Syracuse People - have you heard about TransMeridian Airlines?!

[hulagirl]

I was just watching the news and they had a report about a new low cost airline coming to Hancock International Airport beginning around June 27th. They will be running non-stop flights to Orlando for 69.00 one way! I know this will be good news for some of you who (if you are like us, travel to Rochester or Buffalo for the better fares) so I thought I'd share it. I'm really excited about the prospect of it having just bought into DVC and looking for any way to get down there more often!

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

I believe TransMeridian does (or used to do) charter flights. I've seen them a few times, I think they use Airbus A320 aircraft.

 

[ducklite]

Just keep in mind with a charter that if you miss your flight or get bumped it could be DAYS before they can get you back home, and the other carriers generally won't (and are not obligated to) accept their tickets.

Anne

 

[Scottwdw]

My DW, who's a travel agent, called me this morning about TransMeridian. They fly Boeing 727's and although they are a charter company, these are scheduled flights, six times a week between Syracuse and Orlando.

But, they will fly into Orlando-Sanford Airport and not Orlando International or SFB instead of MCO for all you TA's out there. Anyone know how far Sanford is from WDW? Any comments on Sanford?

 

[hulagirl]

Scott,
Sanford Airport is a little less than an hour drive from Disney World. I haven't flown into Sanford before and I didn't know that these flights wouldn't be flying into mco. Thanks for the info - I am very excited about it. We live 15 minutes from Hancock International. This would make things a whole lot easier for us!

 

[CDisney]

Transmeridian is now accepting reservations online at http://www.iflytma.com . I priced a trip for the week of the Fourth of July and it came out to $157.10 roundtrip.

I can't believe we finally have direct service from Syracuse and it's under $200! Yippee!

 

[hulagirl]

CDisney,
That is so great! Thanks for posting. I think I might be able to squeeze in an adults only trip for late October just for the weekend! The fare is terrific and so convenient for those of us in Syracuse. Will you post about your experience with the airline when you get back?

 

[CDisney]

Hulagirl,

I haven't booked it yet. I'm trying to figure out my husband's work schedule. I priced trips for fourth of July, late October, and Christmas break and wanted to book ALL of them, even if he couldn't go. Shame on me.

Hopefully, it doesn't take too long for him to get his schedule. I don't want to miss out on the good fares.

 

[jimmybop]

oh wow, i checked the website when i saw it on the news a week or two ago, but their website was down and I forgot all about it.

maybe the rest of the flights will become less expensive...... someday....

 

[Scottwdw]

My wife is also hoping other airlines will match the fare but don't look for a non-stop flight. However, they will fly directly into MCO. I wonder how much a Town Car service costs from Sanford to WDW?

 

[hulagirl]

Scott,
If you look at the top of the page at FL Tours and click on rates the fare they are showing with coupon is 185.00 round trip. You could probably rent a car for around that rate OR you could try Rabbit at yourride.net. I really do think he has the best rates. Since the fares on TMA are so phenomenal for the Syracuse area I think it's a fair trade off. (If you are close to the airport anyway)
Hope that helps!

 

[Disneyolic]

We are excited about the new airline coming in, especially it being a nonstop flight. We already booked our flights down for our November trip though at 212.50 each. I didn't think that was too bad at all. Now with the prices way up I still think our price is quite nice. We will definitely look into TM next time tho.

 

[ducklite]

Again, keep in mind that they have ONE FLIGHT PER DAY! If you miss the flight or they cancel it, it's a day off you vacation or added expense of spending another night in Florida. It is a charter, which means that the other carriers will NOT accept their tickets if they go under or you don't get on the flight as scheduled.

Frankly with what I saw on their schedule, I think they only have one plane. The last 727 was built in 1984, so you're flying on a twenty year old plane--at least.

Anne

 

[hulagirl]

I guess its a good idea for us all to keep an eye on TMA. I have high hopes for this to work out well!

 

[hulagirl]

If you go to the website CDisney posted above, they have information about who they are and what they fly in the "about us" section.