Tips for Delta from Buffalo?

[snickerboo]

We're booked to fly Delta from Buffalo with a stopover in Cincinnati. Any advice? Dh flies out of Buffalo for business occasionally so I think we know the ropes but any advice about Delta from Buffalo, especially with kids, is appreciated. TIA.

 

[princess aurora]

Not sure how old your kids are but if you have one remotely close to stroller age my advice is this. After you check-in at the Buffalo airport you need to go through security. Plop your kid(s) in their stroller and go to the far right of the security line. There is usually no line and a person will be seating and/or standing to look at your boarding pass. This is for guests requiring assistance ONLY. Families with small children in strollers, wheel chairs etc...

We had some fine gentlemen workers walk by as we were getting in the BIG line-up with everyone else when they told us to go to the right. It was a time-saver, so handy when you have small kids. We were traveling with another family so a few kids! We were so thankful and those guys didn't have to say a thing so we really appreciated it.

We've done this twice now since learning this tip. A young couple followed us on our last trip and tried to get through b/c they were going to miss their flight. The lady made them go back to the other line with the bazillion people in it. The regular line actually moves fairly quickly it just looks bad, but the ease of getting through quicker with kids is great.

Another tip! Just to save a few bucks (and who doesn't want to do that )They have curb side check-in. DON'T use it. The luggage handlers require a tip. Why? I have no idea but let me tell you they really work it until you tip them. Just say you'll carry your own bags inside and check-in inside. It's usually not busy.

Are you leaving on an early morning flight? We usually stay at the Comfort Suites on Dick Rd the night before. Our flights are always early morning flights. They have a continental breakfast, shuttle service (literally leass than 5 min away), AND you can park your car there for up to 2 weeks (included in the price of your stay).

We've flown Delta once before and had no problem. Have fun. Buffalo is a great, small, clean bright airport!

 

[riu girl]

I can second the child in a stroller situation. I had no idea why out two flights out of BUF we were told to go in the line to the right. It wasn't until a few days ago that somebody on DIS told me we were put in the very quick line due ot DS being in a stroller!!

I can also vouch for the Comfort Suites.
The last two years we have paid $89 plus tax for the park and fly room. The breakfast is GREAT.
I have called a couple of times for this years trip though and they now keep quoting me $99 for the same package (room, shuttle, parking, breakfast).

Has anyone been able to get a $89 rate for this year????

 

[princess aurora]

The internet users rate we were quoted and booked under is actually $112.49?
Last time I called the internet price was the cheapest and I'm sure we paid this price last year in Oct? Oops! What did we miss? How do you normally book to get $89 or even $99 a night?
We are 2 adults 2 children.

ETA: Well look at that just when I thought I couldn't learn another thing from these boards! I just called and got the new room rate (and it must have gone up) $99.99 = $114.83 total.
My other room rate listed above didn't include the tax!

for the TIP.

 

[wee-haggis]

We're booked to fly Delta from Buffalo with a stopover in Cincinnati. Any advice? Dh flies out of Buffalo for business occasionally so I think we know the ropes but any advice about Delta from Buffalo, especially with kids, is appreciated. TIA.

I'm assuming you booked your seats already ? (thats a big time saver...and convenient)

 

[riu girl]

The internet users rate we were quoted and booked under is actually $112.49?
Last time I called the internet price was the cheapest and I'm sure we paid this price last year in Oct? Oops! What did we miss? How do you normally book to get $89 or even $99 a night?
We are 2 adults 2 children.

ETA: Well look at that just when I thought I couldn't learn another thing from these boards! I just called and got the new room rate (and it must have gone up) $99.99 = $114.83 total.
My other room rate listed above didn't include the tax!

for the TIP.

I got the $89 plus tax rate by calling the hotel direct. When I call them now, it is $99 plus tax. Going on line, I can only find a room rate (not a park and fly).
Have you been able to book a park and fly the choice hotels web site or by calling choice hotels? When I do a search onthe web site, or call choice hotels, all I can find is a room only (no parking, shuttle)?????

Thanks

 

[princess aurora]

Yes, I had to call the hotel directly and it is $99.99 - looks like it went up. You have to ask for it b/c you're right when I booked on line it was not offerred.

I first phone the 800 number and they said there were no more rooms available at the "park and fly" price but I could try callingthe hotel directly, so I called directly and asked if the park and fly price could be extended to us and it was for 3 rooms.

I never thought to ask about the $89 rooms. I'm assuming the price went up in Jan?

 

[riu girl]

Thanks for the info. We paid $89 plus tax mid December/2005. I then called last month regarding Dec 2006 and was told that the rate is now $99, so I am guessing it went up January 1.

Still for $99 plus tax for a room, nice pool, hot tub, parking, shuttle, and a fab breakfast, I find it still a great price. I love how the breakfast is available so early in the morning.

 

[snickerboo]

I'm assuming you booked your seats already ? (thats a big time saver...and convenient)

Yep. My dh has flown Delta for business a fair bit and said to pre-print our boarding passes 24 hrs in advance because, otherwise, they do give your seat away sometimes.

Our flight is not until 11:30 am. Buffalo is 2-3 hours from here. I have family in Niagara if we decide to stay over the night before.

 

[wee-haggis]

Yep. My dh has flown Delta for business a fair bit and said to pre-print our boarding passes 24 hrs in advance because, otherwise, they do give your seat away sometimes.

Our flight is not until 11:30 am. Buffalo is 2-3 hours from here. I have family in Niagara if we decide to stay over the night before.

Are you saying that even if you have your actul seat assignment(like I have),you still have to check in online or you can loose your assigned seat ??

 

[snickerboo]

Wee-haggis, my dh is saying that you can print your boarding pass ahead of time through their website. Yes, he has had his seat assignment given away before when flying Delta.