Frustrated with Airfares

[Northstar]

Just an example... Flights on WestJet a round trip from Toronto to Orlando was listed as $209 CAD before tax. After tax and for two people, the total is $1090.00 CAD. Now, that's what I call a lot of tax.

But before we get too down on Canada for collecting all those taxes and fees, note that some of them are imposed by the US for flying in... security and immigration fees of various kinds. Now how come I've got to pay a user fee for immigration if I fly in but not if I cross the border by car?

Airfare. Scary. Gonna start saving now and praying that I catch a seat sale (not going till December)

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Has anyone checked out WestJet or WestJet Vacations??

WestJet wouldn't be bad depending on where you're flying from. The dates we'd be flying down from Edmonton we'd be paying a decent fare ($347 return) but we'd be either leaving at 1:00 am and facing a 50 minute layover in Calgary then an 11 hr layover in Toronto (total trip time 23 hours) or leaving at 4:30 pm and facing a 3 hr layover in Calgary followed by a 5 hr layover in Toronto (total trip time 17 hours).

Flying with our regular carrier (NWA) we pay quite a bit more but we leave at 8:00 am and only have a single 1 hour layover in Minneapolis for a total trip time of 9 hours.

It's just a matter of personal preference...we'd rather spend more money and minimize the time sitting around airports and not be leaving or arriving in the middle of the night. This way we get a decent sleep the night before we leave and get to Orlando in time for dinner and aren't too exhausted to enjoy ourselves when we get there. To some people those flight times may be worth the savings, or some people might not have the option of paying more, it's just worth it to us to spend more for an early to mid morning departure time and a minimal layover.

 

[brooker]

We are flying out of St. Johns Newfoundland with Westjet. We have a early flight out and we arrive early afternoon. We also have a early flight back at 7:00 AM, we arrive in Toronto before 10:00 AM, but we won't be back in St. Johns until 10:40 PM. Talk about a long day. And for all this travel time we have to pay a grand total of $510 per person return. The things we'll do for a return trip to Disney......

 

[misslissa]

WestJet wouldn't be bad depending on where you're flying from. The dates we'd be flying down from Edmonton we'd be paying a decent fare ($347 return) but we'd be either leaving at 1:00 am and facing a 50 minute layover in Calgary then an 11 hr layover in Toronto (total trip time 23 hours) or leaving at 4:30 pm and facing a 3 hr layover in Calgary followed by a 5 hr layover in Toronto (total trip time 17 hours).

Flying with our regular carrier (NWA) we pay quite a bit more but we leave at 8:00 am and only have a single 1 hour layover in Minneapolis for a total trip time of 9 hours.

It's just a matter of personal preference...we'd rather spend more money and minimize the time sitting around airports and not be leaving or arriving in the middle of the night. This way we get a decent sleep the night before we leave and get to Orlando in time for dinner and aren't too exhausted to enjoy ourselves when we get there. To some people those flight times may be worth the savings, or some people might not have the option of paying more, it's just worth it to us to spend more for an early to mid morning departure time and a minimal layover.

The major thing that I find about looking up WestJet fares is that they don't include the taxes (which are very high!) when they give a quote. Like my $209 return flight with them would be awesome if there wasn't $350 of taxes on top of it!

But, I agree about paying for quality. Although some don't like Southwest because there are no assigned seats, we love the fact that they are SO FRIENDLY! And also, they are the only nonstop flight to Orlando out of either Buffalo or Toronto that I can find for my dates... that is a big plus!

 

[leslielightfoot]

On the weekend I booked my flights to Orlando for May travel for $355 CAD/person on Air Canada, including taxes, and I'm flying from Western Canada. The flights connect through Toronto, so I imagine Toronto-Orlando would be cheaper.

if we book our flights thru disneyair we are paying $540/pp x 4 - ugh.
this is for november.
it is not much cheaper booking on our own and then we have hastles of transfers to disney ship.

the air is what is killing us.

 

[adamsloco]

I've been looking at airfares for the last week of Nov/ First week of December, and have found what everyone else has been saying. Toronto is no good because of the taxes. (AND, I can add another 350.00 dollars to that price for passports! )

I am not planning to book the airfare until I am sure I have that time off (oops), but I am seeing some good rates for Northwest out of Detroit, and it looks like AirTrans, when they start selling those dates, will have some good rates out of Buffalo. Of course, I am always watching Southwest, but their prices tripled when they opened the summer schedule, I am not sure if they will go back down.

Of course, there is always the possibility of driving all the way. I figures that would be about 1000.00 CAN, and a long drive with kids. (DS 9, DD 5, DD 1)

 

[joiev98]

Of course, there is always the possibility of driving all the way. I figures that would be about 1000.00 CAN, and a long drive with kids. (DS 9, DD 5, DD 1)

I hear ya! We live in Cambridge and with 4 kids its a looooonnnnnggggg drive!! We might have to do it though, if I can't find a cheaper flight!!

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

Have you tried looking for flights from Rochester? That's where I'm thinking of flying out of in August - Air tran ROC to Tampa had some good prices (we are cruising and need Tampa) but the price to MCO was about $20 less.

I've been doing my searches through www.kayak.com and have been coming up with $200 or less pp

 

[adamsloco]

Thanks for the web site suggestion -- always willing to look at another cheap source.

 

[LuvMyLittleBoy]

I Just discovered Westjet is having a seat sale. I got Orlando flights in May for $92 each way + 1 kazzillion $ in tax
But regular roundtrip out of Toronto to Orlando for 3 people was $1632 total is now $900.60 total...savings of $731!!! Too bad I am not travelling till Sept. Anyways I started a thread on it. Hope someone takes advantage, travel until May 31st must be booked by Feb 22.

 

[dancin Disney style]

SW had the $59 fares, to most destinations from BUf, since before Christmas. So unfortunately if you're trying to book now you have missed the sale. The prices went up 1 or 2 days after they opened up dates through to August.

 

[BitsnBearsMom]

SW prices actually went up hours after opening the dates. I missed it due to not being able to get ahold of people.

They have since decided though to pay a bit more money so we can have our seats assigned to make sure the 3 kids can all sit together.

At least I've talked them out of wanting to drive

 

[tmli]

I for one believe the fares for SWA will still drop to more of what we are used to. Its still a bit out for May. I play this game 4-5 times a year....the rates start this high and eventually drop....then a ding could come out as well. I have $59 one way for our May trip on the outbound and now I am waiting to book the return.

I am probably one of the few who would still fly out of Buffalo even if I was paying the same fare. I HATE Pearson.....every time I fly out or in to that airport I am never on time. The lines for security and customs are crazy and the minimum 30 minute wait for my luggage to come drives me insane!

The drive to Buffalo is one hour longer for me than Toronto, but the time and headaches I save are more than worth it.

 

[kristieleeoz]

We are flying out of Rochester in April direct for $900 CAD for 4. Its worth looking into. I found it by accident!

Kristie

BTW, your wedding pic looks beautiful!

 

[misslissa]

I for one believe the fares for SWA will still drop to more of what we are used to. Its still a bit out for May. I play this game 4-5 times a year....the rates start this high and eventually drop....then a ding could come out as well. I have $59 one way for our May trip on the outbound and now I am waiting to book the return.

I am probably one of the few who would still fly out of Buffalo even if I was paying the same fare. I HATE Pearson.....every time I fly out or in to that airport I am never on time. The lines for security and customs are crazy and the minimum 30 minute wait for my luggage to come drives me insane!

The drive to Buffalo is one hour longer for me than Toronto, but the time and headaches I save are more than worth it.

Tracey!

We went at the same time last trip I think! What dates are you going? We'll be there May 20-23rd providing no one with more seniority books it off. (BTW, I am working for CAA finally!)

Which location are you at? And, are you going to the Product thing in March? I am... I might just get to meet you.

 

[misslissa]

We are flying out of Rochester in April direct for $900 CAD for 4. Its worth looking into. I found it by accident!

Kristie

BTW, your wedding pic looks beautiful!

Thanks so much. My 20 year old BIL did all of our pictures with a digital camera and its effects. So, it is proof that people can do their wedding pics on their own and have them look great.

 

[tmli]

I am going May 3-6 this time...the big trip is the summer for the wedding. Staying at POFQ for 8nts, then off for a disney cruise and then 3 nts at Universal.

I am in the new Kitchener Superstore and yes I will be at the product day. finally we may actually get to meet up!

 

[MomtoEmIs&Ow]

On the weekend I booked my flights to Orlando for May travel for $355 CAD/person on Air Canada, including taxes, and I'm flying from Western Canada. The flights connect through Toronto, so I imagine Toronto-Orlando would be cheaper.

By flying out of the states, Buffalo or Detroit you can fly for $130 RT though so it is still cheaper by quite a bit! And when you fly out of Toronto you get hit with HUGE taxes.

 

[misslissa]

I am going May 3-6 this time...the big trip is the summer for the wedding. Staying at POFQ for 8nts, then off for a disney cruise and then 3 nts at Universal.

I am in the new Kitchener Superstore and yes I will be at the product day. finally we may actually get to meet up!

Sounds awesome. We had our Honeymoon there in Sept. But, we'll be going from May 20-23 just to relax.

Lucky girl! I saw pictures of your store and it looks amazing. I'll keep my eye out for you.

And, a side note, do your coworkers think you are nuts for being so "into" Disney? Mine do, I'm at the Markham store.

 

[DutchsMommy]

I have been keeping an eye on BUF/Rochester and Toronto and so far SWA is just not cutting it. Jet blue is cheaper (a bit) but most of their flights are not direct and I don't want to spean 7 hours getting to ORlando! Sunwing out of Pearson seems to have some pretty reasonable rates so I'll keep an eye on them too. One thing I love about BUF is taking car of customs at the Border in your car and not having to deal with it in the airport - definately easier in our experience.

So - hoping for great rates from SWA with fingers crossed!!