Flying out of Buffalo - what to know?

[Torontogal]

Hi all,
Well, we just got from WDW and want to go back in March. We are thinking of flying this time since gas is very $$$.
Has anyone flown out of Buffalo? If so, do you have any tips to share? Also, what airlines tend to have the better fares to Orlando? I am hoping for a direct flight since we have 2 small children.
Thanks!

 

[great white north]

I've used Southwest out of Buf. They have 2-3 Non-Stop's per day. You will have to wait until March reservations open up. If your trying for March break, book early. If they have a sale you can change your price to lower fare and they will give you a credit for the difference to be used within 1 year. Have taken 2 children, no problems. Great airline!!

 

[Hockeychic]

I 2nd it, I love Southwest. I flew with them last year and again in 2 months. They are great and I believe one of the cheaper flights you will get.

Kim

 

[SerinaEmily]

I'm interested to hear too -- we are flying out of BUF on JetBlue and I'm wondering what the check in/ security/ carry on restrictions etc are like.
Specifically how do we know if we have too much/too heavy luggage?

 

[TiggerCat]

Just flew out of Buffalo on 12 Aug on Southwest. Here are the key points:

1. Loved staying over night prior to our morning flight but we didn't care for the Buffalo Marriott. It was a very nice hotel but we found it to be noisy (as in paper thin walls). We will likely try the new Hilton Garden Inn that is being built across the road from the airport next time.

2. Parked at the airport in the Preferred parking lot which was very convenient and secure. That said, I would probably park in the A parking lot next time since it was almost as close and just as secure but it was $10 US cheaper.

3. Airport was very efficient and it only took about 5 mins to check-in our luggage (we printed our boarding passes at the hotel). Clearing security took the longest at about 30 minutes. The only problem was that the preferred eateries were located outside of the departure area so once you've cleared security they are not available. Next time we will be sure to eat prior to going through security to avoid paying big bucks for so-so food.

4. Returning to Buffalo was simple and we had our luggage and caught the transport back to our car within about 30 minutes. Try doing that in Toronto!

I will definitely fly out of Buffalo again.

TC.

 

[Hockeychic]

Hey Tiggercat...just curious are you from Hamilton....just wondering if you where a Ti-Cat fan.....Argo fan here.

Kim

 

[Disney Fanatic]

Although I am not from Hamilton, I am a Ti-Cat fan (although I hate to admit it right now!!!)

We are actually from Stoney Creek!!!
(I guess now part of Hamilton anyway)

 

[CBear]

My DH, DD 13 and I are flying from Buffalo in early December. We got a great deal with Jet Blue - $59 each way, for a total of $571 Canadian for all three of us, return. The taxes are much less flying from the US. Jet Blue is supposed to be great - lots of leg room, and Direct TV at every seat.

We're probably going to stay, and park at the Red Roof Inn for about $50 US. We can park there and take the shuttle to the airport for free.

All in all, it's a much better deal than flying out of Toronto, even though we're only about 20 minutes from Pearson Airport here in TO.

 

[TiggerCat]

Hi Hockeychic. I was born and raised in the Steel City but moved on when I was 17 (many, many years ago). Used to love watching the T-Cats play. Used to love it when the Argos came to town. Oh the good old days.

TC.

 

[Mickey&JoshNut]

We are actually from Stoney Creek!!!
(I guess now part of Hamilton anyway)

Yeah Stoney Creek....I'm from Stoney Creek, too!!!

I haven't flown out of Buffalo to WDW yet but I have flown from Buffalo to Las Vegas a few years ago and found the airport to be very convenient and a lot less hassle than Toronto. We stayed the night before our 7 am flight at one of the hotels by the airport that allowed you to leave your car in their lot and had a shuttle to the airport. Very easy and when we returned they dropped us right off at our car in the parking lot.

 

[Hockeychic]

Well hey there to fellow CFL fans.

Ya the good old days of the Argo- Ti-Cat riveries.....DH and I use to go to the Argo games when they played in Ivor Win (sp) or as a Argo fan called it I never win stadium.... Ya the good old days.

Kim

 

[melindaandrob]

Love Southwest! Hubby and I are flying out of Buffalo to Orlando for $49 U.S. one way Can't beat that!!!!

 

[TiggerCat]

I can't believe that I forgot to mention that the flight itself was fantastic both ways! For a discounted, no-frills airline Southwest really puts Air Canada to shame. Granted, Southwest doesn't serve any meals but when was the last time you had a "free" meal on AC. If my memory serves me correctly, they offer meals for purchase on most flights within North America. We received a bag a peanuts, pretzel mix and drinks shortly after take-off with offers of seconds, thirds, etc....

And the Southwest staff brought back some very fond memories of Wardair and even Canada 3000 (prior to their catastrophic takeover of Royal Airlines and Canjet). Friendly, polite and genuinely happy to be providing you a service just about sums it up. I can't believe that they actually made the pre-flight safety briefing seem fun! They were also quick to offer blankets and pillows. And all of this for the low price of about $240 cdn round-trip. Let's see AC do that.

Okay, nough said.

TC.

 

[dsneygirl]

And the Southwest staff brought back some very fond memories of Wardair and even Canada 3000 (prior to their catastrophic takeover of Royal Airlines and Canjet). Friendly, polite and genuinely happy to be providing you a service just about sums it up. I can't believe that they actually made the pre-flight safety briefing seem fun! They were also quick to offer blankets and pillows. And all of this for the low price of about $240 cdn round-trip. Let's see AC do that.

Okay, nough said.

TC.

So, so true but I'm only paying $145 cdn rounf trip this time. We've also been at the crub waiting for a shuttle within about 10 minutes of exiting our flight.

For luggage restrictions/weight I would check Jet Blue's website or call them directly.

 

[Torontogal]

Thanks for the info. everyone. That was very helpful. I will be looking into Southwest. Much cheaper than driving with the price of gas - eekkks!

 

[DutchsMommy]

I agree with all other posters, and just wanted to add that BUF has curb-side check-in so you can show your tickets and stuff and get boarding passes and drop off your luggage there. Then you only have to go through security and you are on your way.

 

[TiggerCat]

I never thought about curb-side check-in. What is the normal charge/tip for this service?

TC.

 

[TIGGER'SFRIEND]

About $1.00 a bag

 

[MichelleTO]

We love flying out of BUF, the best perk is that you clear customs at the bridge in your car, none of the customs issues and lengthy lineups at the airport. As well parking is so cheap right at the airport and as a previous poster said even the discounted parking is close. We usually park in the mid price range lot and usually find a spot right beside the covered garage, a 2 minute walk to the terminal. The terminal is very organized and has a simple layout. We have flown, USair, American and Southwest from BUF, all great experiences. Flying with SWA this fall and love their staff and service. If you are worried about the border wait times(we cross at Queenston Lewiston) you can check wait times on line at http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/. Currently the cost to cross is $3.50 Canadian or $2.50 US, you only pay one way on the return (for Queeenston Lewsistons and Peace Bridge). We live in Niagara so it is very convenient to cross and get to the airport, about a 40 minute drive which is much better than in TO. There are many airport hotels for those wanted to park at a hotel and fly . The Holiday Inn chain has a number of hotels in the airport area but I would also recomend the Hilton garden. Just do a google search for BUF airport hotels. The other bonus if you decide to stay overnight is that the Walden Galleria Shopping Mall (Buffalo's answer to the Eaton Centre) is close as well, 7 minute drive from the airport. I think it is Genessee Street tha t all the different other restaurants and strip malls are also on.

 

[MichelleTO]

We love flying out of BUF, the best perk is that you clear customs at the bridge in your car, none of the customs issues and lengthy lineups at the airport. As well parking is so cheap right at the airport and as a previous poster said even the discounted parking is close. We usually park in the mid price range lot and usually find a spot right beside the covered garage, a 2 minute walk to the terminal. The terminal is very organized and has a simple layout. We have flown, USair, American and Southwest from BUF, all great experiences. Flying with SWA this fall and love their staff and service. If you are worried about the border wait times(we cross at Queenston Lewiston) you can check wait times on line at http://apps.cbp.gov/bwt/. Currently the cost to cross is $3.50 Canadian or $2.50 US, you only pay one way on the return (for Queeenston Lewsistons and Peace Bridge). We live in Niagara so it is very convenient to cross and get to the airport, about a 40 minute drive which is much better than in TO. There are many airport hotels for those wanted to park at a hotel and fly . The Holiday Inn chain has a number of hotels in the airport area but I would also recomend the Hilton garden. Just do a google search for BUF airport hotels. The other bonus if you decide to stay overnight is that the Walden Galleria Shopping Mall (Buffalo's answer to the Eaton Centre) is close as well, 7 minute drive from the airport. I think it is Genessee Street that all the different other restaurants and strip malls are also on.