I'm scared!

[sssteele]

Booked a flight from Harrisburg, PA to Sanford Orlano on Transmeridian Airlines(12/23). It's the only direct flight from Harrisburg. Just did a search on this forum about TMA and many old posts talk about cancelled flights with no recourse but a refund. Anybody flown Transmeridian from Harrisburg? Anybody had a flight on this airline from Harrisburg that was cancelled? I'd also like to know about the best ground transport from Sanford to a WDW resort (Wilderness Lodge). Any opinions on that? I'll appreciate any replies to my questions/concerns. Thanks!

 

[msr709]

Hi, I'm also from Pennsylvania, but the northeastern part. I can't help you with the airline, never heard of it but the transportation part I can. I just booked with www.transportation2disney.com a pick up from ASMo to Sanford. I've read a ton of good reviews of them on these boards and its one of the few that go to Sanford Airport at a decent rate. HTH. Have a great vacation.

P.S. Did you notice that the airfares of a lot of the other airlines have gone way down, you might want to look into leaving from a different airport if you can.

 

[sssteele]

Can't do a different airport - we're booked non-refundable. We chose this airline because it's the only non-stop carrier from Harrisburg to Orlando. I didn't even know there were two "Orlando" airports when we booked. The airline has billboards in the Harrisburg area advertising "as low as" $79 round trip. Obviously two days before Xmas would be more - $300. Que Sera, Que Sera.

 

[Future Cast Member]

I live in New York. TM Scheduled Flights from a near-by airport to Vegas beginning Feb '04. What happened on JUL 5th? All of the flights were permanently cancelled. I wouldnt trust TM for anymore of my air transportation. Choose a full servece carrier and connect at another airport. If at all possible fly delta and connect in ATL (Atlanta, GA) to MCO (The better of the ORL airports) It may be more expensive, but at least you know your flight will go on as scheduled. As for Transportation, I only know that there are very convienient Shuttles to disney resorts from MCO. Not sure Bout Sanford.

 

[zurgswife]

Looks like you might have to keep your fingers crossed this trip...next time you might want to consider driving to allentown..they have SouthEAST airlines that flys out of there that is very relieable...and great rates too.....

As far as getting from point a to point b...my newest trick is renting a car from the airport for one day...from Sanford the rates are a little higher then MCO but you could get a full size car from Dollar for $65 including tax....and on the way back to the airport I just do it in reverse....I always save money over a towncar and I get a car for 48 hours during my trip..

Good Luck..

 

[TNT21]

ZURGSWIFE-

I WAS THINKING ABOUT DOING TWO ONE DAY RENTALS ALSO, BUT-
HOW MUCH OF A HASSLE IS IT?
DO YOU RETURN THE CAR TO DOLPHIN- THEN HOW TO YOU GET TO YOUR HOTEL?
HOW FAR AHEAD OF TIME TO YOU PICK THE CAR UP BEFORE YOUR RETURN FLIGHT( THE NIGHT BEFORE, RIGHT BEFORE YOU LEAVE FOR THE AIRPORT-?)







I'M NOT AN AIRHEAD, REALLY!!

 

[chicknoodle99]

I dont have any info on Trans Meridian Airlines either but my inlaws live near Hershey, PA and used Harrisburg for years. BUT lately the fares have been much cheaper for them to drive to Baltimore..the parking is a bit more but the airfare prices are worth it. We live in MI and when they came to visit this summer it was better than 150.00 cheaper per ticket for them to fly out of BWI than Harrisburg. I know you cant do anything about your tickets now (as they are nonrefundable) but just an idea for next time.

Good luck and I hope you dont have any problems!

 

[dtuleya]

I totally understand your worries. We live in York and were estatic when we originally heard about this airline and direct flights from Harrisburg. The whole Sanford airport wasn't a big issue with me so I was ready to book. Then I did a search about the airline on these boards and on the net and found out the same thing you did. Since we're cruising, there was no way I could take the chance of them cancelling so I booked our tickets on US Air (before the bankruptcy mess) out of Baltimore.

Crossing my fingers for you!

 

[Captain Blue Sky]

Tran Meridian Airlines (TMA) flies older MD80 aircraft, quite old B727 aircraft, and some B757 aircraft. I believe they service the Harrisburg to Orlando journey with MD80s. TMA is a small airline company attempting to service select destinations that have consistent ridership levels. They cater to budget-conscious travelers. Hence, low fares sometimes equate to unpredicatable service. However, during the holiday week in December I do not believe you will have a problem. Yes, Orlando has 2 airports as many large urban areas have multiple airports. I would at least give them a try before you decide whether or not to be "scared." It pays to do info gathering before you purchase the non-refundable tickets...