Pre & Post Cruise Flights - Booking direct vs. thru Disney

[Frequent Flyer]

What are the advantages of booking air travel through Disney? I generally like to book all aspects of vacation myself. I'm about to book flights and a rental car, but wondering what I'll be missing by not doing air and ground transportation through Disney.

 

[Akck]

I believe the only thing you’d be missing if you don’t book through Disney and get their travel insurance is that it won’t cover the airfare and transportation costs. That said, I never book airfare and car rentals through Disney. I also have travel insurance separately.

 

[meliscan]

I have never booked my flights through Disney mainly because they don't use Southwest. That's where I have all my points and it's the closest airport to my house. As other's have said the only advantage I see is their insurance covers your flight if you use their flight booking. However I have always gotten my own travel insurance as i could get better coverage cheaper and then I could book my preferred airline.

 

[jk8]

If you use Disney ground transportation you don’t have to worry about snagging an early PAT.

 

[Frequent Flyer]

If you use Disney ground transportation you don’t have to worry about snagging an early PAT.

Does this apply for ground transportation from a hotel instead of the airport?

 

[Stitch'sCousin]

Yes, as long as it is a Disney resort.

 

[Top_S]

Recently had to leave a cruise mid-sailing for family medical emergency at home. Our pre/post air travel was not booked via Disney. We were told that once our feet hit the pier, we were on our own and any support from Disney stopped. I suspect that had we booked via Disney it would have been a different story. Food for thought.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

We used Disney to book our flights when we travel overseas. Anything comes up, they will do their best to get you to the ship and get you home from the ship should there be issues. There is not much of a difference in cost, for us. We fly out of Boston and their rates are good. You can also suggest to them airlines or rates you see and they can try and book. Domestically, I can handle that on my own. Transport I use depending on what my plans are. Overseas I use them especially when the port is far from where we are staying- I want to make it to the ship and I want to make my flight. Domestically I may use them one way, once again depending on our plans. These days it is just the two of us, so renting a car or private transport isn't always the most economical.

 

[Marthasor]

I, personally, would never book air transportation through Disney. If anything goes awry, they will have to act as your intermediary. IMHO it is much much easier dealing with delays/modifications/cancellations on your own with an airline.