Flying out of Buffalo in Nov/Dec - concerns of weather?

[peacefrogdog]

Planning a trip for my family (daughter will be 5, boys will be 3). I'd like to fly out of Buffalo for the same reasons that everyone else does. In Nov/Dec how is the weather in the Buffalo area, specifically is there a high chance of getting a lot of snow?

I know this year Buffalo got hit hard earlier this fall but how are things on average? I don't relish the idea of having flight delays or cancellations with 3 young kids.

 

[wee-haggis]

Planning a trip for my family (daughter will be 5, boys will be 3). I'd like to fly out of Buffalo for the same reasons that everyone else does. In Nov/Dec how is the weather in the Buffalo area, specifically is there a high chance of getting a lot of snow?

I know this year Buffalo got hit hard earlier this fall but how are things on average? I don't relish the idea of having flight delays or cancellations with 3 young kids.

For the most part its not much different than Toronto although they do get hit with the odd lake effect snow storm.
We have flew from there twice during the winter and it was fine. If you feel uncomfortable with this and want to make sure you have enough time to get to the airport,use the parksleepfly hotels to stay overnight and park your car the day before you leave. The Buffalo airport crew are also very adept at clearing snow and its very rare for the aiport being shut down.

 

[damo]

Planning a trip for my family (daughter will be 5, boys will be 3). I'd like to fly out of Buffalo for the same reasons that everyone else does. In Nov/Dec how is the weather in the Buffalo area, specifically is there a high chance of getting a lot of snow?

I know this year Buffalo got hit hard earlier this fall but how are things on average? I don't relish the idea of having flight delays or cancellations with 3 young kids.

That is exactly the reason why I don't fly out of Buffalo during the winter. To me, it is just too much added stress worrying about the weather. This year already, there were a few extra major storms that we didn't have here.

 

[tone.def]

If you're in Ottawa (that's what is says under your name), you may want to look into flying from Syracuse or Albany... Buffalo is way too far away from you.

 

[peacefrogdog]

I'm actually in Toronto now (I need to change my profile).

Is ther emuch difference in weather between the beginning of November and the end of Nov/early December?

I had thought about the later time because rooms seem to be cheaper then compared to earlier in November. I'm a bit nervous about the potentially bad winter in the Niagra region.

 

[dsneygirl]

I think it's a crap shoot whether you get a storm or not and Toronto doesn't. They have only had one major snow storm so far this winter and it was in Oct and a total fluke.

Like a pp mentioned they are used to this so very adept at clearing the snow quickly and it's a much smaller airport, less flights, less planes to de ice etc. We always go down the night before to get that early morning flight and if the weather is looking sketchy you can make alternate plans.

 

[momofdbsdc]

I'm in Buffalo. It is 55 degrees and sunny. Our snow levels have been below normal for the past few years. My children have been unable to build a snowman for as many years! The weather can be hit or miss (as was our strange October storm! ) Have a nice trip no matter what you decide!!!

 

[Scratch42]

What's that saying.................

Slow and Steady Wins the Race!

Keep a watch on the weather and be prepared for it!

We leave one week from tonight!

We fly out Friday Morning..........

I've given myself that extra night just in case!

Heck, I've even decided to stay an extra night on our return to get some Shopping in before I head back to reality!

j

 

[canron]

been flying out of buff for years 3 to 4 times ..we live in kitchener and never been late or missed a flight yet..if you want to book a park and fly aand donmnt worrie about it you there allready...bbok the room in advance and watch the buff news for weather reports if things look ok the cancell the room and drive ..if not good you got a room and lots of time to get there.. enjoyyyyyyy

 

[minniemomof3]

We were supposed to fly out of Buffalo for our trip this past March with Delta on an afternoon flight. I checked the weather report all week and everything seemed fine, the day we were supposed to fly out we got a call from Delta telling us that all flights were cancelled that day due to high winds and we were rescheduled for a flight the next day. I simply asked the representative if they they could fly me out of Pearson instead, without hesitation she rebooked me for flights out of Pearson for the same day at no extra cost and we didn't lose a day at Disney.

If you are flying with a major airline, you can always ask if they will fly you out of Pearson in the event of bad weather in Buffalo and your flight is cancelled.

We are going back this January and leaving the night before and keeping our fingers crossed we don't get hit with a storm.

 

[peacefrogdog]

We were supposed to fly out of Buffalo for our trip this past March with Delta on an afternoon flight. I checked the weather report all week and everything seemed fine, the day we were supposed to fly out we got a call from Delta telling us that all flights were cancelled that day due to high winds and we were rescheduled for a flight the next day. I simply asked the representative if they they could fly me out of Pearson instead, without hesitation she rebooked me for flights out of Pearson for the same day at no extra cost and we didn't lose a day at Disney.

If you are flying with a major airline, you can always ask if they will fly you out of Pearson in the event of bad weather in Buffalo and your flight is cancelled.

We are going back this January and leaving the night before and keeping our fingers crossed we don't get hit with a storm.

Which of the cheaper airlines that most people seem to fly out of Buffulo (e.g. Southwest) fly out ofo Pearson?

 

[wee-haggis]

Which of the cheaper airlines that most people seem to fly out of Buffulo (e.g. Southwest) fly out ofo Pearson?

LOL....none of them unfortunately !
The landing fees are so expensive,the budget,no frills airlines (like Southwest,Air Tran,Jetblue etc) could not afford to fly from Pearson.
I also believe that until we have a full and proper "open skies" agreement,we will never see the likes of these airlines anyway.

 

[peacefrogdog]

Just saw Southwest airlines $59 each way internet only fares on their website.

I read the Regulations with this fare which says that it is nonrefundable but MAY be used as credit towards future purchases.

It's hard to know that by saying "may be used' that they mean "they can be used" vs "it's possible to use only if....[certain criteria]".

Have there ever been any problems with getting credit for cancalled flights with this internet rate? It seems like such a good rate - is this a typical rate?

 

[wee-haggis]

Just saw Southwest airlines $59 each way internet only fares on their website.

I read the Regulations with this fare which says that it is nonrefundable but MAY be used as credit towards future purchases.

It's hard to know that by saying "may be used' that they mean "they can be used" vs "it's possible to use only if....[certain criteria]".

Have there ever been any problems with getting credit for cancalled flights with this internet rate? It seems like such a good rate - is this a typical rate?

Don't worry .You will get the credit no matter what.
I've done it several times with no problems.
6 months from the date you booked (where you can use the credit)
Although ,I have recently found out that they will give you another 6 month extension if requested.
$59 is a good rate (I have seen $49 and even $39). But,its like everywhere else, it depends on the time of year (avoid US holidays etc)

 

[minniemomof3]

Which of the cheaper airlines that most people seem to fly out of Buffulo (e.g. Southwest) fly out ofo Pearson?

Discount carriers such as Southwest, JetBlue or Airtran do not fly out of Pearson.

Airlines which also fly out of pearson are Delta, US Airways, United, Continental etc. You can check their website to confirm

I believe the only airlines which have direct flights are Southwest and Airtran.

 

[peacefrogdog]

Don't worry .You will get the credit no matter what.
I've done it several times with no problems.
6 months from the date you booked (where you can use the credit)
Although ,I have recently found out that they will give you another 6 month extension if requested.
$59 is a good rate (I have seen $49 and even $39). But,its like everywhere else, it depends on the time of year (avoid US holidays etc)

Have the $49 or $39 rates been available not via the Ding service (i.e. via regular internet rates)?