Very OT: Graduation in Kentucky

[suzydisney971]

My nephew is graduating from University of Kentucky this May. However, I don't know how to get down there. I usually fly Southwest and I know they don't fly into Lexington. Where can I find cheap fares? I'm also going to need a rental car and hotel room. He's the first to graduate in a different state so I'm completely lost . What city is closest to Lexington that I could possibly fly into? I have a feeling Lexington is going to be expensive. Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[koho]

There are airports in both Lexington and Louisville. Plus the Cincinnati Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG), which is about an hour and fifteen minutes north of Lexington. The airport in Lexington is the closes but it is also the smallest. I would say LEX or CVG are your best bets.

 

[LadyBeBop]

Unless you can fly Frontier, I wouldn't consider CVG. It used to be one of Delta's major hubs. It lost a lot of Delta's flights; however flights in and out of CVG are ridiculously expensive.

Louisville is just as close to Lexington as Cincinnati. And SW flies in and out of Louisville. I'd consider that well before CVG. And possibly before Lexington.

Good luck. Either expensive air fares or driving two hours to another airport is one reason why we usually drive.

 

[sam_gordon]

I live in Richmond (about 20 miles south of Lexington). If you want to fly SW, Louisville is your option. You're looking at about 90 minutes from Louisville's airport to UK's campus. Maybe just a hair longer to Cincinnati's airport.

Lexington's airport is very nice and you can get decent rates if you book early enough. Delta, United, US Air, American, and I think Continental all fly into Lexington.

If I'm looking at the right calendar, May 10th is graduation. That's good. In past years it's been on Derby weekend which would drive the cost up on airfare, hotels, and rental cars.

Lexington is fairly easy to get around. Don't be afraid to get a hotel near the interstate. It will take about 15-20 minutes from there to campus.

 

[suzydisney971]

Yes, graduation is on May 10th. I was thinking of flying down on the 9th and returning on the 11th (which happens to be Mother's Day). I will have to check out the flights to Louisville and possibly get a rental at the airport. Anyone know what rental companies are at the airport? My sister in law is checking out fares and hotels for all of us. I just want to make sure I'm getting a decent deal. (insert - typical inlaw drama).

Thank you everyone for your tips.

 

[jennwdw]

Louisville does have southwest. It's an easy drive to Lexington. Here's the website for the airport (SDF) and a list of the rental car companies. http://www.flylouisville.com/ground-transportation/#rentals

FWIW I always find that Cinnci is expensive to fly in/out of. (CVG - it's N. Ky) Louisville or Lex will be your better options.

 

[PlutoPony]

Don't mean to be a kill joy but you might not find good deals this late. Graduation weekend in college towns books up very very early, like a year or so in advance. Be prepared to stay a little further away. Eastern Kentucky graduates the same weekend so you're talking about a lot of people trying to get to and stay in that area for the same time. Hope you find something!

 

[sam_gordon]

I didn't realize EKU graduation was the same weekend. OP, if you can't find anything you like in Lexington, don't be scared to look in Versailles, Georgetown, or Nicholasville (probably all ~30 minutes from Campus). Also Winchester & Frankfort (about 45 minutes to campus).

 

[PlutoPony]

Just for grins I checked Trip Advisor for hotel reservations graduation weekend at my son's school (he's only a freshman lol) and there was NOTHING available. He goes to a major university in a college town so a similar situation. Not sure how far away you would have to go to find something in that particular area.

Note to self: remember this in a few years and book early. Can always cancel!

Good luck!