Need some transportation advice

[Smiling Cheshire Cat]

We had planned to drive the 11-hour trip to WDW for our next vacation less than a month away, but DH has developed some problems with the ulnar nerve in both of his arms.

I've been pricing some flights and can't decide if I should go with Delta or Allegiant. We have flown both before and had no problems.

Delta is $1046 for 4 people. The advantage is that we can get an early arriving flight and a later leaving flight which gives us almost another full day at WDW. And of course we would use the ME.

Allegiant is $833.92 with a car rental included. We would also have to check a bag and pay for the toll roads, so I'm thinking you can tack another $100 on to that total. The last time we fly Allegiant and rented a car we didn't use it at all while at WDW. Since we are staying at the BC I checked into 1-day rentals to return the car at the Alamo place at the Dolphin and it was nearly the same price as the package for the week through Allegiant. Other than the price, the advantage to flying Allegiant is a quick 90-minute direct flight and no hassle airport at Sanford.

I know it sounds like I'm pinching pennies, but this is an unexpected expense for us. It's not a deal breaker, financially we will still be able to afford to make the trip if we need to fly. I'm still hopeful that DH may feel better so I don't plan to book a flight until after he visits a neurologist the first of July and gets more information about his condition.

So I guess my question is with this scenario would you go with Delta or Allegiant? Also does anyone know how one gets ME vouchers when booking airfare this late?

Thanks so much for taking the time to respond-

 

[chasgoose]

Well I wouldn't worry too much about having the car since parking is free at BC even if you don't use the car except for the trips to and from the airport (also I'm assuming the other transportation options from Sanford are more expensive than the package).

For me it would come down to whether the better times on Delta are worth the $50 or so extra pp it would cost to fly them. My only other consideration is that if something goes wrong with your trip like weather or delays, Delta gives you a lot more flexibility than Allegiant does with their limited schedules and inability to book you on anther airline if things really go bad. I might book Delta solely for that peace of mind, but you will probably be fine on Allegiant.

 

[goofy4tink]

All things being equal, go with the things that matter the most to you. If extra time at wdw is important to you, go with Delta. If having a car with you is important, go with Allegiant.
You can wait until the last minute to book DME. DME needs at least 10 days to get your packet printed up and mailed to you. So if you really want those luggage tags, book early enough to get them.
I love flying into Sanford. It's a terrific airport. But it does take twice as long to get to wdw vs MCO.

 

[sam_gordon]

If you need to check a bag on Allegient, wouldn't you need to check a bag on Delta? Unless you have their AmEx card, that's an extra charge too.

Other that that, I agree with goofy4tink. What's more important? Saving money or more time in the parks?

 

[Lewisc]

If you need to check a bag on Allegient, wouldn't you need to check a bag on Delta? Unless you have their AmEx card, that's an extra charge too.

Allegiant and Spirit charge for "bin bags". Some people are able to pack enough in a roller bag to avoid paying to check a bag. It's a lot harder to fit enough stuff in your personal bag.

 

[ironz]

Just want to add.....if I am reading the OP correctly....
If you are not booking flights until July 1 (10 days away), and your trip is in less than 4 weeks, the airfare might well change considerably between now and then. Or, if you book now and change after your DH appt on July 1, then you will be subject to change fees.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Just want to add.....if I am reading the OP correctly....
If you are not booking flights until July 1 (10 days away), and your trip is in less than 4 weeks, the airfare might well change considerably between now and then. Or, if you book now and change after your DH appt on July 1, then you will be subject to change fees.

Yes, the airfare is going to go up! OP, I would go with Delta and would be buying my tickets ASAP.

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

I would get my tickets NOW.. Usually 21 days before a flight the prices of flights sky rocket. So act fast.

I would go with Delta. If anything happens with your flight you will have more options for switching to another flight that day. Where as with Alligent they only have a certain number of flights a day and who to say that next flight even has available seating on Alligent.

We had problems last May when our flight crew was stuck in another city because of bad weather and our aircraft was stuck in another city becuase of bad weather. I asked if they could book me on another flight but SWA next 2 flights were full but SWA was able to get work their magic and had to send me to from CLE to MDW then to BNA and then to MCO