Need Quick Advice: United or Continental?

[Castillo Mom]

I'm concerned that fares are going to go up for my travel dates so will probably book within the next couple of days.

The current RT fare for Continental out of Orange County, CA to MCO is $314 including fees/taxes. They both have the same itinerary, connecting flight departing at 6:45 a.m., connecting in Dallas and arriving at MCO at 4:51.

Which would you choose based on your past experience with either carrier?

 

[leebee]

United.. just like them better, although Continental is pretty good too. Why don't you check the on-time percentages or the % of overbooking for these flights to help you make up your mind?

BTW, I think these are pretty great prices for flying cross-country. Fares on the east coast are crazy. To go from Bangor, ME to Orlando in April is over $600 right now. Granted, it's not too far away AND it's vacation week, but even in June or August, it'd cost us over $300 to fly from Boston to Orlando, and it'd include a four to five hour drive in each direction.

 

[Castillo Mom]

Yes, I think it's the lowest fare we're going to find. We've always flown direct but it's over $500 and I'm not waiting around to see if it goes down.

United seems to have a better on time record than Continental.

 

[figment_jii]

You might check to make sure this isn't same flight. United and Continental in the process of merging and several of their flight are now "United, Operated by Continental" or "Continental, Operated by United". I only say this because last December we booked through United, but was actually on a Continental flight.

That being said, I was not impressed with Continental, thought we have also had bad experiences with United. In December, our Continental flight was late leaving MCO (because they mis-counted luggage and had to go back to the gate the re-count) and when we arrived at our connection we had to run (it was luckily still there because it was late departing as well). The connecting flight was obviously having its own problems because the plane hadn't been cleaned and ran out of food about half way through economy.

 

[beachbunny]

Are you sure they're not the same flights? The two airlines are now consolidated, although operating still as two airlines, but booking each other's flights. If they're the same flights, book the one that's cheaper. And if they're the same price, book the one you have a FF account with.

 

[grumpytx]

Agree with previous statements, probably same flight. Continental and United merged, it's wierd seeing Continental colors and United name on the aircraft now. By the way, wish I could get those rates out of IAH.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

The current RT fare for Continental out of Orange County, CA to MCO is $314 including fees/taxes. They both have the same itinerary, connecting flight departing at 6:45 a.m., connecting in Dallas and arriving at MCO at 4:51.

Which would you choose based on your past experience with either carrier?

They're the same flights on the same aircraft, but sold under both airline brands.

The connections are not at Dallas. The connections are at George Bush Intcntl Airport in Houston (IAH), which has been Continental's major hub for many years.

Are you sure you really want a 6:45 a.m. departure? Early morning flights seem like a good idea when you book them because they allow you to arrive sooner. However, getting to the airport at 4:45 a.m. is no fun. A night with hardly any sleep is an awful way to start a vacation.

 

[Castillo Mom]

You're right, they're both out of Houston. I thought they were different flights because they have different flight numbers. What you're saying makes sense though, I was wondering why both would have the exact itinerary.

We usually take the direct 8:25 a.m. flight out of LAX on American but right now the fare is more than we're willing to pay. We have little ones with us this time and are trying to avoid arriving at MCO too late in the evening. We figured better to get up early and get to bed early than vice versa.

 

[OrangeCountyCommuter]

It's the same airline now... as time goes on expect fewer and fewer difference.

OP really doesn't have a choice. If the flights are EXACTLY the same it's either Continental selling a United Ticket or vise versa. They aren't flying that exact same route.

 

[Castillo Mom]

It's the same airline now... as time goes on expect fewer and fewer difference.

OP really doesn't have a choice. If the flights are EXACTLY the same it's either Continental selling a United Ticket or vise versa. They aren't flying that exact same route.

OC Commuter, sounds like you're from SoCal and are familiar with SNA. Since it's a much smaller airport than LAX, do you think we'd be ok arriving an hour and half before our flight? I know there's construction going on right now but don't know if it'll continue through September or not.

 

[bytheblood]

It is the same airline.

 

[Castillo Mom]

Ok, we booked tonight! I think we got a really good fare. We haven't flown to Orlando for this cheap since '04!

Now all we need to do is find a good rate for a car rental.

 

[bumbershoot]

That's a disgustingly good fare, and I'm jealous.

We have a trip just before yours (leaving the day after you arrive) and I'm starting the rental car dance myself. We're almost certain we'll use National b/c the Emerald Aisle worked so nicely for us in December, but I'm keeping options open.