LAX to MCO average and indirect worth it?

[ArielSparrow]

So I've been tracking airfare and it's still a few months until my trip so I have time to wait for a deal. I don't really know how to tell if the prices will get any lower. The lowest I've seen so far for a nonstop flight is $328.

The lowest I've seen for Southwest is $295, but I'm not sure if an extra hour or two flight time is worth it. I'm claustrophobic, get motion sickness, afraid of heights, and impatient (yeah, i know, what am I doing going to WDW?) so I already don't like the idea of a five-hour non stop flight. There are two of us flying and I'm planning on only checking one bag (I'd rather carry-on but my husband doesn't want to have to deal with it).

My questions are two-fold:
-What's the lowest reasonable price I can expect to see?
-Is 2-4 hours extra trip time and hassle of potential plane change worth the average $110 total price difference?

I know the 2nd question is subjective, but I wanted to see what the thoughts were from people who have flown more. Especially if you or someone in your family also strongly dislikes flying.

 

[figment_jii]

My questions are two-fold:
-What's the lowest reasonable price I can expect to see?
-Is 2-4 hours extra trip time and hassle of potential plane change worth the average $110 total price difference?

I don't have anyone in my family that has a strong dislike of flying, so I'm not sure I can really answer to that, but for me, I would prefer a direct flight because I always get nervous that something could go wrong and I'd miss my connecting flight. I also worry that something will happen to my luggage because there is an extra transfer in the middle. Plus, I'd rather get to WDW as soon as possible. So for me, yes, I would pay the extra $110 and get a direct flight.

 

[Luvchefmic]

Not sure what the lowest you will see is for your starting and ending points BUT

I'm not a fan of flying either, not afraid just a control freak when it comes to me wanting to get somewhere When I get off the plane I want to be at my destination not laying over running through an airport or getting on another plane ( even if have to pay more MY time is worth something)

Right now I am stalking air fares too I want to go to NY in July and am desperate to find direct non-stop on both ends of the trip NOT easy and right now prices very high

 

[bumbershoot]

If you don't have to stop, you get there faster.

If you do stop, it's a nice break to stretch your legs, get a bagel and a coffee or something, and see parts of a new airport.

Both are good for me, personally.


If you can get on Virgin America, all the better, because they are a lovely airline (my fave for domestic in-flight experience). On the higher side sometimes, and you pay for all bags, but then if you rarely fly you're likely paying for all bags anyway, so that's not different.

 

[kaytieeldr]

$328 to fly across the country? Twice? 5,000 miles? That's about $.065 per mile. How is that not a bargain?

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Right now I am stalking air fares too I want to go to NY in July and am desperate to find direct non-stop on both ends of the trip.....:

What is a direct, non-stop flight? Those are two different things.

$328 is a good price these days for LAX-MCO.

 

[Karlzmom]

If you are shopping LAX - MCO, you should also price SNA-MCO [orange county], BUR-MCO [Burbannk] and ONT-MCO [Ontario].

I shopped all 4 and was able to do much better on SW pricing out of SNA. Even if you stick with LAX, you'll have a better feel on the "going rate" out of Los Angeles and will be able to decide if your rate is accepable. FWIW, the best I have seen out of LAX on SW is $144 each way, on sale.

Personally, if I'm flying out of LAX I prefer Virgin, though JetBlue is also a good one as they have extensive leg room [and extra leg room for a small upgrade charge] ....Oh if you look at Jetblue, check LGB-MCO [Long Beach], they fly with a touch and go with short break through Austin so its not as long of a flight as to the East Coast and down. Good Luck.

 

[Luvchefmic]

What is a direct, non-stop flight? Those are two different things.

$328 is a good price these days for LAX-MCO.

OK not a frequent flyer and have seen the discussions here after I posted this re-your question

What I want for me: my body gets into ONE plane gets off at destination and same thing on the return end (barring mechanical difficulties of course) no lay overs no changing planes nothing point A to point B with that in mind anytime I booked I went for non-stop (in my mind "GET ME DIRECTLY THERE!") worked so far


and have to agree LAX-MCO good price

 

[ArielSparrow]

What is a direct, non-stop flight? Those are two different things.

$328 is a good price these days for LAX-MCO.

How are those two different things? I mean, I know that there are flights where you stop but don't change plans, but a direct flight is not stop, right? I mean, once you stop it's no longer direct.

$328 to fly across the country? Twice? 5,000 miles? That's about $.065 per mile. How is that not a bargain?

Well, I don't fly often so I don't know and that's why i'm asking. I don't know anything about the fuel efficiency of jets or what's normal.

If you are shopping LAX - MCO, you should also price SNA-MCO [orange county], BUR-MCO [Burbannk] and ONT-MCO [Ontario].

I shopped all 4 and was able to do much better on SW pricing out of SNA. Even if you stick with LAX, you'll have a better feel on the "going rate" out of Los Angeles and will be able to decide if your rate is accepable. FWIW, the best I have seen out of LAX on SW is $144 each way, on sale.

Personally, if I'm flying out of LAX I prefer Virgin, though JetBlue is also a good one as they have extensive leg room [and extra leg room for a small upgrade charge] ....Oh if you look at Jetblue, check LGB-MCO [Long Beach], they fly with a touch and go with short break through Austin so its not as long of a flight as to the East Coast and down. Good Luck.

I checked SNA, ONT, BUR, LGB, Virgin, and Jet Blue but only Virgin had direct flights and Jet Blue was considerably more. I only looked into Southwest and Jet Blue at my husband's request. Mainly I've just been using Google Flights but went to Southwest and Jet Blue directly at my husband's request.

Really I only saw $328 when I first started checking (except months ago i did a quick check and i think it was $358). The more recent prices have been around $360. I think it would've been foolish to buy the first thing I see before shopping around. Also I've been going by this http://www.angieslist.com/comment/68056

The other thing about an indirect flight is maybe I won't save as much money in the long run. With a direct flight I'd already by arriving after 4p. I'm told there won't be a good selection of rental cars. If I arrive at 8p, I'll most definitely be stuck with some SUV. The extra gas money plus the added stress and less time to recover from jet lag might not be worth the $110. It's hard because I'm currently $200 over budget. I'm excited for WDW but planning our usual road trips is so much easier/cheaper.

Now I hope it goes back down to $328 because today it's $368 (Virgin & Delta)

 

[sam_gordon]

How are those two different things? I mean, I know that there are flights where you stop but don't change plans, but a direct flight is not stop, right? I mean, once you stop it's no longer direct.

A direct flight=a flight, including stops and possibly a plane change, that keeps the flight number from departure to arrival.
A non-stop flight=a flight that doesn't stop between departure & arrival.
A connecting flight=a flight that stops and probably a plane change, but the flight number changes during the stop.

Examples:
Direct:
Flight #1234 LAX->DAL->MCO (you might need to change planes in Dallas)

Non Stop
Flight #567 LAX->MCO

Connecting
Flight #890 LAX-> DAL
Flight #1112 DAL ->MCO

 

[kaytieeldr]

Well, I don't fly often so I don't know and that's why i'm asking. I don't know anything about the fuel efficiency of jets or what's normal.

It's not about the fuel efficiency of jets. It's about what a great deal it is overall to 2,500 miles in five hours for 6.5 cents per mile.

The AAA gas calculator has the trip using a little over $408 in gas in a four door Accord, or just over $.16 per mile - and the trip takes 36 hours. With no rat, food, or other breaks. So it's not just about the money.

The other thing about an indirect flight is maybe I won't save as much money in the long run. With a direct flight I'd already by arriving after 4p. I'm told there won't be a good selection of rental cars. If I arrive at 8p, I'll most definitely be stuck with some SUV. The extra gas money plus the added stress and less time to recover from jet lag might not be worth the $110. It's hard because I'm currently $200 over budget. I'm excited for WDW but planning our usual road trips is so much easier/cheaper.

Your source is misinformed. People arrive and depart during a wide range of hours on all different days at vacation destinations. Renters will be returning a variety of vehicles after 4 PM, and other renters will be returning vehicles after 8 PM. Rental cars aren't like hotel rooms, where the specific supply dwindles as the day progresses. Worst case, you can exchange a vehicle the next day.

But if you're over budget, why are you renting a car?

 

[bumbershoot]

I checked SNA, ONT, BUR, LGB, Virgin, and Jet Blue but only Virgin had direct flights and Jet Blue was considerably more. I only looked into Southwest and Jet Blue at my husband's request. Mainly I've just been using Google Flights but went to Southwest and Jet Blue directly at my husband's request.

Since you're looking at Virgin, have you signed up for emails from them? Be sure to. They have sales, but they are QUICK.


Is the one-way fare around 184? (I went by your ticker and looked around on their site) If so, I'd snag it, personally. That's pretty good IMO. And the plane is swanky and fabulous, and as long as you do not go back and look at the prices again (Virgin does not allow changes without a fee), you almost certainly will not regret booking it now. They just had a sale (this might still be part of the sale prices), so who knows if they'll have another for your dates.

 

[ArielSparrow]

It's not about the fuel efficiency of jets. It's about what a great deal it is overall to 2,500 miles in five hours for 6.5 cents per mile.

The AAA gas calculator has the trip using a little over $408 in gas in a four door Accord, or just over $.16 per mile - and the trip takes 36 hours. With no rat, food, or other breaks. So it's not just about the money.

The thing is, it's not like my other option is to drive. That'd be incredibly expensive. It's do i buy now or wait until a month before like the travel writers suggest? They say to start watching this early, but i don't know what I'm looking for.

QUOTE=kaytieeldr;48566124]But if you're over budget, why are you renting a car?[/QUOTE]

I didn't want to at first but after a couple months I calculated and i would be wasting the rest of my money in the time spent waiting for public transportation. Plus if get less sleep or less time in the parks, neither of which I want to do after spending this much money. And there's A/C. After counting everything I think the difference came out to about $5/hour, and my time is with more than that. It's not just what's spent, much getting the most for your money. And assigning value to intangible things, like stress and freedom. I know the exchange is different for each person but I found mine.

 

[ArielSparrow]

Is the one-way fare around 184? (I went by your ticker and looked around on their site) If so, I'd snag it, personally. That's pretty good IMO. And the plane is swanky and fabulous, and as long as you do not go back and look at the prices again (Virgin does not allow changes without a fee), you almost certainly will not regret booking it now. They just had a sale (this might still be part of the sale prices), so who knows if they'll have another for your dates.

Yeah, but that's $80 total now than the lowest I mentioned. Although, that was AA/Delta/United and Virgin was 385. And I have heard good things about them. I think my husband prefers them after Jet Blue so I'll talk to him and might just have to snag that. The departure times are perfect too

 

[ArielSparrow]

I'm glad I posted this thread. I didn't realize Virgin was on sale. I voted with them and I feel pretty confident. I know someone who's reeeally afraid of flying and only flies with them. My rewards kept messing up so I had to pay cash but i used points to book a car. Plus, the takeoff times were basically exactly what I was looking for. Thanks all!

 

[bumbershoot]

I'm glad I posted this thread. I didn't realize Virgin was on sale. I voted with them and I feel pretty confident. I know someone who's reeeally afraid of flying and only flies with them. My rewards kept messing up so I had to pay cash but i used points to book a car. Plus, the takeoff times were basically exactly what I was looking for. Thanks all!

I'm so happy for you. Virgin is wonderful. If you're flying during a mealtime, get your order in (by way of their "RED" system) early so they don't run out of what you want!

And remember, don't check prices again. If they do go down, you would have to pay a change fee, so it's pointless to look back.

Enjoy the "mood lighting" on the plane!

 

[kaytieeldr]

I didn't want to at first but after a couple months I calculated and i would be wasting the rest of my money in the time spent waiting for public transportation. Plus if get less sleep or less time in the parks, neither of which I want to do after spending this much money. And there's A/C. After counting everything I think the difference came out to about $5/hour, and my time is with more than that. It's not just what's spent, much getting the most for your money. And assigning value to intangible things, like stress and freedom. I know the exchange is different for each person but I found mine.

Did you use the best case/worst case comparison chart in The Unofficial Guide? The time spent - the difference in the time spent - between using Disney-provided (so no additional cost) transportation and renting a car may not be as great as you think. I understand about the intangible value of time, but you said you're already $200 over budget. It seems you can get back under budget by simply not renting a car - and without cutting into park or sleep time unless those are the only two things you plan to do each day.

 

[goingtowdwwithkiddos]

I paid1700 for 5 flying AA direct flight leaving friday 7-19 and returning sat 7-28 I havenot seen cheaper for my day though not really looking once booked. Oh yeah LAX-MCO. ONT would have been my dream but the prices . Oh yeah last time 5 years ago we had a lay over that was delayed forever in TN so if possible direct is my preference

 

[ArielSparrow]

Did you use the best case/worst case comparison chart in The Unofficial Guide? The time spent - the difference in the time spent - between using Disney-provided (so no additional cost) transportation and renting a car may not be as great as you think. I understand about the intangible value of time, but you said you're already $200 over budget. It seems you can get back under budget by simply not renting a car - and without cutting into park or sleep time unless those are the only two things you plan to do each day.

No I didn't know about that chart and used my own comparisons. I calculated that it would have been at least 6-7 hours more and walking in the humid Orlando air (thus making us sticky and tired before we reach the gates). We are used to spending the entire day at Disneyland so can't imagine not being there open-close with the limited hours that WDW parks are open. The rental car cost $312 for two weeks and parking at Disney, Universal, and Kennedy will be $167. So that's $479. Shuttle from the airport is $21/person one-way. So that's $84 and I have notes here that it would cost $64 in bus fares to get places. I couldn't find any free public transportation options and the way I understood it you have to be a guest to use Disney's shuttles (plus there's the matter of getting to their stops). Plus a twenty minute drive to Orlando from Kissimmee would be at least an hour on a bus.

So that's $300 to save 6 hours and arrive at the parks feeling and smelling fresh. Even less because I didn't fully look into how much a shuttle or taxi would be to Kennedy (an hour's drive away) once I saw how the numbers were looking. There is a tour for $95. Admission is $50 so that's $45 for that, and they get you there an hour after it opens, which wouldn't be ideal as it looks like it's already going to be hard to do everything in one day. We're coming a long way and don't think it's a good use of our time to spend an hour a day waiting for a shuttle. We'd rather spend that hour by the pool or something, if the day has that extra time. I also didn't calculate how long it would take to take Disney's buses between DD, Boardwalk, and AoA but i heard there aren't direct routes. We wanted to visit those locations on our non-park day.

Plus shuttles and buses won't accept my credit card points. (^ _ -)