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Trip Planning > Walt Disney World > Travel: Air
The Ins & Outs of Travel: AirfareJump to:
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How to Get the Best Airfare Deals Many families are feeling the pocket-draining effects of air travel costs. US Airways is now charging for bottled water and soft drinks. Jet Blue is charging for the use of pillows and covers. With a little ingenuity and a lot of insider tricks and tips, you can convince the airlines that you have indeed paid for every service twice. You’ll enjoy the benefits of left-over spending money for your vacations well before the airlines realize that they forgot to charge a hidden- fee surcharge. Use the Internet. It is your friend. By exploring the possibilities on sites such as Travelocity, Expedia, and Orbitz, you can find the latest sale information to make booking a flight easier. Travelocity's Fare Watcher is a nice feature that allows you to pick a destination, and receive notifications when fares change. Do keep in mind that these sites, while major contenders in the booking industry, don’t have an all inclusive list of airlines. Many only check the better known airlines and often forget the smaller, and usually cheaper, airlines. Southwest, a low fare leader the is often the only airline flying a route nonstop, doesn't participate in Travelocity, Orbitz or Expedia. Note: Orbitz now searches for Jet Blue fares.
Other, smaller aggregators may also offer some relief from the rising cost of airfare. Before you fly, check out these websites. They may make your trip more affordable than you think.
BookingBuddy lets you compare online agencies (Expedia, Orbitz, Travelocity) against individual airline sites; aggregators (Hotwire, Sidestep) against each other; Hotels.com against Priceline. You'll also find a few sites you've probably never heard of, including Qixo, an airline site aggregator, and metasearch site Mobissimo. Booking Buddy even searches discount airlines (AirTran, JetBlue and Southwest) that aren't loaded in every electronic reservation system. Don’t forget to visit the airlines’ own websites as often these have special deals and sales that can be found nowhere else. Most airline web sites allow you to sign up for email notification of deals. Airline email alerts often have special promo codes that aren't offered anywhere else. Airfarewatchdog.com keeps a list of links for signing up for email alerts and special promotions. Even after you have reserved a flight, many airline's will offer opportunities to upgrade during online check-in for far below the cost of buying a first class seat. Airline web site are also the best last chance to get that elusive seat that seems sold out everywhere else. Southwest, Allegiant Air, Alaska, JetBlue and others post their best fares ONLY on their web sites. Sign up for sites like airfarewatchdog.com that list low airfares on all airlines (see list of low fares flying into or near Orlando), as well as promo code airfares, and will send you personal alerts. While alerts can be helpful locating cheap fares, be careful how you use them. Many web site alerts notify bargain hunters based on price only. Some people prefer to fly non-stop routes, but connecting can be cheaper. To make sure you don't miss low fair non-stop fares, choose an alert service that allows you to specify nonstops only alerts. Discount airlines are often a good choice when looking to cut back on airfare cost. Having little frills, these airlines believe in getting you there. If meals and extra niceties are not on your priority list, you may be better off with a discount airline such as JetBlue, Air Tran, Southwest, Spirit, Allegiant Air, and Westjet (Canada). There are others and you are encouraged to explore all options before you choose. Some may offer more than others for very little difference in price. Note that small airlines sometimes have only one flight per day in many markets, and they frequently will not reroute you on another airline if your flight is canceled or delayed. If you don’t mind which carrier you fly or the time, check out sites like Priceline and Hotwire that have "name your own price" options. You won’t know which airline you’re flying until after purchase, but these sites can get you cheaper airfare, especially at the last minute. The downside is with all of the extra fees airlines are charging, a cheaper ticket won't always mean a cheaper flight, especially if you're charged for curbside check-in, 1st and 2nd bag, non-alcoholic beverages and passenger facility charges and domestic passenger segment fees are applied to connecting flights.
SkyAuction, unlike Priceline and Hotwire, auctions off tickets using a "second bid" scheme much like eBay. The best strategy here is to bid the maximum you're willing to pay. If you win, you'll pay just enough to beat the runner up regardless of what your maximum was. On the positive side, descriptions of what you are buying are quite clear, and you can see the competing bids. If you need a specific number of tickets, be sure to make your bid "all or nothing". Also, make sure to check the service charge for each ticket and calculate that into what you will pay. Finally, be sure you know the price of normal fares for the tickets you want, since bids often go up above published fares. Buy your ticket online. As with most business, airlines offer incentives that could save you money if the ticket is purchased online instead of at the counter. All airlines except Southwest and Spirit charge for booking airline tickets on the phone. Fees are typically $15 to $25. Purchasing your ticket in the early part of the week may bring you savings as many sales are introduced during the first days of the week rather than the end of the week. Most airlines launch fare sales on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Since this is not fool proof, it might be worth watching the airlines for a couple of weeks to find the normal times for discounts and to recognize a fare that is below average when you see it. If you are going to purchase tickets early, then optimize your savings by purchasing 2-8 weeks in advance. Airline ticket prices typically go up 21 days, 14 days, 7 days and 3 days before departure dates, so try to beat these windows if possible. Buying tickets more than eight weeks won’t help you since the airlines won’t know what specials will be announced for your flight time then. Therefore, tickets sold more than 8 weeks in advance will be at the current rate and not at a special rate. Airlines don’t generally refund the difference if your flight is discounted after the purchase has been made. The only time this is not beneficial to you is if you are traveling during peak times such as Spring Break, Thanksgiving, or Christmas because fares often go up significantly during peak travel dates. Again, not foolproof. In 2008 holiday fares dropped dramatically. Flying midweek will get you cheaper fares. The cheapest days are usually Tuesdays, Wednesdays and believe it or not, Saturdays. If you’re flexible about the day you fly, you could save up to 50% on airfare costs. You can save even more if you are willing to fly the red-eye flights instead of during the day. Booking the earliest possible flight can sometimes save money. If you don’t mind connecting flights, you could save as much as 65% on ticket prices. It isn’t the most convenient way to fly, but it may be worth it to you to save some money. The rule doesn't always hold true, though, due to PFCs (passenger facility charges) at airports in some cities that can substantially increase fares on connecting flights. You'll have to compare and see. Take advantage of frequent flyer miles through airline programs or the use of Airline Credit Cards. If you fly a lot or use the credit card as your main card, you could rack up enough points for a free ticket in no time. If you sign up for an airline's frequent flyer program or the airline newsletter, some airlines will generate a "one time only" promotional code that you can use to get a discount when you book. If you are going to be renting a car, consider flying into an airport outside of Orlando rather than into Orlando International (MCO; about 20 miles). Sanford (SFB; about 40 miles) or Tampa (TPA; about 60 miles) are the closest to Walt Disney World. Also consider Melbourne (MAA; about 65 miles) and Daytona Beach (DAB; about 70 miles) International Airports. The difference in price won’t exceed the cost of gas for the drive into Orlando even at today’s high rates; and you will get to see even more scenery on the drive than you had originally planned. A typical taxi fare from the Sanford Airport to an an Epcot Resort will run about $100 plus tip. You can calculate an estimated taxi fare from the Sanford airport to your Walt Disney World resort using Yellow Cab's (owned by Mears) fare calculator. Just pick the landmark nearest to your resort (Epcot, Magic Kindom, Blizzard Beach for All Star Resorts, and Disney Institute for Port Orleans). Reserve each airfare separately; if more than one person is flying this tip may save you money. Airlines often only have a certain number of seats available at the best advertised rate. This means that if there are only three seats left at the rate you want and you are a family of four, your bulk purchase of four tickets will all be charged at the higher rate. Airlines don’t sell split ticket rates from the same purchase. You could save a bundle by booking each one individually. Book your vacation for August and September instead of traditional vacation months like June and July. Many airlines as well as resort destinations lower their rates during this time of year to encourage late season traveling. If you realize that the month will not change the location and attractions at your destination of choice, then planning a late season vacation could save you hundreds of dollars. Many airlines and booking agents offer last minute deals on their web sites, typically Tuesday through Saturday. You can find them for Air Tran, American Airline, Delta Airlines (Tuesday to Friday), Southwest, and others. You might also try sites that show last minute bargains like Bargain Box (select departure and destination city), Travelzoo and Last Minute Travel (select Orlando). If you book now and the fare goes down later, some airlines, including JetBlue, Southwest and Alaska, give a voucher good for future travel for the difference. Others will refund the difference but charge a fee of $150 or more. The Orlando International Airport web site has a new page for the best sale fares for airlines coming into or going out of the airport. These appear to be limited-time sales. To checkout the page, click here. Ask about your ability to change or cancel your flight if you need to. Even if you get sick, you cannot assume you will get a refund. In fact, most discount tickets now are non-refundable, but can be applied toward the purchase of other tickets on the same carrier. You must usually pay an administrative charge and any difference between the fares for the old and new flights when you do this. Southwest airlines is one of the few that will allow you to make changes to your ticket after purchase with no additional fees. Airlines don't guarantee their schedules, and you should plan for this when putting together your trip. If there's a mechanical problem with the plane or circumstance other than weather, you might be better off trying to arrange another flight for longer delays. It is sometimes easier to make such arrangements from a cell phone (pre-program the airline number in) than at a ticket counter. If you find a flight on another airline, ask the first airline to endorse your ticket to the new carrier; this could save you a fare increase. If you are delayed, you can also ask the airline staff if they will pay for meals. Airlines charging very low fares often do not provide any amenities to stranded passengers. Others may not offer amenities if the delay is caused by bad weather or something else beyond the airline's control. Contrary to popular belief, airlines are not required to compensate passengers whose flights are delayed or canceled. To learn more about your rights as a passenger, visit the Aviation Consumer Protections Flyers Rights page. If you have frequent flyer miles, especially for several airlines, and would like to know which airline has seats open for FF mile bookings or upgrades, there is a very easy way to find out. ExpertFlyer has real time seat maps on over 100 airlines and can give you this information, including waitlist information, and send you alerts if something becomes available. It's a paid service starting at $4.99 for the basic plan, but you can try it out for a free 5 day trial Finally, when you find a good airline deal, buy it! Airfares change often and that great price may not be there tomorrow or even a few hours later. In fact, you might even consider searching for fares throughout the day, several times a day. Airlines adjust the number of seats available at different fare levels, and seats at the lowest fares sell quickly.
Avoiding Baggage Charges Airlines haven't begun weighing passengers with their luggage and charging by the pound yet, but most are charging fares for both you and your baggage. Many popular airlines now charge passengers for the first checked bag. Check-in luggage fees per person are typically $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second, paid each way upon check-in. There is no possible way to avoid having some luggage when taking a trip away from home; and families seem to have a lot of it. If Southwest has a fare of $198 round-trip and US Airway has one for $158, and you are checking two bags, then Southwest actually has the lowest fare because Southwest charges nothing for the first two checked bags, whereas US Airway would charge you an additional $40 each way for two bags. Here are a few tips that can help in this situation.
Special Notice: DVCNews.com reports that Disney may start charging guest for parcels shipped to Disney Resorts with business centers, such as Disney's BoardWalk Resort, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Disney's Coronado Springs Resort, Disney's Grand Floridian Resort & Spa and Disney's Yacht Club Resort. Handling fees range from $3-$10 depending on weight and as much as $70 for a 100-pound pallet. For more info, click the link above.
Other Airline Charges Baggage fees aren't the only charges airlines have initiated or increased recently. Some airlines are charging for preferred seats located in aisles, next to windows or offer extra leg room. Other airlines have begun charging members of their frequent flyer (FF) clubs a fee to book their free tickets online. Even once free non-alcoholic beverages and snacks now come with a charge. Finding the cheapest fares for a family can be tricky. As much as you may hate paying a fee for checking your first bag, the airline charging the fee may still offer the best overall price. Free onboard amenities like free seat-assignment, snacks, meals, beverages and entertainment may make paying a few extra dollars for baggage worth it. Take a few minutes to total up the actual cost of flying before you book. Here are fees you can expect on some Airlines flying into Orlando International Airport, now or in the very near future:
Most airlines now have cashless cabins where payment for drinks or snacks will only be allowed by credit or debit card. For those who do not have a credit or debit card, some airlines will allow you to buy in-flight coupons or vouchers. These vouchers must be bought before you get on the plane. Check with your airline representative at the ticket counter or gate so you know how to pay for a drink or snack. Drink Deal! Purchase a Southwest $15 drink coupon book at a ticket counter or gate, and receive 4 drink vouchers. For more information on airline fees, download Smart Travel's Ultimate Guide to Airline Fees. TripAdvisor's Flights finder has a "Fees Estimator" function that can also help you keep track of little things, such as charges for food, checking baggage, even headphones. Lastly, with some airlines charging fees for even water, consider bringing an empty water bottle through security and filling it before boarding. Bring along your own snacks if your airline charges. If taking a longer flight, bring head sets if you have them. Special Notice: Alaska Airlines adds new baggage fees and guarantees. If the airline takes longer than 25 minutes to deliver your luggage to baggage claim, you'll receive a $25 voucher for future travel on either Alaska or Horizon Airlines or 2,500 frequent flyer miles. However, they've also announced plans to charge $15 for the first checked bag, and $25 for second checked bags. Both changes begin on July 7.
Coupon and Code Deals Some people have reported having luck getting discounts using codes published online For airline discount code information, try the following Retail Me Not pages
Deals for Special Groups AARP discounts on preferred airlines are available to members when purchasing tickets with AARP Travel Center, powered by Expedia. To book, phone 1-800-675-4318. Deals from Airlines JetBlue has begun offering students with an ISIC card an 11% discount on all flights. The cost of the card is $22 per year. Full-time students age 12 & over currently enrolled for the academic year 2008-2009 at an accredited institution and matriculating towards a diploma or a degree. (Continuing education and language school students are not eligible) qualify for a card. See ISIC's website for additional information and other entitlements and benefits. Some airlines such as United, Alaska Air and Southwest offer incentives from time to time, such as free kids airfare, character breakfasts and other Disney promotions to book Disneyland and Walt Disney World travel. Visit our Current Code Page to see if any are available during your travel dates. Earn Airfare with Reward Points and Reward Programs Most people know to join a airline frequent flyer program to earn points for free airfare. More and more, however, airline tickets are cropping up on other reward programs. Marriott, Hilton and Starwood hotels all offer airline tickets through their reward programs. As attractive as earning airline tickets might seem, it's also sometimes more difficult than buying tickets. Booking flights with reward points can include blackout dates, longer booking windows, require the use of a specific agency or airline and have other restrictions. If you belong to a reward program, check to see if airline tickets are available and read the restrictions before redeeming points. FrequentFlier.com keeps a list of airline, hotel, and credit card reward programs, including contact information and lists of participating mileage and award partners.
Credit Card Deals American Airlines is offering a no-fee credit card that allows cardholders to "Fly Now and Pay later". Cardholders receive 6 Months No Payments, No Interest on each ticket purchased at AA.com. Be aware, however, that finance charges accrue on the purchase balance from the transaction date. All accrued finance charges for the entire promotional period will be added to your account if the promotional balance is not paid in full by the end of the promotional period or if you fail to make a required payment on your account when due. While this deal may be just the ticket to off-set current vacation expenses, read all of the fine print before making a purchase. CardRating.com also keeps a page of the best airline rewards cards. Receive a Free roundtrip flight by signing up for the Southwest Airlines Rapid Rewards Visa Signature® card, making one purchase with the card, and transferring the balance from another credit card. While this option can save some money on an airline ticket and earn credit towards future airline tickets, it's not as good as it appears. The card has an annual fee of $59 and the ARP on transfer balances is currently 13.95%. Make sure to read all of the fine print in the "pricing and terms" before signing up to get the free airline ticket. Click here for more info. Discounts on Airport Parking Save up to 50% off Airport Parking through the Park ‘N Fly Network using Mastercard. Visit www.parknflynetwork.com and use your MC to make payment. If you'll be parking at the airport, visit LongTermParking.com and check for discount parking coupons.
Other Helpful Information Airport Shuttle Service: Mears Airport Shuttle is available from Orlando International Airport for transportation to off-property hotels and resorts. Mears operates a desk on the lowest level (level) of terminals A & B. Directions from specific airlines can be found on Mears web site. Shuttle tickets may be purchased at the time of boarding. Make reservations 24 hours in advance and allow a minimum of two hours before flight time. Call (407) 423-5566. Fares will depend on the location of your hotel. Children 3 and under are free. For a complete list of Mears Transportation's 2009 shuttle fares click here. Disney's Magical Express: Disney has eliminated the need to secure transportation from the airport to your Disney resort. Magical Express is one of the more recent money-saving amenities offered to guests staying at the Walt Disney World Resort. The service provides baggage transfer and handling, transportation for your entire party from Orlando International Airport (MCO) to your resort (one way or round trip available) and, for select airlines, airport check-in. All free of charge! Disney's Magical Express is located on on the B-side of the Main Terminal on the Ground Transportation Level at Commercial Lane spaces B42-B47. Only guests of Disney owned resorts may use Disney's free Magical Express. A reservation is required prior to arrival at the airport. Call Walt Disney World Reservations at 407-934-7639 to make a reservation at least 10 days prior to arrival. For additional Magical Express information, click here.
Orlando International Airport Information: OIA is comprised of 4 concourses with 129 gates surrounding the main terminal. The airport offers free Wi-Fi throughout the public areas of the airport terminal. Last minute theme-park shopping is available at the Sea World, Universal Studios and two Disney stores (Disney's "Earport" with park merchandise and the Magic of Disney). If time allows, don't miss some of the specialty stores like Del Sol (color changing gifts), Dog-E-Works, Harley Davidson, the Kennedy Space Center store and the Alpha Duty Free shop (no tax). The airport also has over 20 snack and food vendors and the Hyatt has several restaurants and a bar, including the ninth-floor Hemisphere. Move your cursor over this diagram to show store locations. Disney's Airline Check-in Service: Resort Airline Check-In Service is a benefit offered to guests staying at a select Walt Disney World Resort hotel and departing on participating airlines from Orlando International Airport. You can check your luggage and receive your airline boarding pass right at your Resort hotel and you will not need to check in at Orlando International Airport. At this time, the service is only available if you are flying domestically on Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Northwest, United/Ted and AirTran. You must check in at the Resort Airline Check-In Desk located in the lobby of select Walt Disney World Resort hotels up to 12 hours prior to your flight departure time (but no less than three hours prior) during operating hours. A valid government issued photo ID and Key to the World Card (your hotel room key) are required to participate. Free iPhone Web Flight Applications
Tips From TheMouseForLess Readers Southwest has no cancel fee, baggage fee, or change you flight fee. They also give you a complimentary beverage. You can also purchase gift cards at Giant Eagle. After you fly about 12 round trips you get complimentary alcohol drink coupons. Jet blue has really nice wide seats. They also have TV's on the back of all the seats. If your flight is delayed, and you answer the customer service e-mail with your opinion, they give you a a gift certificate (around 25$) towards your next flight. I bought my kids Earplanes from Walgreens for our flight, but they are available at most drugstores. They reduce pressure changes doing flights that kids often complain about and worked great for us. ~ Sandy S. US Air charges for everything!!!!!!!!!!, so does United. United calls you if your flight is canceled (which is often). Delta gives you a glass of water for free. ~ Sandy J. To get into the "A" boarding group on Southwest Airlines, ticket holders need to check-in online as close to the 24 hour check-in window as possible. If your phone has Internet capabilities, you can check-in while at the parks and re-print your boarding pass later in the evening at your resort. 24 hour check-in boarding passes can also be confirmed and printed at Resort Concierge desks in the lobby of Disney resorts and at Guest Services/Relations at Disney parks and at Downtown Disney. You can use Clear Card to get through the express lane at Orlando International Airport with no wait. You can get a 6 month trail for $89. A regular yearly membership is $199 with plans for families available too. Until 6/30/09 you can use code CLEAR25OFF online to save $25 on a one year membership.
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