What would you do????

[Nafinegar]

Here's the cast of characters: Me, DH, DS10, DS10, DS7, and Grandma 67 but in fabulous shape.

Here's the dilemma: the flight I had been watching on airtran is sold out. We are now looking at a non-direct flight on the way home. Or, we could book Southwest and pay $60 more per person.

The flight is for December 11th, so I suppose the price could go down, or up. Not sure if Airtran would add another flight though.

Would you stick with Airtran or book the Southwest for a total of $360 more?

My kids have never really flown, but they are pretty good travelers in a car. But, we will all be tired from our 8 days of park activities.

I could book the flight now or wait depending upon what seems to make the most sense. I am pretty committed to a non-stop arriving flight through Airtran. I do not want to mess around with changing planes with very excited boys.

 

[GoofyNewfie]

I wouldn't sweat having to change planes if you need to.

Although, I guess over the years I've gotten used to having to switch (sometimes 2 or 3 times) where I live to get anywhere.

I look at it as an adventure (but give myself enough time to switch). DS has been travelling by plane since he was a baby. Dozens of trips. And only one problem (the time he slipped on the wet bathroom floor and bit through his tongue ).

Good luck!

 

[Taja]

How much would AirTran be if you had one checked bag each? SWA includes 2 checked bags per ticketed passenger. That may or may not be a factor in your planning.

If the budget could handle it, I probably would fly SWA. Apart from the fact that I like the airline, *LOL* it would drive me crazy not knowing if AirTrain would add another direct or non-stop flight!

But--that's me!

 

[Nafinegar]

How much would AirTran be if you had one checked bag each? SWA includes 2 checked bags per ticketed passenger. That may or may not be a factor in your planning.

If the budget could handle it, I probably would fly SWA. Apart from the fact that I like the airline, *LOL* it would drive me crazy not knowing if AirTrain would add another direct or non-stop flight!

But--that's me!

We will probably only need 2 checked bags all together. We have another family member driving from South Carolina that we can transport some things with. - So that reduces the savings by $30.

I agree that I really like Southwest. I have never flown Airtran, so I don't know how they are other than the reviews I have read...mixed bag overall.

 

[Vivianne]

Well, we're just 2 people. But...if I were you, I would stick with Airtran.

It's just too iffy with Southwest to hope that there is a price drop.

Even with 2 people we have missed the DINGs. I guess, your location
factors into this whole thing too.

But,

I would go the safe secure route if I were traveling with a bigger group.
If you're happy with the price and route I say book it.

Hope it works out for you.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

We are now looking at a non-direct flight on the way home.

I'm not sure what you mean by a "non-direct" flight. Do you mean a non-stop flight?

If you are saying that it would cost $360 more for a non-stop flight versus a flight where you have a stop or change planes, I'd opt to save the money.

 

[PrincessArlena'sDad]

What are the arrival and departure times for the two flights? For me, that would be a large factor in the decision. A later departure from MCO could mean an extra 1/2 day of vacation/fun time.

 

[Nafinegar]

What are the arrival and departure times for the two flights? For me, that would be a large factor in the decision. A later departure from MCO could mean an extra 1/2 day of vacation/fun time.

I am looking only at flights that leave after 5pm for exactly that reason!

Sorry I wasn't clear. What I meant by a "non-direct" flight is that we have a layover. This Airtran flight is scheduled to come in around 10:40pm - not the greatest time but at least we are only 20 minutes from the airport.

I think I will attempt to book it today or tomorrow.

Thanks for your thoughts!

 

[Nafinegar]

Answered my own question tonight. I went in to book Airtran got as far as booking the seats and realized that we couldn't get an adult sitting with each of the kids, even if we spent $15 per seat!

So, I booked Southwest. It cost a little more, but at least I feel like we should be able to sit together. I will be sure to check us in very early to try and get a better boarding group so that we each of the three kids can have an adult with them.

Despite the disappointment in spending more money, I am pretty excited to have our plane tickets!

 

[Taja]

Woohoo!

Good for you!

 

[TwiddleDeeTwiddleDum]

Despite the disappointment in spending more money, I am pretty excited to have our plane tickets!

And having peace of mind your tickets are now a non-issue you only have to look forward to your trip - ENJOY!