Fort Myers

[Tonish]

Has anyone got any views on the the best option for flying to Fort Myers?

I'm looking for the shortest possible flight times and would prefer to fly from Manchester, although I'm fairly flexible about this. I hate breaking the journey and would almost rather fly to Orlando or Tampa and drive down than take two separate flights, but it all depends.

Would be grateful for any thoughts

[Katys Grandad]

Hi Tonish

I've been flying into Fort Myers several times a year from Manchester for a long time. As you've discovered, there's no direct service from the UK. From Manchester the quickest route is via Atlanta on Delta. I think you get there around 1945 their time. The return leaves Fort Myers around 1615. I don't use Delta but that's only because I stay loyal to another carrier.

If you can go from London it is possible to get there via Miami on BA or AA. The short hop to Fort Myers takes less than an hour and you could be there before 1800. The very earliest you can get there is actually an early flight from Heathrow to Chicago on AA but the connection's very tight and it's a long wait for the next flight if you miss it.

I don't know if you're familiar with the airport at Fort Myers but the terminal is only a couple of years old and the car rental desks are never busy and right across from the baggage claim. You'll easily be away from there within 20 minutes of arrival. Best terminal in the US in my view.

If you don't want to make a connection, I find that Miami is the best option because Virgin, BA & AA (and possibly others) have direct services from London. I believe the car rental companies are moving into the terminal at Miami International soon so that will save times and spare you the dreadful location they now use.

[Mo Green]

I agree that Fort Myers is one of the best airports. I have flown Continental from Bristol to Fort Myers (via Newark).

[Cruella DeVilla]

Can't really help with route from UK-USA-then internal Peter but I have used RSW for many direct flights from Germany (Dusseldorf).

I suppose you could get yourself a cheapy over to Duss and fly direct from there. I have been using this direct route on and off for about 5 years or so. It's a great airport and improved even more when the new terminal opened a couple years back.

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by Cruella DeVilla

I suppose you could get yourself a cheapy over to Duss and fly direct from there. I have been using this direct route on and off for about 5 years or so. It's a great airport and improved even more when the new terminal opened a couple years back.
[/quote]

The problem with the Dusseldorf service is that it leaves too early to make a same day conection from Manchester so it usually involves an overnight there the day before departure. Even when it is possible the journey time is as long or longer than making a connection in the US.

Great routing if you're Germany based though.

[Cruella DeVilla]

It used to leave at 1320hrs but not flown in last 12 months from Duss so might not be the same time.

They do have a twilight checkin so if you fancied a night in Dusseldorf there are plenty of reasonable hotels and you can sample that German bier!

[ncmurray]

How long does it take to get from Fort Myers to Hwy27? I have seen some good deals flying in to Fort Myers, so it might be an option this year.

Thanks

Nuala

[Katys Grandad]

<blockquote id="quote" class="ffs">quote:Originally posted by ncmurray
How long does it take to get from Fort Myers to Hwy27? I have seen some good deals flying in to Fort Myers, so it might be an option this year.

Thanks

Nuala
[/quote]

If you mean Hwy 27 in the Orlando area - about 200 miles!!

[ncmurray]

Oh..... well thats that, then!

Thanks, anyway.

Nuala