Flight question

[Suzez]

We have booked a cruise for next year sailing from Fort Lauderdale and have been offered flights with a change in Toronto, with a 4 hours wait. Has anyone from the UK done this? Was it a headache? What airline did you have?

 

We are thinking direct flights would be better. But I guess there will be a cost for this.

 

Any advice on flights from UK to Fort lauderdale welcomed. We want to fly from Heathrow.

 

This will be our first cruise from the US and 2nd fly cruise.

 

Thank you in advance.

[CruiserBruce]

First, I would be researching on the Cruise Air board, located here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=128

 

The Mods might even move it there.

 

There aren't any "direct" (do you mean "non-stop"?) flights from London to Ft Lauderdale. So you would have to connect somewhere. There are, however, non-stop flights to Miami, which would leave you with a shuttle to Ft Lauderdale. Those are discussed extensively on the Florida Departures board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=495

 

Personally, I would take the non-stop to Miami.

[Suzez]

First, I would be researching on the Cruise Air board, located here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=128

 

The Mods might even move it there.

 

There aren't any "direct" (do you mean "non-stop"?) flights from London to Ft Lauderdale. So you would have to connect somewhere. There are, however, non-stop flights to Miami, which would leave you with a shuttle to Ft Lauderdale. Those are discussed extensively on the Florida Departures board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=495

 

Personally, I would take the non-stop to Miami.

 

Hi sorry I did mean flights to Miami. I am still learning.

[Suzez]

I've put this here as it is a Princess cruise. The cruise includes the flights to Miami. Hopefully someone can advise. Thank you

[CruiserBruce]

Are you saying you got your airfare through Princess? If so, you might have learned Lesson #1 about cruise line airfares...inconvenient routings.

[Suzez]

Are you saying you got your airfare through Princess? If so, you might have learned Lesson #1 about cruise line airfares...inconvenient routings.

Yes the flights and transfers are included in the price. We did know it may be indirect.

 

I am interested to know what other people have done. The flights given are with Air Canada, which we have no experience of.

[MBandJSinUK]

you can usually book it direct a lot cheaper than using Princess Flights.

 

There are 5 non-stops a day to Miami from Heathrow and a new Norwegian service from Gatwick to Fort Lauderdale. Choices are BA, Virgin and AA from Heathrow.

 

You can book the pre-cruise transfers & hotel via princess to make the package the same as the princess package.

 

BA/AA (non stop) is about £435 on most Fridays in early 2017 and £610 on most Saturdays in early 2017. You get more flexibility on flights/baggage/seating/collecting miles as sometimes Princess locks you into a Group Booking from Heathrow.

 

The "issue" that is clouding normal practice in that there's currently a sale on flights through princess which drops some of the connecting flights down to £204 (including the Toronto option).

 

However.... Look out for an option on Delta at £260 which is a non stop codeshare flying on Virgin.

 

This sale runs until 30 June but discount on flights usually gets replaced with discount off the cruise or OBC

[CruiserBruce]

Yes the flights and transfers are included in the price. We did know it may be indirect.

 

I am interested to know what other people have done. The flights given are with Air Canada, which we have no experience of.

 

In coach, Air Canada is the same as any other major airline. There isn't much difference between airlines in Coach. In Business, as long as the plane has the new Business Class seats, it will be pretty comfortable.

[Suzez]

you can usually book it direct a lot cheaper than using Princess Flights.

 

There are 5 non-stops a day to Miami from Heathrow and a new Norwegian service from Gatwick to Fort Lauderdale. Choices are BA, Virgin and AA from Heathrow.

 

You can book the pre-cruise transfers & hotel via princess to make the package the same as the princess package.

 

BA/AA (non stop) is about £435 on most Fridays in early 2017 and £610 on most Saturdays in early 2017. You get more flexibility on flights/baggage/seating/collecting miles as sometimes Princess locks you into a Group Booking from Heathrow.

 

The "issue" that is clouding normal practice in that there's currently a sale on flights through princess which drops some of the connecting flights down to £204 (including the Toronto option).

 

However.... Look out for an option on Delta at £260 which is a non stop codeshare flying on Virgin.

 

This sale runs until 30 June but discount on flights usually gets replaced with discount off the cruise or OBC

 

Thank you for this info. I think I will contact my agent when he returns from holiday. Those flights are awfully cheap to Toronto.

[goofy559]

In coach, Air Canada is the same as any other major airline. There isn't much difference between airlines in Coach. In Business, as long as the plane has the new Business Class seats, it will be pretty comfortable.

 

Yes and no. If the flight is Air Canada Rouge, the seats are smaller and harder and there are fewer amenities. I will not fly Rouge, even on a 3 hour flight. Regular Air Canada is fine enough.

[Suzez]

Yes and no. If the flight is Air Canada Rouge, the seats are smaller and harder and there are fewer amenities. I will not fly Rouge, even on a 3 hour flight. Regular Air Canada is fine enough.

 

 

 

Thank you for this info. The flight from Toronto to Miami is Air Canada Rouge. I need to get this changed !

Edited May 31, 2016 by Suzez

[goofy559]

Lots of people don't mind it. I personally find it uncomfortable and unenjoyable. I woukd see how much more it is to fly direct.

[Suzez]

Lots of people don't mind it. I personally find it uncomfortable and unenjoyable. I would see how much more it is to fly direct.

 

I am waiting to see what options we have for direct. Its quite a long wait between flights over 4 hours. We wouldnt even land in Miami until 8pm.

[goofy559]

I am waiting to see what options we have for direct. Its quite a long wait between flights over 4 hours. We wouldnt even land in Miami until 8pm.

 

its not that long - Toronto is a big airport. Plus, you may have to clear customs (not sure) - regardless there is an in-transit process. I'm not familiar with it as I'm Canadian :)

[CruiserBruce]

You want "non-stop". "Direct" can be something entirely different.

 

Lesson #2 in cruise line airfares....cheapest possible seats aren't all they are knocked up to be...

 

The benefits of your stop in Toronto is that you will clear US Immigration and Customs there...your flight will essentially be a domestic flight.

Edited May 31, 2016 by CruiserBruce

[Suzez]

You want "non-stop". "Direct" can be something entirely different.

 

Lesson #2 in cruise line airfares....cheapest possible seats aren't all they are knocked up to be...

 

The benefits of your stop in Toronto is that you will clear US Immigration and Customs there...your flight will essentially be a domestic flight.

 

Maybe just different term for it. It clearly says in my booking confirmation possible In direct flights. Possible upgrade to direct flights. Maybe that's just what us British call it.

[Suzez]

The benefits of your stop in Toronto is that you will clear US Immigration and Customs there...your flight will essentially be a domestic flight.

 

I didn't realise this. I thought it would all happen when we land in Miami, exhausted at 8pm.

[wowzz]

Personally I would do all I could to avoid the queues at immigration in Miami. My preference would be Norwegian direct to FLL.

[hartleykg]

We have flown to Miami with Princess direct from Heathrow. It landed early evening and then took up to two and a half hours to clear security. Arrived at over night hotel around 8.30pm.

[Suzez]

We have flown to Miami with Princess direct from Heathrow. It landed early evening and then took up to two and a half hours to clear security. Arrived at over night hotel around 8.30pm.

 

May I ask when this was?

[hartleykg]

This was in 2012. But we flew out from Heathrow this year to Miami but sailed with Celebrity. Hope this helps.

[wowzz]

I would change your agent, if you have to wait to talk to him as he is on holiday.

Why not call 2 or 3 cruise specialists, and ask them to quote for your cruise, with and without flights. In the meantime, price up direct flights to Miami (ugh) or FLL (with Norwegian from Gatwick). You can then decide what us best for you.

Flying via Toronto seems stupid unless the cost benefit is unbelievable - it's like flying from Miami to Athens via Aberdeen, with the last leg being on Ryanair!

[brian1]

You want "non-stop". "Direct" can be something entirely different.

 

Lesson #2 in cruise line airfares....cheapest possible seats aren't all they are knocked up to be...

 

The benefits of your stop in Toronto is that you will clear US Immigration and Customs there...your flight will essentially be a domestic flight.

Hi,Expedia and even Virgin Atlantic use the term direct.Ive never seen the term non-stop on any websites.I think you are confusing the great unwashed like Susie and I.Is it true that you can clear US imm and cus in Canada?Cheers,Brian.

[Corfe Mixture]

We have booked a cruise for next year sailing from Fort Lauderdale and have been offered flights with a change in Toronto, with a 4 hours wait. Has anyone from the UK done this? Was it a headache? What airline did you have?

 

We are thinking direct flights would be better. But I guess there will be a cost for this.

 

Any advice on flights from UK to Fort lauderdale welcomed. We want to fly from Heathrow.

 

This will be our first cruise from the US and 2nd fly cruise.

 

Thank you in advance.

 

First, as you are traveling from the UK, think very carefully about using EZ or letting the TA do your booking for you.

 

Don't get me wrong, folks in the US seem to get good deals, but, except when doing transatlantic when EZ air get access to 'one half of a return fare' and thereby avoid expensive one-way fares, I have always found it better to do my own thing.

 

If you do your own thing, you will have to pay up front to lock in the price, even if you are able to cancel later. The principal airlines to check with are BA, American and Virgin. We always travel in a day early to avoid problems with delays causing us to miss the ship, though you are in any event going to be scheduled to arrive at MIA the evening before the cruise and we have never had delays long enough to make us miss our night in bed in Miami.

 

Even if you book your flights yourself, you can still book the Princess airport transfer package which includes the hotel.

 

British Airways and American are members of the 'One World' and allow you to register with the other's loyalty scheme so you can earn BA Avios with both airlines. American will allow you to choose your seat after booking. BA will charge you to select your seat.

 

Virgin are members of the 'Star Alliance' which includes United.

 

You can book all three companies on line

 

On the subject of direct flights (which don't require a change of aircraft) you will certainly be able to choose your own route including non-stop to MIA.

 

One thing you will no doubt become aware of in your research is that MIA has a terrible reputation for immigration delays. However as this is your first trip to the US you will be more relaxed if you fly direct to MIA as, if you flying in on a one stop flight, you will have to claim you luggage and clear immigration at your first stop. Not a problem for those of us used to the procedure, but can be daunting for a first timer.

 

If you are likely to cruise out of Fort Lauderdale regularly, then you might wish to dip your toe into the 1 stop procedure on your way home as;

a) there are cheaper routes home

b) those routes allow you to leave from FLL (Fort Lauderdale) and avoid both the journey to Miami and the hassle of MIA.

 

For example American offer flights home with a change in any of Charlotte, Boston, Philadelphia or Dallas / Forth Worth all departing FLL around 2pm whereas you won't leave MIA until 5.30pm at the earliest on the direct flight.

 

Off these I would prefer Charlotte. It is an internal flight from FLL to Charlotte where the task of clearing US immigration is much less daunting.

 

Note that you can book AA flights on the BA website with BA flight codes, but for some reason they do not show the charlotte option on the BA website.

 

FWIW, just for information on the subject of direct flights.

We are planning to fly down to Key West for a few days before our next Fort Lauderdale cruise, and the best priced direct flight to MIA uses an American 777 but only gives us 1 hour 40 minutes to make the connection in MIA (to AA's last Key West flight of the day) which is very tight given we need to clear immigration.

 

As a result, I am considering selecting an American Airlines routing which leaves LHR (on a BA aircraft) four hours earlier and routing through JFK (where I will have three hours to clear immigration) before taking an internal flight to MIA. In fact, this flight is scheduled to arrive in MIA half an hour after the AA flight from LHR, but one hour ten minutes is ample time to make a domestic connection resulting in less risk of missing my Key West flight.

 

In fact what I will probably do is to make the booking using the LHR-MIA flight but then phone AA and suggest that if they de-risk the matter, by moving me onto the following morning flight to Key West, I will simply book myself a night at an airport hotel and one less night in Key West.

 

I tell this story simply to show how much more in control you are if you do you own thing as:

a) IMHO there is no way a UK-TA would take these matters into consideration

and more importantly

b) If I have booked through an agent, there is no way the airline would be prepared to discuss changing the Key West flight with me and I would have to do all my negotiations through the TA.

 

Why don't you just visit the BA and American airlines websites and check out you options by making a phantom booking (a booking which you abort once you have seen the routes and prices) and which you can compare with what EZair / your TA is offering.

 

Note if you want to see prices for bookings which fly out to MIA and then home from FLL you need to click on the Multi-City option at the top of the booking form.

 

Good Luck and enjoy your cruise.

Edited June 1, 2016 by Corfe Mixture
extra word removed

[Corfe Mixture]

Hi,Expedia and even Virgin Atlantic use the term direct.Ive never seen the term non-stop on any websites.I think you are confusing the great unwashed like Susie and I.Is it true that you can clear US imm and cus in Canada?Cheers,Brian.

 

Hi Brian,

 

American Airlines use the term '1 stop' and '2+ stops' to indicate the number of flight changes.

 

BA use the term 'number of stops - 1' on flights like BA015 to Sydney where although you keep the same flight number and aircraft you do have a stop in Singapore.

 

Internal US flights are a bit like buses and very often pop into various places en route to their final destination. These flights use the term 'direct' to indicate no aircraft or flight number change on route to the final destination even if they stop at an intermediate airport on the way.

 

But I agree, let's educate Susie, not confuse her.

Edited June 1, 2016 by Corfe Mixture