I've looked at so many web sites, made so many phone calls...

[Hilary]

... my brain is completely scrambled tonight, BUT ... I think we've nearly booked our flights for next summer! Okay, not exactly a positive result, but I just need to check a couple of things tomorrow before coughing up the deposit.

We've been weighing up the pros / cons of scheduled versus charter, Gatwick versus Cardiff or Birmingham, as well as factoring in price / comfort / convenience. It hasn't been pretty! Even the cheapest quote was still more than I'd anticipated, and the most expensive were out of the question. But the longer you look at the prices which seemed 'out of the question' a day or so ago, the more they seem to be 'not so bad after all'

The favourite at the moment is a Britannia flight from Birmingham, upgraded to either extra legroom or Premium seats.

Yes, I would prefer a scheduled flight, but by the time we've added in the extra cost and hassle of getting to / from Gatwick, it doesn't look quite as attractive. I was very tempted by the TCD fly-drive but, because they also use Gatwick, the savings (which would be quite substantial) still don't really save enough to justify the extra time and effort for us.

Watch this space ...

 

[angel659]

Hi

Know how your feeling. Still trying to seek cheaper alternatives myself.

I have seen a few good deals on

www.justtheflight.co.uk

They offer both charter and scheduled. The only reason I want scheduled for a couple of reasons:-

1) Fly to Orlando Int. Sanford is the pits and a long drive aswell.

2) Better flight companies. We want to fly with Virgin or BA coz of the entertainment side of it.

Good luck, if you happen to see any cheap sites could you let me know thanks.

Regards
Michelle

 

[Hilary]

Oh no, Michelle - That's a site I haven't checked!

Do you know whether their prices on the 'search results' page include airport tax, etc.? They want all the passenger details before they'll come up with a final cost, which makes me wary.

 

[poet123]

Hilary,
We looked at sooo many websites/teletext sites and found the best price by phoning VA direct!!! £1950 for 4 adults 1 child flying manchester with virgin in early july(7th). This was a lot cheaper than TCD/FUNWAY/CHARTER/DIAL A FLIGHT/EXPEDIA ETC.
Have you treid Virgin? not flydrive just the flight only ?

 

[Hilary]

Have you treid Virgin? not flydrive just the flight only ?

Not really because DH is set on getting more legroom and we can't justify 4 x Virgin PE fares Also, we'd be back to the added expense / inconvenience for us to fly from Gatwick.

Thanks for the suggestion though

 

[angel659]

Hiya,

Last time I booked I think it was included in the price. Can you give them a call to confirm this. I cant remember.

Sorry not much help.

Regards
Michelle

 

[MickeyMcMouse]

Originally posted by Hilary
Even the cheapest quote was still more than I'd anticipated, and the most expensive were out of the question. But the longer you look at the prices which seemed 'out of the question' a day or so ago, the more they seem to be 'not so bad after all'

Hilary, I know the feeling, has anyone else noticed the price of flights this year and next is getting silly.

Slightly off topic, just spoke to VH and have discovered that if you fly over a weekend, you can now book a flydrive with them for less than 7 nights ie from 3 nights upwards.

The minimum was 7 nights but has now been changed.

David

 

[Miffy2003]

Yes David I totally agree. Our flights for next August were double what we paid (2 adults and 2 children) in August 02. Inflation or what?

 

[florida sun]

Hilary

Just a thought, I dont know what the cost of flights only would be, but I have booked with Direct Holidays next August(package deal) to Pop from Cardiff, it is My Travel but they are using Monarch Airlines and we have been able to upgrade to Premium Grade.

As I said I dont know if it is flights only you are after, but I do agree with you all that the flight costs and package holiday costs have got very costly for next year.

 

[Hilary]

I'm glad it's not just me being Scrooge-like about the prices! We've never been to Florida in / near the school summer holidays, so I anticipated flights costing a bit more than we're used to, but I didn't expect to be looking at double the cost of previous trips! ... and I thought the dollar / sterling rate was supposed to be in our favour at the moment - but I guess not with British airlines.

Just a thought, I dont know what the cost of flights only would be, but I have booked with Direct Holidays next August(package deal) to Pop from Cardiff, it is My Travel but they are using Monarch Airlines and we have been able to upgrade to Premium Grade.

Yes, we did look at that as one option, and I remember thinking "ridiculous price!" at the time, but it's now back on our 'possible' list, having had all the other, equally ridiculous, prices! However, because of various complications, the Friday B'ham flight suits us better, and we get free car parking at the in-laws' there! Well, it all helps ...

 

[MickeyMcMouse]

Originally posted by Hilary
I didn't expect to be looking at double the cost of previous trips! ... and I thought the dollar / sterling rate was supposed to be in our favour at the moment - but I guess not with British airlines.

When we went in march for 4 days p/e with virgin was £1100 for the two of us. Looking to go at the end of nov for another short visit, which I would have thought is a comparable time with march, and the cheapest quote I can get is around £1800 for p/e with virgin.

I wonder if all the bad weather and adverse security problems with fingerprinting, visa's etc will have any effect on the prices later on next year and maybe bring them back to reality. Will it be worth waiting ?

David

 

[danandjackie]

airline network and go scheduled..avoid charters like the plague..just my opinion

 

[Mike Swannick]

I recently paid £332.30 per adult and £248.30 per child (all charges inc) for return flights to MCO from LHR via Washington (~90 min wait). 08:55 UK departure with American Airlines. These are in April 05. I can give you more info if you need it.

 

[Hilary]

Thanks for all the suggestions, everyone

Finally surrendered and booked Britannia (Premium seats) Birmingham to Sanford. Not cheap, not brilliant, but it's quite a relief just to have got to a point where I'm not still searching for the elusive 'good deal'.

Now I can start trawling websites for the accommodation