Flying with Delta from Manchester

[pigby]

Looking to go to Orlando from Manchester via Atlanta. Much better deals than with Virgin at end October. Only ever booked a package deal before. How bad is changing flights and also are there usually plenty cheap hotel deals around at this time of year?


Thank you

 

[Rain]

Hi Pigby,

We have done the split flight around 10 times now, this year we have opted for the direct flight.

Changing planes is really no hassle, it just takes so much longer, perhaps adding several hours on to the journey.

Not flown with Delta but have done the split flights with BMI , BA,

AA, US air, Continental, and United. ( Not very loyal am I)


You could try Priceline for Hotel deals, we have had The Hilton DTD and Orlando Marriott world Center in the past for £50 per night in October.


Lyndal

 

[Minx]

We have done the split flight with Delta to Atlanta from Manchester on many occasions and will be doing it again this summer.

We don't have a problem with it we find it quite straight forward. The changing planes is no problem and the second leg of the journey from Atlanta to florida is only 1 hour.

The only down side is when you arrive in Florida it is usually about 7pm. By the time you have picked up your car and are on your way to your accomodation it is dark. We aren't to bad as we know exactly where we are going but for some people this can be a bit off putting.

We have to go during the summer holidays as I work in education. We couldn't afford to do non-stop flights as the prices are sky high at this time of year.

Dee

 

[mandysev]

I have done the split flight thing with Delta from Gatwick. Admitted it was a number of years ago, but I did fly on my own with two children aged 3 and 6 (we met my husband out in Orlando)

It was no problem whatsoever, I would have no qualms about doing it again if I had to. The only down side is the increase in the length of the journey.

 

[Sue F UK]

We have also done many a split journey to Orlando with only one notable problem (a two day delay in Philadelphia due to snow) As Delta fly through Atlanta snow won't be a problem! Atlanta is a massive airport with 4 terminals but they make it easy to get from A to B with a train which runs constantly. Delta flights are OK but last time we went the plane didn't have seat back TV's - this was a couple of years ago though.

The advantage of non-direct routes is that you get through immigration in Atlanta rather than Orlando so when you arrive in Florida all you have to sort out is your car. The disadvantage is that you arrive later, and as Dee says, finding your accommodation in the dark may be a problem.

The extra couple of hours may very well be worth if for the financial savings made over paying for a direct flight with Virgin though - especially in the school holidays.

 

[pigby]

Thank you for your replies - it doesn't sound so bad - the price difference over Virgin is quite considerable - as Virgin only have the Premium Economy seats left for the dates we can go. Getting to the hotel should be OK - we don't intend to drive (as yet) - thinking of booking Tiffany Towncars from airport to hotel (maybe with the supermarket stop - if the stores are still open at that time)

I'm a bit naive when it comes to booking the hotel though - I know that on Priceline you have to bid and I've read on these boards that some good deals can be had, but haven't paid too much attention to this subject in the past. Can you request a specific area and at what stage do you know which hotel you'e got - I presume you pay first. Is it better to leave the hotel booking until close to departure?

I fancy a few days up on International Drive near Universal and the rest of the time near Disney - LBV? Looked at the websites of Priceline and Hotwire and it says you are bidding for double occupancy - they can't guarantee that you'll get one bed or two - we are a family of three - wondered how real a problem this is - any families out there regularly book in this way?
Sorry, so many questions - thanks again.

Sue