Flying Air Trans out of ROC - Now Some ?s

[DutchsMommy]

I have officially booked Air Trans out of Rochester. We are flying out Thrs May 17 at around noon and returning Monday May 21 around 3pm - nonstop both ways.

Now some questions: When flying BUF we usually cross at Queenston-Lewiston - does that still make sense here? Mapquest is recommending that way, but I wanted some 'live' input. Any ideas the length of trip from Scarborough/Toronto. What about traffic. I figure on Thurs we will leave around 6 or 7 am and should be going against traffic. I am a little worried about the way home - Monday is the Victoria Day holiday but I am hoping given my time (maybe around 4pm ish) we should be OK.

How is Air Trans and the ROC airport? I have read we can print our boarding pass 24 hrs ahead - just like SW - and we can pick seats so that is cool. I am going to try for carry on only (just DS and I this time) so I am hoping the lines in the airport will be shortened. We are also trying DME for the first time (going to SSR) so that should be fun too - any advice on DME?

Can you tell I am in full-fledged planning mode now. I went SO LONG without a WDW trip on the radar so I am feeling much better now LOL.

 

[DutchsMommy]

Anyone.............Bueller............Bueller

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

I can't help but would be interested to hear how Air Trans is out of ROC too. We are flying them non stop in August coming back on the Sunday of Labour day weekend!

Hurry up August!!!

 

[Squidster]

We're flying AirTran out of Rochester on Saturday morning. Rochester airport is wonderful. We flew from there last year too. We stay at the airport the night before and just walk across the roadway and you're in the terminal. I remember last year talking to the Security guard for at least 5 mins as there were no people waiting to clear through. We'll see if it's the same this year.

I have had no problems with AirTran. Get your seats and print your boarding passes 24 hours before your flight. It makes things even easier.

Feel free to ask any questions.

 

[Claud26]

We are going to WDW in December and want to fly Air Tran out of Buffalo, just wondering too what it would be like to fly out of Rochester instead.
We are in Toronto, so what would the drive be like ??
I was looking at the flight out of Rochester and it leave 2hrs before the flight out of Buffalo, so it would be nice to get in 2hrs earlier, not to mention it is $8.00 cheaper for each person... Wonderin if it's worth the extra drive.

 

[Squidster]

I too am located in Toronto. The drive to Buffalo is about 2 - 2 1/2 hours without traffic and excessive border delays. Add an hour to Rochester. I don't mind the extra hour if the flight and price are right. Remember that December can bring lots of snow to Western New York and I have seen times when the Thruway is closed. So plan on leaving lots of driving time. However, Buffalo and Rochester airports seem to be able to deal with it a lot better than Toronto.

 

[cabmom]

When you come back on the holiday Monday do not go back on the Queenston-Lewiston Bridge! I repeat DO NOT! Go across the Rainbow bridge. The line up coming back over the Q-L bridge is at least 2 hrs long and not fun!

Glad you got flights!

Marilynn

 

[kristieleeoz]

We are flying out of ROC in April. We are booked with at the Quality Inn and are staying in WH. I am really hoping that everything goes well. Very nervous about the flight as its the first time with the kids,and only my second flight EVER. I'm glad that the airport gets good reviews!

 

[snowy76]

Now some questions: When flying BUF we usually cross at Queenston-Lewiston - does that still make sense here? Mapquest is recommending that way, but I wanted some 'live' input. Any ideas the length of trip from Scarborough/Toronto. What about traffic. I figure on Thurs we will leave around 6 or 7 am and should be going against traffic. I am a little worried about the way home - Monday is the Victoria Day holiday but I am hoping given my time (maybe around 4pm ish) we should be OK.

I live in Syracuse but have driven in, around and through Buffalo plenty of times, and used all three bridges (Q-L, Rainbow, Peace) to cross into Canada and back. For simplicity's sake I would cross at Q-L (at least on the way in to the US) given that the Rainbow Bridge puts you in the midst of suburban Niagara Falls NY area - stick to the major highways, and using the Q-L gets you right onto Interstate 190.

Once you're on I-190 and heading toward Buffalo proper, you'll get on I-290 near Tonawanda and that'll take you to I-90 (the Thruway) and a straight shot to the Rochester area. Get off the Thruway at exit 46 (I-390) and take 390 to exit 18 (Brooks Ave). Gosh, that looks a little confusing but it's pretty much all highway driving.

It's amazing to me how many Canadians are flying out of SYR and ROC lately. We usually think our airfares are ridiculous but I've been reading some of the fares out of TO and Ottawa and I guess we have it good!