Trying to Book Flights Before & After Cruise--Need Help With Timing

[Christine]

My parents are cruising on 7/24 through 7/31. Can you tell me what time I should get them into the Orlando Airport on embarkation day and the earliest flight out of Orlando that I should book on disembarkation day?

Thanks,
Christine

 

[LanaJayne]

It is highly recommended to fly in the night before to prevent missing the ship due to flight delays.

Even though it means an extra hotel night, the peace of mind of knowing you will arrive at the port in time is worth it.

I'm not sure about the earliest flight out as we usually stay a few days after.

I know they'll have a wonderful trip!

 

[mmouse37]

DCL recommends not booking anything before noon on debarkation day.

I also will agree that you should fly your parents in the day before....much less stresss!!!! I the day before is not possible, than the earliest flight in the day possible...also...try to get a direct flight...a lot of delays can be caused when you connect flights on cruise day!!

MJ

 

[Christine]

Originally posted by mmouse37
DCL recommends not booking anything before noon on debarkation day.

I also will agree that you should fly your parents in the day before....much less stresss!!!! I the day before is not possible, than the earliest flight in the day possible...also...try to get a direct flight...a lot of delays can be caused when you connect flights on cruise day!!

MJ

The problem is that the cruise starts on a Saturday. The earliest I can seem to get them into Orlando on a non-stop is about 10:40 a.m. If we have them fly out on Friday, the fares are quite a bit higher (I guess that is "businessman's day"). Also, flying on Friday makes everyone take yet another vacation day from work and then there is the hotel/meals costs. It ends up being significantly more $$$. So I was really trying to book a Saturday morning flight but didn't know how far I could push it. They will be flying in from Washington, DC so it's not like they are coming from across the country. But, it does concern me.

 

[SandraLee]

I would think a 10:40 non-stop arrival into Orlando would be fine. Just make sure you are at the airport early to detect if there *may* be problems with your flight. When I booked my air through DCL, they had me on an arrival into Orlando at 1:00. So, yes, it can be done.

I would also look into purchasing travel insurance for your whole group. As long as you are travelling together, you can purchase together (I think) That way, even if there is a problem with the flight, at least your $$$s would be proteted.

 

[mmouse37]

If we fly the day of the cruise we leave NY about 7:00 am...which puts us into the Orlando around 9:30 or 10:00. Your arrival time of 10:40 should be fine that day. I would worry about anything that got them to Orlando after 1:00 or so, because everyone must be onboard the ship by 3:30ish....

I agree that there are added costs of flying in the day before but sometimes it is worth it. But, since they are only coming from Washington, D.C. (and not from CA) they should be fine.

Hope they all have a great trip.

MJ

 

[TheWog]

Day before is our suggestion also, but since it's not winter you are more likely to be ok. Good luck. Earlier the better on morning of embarkation after 12:00 on debarkation.

 

[justcruisin]

You may be able to take a late flight on Friday. We're on that cruise too! Our 1st flight leaves at 6pm, so we can work (though not accomplish much) on Friday. Staying at the Hyatt that night, as we don't arrive until after 11.