Question for those in the Northeast...

[rljslo]

Hi All... we recently joined DVC and we are thrilled and very lucky have the opportunity to go to Disney every year. Being from the Northeast, we will need to fly to Orlando each trip. We are a family of 5 so I am looking for any tips anyone may have to get the best prices on flights.

I've heard that "earning points" on your credit card is a good way to accumulate discounts on flights - but to be honest - we don't use our credit cards very often so I doubt we have any large accumulation of points - and I'm not even sure if our credit cards have points.

I would love to hear any cost saving tips from those of you who fly to Disney on a regular basis.

Thanks in advance for any info you can provide!

 

[casjen]

If you live near Worcester, Direct Air flies from there. They only fly Thurs, Sat, and Sun and into Sanford, not MCO. However, they often have 50% off sales and sell vouchers for $150rt.

If you usually rent a car, or don't mind renting one, this could be an option for you. Check out their website flydirectair.com and sign up for emails.

 

[mjkacmom]

I find that credit cards are really making it hard to earn enough points for flights. We use them all of the time, and I think it took about $10,000 to earn enough for a flight from NJ to IN, for one ticket. At least. Flights from NJ to Orlando always seem pretty expensive, $200+.

 

[Reddog1134]

Southwest Airlines doesn't charge you for your first 2 bags. This could save $30 -$50 per person. Something to factor into the actual ticket costs.

 

[DisneyNutMary]

You don't say where in the Northeast you are from.
From NYC it is hard to find cheap flight to Orlando, it's just too popular of a destination, so to save money on flights, we will sometimes fly out of Atlantic City. It's a quick drive for us, and if we catch an early flight, there is usually no traffic, making the trip faster. Security is a breeze because there are only five gates, and usually no more than one or two flights at any time, and parking is cheaper and easier than at JFK, Newark and LaGuardia
Friends in Brooklyn and Long Island will fly out of MacArthur Airport in Islip for a cheaper flight and less airport hassle.

 

[abmitch01]

I;ve flown out of Albany, NY Southwest to Orlando several times. Very pleased, low cost, no baggage charges

 

[princessfionasmom]

Southwest out of Providence or Manchester is a good way to go and like PP mentioned, free baggage can save you some $$$$, especially when you have 5 flying. I have flown Airtrain from Boston but they seem to be changing their non-stop to 1 stop flights closer to the departure date which can be a pain but their fares are good. Welcome to DVC and congrats on your purchase, we love our DVC!!!!

 

[scard192]

If you are close enough to fly out of Boston-fly Jet Blue! a number of non stops flights everyday. great fares, one free checked bag/ticketed passenger and free TV on the back of the seat in front of you. And you can chose seats for free (except for certain ones with more legroom) when you book!

Jet Blue is the best.

 

[meriface11]

we fly jetblue or airtran out of westchester. usually can get tickets for $69 each way.

 

[mmaikisch]

If you can fly out of allentown pa, allegient air can have some really great deals. Right now they have some flights for as little as $19.99 each way. They have some others for $34.99 each way. If you purchase your checked bags at the time of ticket purchase, it is cheaper then being checked at the gate. We always pack as little as possible, so it's not too much extra for us to fly.

 

[scrapquitler]

I don't know exactly where you are, but try a lot of different airports when you are trying to book flights.

For example: I live in central CT. When I book flights, I price flights out of Bradley, Logan, Providence, Manchester NH, Westchester, LGA, JFK. Sometimes you can catch a 'sale' at one of those airports vs. another and it can be worthwhile to take the extra time in the car for one vs. another.

 

[Darcy03231]

I don't know exactly where you are, but try a lot of different airports when you are trying to book flights.

For example: I live in central CT. When I book flights, I price flights out of Bradley, Logan, Providence, Manchester NH, Westchester, LGA, JFK. Sometimes you can catch a 'sale' at one of those airports vs. another and it can be worthwhile to take the extra time in the car for one vs. another.

I live in Southern NH and do the same thing. I check Manchester, Boston, Providence, Hartford, Burlington and Portland.

 

[Princess Vespa]

Just keep checking. I just booked $49 one way to Orlando from NYC (LGA). And it was 10:30 AM flight,so not one of the crazy 6am or 10PM flights you can catch.I check every day, several times, and as soon as the prices drop,book it. Flight prices tofluctuate, so you have to check. I booked this through travelocity.

 

[pilferk]

I don't know exactly where you are, but try a lot of different airports when you are trying to book flights.

For example: I live in central CT. When I book flights, I price flights out of Bradley, Logan, Providence, Manchester NH, Westchester, LGA, JFK. Sometimes you can catch a 'sale' at one of those airports vs. another and it can be worthwhile to take the extra time in the car for one vs. another.

I'm in NW CT and "ditto".

We're also a family of 5.

In addition to pricing out all the above airlines, I take into consideration how much it costs me to DRIVE (without taking into account use of extra vacation time or my time to drive) down to Orlando, with our mini-van. That includes gas, food, .15 to .20 cents per mile "wear and tear", and one night in a hotel/motel each way. Depending on what price gas is at, the estimate ranges from $650 to $800.

Since becoming DVC members, we've flown twice and driven twice. I'm willing to pay somewhat of a premium to fly (given the time savings) but I'm NOT willing to pay a 100% to 150% (or more) premium.

 

[MEM]

I live in a suburb west of Boston and we prefer to drive to TF Green in RI in order to fly Southwest non-stop to MCO. The flights out of Logan are not non-stop. Plus, parking is cheap at TF Green and the airport is much more compact. I did get the Southwest Visa and earned four free one-way trips but the credit card does have a fee so I'm not saving a lot of money. Its hard for us to spend enough on our CC to earn the number of flights we need. We are DVC members who will be taking four Disney trips this year, including our first to Disneyland. Any tips on flying from Boston to Anaheim are appreciated!