OK--here we go, February 2011--updates posted 2/24

[debster812]

OK my Transportation Board pals, here we go for the debster family Winter Travels 2011. We fly out of Logan at 7am, land in Orlando at 10:30, and then drive south to the Ft Myers area.

Our flight is showing on time, there is no weather in the area to speak of, and the weather in FL looks great.

So, who will be pulled out at the airport for additional security? Me, DH, or the 13 year old DS?

I have a feeling this is our year for NO bumps in the road, so we shall see.

 

[goofy4tink]

Here's hoping this year is a 'bump free' trip Deb!!! You have had some, shall we say, interesting Feb trips to date!!! Here's hoping that at this very moment, you guys are gathering your carryon stuff and getting ready to board!!! Have fun!!

 

[JennSaint]

Good luck to you DEB!! We usually fly out around today before President's weekend too. But we aren't flying out until Sunday this year. Hoping for no issues this year! Last year Delta canceled our flight the day before and the storm ended up being nothing! And of course as you know we all froze down there last year!! Weather is looking good so far!

 

[jeff968]

We are flying out of JFK on Friday. Weather looks great. I'll be glad when we are in the air. The drive down to NYC can always be interesting. We have had good luck other then the one year they closed the whitestone bridge to truck traffic due to high winds and we got stuck for 2 hours, 10 minutes from the airport. Not again. I just checked the forecast. 81 on Friday!!! i can't believe it. It was 20 here yesterday.

 

[dudspizza]

OK my Transportation Board pals, here we go for the debster family Winter Travels 2011. We fly out of Logan at 7am, land in Orlando at 10:30, and then drive south to the Ft Myers area.

Our flight is showing on time, there is no weather in the area to speak of, and the weather in FL looks great.

So, who will be pulled out at the airport for additional security? Me, DH, or the 13 year old DS?

I have a feeling this is our year for NO bumps in the road, so we shall see.

Don't forget.... you may have a bump free trip TO Florida... but you do have to get back as well........... I am seeing some potholes in the road....... HA! Wait, that is on every road here in Minnesota.... love winter!

 

[debster812]

Well....amazingly enough, this was indeed the SMOOTHEST winter trip we've ever experienced.

Our flight TO Florida--we pushed back from the gate late, took off late, and still managed to touch down in Orlando 35 minutes EARLY. The pilot told us that there were none of the usual headwinds they have to fight. We had no checked bags since we had sent everything ahead with my parents who drive down, so we had carry on only. That put us ahead of the crowd getting to the rental car counter, which was very nice.

Speaking of the rental. We rented with Alamo, and reserved a Full Size with the Delta SkyMiles code, and a $30 off for a weekly rental coupon. All told, for a week and a day, we paid $234. When we got the the Full Size aisle at MCO we could have chosen a standard Full Size Car, a Lincoln Town Car, a Grand Marquis, and about 10 different mini-vans. We took a mini van.

Coming home to MA today (2/24). Our flight left on time, and landed a few minutes early. We were flying on JetBlue, and checked two bags on the way home. Once we arrived at Logan, we only waited about 10 minutes for our bags to come out, and then only about 10 minutes for the Logan Express bus.

NO ONE was pulled out for extra security. There were no weather delays. No issues with the rental car. All in all, a very smooth, event-free trip.

Only 40 or so more days, until we can make our reservations for next year!!!!!

Security--at Logan we knew that they were using the backscatter xray machines. DH and I were directed to go to this screening. No problems, we heard no snickering when we went through, and it took only a few seconds longer than the standard metal detector. DS who is 13 was told to just go through the regular metal detector.

At Ft Myers--they only had the standard metal detectors on our side of the terminal. We arrived at the security checkpoint at around 8:30, and were the ONLY passengers in the area.

 

[goofy4tink]

Well Deb, I'm thrilled this trip went so smoothly. But I do know that I will need to know when you travel south next. I need to plan accordingly so as to not fly at any time close to your flights...I think you used every bit of good luck up on this trip. Next one could be a nightmare...