Leaving via MCO or TPA?

[Akioqey]

Hi all,

Wondering if anyone can help this poor lost soul from the UK plan our return journey?

Our flights back to London is via Boston on 4th Jan 2023 and flights from TPA is approx $150 per person cheaper compared to MCO. It's going to be a two person trip so we'll be saving around $300 which means more money to use for souvenirs and food! We're planning on renting a car during our time there, as we're staying for about 3 weeks so wanted the flexibility of going around and not having to wait for shuttles during such a busy season.

Regardless whether we're flying from TPA or MCO, there is a flight around 11.30am to Boston from both airports which gives us plenty of time to catch our flight home at 8pm. I read that the drive to TPA is not bad from Disney World (we're staying at Coronado Springs) but since we'll have to get to TPA by around 9am at the latest factoring in rental return times, is this doable? Will there be lots of traffic due to rush hour on the highway? Is the hassle not worth the money saved?

Thanks!

Edit: Thanks for all the helpful replies everyone! I think we'll stick to flying out via MCO and taking the earlier flight so we have a backup option in the event the 7am flight gets cancelled. Best case scenario, we'll just be stuck waiting for check in to open at Boston airport reminiscing about our holiday as we'll be there for nearly 10 hours early! Really appreciate everyone's help!

 

[Mle8308]

Hi all,

Wondering if anyone can help this poor lost soul from the UK plan our return journey?

Our flights back to London is via Boston on 4th Jan 2023 and flights from TPA is approx $150 per person cheaper compared to MCO. It's going to be a two person trip so we'll be saving around $300 which means more money to use for souvenirs and food! We're planning on renting a car during our time there, as we're staying for about 3 weeks so wanted the flexibility of going around and not having to wait for shuttles during such a busy season.

Regardless whether we're flying from TPA or MCO, there is a flight around 11.30am to Boston from both airports which gives us plenty of time to catch our flight home at 8pm. I read that the drive to TPA is not bad from Disney World (we're staying at Coronado Springs) but since we'll have to get to TPA by around 9am at the latest factoring in rental return times, is this doable? Will there be lots of traffic due to rush hour on the highway? Is the hassle not worth the money saved?

Thanks!

We used to fly in/out of Tampa (I live in Boston) if the fares were a lot cheaper, however one trip we encountered a HORRIBLE thunderstorm on the drive to TPA (during the summer). It caused a few bad accidents on I-4 and really tied up traffic, plus it was incredibly scary. I lived in Orlando for many years and thunderstorms were not new to me. We barely made it to the airport. Something else to consider is the extra charge for dropping off your rental car at a different airport from where it was rented (I am guessing you are flying in to MCO). The additional charge and driving (about 75 minutes with no traffic) may not be worth it. We don't fly out of Tampa anymore if we are not already staying in that area. Many do and find it worthwhile.

 

[Mrs.AMC]

The drive from Orlando to Tampa IS kinda bad, so I'm not sure what you've been reading.
I4 traffic is never great, sometimes it's horrific.
You do need to consider added costs of getting from Orlando to Tampa, be it added fuel and/or rental car charges for a different drop off point (this can vary by agency).
Run your numbers.
You can check traffic conditions on a given day/time of day to test what they are like just by checking an app (if you can load the apps from the UK) to test conditions over a few days.

I personally would need to save more than $300 to drive to Tampa, but that's me.

 

[sam_gordon]

Let me say if I had my choice, I'd pick TPA over MCO *ANY* day, all things being equal. While it is a longer drive, it's probably only 20-30 minutes longer to get to TPA than to MCO from Disney.

As mentioned, see what happens with your car rental rate if you return it to TPA. Gas I wouldn't be too concerned about, the price difference would probably be <$10.

For your timing, I wouldn't want to be hitting Tampa traffic between 8a-9a (as you said, rush hour). So I'd consider going the night before or earlier the morning of (maybe leave Disney 6:30a-7?).

 

[Lewisc]

I used Tampa, maybe 15 years ago. The drive was just over a hour. Rental costs were similar for rent return at either airport. About the same for pickup at one a d drop off at the other.

Things have changed. Price the rental car both ways. Everyone has a price. I might do it for $300, I wouldn't if car rental costs reduced this.

What is the total cost of your trip? Is $300 significant.

Miss your flight and you might miss your flight to London. Is it on one ticket? If not allow extra time im Boston.

Edited to add I note your flight info in OP. If its not booked on one ticket..What happens if your flight is canceled. Will the next flight to Boston allow you to make your flight?
Given the large number of delayed and canceled flights I'd consider flying to Boston the night before.

 

[Akioqey]

Thanks everyone for your helpful replies. I managed to book a car rental with Hertz (pickup at Hilton Orlando branch instead of MCO) as we do not need to use the car for a few days while we stay on-site in Royal Pacific at Universal. Rental from 22nd Dec - 4th Jan costs me $400 with Amex platinum discount if dropping off at Tampa or $350 if dropping off at MCO.

Flights are not on one ticket as we got our London to Boston flights via air miles and will be looking at buying internal flights separately so I've definitely noted the points around flight cancellations happening recently.

Also considered travelling to Tampa the night before, but hotels near the airports are pretty expensive so any saving we have by flying via Tampa is pretty much eaten up by hotel costs. Looks like might be a better decision to just suck up the more expensive MCO flight. Looks like I have a choice between flying Delta or Jetblue and both costs around the same...

 

[Lewisc]

What airline are you using for BOS London?

The question isn't if the 11:30 flight gives you enough time. The question is if a later flight will give enough time if your flight is canceled. Consider booking the earliest flight.

 

[Akioqey]

What airline are you using for BOS London?

The question isn't if the 11:30 flight gives you enough time. The question is if a later flight will give enough time if your flight is canceled. Consider booking the earliest flight.

Flying British Airways back to London. Good point, there's a 7.20am flight to Boston, and that leaves the 11.30 flight as backup. The next flight after 11.30 is at 3.30 (and lands at 6.20) which is too late considering I have to re-check in my baggage at the counter and go through passport control etc.

 

[Lewisc]

Flying British Airways back to London. Good point, there's a 7.20am flight to Boston, and that leaves the 11.30 flight as backup. The next flight after 11.30 is at 3.30 (and lands at 6.20) which is too late considering I have to re-check in my baggage at the counter and go through passport control etc.

January can be bad weather. Chances are the plane you'll by flying to London is coming from London. It will be waiting for you in Boston. As long as the airport can clear the runways it should be waiting for you.

Bad weather might have a greater impact on domestic flights. Airlines will proactively cancel flight rather then risk having planes stuck in snowed in cities.

I'd be prepared to fly to Boston a day or even 2 days early if weather appears to be bad. British Airways doesn't owe you anything if you don't make it to Boston in time to catch your flight. Given enough time you might be able to, subject to a fee, to cancel and return your miles. Not as likely you'll be able to use your miles to book a replacement flight.

British Air has a few non-stop flights from Orlando and Miami to LHR. I'd see if you can use your miles. Consider returning your miles and paying for those flights. Kayak is showing low fares available.

 

[Akioqey]

January can be bad weather. Chances are the plane you'll by flying to London is coming from London. It will be waiting for you in Boston. As long as the airport can clear the runways it should be waiting for you.

Bad weather might have a greater impact on domestic flights. Airlines will proactively cancel flight rather then risk having planes stuck in snowed in cities.

I'd be prepared to fly to Boston a day or even 2 days early if weather appears to be bad. British Airways doesn't owe you anything if you don't make it to Boston in time to catch your flight. Given enough time you might be able to, subject to a fee, to cancel and return your miles. Not as likely you'll be able to use your miles to book a replacement flight.

Ah, thank you. That's really helpful advice. I will definitely keep monitoring the weather and flight news during our time there and be prepared to fly to Boston early if we have to.

 

[_19disnA]

I agree that time of year bad weather (snow/ice) can be an issue in the northern parts of USA. Snow unlikely to be an issue in Florida. Domestic airlines typically have a hub city where many flight originate. The airplane for your flight could get delayed in some unrelated city due to bad weather. Airlines don't want to get thousands of people stuck in various airports in bad weather and then it takes days to clear the backlog since many aircraft will be out of position.

Bad weather happens randomly in the winter, so you just never know when that might be. A few days prior to your return trip, I would watch the weather channel to see if any major storms are likely to happen.

Traffic jams relating to rush hour can happen any weekday in larger cities where there is lots of traffic. I would always leave plenty of travel time to the airport regardless of which one you choose. You can always shop or eat a meal at the airport if you arrive early.

Tampa airport is significantly further away then MCO, you can look on google to get the exact mileage. The difference in mileage relating to part of a tank of gas on a rental car isn't something that would be a factor if I was the one deciding.

 

[Lewisc]

I'm seeing fares around 750 from mco or mia to lhr.

I'd get rid of the connection in Boston.
Edited to add those are non stop. Connecting flights are a little less.
I suggest redopositing your miles, if you can't switch your award flight and book with $.

 

[Darcy03231]

If you decide to take the early morning flight from Tampa, I'd get to Tampa the night before your flight and stay in an airport hotel. That way you won't have to worry about fighting traffic/accident/weather delays. Much less stress to get there the night before. Then you just have to return your rental car in the morning.

 

[sam_gordon]

If you decide to take the early morning flight from Tampa, I'd get to Tampa the night before your flight and stay in an airport hotel. That way you won't have to worry about fighting traffic/accident/weather delays. Much less stress to get there the night before. Then you just have to return your rental car in the morning.

Something that MIGHT help is if you return the rental car the night before and use the shuttle to a nearby hotel might save you some rental car $$. I'd price it out.

 

[Darcy03231]

Something that MIGHT help is if you return the rental car the night before and use the shuttle to a nearby hotel might save you some rental car $$. I'd price it out.

That's another good idea. We usually keep the car so we don't have to cram into the shuttle with a bunch of other people.

 

[MrKnight]

I would strongly recommend flying in/out of MCO instead of TPA.. MCO is the largest and busiest airport in the state and has the most flight options, in the event that there are delays/cancellations/etc. you will not be stranded at MCO.. TPA on the other hand is a much smaller airport on top of being an hour+ drive from WDW.. IMHO its not worth the risk especially if you traveling internationally..

Also, have you considered switching to a direct flight to London from MCO? Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have direct non-stop flights between MCO and London..

 

[sam_gordon]

I would strongly recommend flying in/out of MCO instead of TPA.. MCO is the largest and busiest airport in the state and has the most flight options, in the event that there are delays/cancellations/etc. you will not be stranded at MCO.. TPA on the other hand is a much smaller airport on top of being an hour+ drive from WDW.. IMHO its not worth the risk especially if you traveling internationally..

Also, have you considered switching to a direct flight to London from MCO? Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have direct non-stop flights between MCO and London..

Smaller airports have other advantages... easier security and not as crowded quickly come to mind. And yes, while there are more flights out of MCO, depending on the airline/reason for the flight cancellations, it CAN happen there.

And I love the "Tampa is an hour+ drive from WDW". Heck, MCO is at 30 minutes, possibly more. So the difference between going to TPA vs MCO is ~30 minutes.

Looking at ALL the variables... transportation time, flight schedules, transportation cost, airfare cost, and connecting vs direct flights, IMO, TPA is worth at least looking into. If you can save money in the process? Bonus!

 

[Akioqey]

I'm seeing fares around 750 from mco or mia to lhr.

I'd get rid of the connection in Boston.
Edited to add those are non stop. Connecting flights are a little less.
I suggest redopositing your miles, if you can't switch your award flight and book with $.

We're doing a couple of days in Boston first before flying into MCO which is why the return leg is also in Boston and that's why our internal flights are not on the same ticket as it's bought separately.

Something that MIGHT help is if you return the rental car the night before and use the shuttle to a nearby hotel might save you some rental car $$. I'd price it out.

Good point, on the balance of cost, it's probably cheaper to cancel the one night in Coronado Springs on the 3rd and stay in a Tampa hotel the night before. The rental car cost remains the same regardless as we'll be leaving late at night so it doesn't matter if we drop it off the night before or the morning

I would strongly recommend flying in/out of MCO instead of TPA.. MCO is the largest and busiest airport in the state and has the most flight options, in the event that there are delays/cancellations/etc. you will not be stranded at MCO.. TPA on the other hand is a much smaller airport on top of being an hour+ drive from WDW.. IMHO its not worth the risk especially if you traveling internationally..

Also, have you considered switching to a direct flight to London from MCO? Both British Airways and Virgin Atlantic have direct non-stop flights between MCO and London..

We would have done so but we're spending a few days in Boston first on arrival to the US, which is why the return journey is at Boston!

Smaller airports have other advantages... easier security and not as crowded quickly come to mind. And yes, while there are more flights out of MCO, depending on the airline/reason for the flight cancellations, it CAN happen there.

And I love the "Tampa is an hour+ drive from WDW". Heck, MCO is at 30 minutes, possibly more. So the difference between going to TPA vs MCO is ~30 minutes.

Looking at ALL the variables... transportation time, flight schedules, transportation cost, airfare cost, and connecting vs direct flights, IMO, TPA is worth at least looking into. If you can save money in the process? Bonus!

Exactly that! It's going to be a pretty expensive trip all in all, and if I can save some money by going to an airport that doesn't seem that much further on paper, why not right?

 

[Lewisc]

We're doing a couple of days in Boston first before flying into MCO which is why the return leg is also in Boston and that's why our internal flights are not on the same ticket as it's bought separately.

I'm seeing fares under 1,000 for a flight LHR to BOS with return MCO to LHR.

People book these kinds of flights all the time. Multiple city.

Have you already booked your international flights? Call and find out what fees you'll have to pay to make the change. It might not.cost much more then the flight.to BOS

Edited
Price multi city to BOS with your return flight from MCO or MIA. Then call BA or your travel agent. What will it cost to change your reservation? What will you get back if you cancel your reservation. What fees. Deposit miles. Doesn't BA charge $$ fuel surcharges on transatlantic awards flight?