View Full Version : BA to Tampa/Globespan/Virgin
Hi.....we are due to fly out to Orlando at beginning of November but are having trouble getting flights.
As we stay an hour south of Glasgow we have looked at Globespan (via Belfast) which goes into Sanford, but this isn't getting good reviews.
At the moment we are looking at BA into Tampa (ex Gatwick).
Was wondering if anyone has flown with either Globespan to Sanford or BA into Tampa. We have flown Virgin ex LGW and was wondering how BA would compare to Virgin.
Would appreciate any help on the above.
Cheers
Karen
dawn burley
24-09-2007, 22:36
I had 2 sets of guests fly Globespan from Glasgow to Sanford in June without any trouble or major delays. I hope that helps you with your decision.
Dawn
I have flown BA to Tampa many times and also Virgin from Gatwick and Manchester[msnsmile2]
My personal view is the least stressful flight is Virgin from Manchester even though I am ex BA crew - I don't think Virgin are the better airline but comparing flight for flight I would go for the Manchester Orlando with Virgin [msnsmile2]
I would not fly with Globespan as they have a really bad reputation within the airline business but again that is my personal choice[msnwink]
Hope this helps[msnsmile]
If you are an hour south of Glasgow, you are only 2-2+1/2 hours from Manchester. I would take the Virgin flight.
We have flown with Globespan Many times to Florida and several other destinations and had no problems at all , we have also flown with KLM and Icelandair which were horrible flights . We are traveling with Globespan again in NOVEMBER and have already booked for Oct 2008 with Globespan these flights only cost 240pounds return incl taxes
mollymegan
24-09-2007, 23:14
Hi we stay in east kilbride and we are going to orlando 29th november .We are flying with BA from glasgow to gatwick then on to orlando . And if you book direct they have a sale on . We paid £1019 for two adults and one child.That was the best price I have seen in along time .
Andy & Arlene
24-09-2007, 23:21
Flew with Globespan to Florida last October and I have to say it was a better flight than some of the scheduled ones I've been on. [msnsmile2] Great flight times and left and arrived on time.
We have used BA to Tampa and flown indirect to Tampa but it is easier for us as we are flying from the London area. However, we do prefer Tampa airport to Orlando International.
I normally use BA from Gatwick to Orlando but last year had to go to Tampa as MCO was sold out. It was a great flight, not too full either. The best bit was when we landed, immigration was so much quicker than Orlando and no queues at Car rental. We was out of the airport 25 mins after landing! so by the time we got to our home on Lake Wilson Preserve the timing was no different from Orlando. The only thing I would say is that obviously its a longer drive from Tampa if you are staying in the Orlando area. But its I4 all the way. Good Luck!
ShirleyD
26-09-2007, 01:10
Tampa is a great airport to use and we have flown in there many times with BA, but saying this, whatever is the most convienient to you is the best option. It is often only the people with extreme experiences of anything who will post reviews
Thanks to everyone for your help!
We booked our flight lastnight and we are going with BA through LGW
to TPA. Never been with BA before (except to LGW) and never been through TPA....looking forward to the new experiences.
Five weeks tomorrow...bring it on !!! [clap]
Thanks again
Kaz
You will love Tampa airport - we always fly BA to Tampa - doesn't seem as busy as Orlando. But this time we are flying Virgin to Orlando so it will be interesting to compare. My son was delighted to find that when we got to the departure lounge at Tampa they have a door leading on to a small balcony where all the smokers congregate - so he could have his fill before the flight home!!
Enjoy
Lisi
Never flown into Tampa, but they say it is quick and easy to clear customs. Once on the I-4 you are in Orlando in 1 hour. Sounds good to me. Plus the BA service is very good.
christhear
07-10-2007, 17:54
We have flown both BA and Virgin from Gatwick. I will not fly Virgin again unless the price is very low. Our trip to Tampa this year with BA was half the price of Virins trip in 2006 and both trips were in August.
The BA trip was 100% better than the Virgin trip, apart from the ignorant man in the seat infront of me, but then airlines can not help this.
The virgin planes all seem old and tatty. Never once have all 3 of us had TV's that work.
It will be BA for me from now on, or I may ry one of the American airlines unless Virgin are goving the seats away.
Upsidedown
22-10-2007, 13:21
Congratulations on NOT selecting Globespan! They lost their ETOPS approval last week and their may be more news to follow on that subject and their AOC, believe me when I say that this outfit is an absolute shower. All may seem well in the cabin with nice smiley hosties etc but the maint and Ops practices have come under the scrutiny of the CAA for some very good reasons. I would never put any member of my family on one of their aircraft, they are known throughout the industry for their bad practices and dodgy dealings.
I have posted elsewhere on this site regarding Globespan and if you search for my profile and read my other posts you will note that I have not exactly held Globespan in high estime and the loss of ETPOS only came as a surprise because it took the CAA so long. I cant remember when the CAA last removed an ETOPS approval if ever in fact, suffice to say that’s its very rare and taken very seriously.