LF Advice on flying out from Buffalo

[GT108]

I am thinking of saving a bit..er..a lot, by flying out of Buffalo instead of Pearson.

I will be travelling with families, with ages ranging from toddlers to seniors. So far, I have narrowed down to Southwest Air.

Can anyone shed some input on pros and cons of flying out of Buffalo and flying with Southwest Air?

Thanks in advance.

[babyboy06]

I flew out of b once, no problems whatsever. Now that I think about it, it may have changed since 911. You shouldnt have any problems.

[HighFlyer]

flying with Southwest Air?

WN doesn't have pre-assigned seating and boards via the cattle call. You get assigned one of three groups (A, B, C). They start with the A group, and your best bet for a good seat or seats together is to check-in online 24hrs in advance in order to get into the A group, or else get to the airport early.

You should probably shop around, the majors (UA, US, AA, etc) tend to match whatever WN sale is currently running. Booking with the majors will entitle you to adv seat selection.

[GT108]

Another question about Southwest Air...
Online, they have different types of air fares: Internet One way, Promotional fare, fun fare, advance purchases..and so on. However, when you read up on the discription, they all sound the same. Are there any differences between them?

[HighFlyer]

Generally they are non-refundable, but could be used as a credit towards a future flight. The only differences tend to be the restrictions... some require 21 day adv purchase, some are not combinable with other types, some require RT purchase, and so on....

[Bullseye]

My co-workers are regular business travellers, they fly out of Buffalo all the time, much cheaper and not too far of a drive from Oakville.

[GT108]

Sorry for so many questions.

I am in-charge of this year's family get together in Orlando. Don't want to screw it up or I'll never hear the end of it. >:(

Thanks for the info on Southwest.

Now, one more question for Buffalo International Airport:

How is their long term parking facility?
They have their posted rate at $40 per week, with a 10% off voucher available on their website.

I also heard of people staying overnight at a airport hotel before their trip and park for free during their vacation. Have anyone tried this before?

If yes, what hotel do you recommend?

Thanks again.

[GSD]

My family & I flew out of BUF to California on JetBlue 2wks ago it was okay except the delay due to the JFK snowstorm. 1 extra day in San Diego! Saved a bundle on the air fare!

[HighFlyer]

I am in-charge of this year's family get together in Orlando. Don't want to screw it up or I'll never hear the end of it. >:(

Been there, done that. All I can advise you is relax.... let them know that what they get out of the trip is what they put into it. This is also your vacation time, not just theirs. If something goes wrong (and it will), and they pin the blame on you, then those are the people you don't want to travel with again in the future.

[jerryhung]

should just use search function
you'll find your parking answers in them

and provide your destination too while you're at it, so we can be jealous

[camy47]

I usually fly out of Buffalo when travelling. When I flew to South Carolina I saved almost $400 on one ticket compared to Toronto. When we went to Orlando last September we saved almost $500 on two tickets....and that took into consideration gas, parking and a hotel stay the night before.

Southwest is usually good....especially if you purchase during a seat sale. Only downfall is the 'cattle call' style boarding. Mind you, if you have young children in your group you will get to board first :)

I usually drive down and stay at a hotel the night before and then grab a free shuttle to the airport in the morning. Several of the local hotels do Park'N'Fly deals that are pretty reasonable. I think it cost me $79 at the Radisson, but my advice is to spend an extra $20 and stay at the Millenium hotel which is much nicer. If you don't want the Park'N'Fly, the Millenium also usually has other package deals....like $99 Canadian at Par or 100 for 100 ($100 room but you get a $100 food and beverage credit in the hotel). www.milleniumhotels.com
I think the Holiday Inn and Comfort Inn also do Park'N'Fly...which includes a week of free parking. Oh...and the Millenium hotel is right across the street from the Walden Galleria for those that like shopping! :O)

[fireguy9]

I have done the hotel park and fly. We stayed at the Ramada last march and payed $60 for a 1 night stay, parking for up to 14 days, continental breakfeast and shuttle both ways. I think the rate now is in the $80 range.

Also check out the airline www.airtran.com for great prices on airfare to florida. Many times you get flights for $59 each way

[LNahid2000]

The only advice I have is leave early. My parents flew out of Buffalo last week and missed their flight because they got stopped at the border for an hour. They did get the next flight on standby though. It was still worth it since they paid $165 for a flight to Vegas instead of $400. Also, the Buffalo airport has a coupon for cheaper parking. Get it at the link below.

http://www.nfta.com/airport/airport_info/parking_coupon.asp

[GT108]

Thank you all for the info.

We am planning to fly out of Buffalo on our next vaction to Orlando.

By flying out of Buffalo, we end up saving around $2G, just on our family alone.

Many thanks again.

[raccoon]

I ordered an airplane ticket from Buffalo to Orlando on Air Trans
Just $78(included all). Via Atlanta�B
Much cheaper than Toronto to Orlando.

[rain111]

Sorry for so many questions.

I am in-charge of this year's family get together in Orlando. Don't want to screw it up or I'll never hear the end of it. >:(

Thanks for the info on Southwest.

Now, one more question for Buffalo International Airport:

How is their long term parking facility?
They have their posted rate at $40 per week, with a 10% off voucher available on their website.

I also heard of people staying overnight at a airport hotel before their trip and park for free during their vacation. Have anyone tried this before?

If yes, what hotel do you recommend?

Thanks again.

Here's the link to the coupon: http://www.buffaloairport.com/pdfs/BNIA_Parking_Coupon.pdf