuddy). You can use these, but also go to airline sites directly. In Dec 2009, I found a March 16, 2010 to March 29, 2010 airfare out of Halifax to MCO for $329 CDN (taxes and fees include). I found this through continental's site (where ever you can change the currency to Canadian when you do a search ... it will save you money!)

4) Watch Bag fees ... they can add up.

5) Just read this forum ... anyone who gets a deal usually posts it here.

 

[Ted in Halifax]

Just to add to MikeyNS's comments.

I usually budget $200 gas, plus $200 Park/fly with food for a trip to Portland Maine.

In May 2010, I flew from Portland to MCO for $400 cdn (2 adults 2 kids) ... one way. Return fare was available for the same price, so a proxy would be $800.

However, if you are a Master Airfare Stalker like me ... sometimes you stumble on a real deal like this. From Manchester (2 hours farther than Portland), 2 adults 2 kids Nov 2, 2010 to Nov 10, 2010 for $557 US (taxes etc in).

Here's a question you need to consider ... can the Family handle the drive ... my kids are 8 and 7 and they do okay, but if my wife was in a bad mood .... it wouldn't be worth the savings!

 

[Trying to Plan]

Thanks for the advice and help!!

The family can handle the drive...they are older and we travel a far bit via car so they have the 'car' entertaiment down to a science. I tried to search out pricing a few time but was overwhelmed and got very confused. Lost track of what is best pricing etc. Thanks for the advice and if I find anything amazing I will post.

Are there any US airlines which have no bag fees? I would love to get a great price Halifax to MCO with AC or WJ for the shear convience but they seem to be much more then the US flights are!!

 

[dis_guy]

All the previous posters have some very good advice. I'll just add that you have lots of time but do check your fares regularly every day- maybe more! You'll get to know the flights and times that suit your needs best so it can be done fairly quickly.

When you do see a fare that you can live with don't hesitate because it will not likely be there for long. Fares change every day and it's a bit like playing chicken!

For our Christmas 2009 trip I saw a pretty good fare in March and sort of hemmed and hawed, but we bought the tickets then. The fares only went up after that.

For our November 2010 trip I saw "reasonable" fares back in early May. Not what I was really hoping for, but it was important to get those particular flights due to our work schedules since it'll be a kind of extended long weekend. I bought them at the OK price and the fares have only gone up since then! They may drop again closer to the date but I'm a lot more comfortable knowing we're booked and there will be no need to cancel due to high airfares.

Good luck, let us know how it goes!

 

[Ted in Halifax]

I tried to search out pricing a few time but was overwhelmed and got very confused. Lost track of what is best pricing etc.

Just post your dates here and where you would like to fly from ... add number of adults and kids ... someone here will help spot it

Are there any US airlines which have no bag fees?

Jet Blue 1st bag free Southwest no bag fee

 

[dennise]

In April-May 2010 Transat Holidays had direct YHZ to MCO for $99., $347, taxes in. Tuesdays and Saturdays.

 

[MikeyNS]

Oh and don't forget that some carriers (or maybe just one!), like Allegiant out of Bangor, fly into Sanford airport and not MCO. No Magical Express benefits and such.
And don't worry, I won't start up my rant about collecting Avion/Aeroplan points.