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.