Great experience flying out of Buffalo

[hockey mom]

For any of you Canadians in and around my area I just wanted to say that we saved over $1000 to fly out of Buffalo and it was great. We flew Southwest and had the funniest air-line hostess. Our flight was early arriving both ways. We stayed the previous night at Holiday inn airport and for $79.99 a night you sleep, have your vehicle parked for 2 weeks, and free shuttle service. When we came home and got off the airplane I didn't know the phone number of the hotel, but right by baggage claim were all the hotels and you just pick up the phone and hit one number. They were there to pick us up within 5 min., and back to our van. Definetely a positive experience. just wanted to share another way to save a few bucks.

 

[e_cr]

Hi Hockey Mom:

How did you find out about Southwest flying out of Buffalo? I couldn't find them on the web. There are 5 of going for 10 days in October and we don't know whether to fly or drive Thanks.

 

[hockey mom]

Judt type in www.southwest.com, and follow the instructions from there. I was a little nervous with the whole ticketless itinerary thing because we have always drove down, but it was the smoothest transaction we have ever had.

 

[mainey-mouse]

We're flying out that way next week. Don't even have to pay for the hotel (Travelodge) as my husband has enough Travelodge points from business trips to cover this! They'll also park our car. We're saving $700 for a family of 4.

Since this is my kids' first time flying, I'm hoping we qualify for pre-boarding since we have a 4 year old. I asked SW when I made the reservation, but was told they leave it up to the passengers discretion - if you feel you need to pre-board, you pre-board. Do you know if that is how it worked, or were there some criteria?

 

[maryann4086]

Pre boarding is for children 5 and under, so you should be fine. We flew Southwet, last November and had a great time. They offer the only non stop flight from Buffalo to Orlando. Join their Rapid Rewards program and you can earn free flights. Have a good trip, we leave October 25 them can't wait/

 

[hockey mom]

I watched a family with a child that age ask to pre-board and were allowed. Even without it we had no problems. On the way down we were in the 1-30 group and sat near the front and the way back we were in the 31-60 group and still got window seats together near the back. I hope you get the same hostess we did, she was wonderful.

 

[cdntowdw]

I'm just about to buy tickets on USAir, non-stop down arriving 11:00, one stop return at 5:00 so we can have an extra day at Disney. Going Nov.3 back on Nov.17.
I see you are going October, can you tell me how the fare of $187.25 US compares. Is this reasonable? I'm so reluctant to buy so early, but the flight I want is already showing as overbooked. I'm told they may just change to a bigger plane as the time approaches.
They say Southwest sets the standards for rates, so I'll use your comments as my yard stick. Thanks so much.

 

[maryann4086]

Hi, your lucky you're going on a Saturday, that is the only day USAir does non stop/ That price is about right. I can only judge last years prices. For four of us, the cost was approx. $1000 Cdn. Prices on Southwest can range anywhere from $65 to $99 each way(US). Problem is you can't book until about five months out. Right now, they're only booking until end of September, early October. I say, if you can get a non stop flight for that price, and you feel better not waiting, go for it. If the price goes down USAie, can issue you a voucher, so keep your eye on prices. Hope this helps, Maryann

 

[Eno]

Delta also flies out of Buffalo, it is not direct so there is one stop in Atlanta but the web site lists all the fares. We are flying out in August on a Saturday morning.
Flight was 170.00 US but with exchange taxes...etc ended up about 275.00 Cdn but still cheaper than Toronto.

 

[CJ]

We're flying Southwest out of Buffalo this August and I had originally planned on using Niagara Airbus. I took your advice and called Holiday Inn Buffalo Airport, got a rate of $89 US. Cheaper to spend the night, get up later, relaxed and ready to roll! Who'd have guessed?

Thanks again for the great idea!!

 

[hockey mom]

Cj, glad I could help. When you gather luggage on the flight home you will see a bank of phones and all you do is press number 11 for the return shuttle. They were there to pick us up within 5 min., it was great. Have a great time.