Non direct flights - do you recommmend???

[Debz-L-]

Hi all

I have been offered quite good flight prices but there would be a change over in Phillidelphia, I can get them even cheaper still if I am willing to stop over for the night (something I am def interested in) - Am I wasting my time and better just paying the extra for the direct flight? Or is Philidelphia a good place to stopover.........................or is the airport so far away from anything, I wouldn't get to see anything anyway.

Any replies would be much appreciated

[Paula D-S]

We have done a change over at Phillidelphia with no problems. It was around 2 hours between flights so we didn't stay over.
We are saving almost £1000.00 on our family of four flying indirect this year, that's comparing Virgin with BMI.

[Katys Grandad]

I actually prefer to have a stop enroute but it largely depends upon individual circumstnaces. You need to consider a few points before going ahead.

Firstly, are you travelling with young children? If so, a direct flight might be a better bet as the transfer can be a bit of a hassle with immigration, re-checking your luggage and further security checks. Otherwise, there really isn't anything that should cause you real problems.

On a more positive note, clearing immigration at the first point of entry makes the arrival in Florida much smoother and you're less likely to be in line at the car rental desk with 250 other Brits. A break in Philadelphia adds to the US experience and you'll have time for a snack and time on the ground to replenish your energies for the onward journey. You really will be struggling to leave the airport and see anything worthwhile on a same day connection.

As far as an overnight is concerned, whether you get chance to see something of the city will depend upon the timings of your arrival and departure the following day. Generally, I wouldn't recommend it if it's just 1 night because the time differences mean you'll be quite tired when you get there and time will almost certainly be tight the next day. The point about young children is even more relevant to that. It's just a personal view, but I think Philadelphia is the least attractive of the arrival hubs for UK flights.

Finally, bear in mind that you'll presumably have to come home by the same route. Somehow, the return trip home seems longer although if you want a stopover, you'll have more time if you did it on the way home.

Whatever you decide to go, Good Luck!

[Kazzie]

We normally fly direct but last time we had a stop-over in Atlanta. I actually preferred doing it this way as it somehow made the flight go more quickly and it is much easier once you get to Orlando as you have already cleared immigration. As has already been said I would perhaps think about flying direct if you have small children though. Good luck, whichever way you arrive you will have a great time in Orlando.

[Mo Green]

I quite like stop-over flights but have not actually flown via Philadelphia. We did drive from New York to Philadelphia and it is a lovely city if you can spend a night or two there. Lots of history (Independence Hall, Liberty Bell) , lovely old buildings and plenty to see and do for all ages and tastes. If you do a search for Philadelphia Tourism you will find lots of ideas.

The airport is about 7 miles from Central Philadelphia and I understand has a good Transportation system into the city.

If you have 24 hours you could manage to see quite a lot. If possible stay at a hotel in the centre, have an early breakfast and leave your cases at the hotel. If your stopover is on your way to Florida you only need to check in 2 hours before your internal flight.

We have had three separate overnight stop-overs in Atlanta on our way home and it is surprising how much we managed to do in 24 hours. We stayed at an airport hotel, had an early breakfast and caught the courtesy bus to the Airport. We left our cases at the left luggage at the Airport (not sure if there is one at Philadelphia) and caught the train into Atlanta city. We were there shortly after 9.30am and returned late afternoon for our flight back to the UK.

Mo

[mfairhurst]

We have used CONTINENTAL manchester via NEWARK then onto ORLANDO no problem .
MAUREEN
www.onlinefloridavillas.com/villas/1683.aspx

[SteveandJan]

Hi Debz, we always book an indirect flight as BA and Virgin are so expensive during the school holidays and it actually breaks up the flight. We have flown in via Philadelphia but not stayed overnight, if it is a big saving why not stay overnight

[Jill]

Our son spent New Year with a friend in Philly and said it was very interesting so if you have the chance of an overnight stop over I would take it and see some of the sights.

[domster]

I will let you all know how we go as we are doing the indirect route with Continental in Sept. We too saved around £600 for the 3 of us going this route, so gives me £600 more to spend in Florida......

I have heard good reports about going indirect as it does allow you time to stretch your legs etc.

[becbecs]

Phili is a good place to stop over with some nice places for a bite to eat and a drink before you head off to Orlando, the US Immigration area is very big with not to many hold ups.