NEVER flown before......help!

[kkhworth]

My DH and I are going to WDW next year for our ten year anniversary. We went for our first time this May, and we drove~twleve hours each way. The kids slept most of the time, as we left at midnight. But, next year, I think we are going to fly . I am very nervous, lol. Not just the flying part, but booking the flight. Should I just book that thru Disney with my package?? Or would it be cheaper to book that on my own some how?? What airlines do you re***mend using/not using?? I will be flying out of Nashville, TN, if that helps. ANY advice/tips is more than wel***e . Thanks a bunch!!!

~Kim~

 

[mom2of2]

book your own air! Do not use Disney to book it for you. Got to www.southwest.com and sign up for DING. You can get great rates through there and if the price of your flight goes down they will refund the difference or give you credits.

Booking your own air is very easy. If Disney does it your flight times could change and you are basically stuck with what they get you.

Trust me on this SOUTHWEST!

 

[CleveRocks]

My DH and I are going to WDW next year for our ten year anniversary. We went for our first time this May, and we drove~twleve hours each way. The kids slept most of the time, as we left at midnight. But, next year, I think we are going to fly . I am very nervous, lol. Not just the flying part, but booking the flight. Should I just book that thru Disney with my package?? Or would it be cheaper to book that on my own some how?? What airlines do you re***mend using/not using?? I will be flying out of Nashville, TN, if that helps. ANY advice/tips is more than wel***e . Thanks a bunch!!!

~Kim~

Check out some of the travel and airline websites and learn what SPECIFIC flights cost. Then price them through Disney. Go with whoever is cheaper. Other than price, I can't think of any advantage to buying air through Disney versus directly from an airline or through a travel site.

Let me recommend another option. GO TO A LOCAL TRAVEL AGENT FOR YOUR AIR. This will be a good first-timer experience. The TA will be able to help you with the ins-and-outs, and explain why one scenario might be better than another. It'll be nice for you to learn this from an actual human. Please note, however, that travel agencies will charge you a surcharge for booking airfare, about $15-$25 per ticket.

There's only been one time in the past few years when I HAVEN'T done this. I know it costs a little more, but I like keeping the money in my local community, and I like having a knowledgable person explain my options to me, if I need it (although I usually research the flights and then go in and tell them specific dates and flight numbers!).

 

[CleveRocks]

book your own air! Do not use Disney to book it for you. Got to www.southwest.com and sign up for DING. You can get great rates through there and if the price of your flight goes down they will refund the difference or give you credits.

Booking your own air is very easy. If Disney does it your flight times could change and you are basically stuck with what they get you.

Trust me on this SOUTHWEST!

Just to note ...

Last November, I checked out ALL my flight options. The AirTran website had the flights I wanted at an okay price. I was going to book that as soon as I got off the phone making the WDW resort reservation. The CM asked if I'd bought air yet, and I told her it was okay to check it out for me. I told her the flight numbers I was ready to buy through AirTran. Disney got me on the SAME FLIGHTS for $130 less PER TICKET!!! I thought it was too good to be true. I went back to the AirTran website expecting they just lowered their fares, but they were the same as they were on the website earlier. So I booked through Disney.

Not sure what you mean by being stuck with flight changes if you book through Disney. WDTC is a travel agency, and they can change your flights just as if you booked through any other TA. They may possibly give you some flak, but they'll do it. Do you have a personal experience that says otherwise?

 

[kkhworth]

Wow~You all are quick! Keep the advice coming.....THANKS!!!

~Kim~

 

[englishteacha]

My first flights were booked through travel agents. I wasn't comfortable enough booking them on my own. For a first flight, you might want to consult with someone locally. Now, I've booked on my own and found it to be pretty easy. I signed up for airfare alerts at Travelocity and Orbitz, and Airfarewatchdog.com. They notify you of sales and flight rates. Once you've found some flights that are in your price range, you can either book them or take that information to the travel agent.

 

[mika911]

You could search sites like traveolicity and then go direct to the airline's site, when you choose to book.

Southwest won't be listed on the traveolicty type sites though.

Finding a fight and good price is the worst part of flying. Otherwise, enjoy it!

 

[Si'sAm]

Flying is not as bad as it may seem. I personally would say to book your own flight. We found our cheapest tickets through JetBlue. This will also not be listed on Travelocity. I would browse around to find the best rates. Good Luck!

 

[S'sMom]

My DH and I are going to WDW next year for our ten year anniversary. We went for our first time this May, and we drove~twleve hours each way. The kids slept most of the time, as we left at midnight. But, next year, I think we are going to fly . I am very nervous, lol. Not just the flying part, but booking the flight. Should I just book that thru Disney with my package?? Or would it be cheaper to book that on my own some how?? What airlines do you re***mend using/not using?? I will be flying out of Nashville, TN, if that helps. ANY advice/tips is more than wel***e . Thanks a bunch!!!

~Kim~

I say book your own air, but if you are a bit swimish, I would allow Disney to do it, but you may be able to find a better deal yourself. The first time dh and I went (Pre- dd - age 4) we did do the disney air thing because I was not familiar with everything. IT was a good experience with no problems. Now I just do the air myself. There are pluses either way.

As far as the nervousness about flying. I feel you on that. To this day flying is not my favorite. I fly because its necessary or better than sitting in a car to x amount of hours (too antsy for that). I fly 2wice a year and it still gets me, but the one thing that has helped me was that my dd (who flew the 1st time at 9 months, and 2wice a year since) thinks that it is the best, so I have had to sort of calm down and not panic in front of her. Dont get me wrong, I am still nervous but not as.

I bought a (30 gig) iPod just to keep my mind occupied. My dh and dd sleep as soon as the flight takes off, but not me. (and yes I am sleepy)

Enjoy, and no worries, ok? Flight or the booking.

 

[mika911]

I must say I love flying. Not the cramped part of it, but the anticipation of traveling fast across the country or whatever. Plus, I love the take offs and landings! I hope maybe you'll family will find they enjoy it too.