US AIRWAYS/AIRBUS A330

[Albear]

Still looking into flights for next August. Have been quoted a good price using US AIRWAYS via Charlotte to MCO outbound and via Philadelphia from MCO on the return using the Airbus A330.

Has anyone flown this route?

Comments would be appreciated as this is the first time we have arranged our holiday on an individual basis. How do they compare to Virgin/BA?

We are a party of 5. 2 adults, 2 teens & 1 child.

[canarypam]

Ali I have flown BA to Philadelphia then US Airways to Orlando. It was fine. We like ging indirect as you go through immigration at the point of entry in the US which makes it so much quicker at Orlando. The only thing I would say is make sure you allow enough time between connecting flights.

[Majik]

Have flown this route many times with US Airways and are going again in two weeks time as well as Christmas. Flights have so far been on time, seat back tvs are great as are crew and food.

[dcnurse]

We have flown this route a couple of times. Found the plane, service & food fine.
Would have no problem recommending.

[ellie]

We have also flown several times with US Airways, and found them to be excellent. We have flown into and out of both airports, which are fine. 'On Demand' video means you can stop and start films as you wish. Seat pitch as good as Virgin etc.

But do make sure you leave enough time between flights - otherwise you could miss your connection. Take into account going through Immigration, Customs, picking up luggage etc and any delays on the way. If you leave enough time you will have a relaxing break at Charlotte, and can have a quick snack or meal, or do a little retail therapy before your onward flight. If you cut it too fine you will have to run, and even the smallest delay (and these do happen with all carriers - both our recent flights with Virgin had delays of betweeen 1 and 2 hours) could see you missing your Orlando flights. Basically, an hour, for example, really is not enough.

Missing your connection may not be so important on the way over, as there will be several flights to Orlando, but coming back, if you miss your transatlantic connection you could find yourself having to wait until the next day. However, on the return route you do not have to collect luggage or go through Immigration, so you do not need so long, as you will just need to get from one Gate to another.

Philly is a lovely airport, too.

Hope you enjoy your trip.

[Majik]

It may also be worth joining their dividend miles programme. It only takes a couple of trips for the miles to mount up.

[becbecs]

Done the Philadelphia route on several occasion. Makes your journey longer but the imagration is far quicker and when you arrive in Orlando MCO you just collect your bags and your off.

Plus there is a great little "CHEERS" stile bar in Phili Airport not far away from your connecting flight.

As a family we prefer to fly with American Airlines, don't know why, its just one of those things.

[Albear]

Thanks for your replies everyone.[msnsmile2]
We are still doing the daily trawl through expedia, opodo etc, still really hoping to find a good price on a direct flight. Looking through posts for this time last year, it appears Virgin had a sale around mid-October, so we are hoping they do the same this year. BA prices seemed to have dropped a bit, presumably because demand may have slowed a bit after the initial rush for school holiday flights. Still hoping....[msnscared]

[Albear]

**********************************UPDATE!!!******* *******************************

WE'VE BOOKED! Flights now booked with US Airways as per heading of the topic[msnsmile2][msnsmile2]

Thanks for all your advice and help.

9 months 16 days to go.....

[Kazzie]

Hi Alison,

Great news, you now have something to look forward to[msnsmile]

How much did you end up paying for these flights?

Karen

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Albear
**********************************UPDATE!!!******* *******************************

WE'VE BOOKED! Flights now booked with US Airways as per heading of the topic[msnsmile2][msnsmile2]

Thanks for all your advice and help.

9 months 16 days to go.....
[/quote]