Opinions please

[T16GEM]

After my thread yesterday about October and stuff I went home last night and consulted the rest of the party about moving our trip from November to October. The reason that I started to look at Oct was mainly b/c First Choice fly from East Midlands to Sanford direct, but they stop in November as they switch to their winter schedule. I have decided that I can't cope with an indirect flight again while the kids are little - it was just too much. Only problem is that our friends who are coming too are getting married at the beginning of Sept and won't be able to get October off from work so I am back to the drawing board for Nov 09.

Sooooo...................

I think we will fly from Manchester (we live in Birmingham) - but other suggestions are welcome - who are the best to fly with direct? Pros and cons off all please -warts and all!

Would anyone recommend London Airports and carriers?

I have never flown with Virgin so all opinions welcome.

We would need to stay over the night before we fly so where would you recommend near the airport or at the airport? Some where that we can use our Tesco Deals if possible!

We will be renting a villa and a car so I don't need to worry too much about that part of the hol thank goodness!

Please help as I am thoroughly confused!

 

[T16GEM]

anybody??

 

[aaronandterri]

you can use tesco deals at The hilton which is onsite at gatwick if you are going to fly from london its on the same side as virgin fly out from, if your paying cash then the sofitel is lovelty at the other termnal, if were paying we always stay there.

ive never had many problems with virgin although ive heard others saying about standards slipping but iv eflown a few diiffrent an its virgin we always comeback to.

sorry cant help with manchester i think the virgin flight goes from there to london then on to orlando.

 

[Mrs Doubtfire]

We have flown wiyh VA a few times from Manchester - doesn't stop anywhere other tham Orlando!!

Not sure but Thompson also fly from Mancherste - but they do stop and don't fly over the winter I think.

Never had any problems with VA.

 

[jockey]

We are using Continental this year via Newark, it splits up the journey too, especially as we are travelling with 2 young children. Have you considered indirect?

In the past we have used VA from Gatwick, this has mean't we have had to fly to london the night before. We usually stay at the Hilton it's very handy and I have booked it with Tesco vouchers. In my opinion scheduled is better than charter and the luggage allowance is better too

 

[Melcatfish]

As it is a weekend you can use your Tesco deals at the Hilton just book as soon as you can - the number of rooms allocated for sale on any given offer is limited and this include Tesco deals.

We flew with Virgin in 2004 and were pleased - we did fly from Gatwick and used twilight check in which was great - not sure if this is on offer in Manchester but if it is available at your chosen airport and you are staying the night before then it is a must. Walking past the loooooooong check in queues in the morning was great!

Mel
x

 

[Pegasus928]

We have flown with Virgin, direct from Manchester, each time we have been to Florida - and we have just booked with them again for next year. We have never had any problems with them, the luggage allowance is excellent (though I don't know how this compares to other airliines if I am honest) and the Downtown Disney check-in is a great way of getting rid of your luggage early in the day, leaving almost a full day left of your vacation.
The flight leaves Manchester at 10.25am and we always stay over night in the Radisson. This is located in the airport and is literally a 5 minute walk from the bag drop desk (we also do on-line check in the night before to cut down on queueing time).
All in all it has always gone smoothly and, as a result, we keep on going back for more.
Kenny