This looks black and white to me, but...

[agotta]

Help me figure out the most cost effective way to do this.

We have bought plane tickets from Washington Dulles to Orlando for January. We are probably moving to Upstate NY by the end of the year. Here are our options:

1) Pay $100 + the difference in price for new tickets out of Rochester.
2) Pay $100 to cancel (will get credited) and by tickets through another airline.
3) Drive from Rochester (about 8 hours) and keep the same flight. (Parking at the airport is going to be $70 + gas to get down there)
4) Drive from Rochester the night before and stay at a nearby hotel ($129 for park, stay and fly package)

I am thinking either 3 or 4 at this point, but I figured it wouldn't hurt to get your opinions! TIA!!

 

[Disneynutbsv]

Hmmm, I don't know..I think cost wise, I'd probably do #4, but once you fly back after your vacation, then you've got to drive back...I don't think I'd want to drive 8 hours after being on a flight for a few hours either...that's a tough one. I think if it was me, I would either get a credit and find a cheaper flight...you could always use the credit some other time (maybe another trip to Disney???).

 

[PlaneJoy1]

Have you looked to see if you can get a flight from Rochester to IAD? Maybe you could make a connection?

 

[Lewisc]

Given the possibility of bad weather in Jan I'd skip 3 and 4. I'd hope for enough of a schedule change so the $100 fee gets waived.

If you can afford it you might book a new flight, if there is a schedule change get a refund if not cancel and get a credit to use for a future flight.

 

[fitzkerry]

I live in New Jersey, about 3 hrs from BWI Airport, to save money this year on a trip to Ohio I flew from BWI instead of Philly. Never again, it was so hard to be 3 hrs from home after landing when if I had flown from Philly I would be 20 min.! I agree with the above poster about the weather also, several hours on the road in winter weather will be no way to end a wonderful vacation. Better to spend the 100 change ticket fee and be closer to home!

 

[agotta]

Ok, so I checked the flights.

If we change to fly out of Rochester it will cost us $100 to change plus $285 (the difference in the flights).

If we fly out of Rochester to Dulles to make our original flights, it is $277. The only thing is our return flight to Wash arrives too late to make our flight to Rochester. I think Independence will allow you to change your flight for free if you arrive early enought (and there are seats).

Hmmm. Still have to think about this.

 

[Lewisc]

What airline are you flying?

 

[agotta]

Independence Air. Our flights out of Dulles were only $79 each way.

 

[Lewisc]

Independence Air. Our flights out of Dulles were only $79 each way.

So if you change your reservation you'll wind up with a $60 credit?

Independence Air is near bankruptcy. I think I'd gamble the $60 they're going to be changing your flight by enough so you can qualify for a refund. I suspect they'll be canceling and changing some flights.I'd be tempted to just book a new reservation from Rochester hoping to get a full refund later. Try jetblue.

edited--according to the website Independence only charges a $25 fee to change your itinerary. I wouldn't gamble on the weather driving. Either pay to change your reservation or book a new one and gamble on a schedule change.

 

[Debbie Jean]

I live in New Jersey, about 3 hrs from BWI Airport, to save money this year on a trip to Ohio I flew from BWI instead of Philly. Never again, it was so hard to be 3 hrs from home after landing when if I had flown from Philly I would be 20 min.! I agree with the above poster about the weather also, several hours on the road in winter weather will be no way to end a wonderful vacation. Better to spend the 100 change ticket fee and be closer to home!

Totally agree! You couldn't pay me to drive from Rochester to Wash DC in January... especially with the price of gas!

I'd probably consider it part of the cost of the move and pay the extra to change for something closer to home.