Virgin into Sanford?

[jen_uk]

Ive just taken part in some market research over the phone for Virgin, several of the questions were asking what I thought about Virgin changing from MCO to Sanford to reduce immigration queues.

I wonder if a change is on the cards??

 

[JohnnySharp2]

I hope not, I like MCO airport and really wouldn't relish the drive from Sanford after a long flight.

 

[squitty]

I don't mind. I quite like Sanford airport. Much easier to get in and out of.

 

[Steve and Sarah]

I echo what Johnny says, really like MCO and would be very disappointed if Virgin were to change to Sanford. Although I know a lot of people prefer Sanford, I find the facilities at MCO a lot better (even if you have to collect your suitcase twice!)

 

[carolfoy]

I imagine they'd operate 1 flight a week into SFB and continue MCO on a daily basis, Personally I'd welcome it as I prefer SFB, much easier, and it'd be likely to be cheaper too as SFB don't charge as much for landing fees.
Maybe they'd operate another regional specifically for the SFB route? that'd be an idea, say, Birmingham to SFB or East Midlands or something?

 

[Claire L]

Oh no please lets hope VA stay at MCO it is such a nice airport and we have never had a problem with Immigration at MCO it has always been very quick, we are often at the hotel within an hour and a quarter or so of landing.

Claire

 

[GarryK]

Woah, don't like the sound of that. Much prefer MCO to SFB !

Garry

 

[florida sun]

Oh I like the sound of that, I love Sanford Airport, never had a huge queue for immagration and much easier to get in and out of.

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

They used to fly into SFB then moved back to MCO as the people did not like the airport.
I would throw a fit if they went to that regional airport!

 

[jen_uk]

They used to fly into SFB then moved back to MCO as the people did not like the airport.
I would throw a fit if they went to that regional airport!

Well it sounds like they are considering it, they asked loads of questions on it.

 

[Merylj]

The reason we are flying with Virgin is to use the DME from MCO. I suppose we might consider flying into Sanford again as it certainly is a very easy airport to use - would have to be priced very competitively though.
It will be interesting to see what develops!

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Well it sounds like they are considering it, they asked loads of questions on it.

But was this Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays?

I also gather that they were asking about if you used Clubhouses?

 

[Netty]

They used to fly into SFB then moved back to MCO as the people did not like the airport.
I would throw a fit if they went to that regional airport!

Me to I don't like Sanford

 

[jen_uk]

But was this Virgin Atlantic or Virgin Holidays?

I also gather that they were asking about if you used Clubhouses?

The overall interview was about both but I think those questions were about VA. Yes they asked alot of questions about a new club lounge they are thinking of building.

 

[NeilDrum]

Never had a problem with immigration at MCO. The worse queue I have ever seen was at Sanford.

Yes you have to give your bags up again at MCO but it so close to I-Drive, etc.

We always consider Virgin first and one of the reasons for this is due to them flying into MCO.

I hope they dont change.
Claire

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Think how SFB would cope (or not!) with five full 747's landing virtually simultaneously in the school holidays, how would the rental car depot cope? how would check in and the lounges cope with them coming home?
The airport is far too small and too far away from WDW

 

[Boo Boo Too]

Also, wouldn't be good from a "connection" point of view... not sure how many people connect to/from Virgin flights at MCO (as opposed to just flying in and out of MCO), but MCO has much better connections to other airlines going to other airports than SFB....

Boo

 

[SimonV]

It is hard to imagine Virgin switching to SFB as the extra volume of passengers would absolutely swamp that airport. The idea of three (extra) Jumbo-loads of passengers trying to fit into the departure lounge would be a nightmare. It would also be a huge retrograde step for their scheduled services, as the links out of SFB are very limited compared to MCO.

However, if it was a limited programme in peak season, that might make more sense, as it would operate on more of a charter basis, which SFB handles well.

It is a very interesting line of questioning, though, and indicates Virgin is possibly looking to cut costs once again. We await developments on this with great interest.

SFB is certainly a longer drive to most resorts than from MCO, but it can often be 30-45 minutes quicker to get through, so it is a swings and roundabouts deal. But, MCO is a much nicer airport to depart from as it has so many more facilities and SFB is not geared up for lengthy delays (which is obviously always possible with charter flights).

 

[Obi Wan Kenobi]

Maybe they will fly the Glasgow flights into SFB?

 

[Claire L]

SFB is certainly a longer drive to most resorts than from MCO, but it can often be 30-45 minutes quicker to get through, so it is a swings and roundabouts deal.

To be honest it has never taken us longer than 35 to 45 minutes to get out of MCO and into the car after landing, so not sure how quick SFB must be!

Claire