Flight advice

[BumbleBee123456]

I am planning to go to Florida August 2024 for at least a fortnight during the end 3 weeks of the summer holidays. 2A 2C. When is the best time to book flights? Is it normally best to book when they are released? Eg 11months before. Or Black Friday sale? New year sale? or later? If you are going at a similar time this year when did you book, which airline and how much did it cost? We would need to travel from a London airport but will hire a car so don’t mind which Florida airport. (Tampa, Melbourne or Orlando international etc. is ok)

I am looking now for June/July next year. BA and Virgin usually have sales just after August, Christmas and New Year and about Easter. I use google flights to get an idea of the flight only prices that are out there. I then book directly with the airline. When covid struck BA were quick to return money, others not so keen. I always book during a sale. If available luggage weight is an issue then BA are most generous followed by Virgin and some of the USA airlines. Thompsons are very tight. You then either want direct or one stop which can make it cheaper. Check the flight prices going into Orlando and Tampa, sometimes one is cheaper than the other. Don't pay out any money until you know that you have all got an esta each. No esta, no entry. They last for 2 years and cost $20. Use the official site only or get ripped off. Car hire use Alamo Brits and Discount Florida Car Hire as a yard stick. Prices always come down during the year. Have a look at BA fly drive they sometimes have good deals.
They also do flight, hotel car deals. There is a lot of homework involved.
If I can help anymore pm me.

Don’t just book the flights on their own. You have more protection and it can be cheaper if you book a package with car hire or hotel. With BA I only booked a car for 2 days to get a package. Flights only usually have to be paid in full at time of booking. Packages are deposit at time of booking and the rest paid later

I've already booked for next July. Got a Virgin price on their website and watched for several days (it goes up and down during the day) and booked the best I found. I'd probably get it SLIGHTLY cheaper elsewhere, but now I know what to budget for and can plan ahead. And we've got a year to look forward to it.

How you getting on OP?

Same here - first timers looking at last two weeks of August to avoid the crowds.

Thinking if booking soon though as I can't see flight prices coming down. Some went up literally as I was looking. Going BA as we have BA Amex and Avios.

I am going in 3.5 weeks and booked my flights today ! I’ve been before and booked 11th oht and also booked the same week !
Prices fluctuate - see a price you’re happy with and go for it and then don’t look again !

😱 I could not do that but good on you! I need to be booked and organised well in advance. But yes won't look again once booked! 😁

Prices are high at the moment! I’m waiting for virgin to release our dates. I’m hoping after all the airlines have released the prices might settle down. I definitely want to go direct from London but don’t mind going to Tampa/Melbourne/MCO whichever is the better deal after adding seat selection and baggage. I thought maybe early booking to an alternative airport would produce a good deal but this doesn’t seem to be the case at the moment! I’m watching BA, Virgin, Norse, Tui (or code shares eg delta, AA) Let me know if I am missing any

I've been looking at BA holiday packages and they are seemingly reasonable compared to just the flights themselves. It's hard to know when to go gif it though if you have a specific two weeks in mind. I've been a bit worried about going in hurricane season but have talked to those who go during this time and it's never been a pro lane and the reduced crowds make it worthwhile. I imagine the hotel costs come fine a but once the US kids go back to school as well. So much to think about! 🤪

I've just booked Virgin flights today for early July 24, but direct from Manchester which is great for us Northerners!

I priced it all myself and then spoke to a travel agent my sister! who has packaged everything up for me. I like the protection of a package nowadays. In my experience it doesn't work out any more expensive to use an agent, they get their commission from their suppliers not from you.

Virgin have a sale on now (though says it ends tonight) and I expect they'll do a black Friday sale so that might be a good time for your flight dates.

We've booked! Went for Easter in the end after chatting with my brother who lives in NC about it. We're flying in and out of Tampa as it was cheaper, with BA and a military discount, and Avios. Next stop hotels and tickets....and selling kidneys

I think you might be on the wrong thread PP

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