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Original poster

Christmas in Florida - Flight Info/Recommendation

18 replies

Bowbelles · 31/01/2007 00:21

We are hoping to spend next Christmas in Florida. We have never been before as a family and wondered if anyone can recommend an airline/travel agent. Have been trying to find a flight but want to return early January and there doesn't appear to be much choice - is it too early to book? Flights are really expensive - has anyone had a good deal? We will be booking a villa separately (lots of choice so want to get flights first).
Thanks [snile]

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Original poster

Bowbelles · 31/01/2007 00:23

sorry - should be . Typing in the dark as lightbulb gone and can't be bothered to try and find one - I should be in bed!

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twinsetandpearls · 31/01/2007 00:25

We are going out to florida in the summer and the price of flights was an issue as we are also paying for othe family members to come with us, so we have booked a charter flight rather than our original choice of virgin which has saved us almost £300 a flight, which is £1500 for us in total.

Original poster

Bowbelles · 31/01/2007 00:37

thanks twinset - who did you book with?

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twinsetandpearls · 31/01/2007 00:42

Booked a jmc flight whoi I think ar Thomas Cook, not ideal as the seats are a bit cramped and the food won't be as good as virgin but the other option to save money was a non directflight which I couldn't face. A saving of £1500 is a lot to us. We justused a cheap flights search engine, can't remember which one as dp booked it but I will ask him.

I saw something the other day about thomas cook flights being improved so they may not be too bad.

AttilaTheMeerkat · 31/01/2007 06:48

I stand corrected if I am wrong but thought the only carriers to fly direct into Orlando are Virgin and BA.

All the others fly into Sanford which is further east of Orlando.

Booking it direct with the airline and villa company should save more money than if you used a travel agent.

Original poster

Bowbelles · 31/01/2007 07:46

Thanks TS that's a great saving (trhere are 5 of us). Atilla is Sandford far from the attractions?

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SecondhandRose · 31/01/2007 08:16

Yes Virgin and BA fly thru Orlando International which is 30 minutes from everything. Sanford a bit further out.

No, you cant book the flights until 327 days before your flight home so Christmas flights will be available in another week or two.

You can book package holidays for Christmas now though. We have booked the cheapest possible package deal before but then stayed in our villa as it was cheaper to do it that way than with flights only as one of the child prices was really cheap.

Yes, flights will be expensive but if you are prepared, flights on Christmas Day are always good value.

diddle · 31/01/2007 08:33

Bowbelles - very jealous of your christmas trip. we came back on the 23rd december last year, wish we could have stayed. I've been at crimbo before at it is wonderful, you'll have a great time.
I did a search with a cheap search engine and virgin were the cheapest we've got two adult flights to orlando in April for £300 each which was much cheaper than BA and continental etc. plus its a direct flight which i think makes a lot of difference, i'd rather be in the air for 9 hours than 14 with a stop.

diddle · 31/01/2007 08:33

AttilaTheMeerkat · 31/01/2007 11:03

Atilla is Sanford far from the attractions?.

Yes. Sanford is about one hour drive time further north east from Orlando in itself.

Would certainly concur with the suggestion made to fly direct - you certainly don't want to make an internal transfer through a US airport unless you either have to and/or have loads of time to do it (would say no less than 3 hours).

Tamz77 · 31/01/2007 16:54

I'm flying into Sanford at the end of March and picking up the hire car from there, driving straight down into Orlando.

Christmas is one of the busiest times at Disney etc but I imagine it's extra-magical too.

There are some good Orlando forums on tripadvisor.com if you want to ask any specific questions (I'm there almost every day atm!), the experts know everything.

paulaplumpbottom · 31/01/2007 16:56

I am from the area and go about three times a yaer. You want Virgin, they are the best for families. Do not go anywhere near Sanford airport, its awful. Its also miles away from anywhere you want to be. MCO is right beside everything.

Original poster

Bowbelles · 02/02/2007 08:38

Thanks for all your help. Don't really want a stopover if we can avoid it, much rather go direct and just get there asap. I'll have a look at tripadvisor Tamz77 it sounds useful.
I expect it to be a busy time but it's the closest time we can get off work/school to my "special" birthday in November. Life begins....Florida here we come

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winterpimms · 02/02/2007 10:11

IMO if I found a flight to Sanford that was a lot cheaper than to MCO, then I would book it. It doesn't take that long to drive in (and you only do it twice - once there and back). Obviously, if there wasn't much difference, take the MCO flight.

I have been at Xmas. We arrived around 17 Dec. The first few days were really quiet!

Hope you have a great holiday!

Original poster

Bowbelles · 02/02/2007 20:02

Thanks PPBottom. I will avoid Sanford now.
(I also live in Camberley and my name is Paula - I also have a v. plump bottom!)

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SecondhandRose · 04/02/2007 18:26

Have now been searching for Xmas flights, they are incredibly expensive. Anyone found a bargain?

SecondhandRose · 06/02/2007 19:29

Well, I've just booked my flights, cost a fortune but couldn't see any way of getting them cheaper. At least I was able to use some miles but wasn't able to get on a flight home with them until 7th Jan.

paulaplumpbottom · 07/02/2007 11:10

I don't live in Camberley anymore. I lived there about 4 or 5 years ago. It is a beautiful area though.

What are your plans for when you are in FL? Let me know if I can be of any help, as I said I'm from there originally and I know all the best places.

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