What would you do - arriving at MCO late (nonstop) or early (connecting)?

[Minnesota!]

I know I am putting way too much thought into this, but would like to you know you all would do.

Ideally...I would love a non-stop that gets me to WDW around 11am. (WHo wouldn't??).

We have 4 free roundtrip tickets with Airtran to use, though, and their non stop gets us there at 7pm.

Would you use those vouchers on the non stop getting in that late (we would be coming in a night before then of when we want our vacation to start at staying at the MCO Hyatt),

or

would you use them for a flight that connects through ATL (which we HATE) but gets us in there around noon...thus we could enjoy ourselves at Pop for a 1/2 day before really kicking off our vacation!

I love that these are my biggest issues these days!! Ahhhh...

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

Are the two flights for the same day, or is the afternoon flight the next day?

Why would you be staying at the Hytt instead of going directly to Pop?

 

[skiingfast]

I'd do the second. A half day at pop is an easy trade off to being stranded 30 miles from where you really want to be.

 

[Lewisc]

Is your free flights subject to capacity restrictions. You might check with Airtran before you waste too much time thinking about it.

I'd fly the night before. I'd try to stay at POP an extra night. Use DME. That way you don't have to change hotels your first day.

 

[Minnesota!]

We have gift certificates for the Hyatt, so the cost is minimal....and DH has always wanted to stay at the Hyatt for some reason.

The big reason, though, is that we are coming in on NYE - and Pop is over $150/night. And I have a lot of issues with paying that much money for Pop...and esp if it was for only a 1/2 day (evening flight).

There are no restrictions on these tickets. We were given them because of an awful gate agent in ATL and were told we could use them at any time for any flight. All I have to do is call and give them the confirmation numbers.

It's a moot point now, though, since my boss approved my time off and I can now fly out on NYE vs NYD! Yeah for understanding bosses!!

Originally I was going back and forth on flying NYE/Hyatt or flying in on NYD morning and going to Pop from there!

 

[Elmo007]

Always take the nonstop if you can get it but watch out for Airtran, just cause its nonstop when you book it doesnt mean it will be nonstop when they fly

 

[kaytieeldr]

However, AirTran is excellent (i.e. very cooperative) about then changing your specific itinerary to accommodate you at your request, pretty much whenever they make even minimal time/schedule changes.

If they were to change your nonstop flight to a direct or connecting flight, simply go online, and if you can find a flight that works better for you and has enough seats, call them and ask to be changed to that flight because they changed your original flight. If at all possible, they'll do it - at no cost to you.