stop overs

[ukman]

Hello guys, wonder if i could have any advice from fellow orlando fans out there. Over the years of going to orlando, i have always flown direct, and just like you all, the economic crisis is affecting us all, so recently I have been looking at indirect flights which at times can be a whole lot cheaper, I can still do the direct flights, but if i can save a penny here and there, why should i not look at cost cutting somehow.

So was wondering how do anyone find the experience of having to stop and exchange with kids or infants.

Thanks

[ellie]

We frequently use indirect flights when we visit our villa in Orlando, although we don't have young children so cannot comment on how it would be with babies etc (mind you, it is surprising how much of a 'terrible 2' a teenager can be![msnwink])

I think a lot depends on where you change planes - we have done Dallas Fort Worth, for example, but that is not for the faint hearted as its 10 hours or more on the first leg! However, landing in Charlotte, for example is not bad as it is only a short flight from there to Orlando. So much depends on which route you choose.

We flew with Delta via Atlanta on our way over to Orlando, and then flew back via New York with a couple of days stop over there which was brilliant and cost no more than returning straight home to the UK.

Only you know how your children would react to a longer journey,and I guess that also depends on their ages. However, if you get a reasonable amount of time in your first airport you can stretch your legs, get a meal and take a look at the shops so it does make the time go fast. You also get all the immigration and customs over at this stage and simply walk off the plane in Orlando, so that makes it very quick.

[Clare R]

We always do a flight into Newark and then out - it makes a break, depends on the age of your children whether it is worth the extra time, it is certainly cheaper but then I am able to use a regional airport, I see you live in London.

[Jill]

One advantage of an indirect flight to Orlando is you go through immigration at your point of entry to America so when you land at Orlando you are on an 'internal' flight so it is much quicker to get out of the airport and you do not have immigration and customs with children who cannot wait to get out of the airport and onto somewhere better.

[Val]

Hi,
We often fly indirect and never find it a problem. Went to the uSA in January with United and a stop over in Washington which we have done many times and decided to have a few days in Washington before flying down to Orlando.
We also find clearing immigration in say Washington makes when we get to Orlando much quicker and the carhire queue's never seem as long. Nice also to stretch your legs and have a cup of decent coffee.

Val

[Katys Grandad]

I never fly direct to Orlando and prefer the break in the journey. Mind you, I don't have young children in tow these days.

Something that people tend to do is concentrate on the outbound leg and forget that they have to do it all again on the way home. You can often find yourself boarding a long overnight flight home after having traveled a fair distance already that day. When my children were younger they were much more tolerant when going on holiday than they were going home!

I now look to travel from Florida the day before and then take a day flight home after an overnight in an airport hotel. I find it to be so much easier and just wish I'd started doing it years ago.

[alastair]

With young children I personally think it would be easier going direct - unless there is a significant cost saving for indirect. With indirect you will have to claim your luggage at the stop over airport and clear customs and immigration - which will not necessarily be any quicker than if done at Orlando. You then have to check in for your onward flight and make your way to the departure gate - not necessarily in the same terminal. Depending on the transfer time and any delays, you will have to amuse the children during that period and spend money saved on fares on food and drinks. In addition a 9 hour journey becomes at least a 12 hour one, so when you do eventually get to Orlando you will have children who will be more tired and maybe more grumpy than they may have been on a direct flight. A direct flight to Orlando or Tampa is only approx 1 hour longer than the shortest stop over points from UK, so not much saving on inflight time either.

Other than cost savings (if there are any on the dates in question) I cannot see any advantage whatsoever in indirect flights.

[Katys Grandad]

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


Other than cost savings (if there are any on the dates in question) I cannot see any advantage whatsoever in indirect flights.
[/quote]

Hi Alastair

Not disagreeing with you and each to their own but I'd just list the following:

Breaks up the journey
Gives you the chance to see other parts of the US
Option of a day flight home
Greater choice of airline (and you can try a non-UK based carrier)
Much more convenient from most regional airports
You don't have to fly Virgin (that's just a personal one[msnwink])

I do agree that, with children, a direct flight will generally be less traumatic!

[another]

We have flown indirect a few times now, however not with young children so I cannot comment on that aspect unless you count 4 14-15 year olds!! I quite like to clear customs away from Orlando - it has been our experience that it is quicker even though you have to collect your bags. I find the queue in Orlando more tiresome than a 2 hour stop over!

[Paula D-S]

I had two really good experiences both with Delta and BMI and I didn't find it any problem with the children at all. My youngest was just 13 months when we flew with Delta and 6 when we flew with BMI. Clearing cutoms at both Chicago and Atlanta were a breeze and I would do it again.