Which airline?

[sympatico]

We're flying down to Orlando in Nov from Nova Scotia. Because of schedules we are considering either United with a stop in Washington or Continental with a stop in Newark. Anyone have anything good or bad to say about either of these airlines or airports ?
I've already posted this on the transportation boards but didn't get too much response.

 

[nosnobunny2006]

I don't know anything about Newark but we connected through Washington's Regan airport last fall. It's a smaller airport that gives you fantastic views when you're landing. You'll see all the monuments. I remember looking out to see the Washington monument right outside my window! Being small translates into congestion with multiple planes using the same gate. I think there were 5 planes using our departure gate and we were loaded onto a shuttle-type bus and driven across the tarmack to climb the stairs to our plane. You certainly do have to keep your ears open to make sure you're at the right place at the right time. Other than that, it shouldn't be a problem. Just make sure you have plenty of time between planes.

Beth

 

[MikeyNS]

We're flying down to Orlando in Nov from Nova Scotia. Because of schedules we are considering either United with a stop in Washington or Continental with a stop in Newark. Anyone have anything good or bad to say about either of these airlines or airports ?
I've already posted this on the transportation boards but didn't get too much response.

In November check to see if CanJet is making the direct run (via transatholidays.com), and it's fairly inexpensive too ($500 all fees in). We took that flight in May and loved it. No frills, but they did give us a meal. For the 3.5hrs down it's sooo stress free and nothing beats going direct.
As of today I checked the website and they're still making that direct flight until the end of August so who knows if that will be extended. It was only supposed to be during the winter months but I bet demand has been high for them so they keep them going.

Connection time wish Newark is excellent and you can score good prices, but would definitely try Washington if the connection times and prices were right. I haven't found a good connection on the way back that's been acceptable. Don't forget NorthWest has a connection in Detroit and Delta goes through Boston.

If CanJet isn't making the flight in September I'll be going through Montreal. I try to avoid Toronto as much as possible.

 

[sympatico]

Thanks for the info, know what you mean about Toronto although it isn't as bad now that you don't have to change terminals only levels, at least that's what we did in March but they might have changed that by now.
We have 4 kids ages 2- 4 with us so we didn't want any early ( 6:30am) flights nor do we want too late in the day. The Continental flight leaves at 9am and the United at 9:40am and both get to Orlando around 3pm. I'm using my Avion points for the flights so as long as they don't go over the allowance it's ok. We liked flying Westjet last year but their flights leave at 6:30am.
I would love to get a direct flight but so far nothing's come up and since there's 11 of us going, I don't want to wait till the last minute and some not get on.
Anyway, thanks and if anyone else knows anything please let me know. TIA

 

[MikeyNS]

Thanks for the info, know what you mean about Toronto although it isn't as bad now that you don't have to change terminals only levels, at least that's what we did in March but they might have changed that by now.
We have 4 kids ages 2- 4 with us so we didn't want any early ( 6:30am) flights nor do we want too late in the day. The Continental flight leaves at 9am and the United at 9:40am and both get to Orlando around 3pm. I'm using my Avion points for the flights so as long as they don't go over the allowance it's ok. We liked flying Westjet last year but their flights leave at 6:30am.
I would love to get a direct flight but so far nothing's come up and since there's 11 of us going, I don't want to wait till the last minute and some not get on.
Anyway, thanks and if anyone else knows anything please let me know. TIA

I emailed Air Transat to see if perhaps they're extending their direct flights.. no response. When I first visited their website in January/February the end of May was all they had listed and since now it's the end of August you never know what might happen! Those flights, since they're a charter, don't come up on any of the regular flight websites so keep looking on transatholidays.com (not airtransat.com).

Unfortunately it to is an early flight, but my 2 year old didn't mind at all. He slept most of the way!

 

[Tinkershelly]

I really like Newark and have been flying through there for about 7 years. Detroit is ok. I flew through LaGuardia and Boston last month and I would avoid them if I had a choice. You don't have to go through security again in Newark, but you do in both Boston and LaGuardia. Remember there is US customs pre-clearance now in Halifax if you can make your first airport stop in the US.

I'll be at the World in September. I've got the room with free dining, but I'm just waiting for a good flight. Checking everyday!

 

[jersey shark]

....Newark is my home airport and if you fly Continental you'll likely experience Terminal 3 which is a very comfortable modern terminal. The bonus might be a spectacular view of the Manhattan skyline as you approach/take-off.

...for longer lay-overs you can have a meal in TGIFridays, or for serious steak lovers, Gallaghers!

 

[sympatico]

Thanks again, everyone for the info. I'll keep checking back for more.

 

[mbb]

...and UA/Continental flight through US bonus, pre-clearance in YHZ

Let us know what you find

 

[SplashMom]

We flew Continental through Newark two years ago and it was great. The terminal is large but there are lots of signs and it is very easy to get around. Of course, clearing customs in Halifax is a definite plus. We flew Westjet this past April and it was direct. We left Halifax at 9:45 a.m. and arrived in Orlando at 12:45. It was wonderful! I believe it is only Wednesdays that fly direct but it is worth checking. Good luck!

 

[Disney Daniel]

I have done the United run from Halifax twice in the last year and I would recommend it. The pre-clearance in Halifax is a definite plus, and it is important to note you will fly into Dulles not Regan in Washington. I found Dulles to be a relatively basic airport given its size, not particularly "flashy" so to speak but is not difficult to navigate with a number of restaurants available.

I am a fan of United in general, and I have had no trouble with conditions on board the aircraft but I would recommend taking a magazine on board the United Express flight from Halifax-Dulles as the aircraft has no on board entertainment. From IAD-MCO you would be most likely flying Ted which has TV/Video on board.

Good Luck.

 

[sympatico]

Wow, thanks guys. You've given me way more info than the transportation boards. Both airlines/ airports sound ok. I'll see what's available when I make the reservations. At least there hasn't been anything horrible about either.

 

[Tinkershelly]

I've finally(!) booked our flights for September with Continental through Newark. I got the flights that I wanted and by checking everyday I noticed a big drop in price on Friday and jumped on it. $608 Canadian taxes included and we had credit vouchers for $161 each, so we decided to act now to get the flights we wanted and an early seat selection. We leave at 6:30 am and arrive at 11:45, which should put us at All Star Sports by 1:00. We depart at 1:00pm to arrive in Halifax at 8:40. There is a later departure but that arrives home around midnight and I have to work the next day so I decided to take this flight. Now if I can only be patient until September and try to not wish the summer away..........