[Smiler]

I've been googling all day :mad: getting nowhere fast.



What's the best airline/route to fly to Orlando Florida please?

Do I go via LAX or the other way round? :uhoh

Which airline is ok i.e. cheap within the US?

Thanks guys, just a small panic going on.......................................

[Park City Partner]

I did a quick search on Expedia.com and it looks like AirTrans or American will get you there. American is a big carrier and I have never used AirTrans. You can also look at SouthWest and JetBlue as they don't participate in Expedia. And yes you would leave from LAX and not go the other way 'round.

Good luck.

[tigerlily]

Southwest is often the cheapest, and lets you book things in one way tickets- so you could see the Grand Canyon on the way back with no penalty. Can I be nosey and ask why you are going?

[Carol]

oooooooooooh!!!!!!!!


:D

[Smiler]

Thanks PCP and TL.

Tigerlily - you would wish you hadn't asked. :(

[Nick88]

It might be worth considering some of the South American airlines like Lan Chile or Aerolinias Argentinas (sp?). The former is with Star Alliance I think, so you can use/get Air Points. Plus you can avoid LAX.

[dilanium]

I've been finding cheaper flights through travelocity.com than I can get on Southwest recently.

If you want airpoints for Air NZ, I think United is the way to go, but it's not an inexpensive airline, though you can find deals through travelocity, orbitz and priceline for them.

[Shana F]

Within the States, AirTran is a good carrier and they periodically offer very low fares. I usually fly Delta because the hub is here in Atlanta and overall I've been pretty satisfied with arrival times, etc.

I agree that expedia.com is a good way to price flights

[Smiler]

Thanks guys

I'll look at the SA airlines and other sites. At this stage I'm not fussed about airpoints, just the fastest way to get there that doesn't mean using 3 or 4 airports. If I fly into LAX it seems I have to change in Houston or Albequerque :confused: Why can't Scottie beam me up?

Although expedia.com won't let me on, it says I'm in NZ and have to use co.nz:wah

[sizzlingbadger]

www.expedia.co.nz is finally up and working :nice1

Just looked on there and it seems you can fly Auckland via LAX.

Good Luck, hope all is well :)

[Smiler]

www.expedia.co.nz (http://www.expedia.co.nz) is finally up and working

Just looked on there and it seems you can fly Auckland via LAX.

Good Luck, hope all is well

Thanks Sizz. :nice1

I'm finding AKL to LAX ok, it's a bit of a minefield after that. My US geography is hopeless :o I think I'll sit with an atlas and figure out why I have to stop in Denver or San Fran :confused: on the way to Florida.

I'd better start saving though............................. :exit

[Jo Jo]

When are you going? There are direct flights from LAX to Orlando (MCO) on United but I'm not sure if they go everyday.

[Smiler]

When are you going? There are direct flights from LAX to Orlando (MCO) on United but I'm not sure if they go everyday.

I've already been booked on the guilt trip and I'm stuck between a rock and a hard place:o, if I go to Orlando it'll be in December though. Just the worst time IMO. :roll

I'll check out United too, thanks Jo Jo.:nice1

[BkyMonster]

You'll likely have to stop in some odd place, Denver, Chicago, Houston or Atlanta on the way to Orlando from LAX. Try not to go to Seattle or San Francisco on the way. That's North instead of East :laugh. Will just take longer. The airports have domestic hubs that they travel through. If you find a stop is cheaper than a nonstop (or more convenient) just make sure you get a stop in somewhere that isn't the wrong direction from where you want to go. :)
Atlanta is a fairly large hub as is Denver if I recall correctly. You'd probably get a better flight from LAX to Atlanta (that's mostly nonstop then just a quick hop to Orlando to the south).
If you have to stop I'd recommend Atlanta, Denver, or Houston (or Dallas/Fort Worth, Austin or San Antonio).

You may also be able to find something via http://www.cheaptickets.com

Hope that helps (and makes sense :p)

[Tia Maria]

I've travelled LAX to Orlando non-stop, although it was quite a while ago. Try this site (you'll need to allow pop ups):

http://www.onetime.com/flightresults.php?gclid=CKDemu64so8CFQLaYAodgWmmOg&defaultSID=1&from=Los+Angeles&to=Orlando&ftxt=Los+Angeles%2C+California%2C+USA&fid=753836&ttxt=Orlando%2C+Florida%2C+USA&tid=764037

Which takes you to these sites:

www.kayak.com

www.orbitz.com

www.jetblue.com

Just select the non-stop routes. Once you know which airlines do what, you can probably just book directly with them.

Hope this helps!

Cheers

Tia

[Park City Partner]

When I did my initial search on expedia both TransAir and American had non-stop flights...

[gpbenton]

if I go to Orlando it'll be in December though. Just the worst time IMO. :roll



I used to live in Orlando, and December is normally an excellent time to be there as far as the weather is concerned (apart from 1989 when we had hard frosts for a week).

If you need any local information, just ask.

[Nick88]

I looked up Lan Chile, and you can go via Santiago, only one stop. No idea what the prices are, they don't quote online.

[Smiler]

Ok guys it's all booked and I really appreciate your help. :nice1

After lots of head banging and soul searching (more later) I'm going Wangers > Akl> San Fran> Orlando. San Fran is another 30 mins or so on the flight and it means I don have to spend a long time at LAX (too near the wicked step mother) or fly on via somewhere else. I've got a premium economy seat but apart from the size of the seat, I'm not sure of the other benefits?

The reason I'm going is because my family who are all in the UK are having their first ever xmas out of the country and going to Florida! That's my parents, son, sisters, nephews and nieces (including the new one I've not met).

We're not planning on going back to the UK til 09 (for my parents 50th) I'm really missing everyone and can't wait that long. Things have also been difficult with my son who 'hates' me for moving away. I'd like to sort that out.

Florida would be a holiday hell for my OH (apart from 12 of Smilers close family all being in one house :laugh at the same time) and he has work commitments here at the end of December. So I'm going it alone :uhoh and he is staying to look after the business, house and chooks, he's planning a lot of homestyle KFC hmmmmmm.

Sooooooo the big surprise is

No one knows I'm coming apart from my middle sis! I'll be arriving and they won't have a clue. It's been really hard to talk to Mum & Dad and not let on.

So I'm busy trying to clear up work matters before I go, leave the house organised, a freezer full of food for the hungry one and pack the 'capsule wardrobe' that I always see in the hairdressers magazines. They seem to consist of a 6 ft piece of cloth, a pair of shorts and a halter neck top, none of which will cover more than my right foot and they're always packed in a small ziplock bag!


I used to live in Orlando, and December is normally an excellent time to be there as far as the weather is concerned (apart from 1989 when we had hard frosts for a week).

If you need any local information, just ask.

Yes please! Do you know roughly how much would a taxi be from the airport to Davenport please? Will I be ok getting a cab around 10pm at night.

Which is the best shopping mall/s? We've got tickets to Disney, Busch, Universal etc but I've got a couple of days spare and I plan on filling me boots (or cases) :raebanana

On the return I get 6 hours in SF, any suggestions on things to do for a lone female. Is there a circular bus tour or something I can't get lost on?

[Jo Jo]

Oh what an exciting trip! How will you manage to keep it a secret until you go, though? I'd have to lock myself in a cupboard until the flight, I think. I hope you have a wonderful time - the thought of the look on your folks' faces when you turn up has put a huge grin on my face.

[Smiler]

Oh what an exciting trip! How will you manage to keep it a secret until you go, though? I'd have to lock myself in a cupboard until the flight, I think. I hope you have a wonderful time - the thought of the look on your folks' faces when you turn up has put a huge grin on my face.

Pleased to make you smile, Jo! :D

It is really hard not saying anything. I'm usually ok at keeping secrets, but this makes me want to burst.

I will be uncontrollable on the plane :uhoh :roll I'm taking a bucket of Rescue Remedy with me. :o

[jubjub]

Oh, that sounds so exciting! I have no idea how you are going to contain yourself!

You made me laugh with the capsule wardrobe! Just make sure you leave space in your case for your US shopping.

I am racking my brains about San Fran... the airport if I remember right was a bit out of town, maybe half hour on a shuttle bus? and there is a lovely square right in the middle of town with a cheesecake restaurant and a big Macys. Or you could get yourself down to the harbour and have a wander down Pier 39, that would kill a bit of time! There are easy to use trams (not just the decorative tourist ones) but proper city trams too.

[Smiler]

Sal

Have made a decision... 5 items in a New World (no pun intended) carrier bag inside my two cavernously empty suitcases ;) i'll pick up a toothbrush on the plane.

I'm gormless in new places on my own :confused: so I'll google the shuttle bus options or look on the airport site.

Getting the bus into the city, noshing a piece of cheesecake and a skinny latte or iced tea, overlooking the bay sounds a perfect way to while away a few hours. :nice1 Oh but then there's Macy's...........................:D

[jubjub]

The square I was talking about is Union Square, and there is lots of shopping around that area too, we stayed in a hotel just off it. Even a really cool Apple store (if thats your thing!)

I guess its an either/or time wise which you do city for shopping or the bay for a coffee/people watching. You may even be able to squeeze in a quick boat trip into the bay and round Alcatraz Island.

I am jealous, I dont think we had nearly enough time when we went to see everything, and it was such a nice place too.

[tigerlily]

I love surprises! Good for you!

[veronica]

well done smiler, enjoy it.

[thezorbster]

Ooh, what a lovely surprise for your family, it's making me all emotional at the thought! Have a fantastic trip.:nice1

[Smiler]

Thanks guys am getting excited now. :raebanana

Had a big wobble last night as I was chatting to Mum and she said she wanted to ask me something important. Oh oh I thought, she knows............ :uhoh

She went on to ask I would come back to the UK and deal with their wills and personal stuff etc if "we don't come back from Florida"! She was telling me who has a house key, the alarm code, where the funeral money is... the lot! I didn't know whether to laugh or cry. :wah

It reminded me that they are getting older all the time and I was sad that this was on her mind before going on holiday (but pleased they've sorted it out anyway, phew!) It made me so happy that I'm going to see them though.

At least I know where I got my born worrying gene from........... 5 days to go now..............:raebanana

[Smiler]

The square I was talking about is Union Square, and there is lots of shopping around that area too, we stayed in a hotel just off it. Even a really cool Apple store (if thats your thing!)

I guess its an either/or time wise which you do city for shopping or the bay for a coffee/people watching. You may even be able to squeeze in a quick boat trip into the bay and round Alcatraz Island.

I am jealous, I dont think we had nearly enough time when we went to see everything, and it was such a nice place too.


Oh Sal I looked that up last night and how to get the BART from the airport etc.

Union Sq looks like the ideal place to spend a few hours ehem shopping. :D Unless of course I'm shopped out by then, which on the balance of probabilities is highly unlikely but in which case, I'll try Fishermans Wharf instead!

[gpbenton]

Yes please! Do you know roughly how much would a taxi be from the airport to Davenport please? Will I be ok getting a cab around 10pm at night.

Which is the best shopping mall/s? We've got tickets to Disney, Busch, Universal etc but I've got a couple of days spare and I plan on filling me boots (or cases) :raebanana



I had to look up Davenport on Google, so I this is just a guess, but it looks about the same distance from the airport as I was (in the opposite direction) which cost over $50. I only did it the once, after that I got shuttles, which were more $20-$30. I recommend you try and organize a shuttle based in Haines City, and they will probably give you a quote.

The biggest mall is Florida Mall. Altamonte Mall is probably nicer, but its the other end of the city for you. There is also Belz Outlet Mall next to I4 which has lots of brand name shops.

In the theme parks, get there early and get as far from the gate as possible before getting on a ride.

And if you have a spare day and want to see some natural Florida, take a trip to Blue Springs. If its cold enough and your lucky, you might get to see some wild manatees.

Have fun.

[Smiler]

I had to look up Davenport on Google, so I this is just a guess, but it looks about the same distance from the airport as I was (in the opposite direction) which cost over $50. I only did it the once, after that I got shuttles, which were more $20-$30. I recommend you try and organize a shuttle based in Haines City, and they will probably give you a quote.

The biggest mall is Florida Mall. Altamonte Mall is probably nicer, but its the other end of the city for you. There is also Belz Outlet Mall next to I4 which has lots of brand name shops.

In the theme parks, get there early and get as far from the gate as possible before getting on a ride.

And if you have a spare day and want to see some natural Florida, take a trip to Blue Springs. If its cold enough and your lucky, you might get to see some wild manatees.

Have fun.

Cheers :cheers Graham :nice1

3 more sleeps................................:exit

[kanatakiwi]

San Fran airport is quite alright for a single female, its one of the nicer ones around for that. The museum of modern art has a great store there, there is also a spa where I had an eyegel pack treatment and a shoulder massage, and there is even a place called Hairport where you can get your hair cut and/or take a shower for $11. (its not a bad thing to do after a long flight) they provide towel, but soap is little bar of junk so maybe bring something nice of your own. Otherwise take the BART downtown, it goes right from the airport and takes 15 minutes.

As to Premium Economy, its worth it, for the leg room and reclining seats, and they give you the same food and wine as Biz class which is very nice, plus you use the first class toilets and get their little pack of amenities. the flight to SFO which I think is a 777 only has 17.5 inch wide seats, and fixed arm rests, so if you are the least bit on the larger size, its not all that comfortable. the flights to LAX are I think, 747's which are 18.5 inch seats and boy that inch makes a difference, and I am not a huge person!

anyway you will have a wonderful trip, and what a great Christmas surprise for your family.!

[Smiler]

San Fran airport is quite alright for a single female, its one of the nicer ones around for that. The museum of modern art has a great store there, there is also a spa where I had an eyegel pack treatment and a shoulder massage, and there is even a place called Hairport where you can get your hair cut and/or take a shower for $11. (its not a bad thing to do after a long flight) they provide towel, but soap is little bar of junk so maybe bring something nice of your own. Otherwise take the BART downtown, it goes right from the airport and takes 15 minutes.

As to Premium Economy, its worth it, for the leg room and reclining seats, and they give you the same food and wine as Biz class which is very nice, plus you use the first class toilets and get their little pack of amenities. the flight to SFO which I think is a 777 only has 17.5 inch wide seats, and fixed arm rests, so if you are the least bit on the larger size, its not all that comfortable. the flights to LAX are I think, 747's which are 18.5 inch seats and boy that inch makes a difference, and I am not a huge person!

anyway you will have a wonderful trip, and what a great Christmas surprise for your family.!

Oohhh thanks for that! :nice1 I've taken my spare amenities pack out of my carry on, no point in doubling up. ;)

Am planning on getting the BART into the city as I've never been, maybe visiting Union Square or Fisherman's Wharf to have a walk round and stretch my legs. :raebananaIt's nice to have a plan B if the weather is rough or there are delays, so the art store sounds fab, thanks.

2 more sleeps, not that I am actually sleeping atm........

[sizzlingbadger]

Exciting trip, it'll be no doubt wonderful to catch up with family and surprise them :nice1

Have a great trip :D

[Smiler]

Thanks Sizz! :nice1

One more sleep to go............. then I'm off!!!!! :raebanana :raebanana :raebanana

[LesleyS]

Sounds like you're in for an exciting Xmas Smiler

Have a good one, and all the best!

[Smiler]

Thanks all! I've just updated Moorf's thread in the lounge but here's the gist of it, well it's copied really!

If anyone read the newspaper reports about a middle aged woman sitting on a soaking wet bag, in the bar at Auckland airport, sobbing her little heart out while dining on a bag of salty peanuts and a vat of pinot gris, it wasn't me right?

Finally got there as Carol says, via the hell hole that is LAX (6 hour lay over mostly spent barefoot in immigration queues) and Denver (4 hours and everything was shut).

Middle sis crept out to meet me and we arrived back at the villa just as Mum and Dad were making morning tea. I didn't feel like singing xmas carols on the doorstep as planned, so we bowled right in. Mum burst into tears and Dad looked bemused at Mum crying, until he put his glasses on!

I took a cup of tea up to my son who was still in bed and he thought he was dreaming that Mum came to see him. :laugh As dozy as me in the morning still then!

Had a fab 2 weeks with them and enjoyed lots of hugs, chats and generally being together. I am so glad I made the effort and went.

Saying goodbye was hard, but not as hard as the last time. I've almost talked them into coming to visit...Dad would get on a plane now but Mum really hates flying and is petrified, so I'm waiting for her to say she's ready to do the long journey, but at least she's talking about it. Son is also coming round to the idea of visiting.

Flight home was fairly uneventful after being selected for a random drugs search at Orlando airport at 4 am and then being wedged between a screaming 2.5 year old and his 7 month old brother in row 34. I spent most of the time in the galley with the crew, who were fab. Had a quick trundle round San Fran which was heaving on NYE and then home. Well Auckland, where I was due to wait 7 hours for Wangers flight but nice air nz lady swopped me for the much earlier Palmy one, shoved me in the business lounge yay! and generally gave me back my faith in air nz.

OH was busy, but well looked after while I was gone. He had more invites that he could eat hot dinners and people turning up with baking etc.

UNFORTUNATELY he didn't recognise me when I got off the plane and walked straight past me. :mad: His excuse was he didn't think I'd be off the plane first, but I'd bought new glasses and was walking 10 foot off the ground, I was so happy and I must have looked very different.:confused:

[ellenmelon]

Thanks all! I've just updated Moorf's thread in the lounge but here's the gist of it, well it's copied really!

If anyone read the newspaper reports about a middle aged woman sitting on a soaking wet bag, in the bar at Auckland airport, sobbing her little heart out while dining on a bag of salty peanuts and a vat of pinot gris, it wasn't me right?

Finally got there as Carol says, via the hell hole that is LAX (6 hour lay over mostly spent barefoot in immigration queues) and Denver (4 hours and everything was shut).

Middle sis crept out to meet me and we arrived back at the villa just as Mum and Dad were making morning tea. I didn't feel like singing xmas carols on the doorstep as planned, so we bowled right in. Mum burst into tears and Dad looked bemused at Mum crying, until he put his glasses on!

I took a cup of tea up to my son who was still in bed and he thought he was dreaming that Mum came to see him.As dozy as me in the morning still then!

Had a fab 2 weeks with them and enjoyed lots of hugs, chats and generally being together. I am so glad I made the effort and went.

Saying goodbye was hard, but not as hard as the last time. I've almost talked them into coming to visit...Dad would get on a plane now but Mum really hates flying and is petrified, so I'm waiting for her to say she's ready to do the long journey, but at least she's talking about it. Son is also coming round to the idea of visiting.

Flight home was fairly uneventful after being selected for a random drugs search at Orlando airport at 4 am and then being wedged between a screaming 2.5 year old and his 7 month old brother in row 34. I spent most of the time in the galley with the crew, who were fab. Had a quick trundle round San Fran which was heaving on NYE and then home. Well Auckland, where I was due to wait 7 hours for Wangers flight but nice air nz lady swopped me for the much earlier Palmy one, shoved me in the business lounge yay! and generally gave me back my faith in air nz.

OH was busy, but well looked after while I was gone. He had more invites that he could eat hot dinners and people turning up with baking etc.

UNFORTUNATELY he didn't recognise me when I got off the plane and walked straight past me. :mad: His excuse was he didn't think I'd be off the plane first, but I'd bought new glasses and was walking 10 foot off the ground, I was so happy and I must have looked very different.

:clap so glad you had a good time :D would love to see piccies when you have the time..

when i went to ireland, my mum surprised me at dublin airport when i got off the plane and flew with me down to limerick. surprises are great!!!

[LesleyS]

Was wondering how it all went Smiler?

What a lovely family you have there!