Which airline to choose...?

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Okay, so here's my dillemma. I've decided to go to DisneyLand in March. WOO HOO! (3/13-3/16)

But I need to book airfare. I found a deal of $235 or so, for non-stop flights at my preferred times on United into LAX. But someone told me to be cautious of United because they're in bankruptcy protection. Uhh, isn't that most airlines anyway? While we're on the topic, how is United anyways?

My second thought is to find an airline with some frills. (cheap business class, or in-flight entertainment, or at least a power port for my laptop) But not having much luck with that.

I'm afraid I don't know much about airlines other than Southwest... lol. I would be flying SWA, but the lowest I could find was way too expensive. Brand loyalty only goes so far for poor college students who work for Disney

Any help would be appreciated

 

[CarolA]

United has actually just come OUT of bankruptcy so right now I would say that from a financial standpoint they would be a good choice.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I found a deal of $235 or so, for non-stop flights at my preferred times on United into LAX. But someone told me to be cautious of United because they're in bankruptcy protection. Uhh, isn't that most airlines anyway? While we're on the topic, how is United anyways?

United Airlines emerged from Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Wednesday, February 1, 2006. So don't worry about bankruptcy issues. $235 roundtrip between MCO and LAX sounds like a very good fare.

United is a perfectly okay, perfectly ordinary airline — no better or worse than American, Delta, and the rest of the larger carriers. They're all just in the transportation business these days. The days when airlines tried to impress you with meals and other extras are over.

Northwest and Delta are the two major domestic carriers currently operating under Chapter 11.

My second thought is to find an airline with some frills. (cheap business class, or in-flight entertainment, or at least a power port for my laptop) But not having much luck with that.

United has in-flight entertainment on most flights. But these days, you're better off bringing a laptop, portable DVD player, or iPod — or a book.

American Airlines has powerports on their flights (but not at all seats; check their website for details). I just checked American Airlines at http://www.aa.com/ for you. The AA roundtrip on nonstop flights on your dates shows $285.10 for economy or $1,266.00 first class.

For difference between the economy and first class fare, you can buy a very nice portable DVD player and an iPod.

I'm afraid I don't know much about airlines other than Southwest... lol. I would be flying SWA, but the lowest I could find was way too expensive. Brand loyalty only goes so far for poor college students who work for Disney

$235 roundtrip for nonstop flights seems like the way to go. I'd move quickly, before United realizes that American is charging more.

One more thing... if you end up considering connections, look into Orange County Airport (SNA) instead of LAX. It's a nicer, smaller, closer airport.

Have a great vacation in Disneyland!

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

I ended up jumping on the fare... it was $237 including all taxes and stuff. Not too shabby. The only problem is (and of course I learn it AFTER I book, when I called and battled the computer menu) is that there are no aisle or window seats available on the return trip. Not too thrilled about sitting in the middle seat.

I'm starting to miss my Southwest

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

I ended up jumping on the fare... it was $237 including all taxes and stuff. Not too shabby. The only problem is (and of course I learn it AFTER I book, when I called and battled the computer menu) is that there are no aisle or window seats available on the return trip. Not too thrilled about sitting in the middle seat.

There's a good chance you won't have to sit in a middle seat — if you check back at the right times.

United's frequent fliers who are holding upgrade credits can upgrade to first class at various points, depending in their status — Mileage Plus 1K at 100 hours before departure; Premier Executive at 72 hours; Premier at 48 hours; all others at 24 hours. That will free up some seats in economy. The problem is that it will generally free up Economy Plus (extra legroom) seats which can only be pre-assigned to elite frequent flyers and full fare passengers. Still, between the folks migrating to first class, the reshuffling as others grab those seats, and last-minute cancellations, it's not uncommon for window and aisle seats to open up during the last few days prior to departure.

If that doesn't work, ask at the airport. They may try to sell you an Economy Plus upgrade. But, if the agent takes pity on you, you may wind up with an Economy Plus seat without having to pay more. Ask at check-in. If that doesn't work, ask at the gate.

Good luck! Have a good flight and lots of fun at The Happiest Place on Earth!

 

[safetymom]

I agree about checking to see if you can move seats.

 

[Chip 'n Dale Express]

Thanks guys.. This is why I love these boards