I'm Upset with Canada 3000

[Jo-Anne]

I totally understand the fact that flights are not full these days and things are being rearranged, but I just found out today that my Saturday flight, which was direct to Orlando, is now via St. Petersberg, adding another 2 hours onto our flight times. It was scheduled to leave at 06:20 and arrive in Orlando at 0930, but now we go to St P first and don't arrive in Orlando until 11:05. My biggest beef is that I chose this flight specifically as it was direct. I'm anxious enough as it is to step onto a plane and to now have to go up and down twice is NOT what I bargained for. I continue to waffle on whether or not we should go, and this just puts another tic in the "con" box! I know this is petty in the big scheme of things, but it just put me in a bad mood today! Sorry for complaining, just had to get this off my chest. Jo

 

[dbltrbl]

I completely understand your frustration. It seems our airline plans never quite work out, no matter how much we plan. If you're looking for any "bright sides" to this.... It may speed things up a bit going through customs/immigration. Since St. Pete's is your point of entry... you clear customs there. (we did this in '90) Since it's a small airport (and you have a 2 hour wait anyway) you should be able to zip through. Then, once you get to Orlando.... YOU'RE THERE, READY TO GO, no customs/immigration.

 

[Mop]

That's a bummer But, at least it is only 2 hours...some people have had much worse changes. I think you should definitely keep your vacation plans and go. It will be a good break.

 

[sammi]

Hi Jo-Anne! Sorry to hear your news as that's the same flight we've taken many times too! I think we all better get used to doing a few extra stops on our way to any destination as the flights won't be filled up and to save costs etc. they'll be adding stops along the way.

My cousins booked a flight from Glasgow Scotland to see us here in Ontario 12 days ago, and ended up with a stop in Halifax Nova Scotia first. It's a sad situation, but one that I imagine will stick around. I hope you enjoy your holiday despite this news!

 

[CindyAnn]

Jo-Anne - I know exactly what you mean. I also search high and low for a flight that goes up and comes down once when I want to go somewhere. As others have said, though, that's probably the way of the future. I hope you still decide to go and have a great time!

 

[robsawatsky]

My guess is that it will be more than C3000 with changed flights. With most airlines cutting
back schedules by 20% or more, there is bound to be some routing changes. Not that it
makes it any less annoying, but it probably won't just be C3000 that will have these types
of changes.

By the way, I don't thinks customs clearance is an issue since I assume that this is a Toronto
departure that will clear US customs in Toronto?

 

[MikeJ]

Not all US-bound flights clear customs in Toronto. Both times we've flown charters (Canada3000 and Air Transat) we cleared in Orlando. Last time down we drove to Detroit and cleared at the border. Much more civilized, although that may have changed since 911....

- MikeJ

 

[CindyAnn]

When we flew Canada3000 last November we had to clear customs in Orlando, but when we've flown Air Transat we've cleared customs here on Toronto (much easier, at least in the past).

 

[sammi]

We too cleared customs in Toronto when we flew Air Transat last November, but each time we flew Canada 3000 we cleared customs in Orlando. Love the clearing in TO as it gets us straight out to our car rental and on our way so much faster!

 

[my3princesses]

You are not alone. Air Transat did something similar to us when going to WDW last year; but they changed dates on us (leaving a day later) and then they changed the time we left Orlando from 7:00 pm to 7:00 am the same day. Needless to say I was looking forward to spending one whole other day at WDW; but lost 2 days altogether. Also on a trip to Europe a few years ago (me and 3 kids under the age of 7) we were suppose to fly direct from Toronto but instead were sent to Atlanta with a 3 hour layover until we could fly to Europe. All together an eight hour flight turned into over ten plus the 3 hours which is not good when you are travelling with kids. However this was at a time when airlines could afford to screw around with people, hopefully now that they are in money trouble they will try to work with the people who are paying their mortgages a little more. Good luck, and don't let it ruin your trip. Enjoy the holiday!