Good price but !!

**Mick-H** · 18-06-2005, 22:20

Just got a quote of £359, to fly out on 28/3/06 for 3 weeks, which I reckon is a pretty good price.

My problems are
1, It's with US Airways, I know absolutely nothing about them.
2, If I do book this will be the first time we've ever had to transfer between flights, I know nothing at all about transfers.

I've got everything on hold until Monday and I suppose I'm looking for some reassurances from people on here before I go ahead.
So come on folks should I book it or look elsewhere?

**heathercobbett** · 18-06-2005, 22:30

Mick, we have often flown indirect when it has been the cheapest option.Remember that you can do your immigration at your first stop and when you land at Orlando airport you will be in the national section which saves quite a bit of time

Mostly there would be more leg room than on a chrter flight (which I assume is your second choice) We did have one bad time when we were held up in immigration and missed our connection.We still got there but had to wait for seats to come available.

Transfers are simple,so don't worry about that.The main thing is a good connecting time between flights and more onward flights after yours in case you are delayed

**ellie** · 18-06-2005, 22:36

We frequently use an American airline as it is often so much cheaper. The big advantage is that you have completed all immigration formalities before you reach Orlando, so simply walk off the 'plane as it is classed as a domestic flight.

Leg room is infinitely better than any of the UK operators - 34" minimum on AA for instance, and more hand luggage allowance, too.

Make sure you have sufficient time between 'planes, though.

Hope you have a great flight.

**E. Cosgrove** · 18-06-2005, 22:38

Hi Mick
We did the same journey with US Airways this Easter and it was the first time for us as well, we flew via Charlotte and the transfer was very smooth both ways. Clearing Immigration in Charlotte was much quicker than Orlando and we were checked right through so although we had to collect our bags and clear customs in Charlotte we did not need to re check them, we just gave them in at the transfer desk. On the way home our bags were checked right through and we did not see them again after we left Orlando. Despite there being only 50 mins between connecting flights on the way home we made the flight easily and surprisingly enough so did our bags.
The only slight concern was the precarious financial position of US Airways who entered chapter 11 just after we booked, If you do a search for US airways you will find lots of info on the forum and I understand their future is a lot brighter, that being the case I would fly with them again especially at such a bargain price.
We paid £245!!![msnoo]

**Katys Grandad** · 18-06-2005, 22:46

Millions of people are connecting through US airports every day. It's very easy and you won't have any problems. I actually prefer it to direct flights on UK carriers because I don't like 8/9 hour flights and find the break rejuvenates me. You also experience another part of a different culture that you don't get flying with a British carrier and passengers.

**Mick-H** · 18-06-2005, 22:49

Thanks for you very quick replies.

If we do book our landing time at Phili is 15.20 with our connection leaving at 17.00, would this leave us enough time? or should I ask for a later connection.

**heathercobbett** · 18-06-2005, 23:10

Mick, I imagine that there will be more connecting flights that evening? Personally,I would risk it.If it were Easter or Thanksgiving I might be nervous.If all goes well it will be a perfect timing and you won't be at your villa much later than a direct flight

There are no certainties;if it is saving you enough money and you will get ggod leg room it is a good risk.By the way;I have noticed that the snacks on these onward flights are expensive and they don't always make it clear that they are charged for.One of my guests got caught for a sub all round that they didn't particularly want

**Katys Grandad** · 18-06-2005, 23:27

If US Airways are selling the fare with this connection then it must be achievable. There is another flight at 1815 anyway so there's no real risk.

**athurstance** · 18-06-2005, 23:51

We flew with US Airways at Xmas via Philli. The seating is excellent - lots of leg room, wide seats. Seat back TV (Some pretty good films too). Service was good - slightly older staff but very friendly and helpful.
Only problem was we were delayed (baggage handling at Gatwick's fault not US Airways). They rang ahead to Philli to say we were 4 hours late (the plane that is not just us) and as there were 70 passengers on our plane connecting to the Orlando plane it was held for us at Philli.
Philli is a big, big airport but we crossed pretty quickly i can tell you knowing our plane was waiting. We were all greeted with cheers from the poor passengers who had been waiting for us and the lovely air stewardesses were waiting with cold drinks as they knew we'd all have been running across the airport.
The flight back was thankfully uneventful.
I would go for it. It is a good price. We have flown indirect and direct and would take whichever was a good price without hesitation now. Also you clear customs in Philli where they were very cheery and nice and very organised. It took hardly any time at all even though they were photographing and fingerprinting everyone. Then when you get to Orlando you are straight out and away.