In-Direct Flights - Please Advise

[charlie1910]

I am more of a reader than a Poster on here, but I need some help regarding flights on our pending visit to WDW and hopefully someone could help,

We are planning a trip for September 2011, and have booked our villa already so dates are strict, (5th - 19th)
With the increasing direct flight prices, we are now looking at the in-direct flight option,
What kind of time should you give yourself at the connecting airport to then catch your flight into orlando?
Looked at the KLM website and a flight on Delta leaves you 1 1/2hr change over in ATL,
This does not seem enough time to me, but was looking for some information if anyone could help,
We are getting slightly worried as our flights have not been booked yet, and everyday they seem to be going up!! At this rate, we will be using a canoe and an oar

Thanks for your help,

 

[wayneg]

I have been thru quite a few of the US hubs never a problem with 90 mins but Atlanta is the only one I would say its a struggle, the immigration hall is the largest I have seen, bag collection was really slow last August(and we were business class so should have been priority) then security line was mega long and slow.
Saying that if you miss you flight you will be put on the next available, Delta have a regular service to MCO so should be same day. Our friends missed their connection July 2009 in Atlanta, they put them on the next one 90 mins later.
Which UK airports can you go from? what price do you have? how many? I will look at options.

 

[charlie1910]

Hi Wayne,

We live in the Midlands so any airport within the UK we are happy to fly from,

Well I keep checking on Skyscanner ever day, (not sure if this is the best website to search flights on)
We are happy with economy class,
VA is about £620 each, BA £650, although I noticed since 1st feb 2011
BA now give you 2 x 23KG bags to check in if flying economy class, (originaly 1 bag, BA had been cheapest up to 1st Feb, but obviously increased airfare due to extra bag )
These were flying from Gatwick,
I do have 54,000 Virgin Atlantic air miles to use up (not a frequent Virgin flyer, just a fallen food trolley on to my legs on the 2009 trip)
Was thinking about using the M+M scheme if this would lower the cost,

I went in feb 2009, but booked a package with VH, staying in LBV,
This time we are going DIY and staying in a villa (which is booked)
as we are taking my parents for there 50th birthdays this year,
Been looking at various car hire companys (we used Dollar previously) and tickets through orlando attractions

Many Thanks for your help,

P.S Although I am not regular in posting, your help in other posts has been read and much appreciated in other areas I have been needing info in, so thanks

 

[wayneg]

Not heard of the increase in BA luggage so just had a look, its only for Y class fares.
"** For bookings made from 01 February 2011, customers travelling on a full-fare ticket in World Traveller (Y class) have a free allowance of 2 bags"

£530 with Netflights looks best deal, as its a 3pm flight to MCO from ATL there is a few more flights the same day they will get you on if you missed the connection.

Shame you can't be flexible, Monarch have direct flights to Sanford under £500 in Sept but I think 8th is nearest to your dates.

Just checked Miles and Money with VA, £551.90 +2,000miles from Gatwick
Manchester would have to be day later at £553.99 +2,000 miles

Post any questions you want, there are plenty of us that enjoy answering

 

[charlie1910]

Thanks Wayne,
I have jsut had a look on Monarch too, and WOW that is a lot cheaper!
Why so cheap?? Hae you flew with them before?
I have checked the availability of the villa and if we changed to the 8th it is vacant
Fingers crossed the owner allows us to change the dates!!

 

[wayneg]

£459pp if you don't prebook seats.

Never used them, they get mixed reviews (doesn't every airline?) if the price was right I would try them. Some would rather pay the extra £100pp and fly Virgin into MCO, slightly better luggage allowance and drinks included.

Sept is low season, if sales are slow airlines reduce prices. I guess they are just trying to create some sales.