Indirect flights

[Woodyplus3]

Hi everyone.

I've found an ok price Manchester to Orlando via Philadelphia for August 22nd with US Airways and have a few questions.

1) Has anyone out there done this route/airline before?
2) Have read some really bad reviews about the company - are they really that bad? On saying that so long as I have a seat I'm not too demanding.
3) On indirect flights do you check-in bags at Manchester all the way through to Orlando or do you have to reclaim them, go through immigration e.t.c and then check in again?
4) How long would you suggest to give between the connecting flights?

Thanks everyone for any help.

xx

 

[tony64]

Hi
I can answer a few of those for you but i'm not sure on other so I'll leave them for those in the know.
1. Not done that route, sorry
2. Not done that airline, sorry
3. You will have to collect your bags when you1st land stateside and clear customs, your bags will then be taken back off you if your second flight is with the same airline. If not I think you will have to check in again.
4. This would depend on the size of the airplane. Sometimes you can have a very long way to get across the airport from the International flight arrivals to the internal flight departures. I like to have a comfortable three hours. Some will say less but i'd get too stressy if it was anything shorter.

 

[kathie859]

Like a PP, I'd allow at least 3 hours to clear customs and make sure that my luggage made it to my next flight

RE: US Airways is as good as any and better than some

Happy Planning

 

[brer_rabbit]

I flew with US Airways last November from Gatwick - had to change at Charlotte. It was really straightforward. You have to collect your bags but you then drop them off again before you go back through immigration for your next flight. It was really clearly signposted and there were loads of staff around - I would imagine a large airport like Philadelphia would be the same.

As for the airline, they were fine. Food was ok, they came round offering juice and water throughout the flight. The only bummer was no free wine with dinner Also they don't give you headphones so if you have any from a previous flight make sure you pack them as they cost £3 (but you can keep them). But the films were good and up to date - I particularly liked that they were "on demand" so you could start and stop as you wished.

I would say going out as tony64 said you want about 3 hours time between flights because you have to queue for immigration - going back its not so much of a problem as your bags are transferred through but it took FOREVER to get off the plane as people were soooo slooooow

I would definitely fly indirect again if it means saving money

 

[wayneg]

We always try for 2 hours outbound for a connection, last year accepted a 90 mins connection in Chicago still made it no problem, did it within the hour.
If your plane is delayed transatlantic, sat at back of plane or slow immigration then 3 hours could be needed but thankfully we have never missed a connection with 2 hours.