Visitors to Florida from the United Kingdom have little choice of how to get to the holiday destination - but there are several different options on which type of flight to book. The airline industry is very competitive, so very often it is necessary to look beyond the price to decide which option is best. There are three options - direct scheduled flight, indirect scheduled flight or charter flight.
Direct Scheduled Flight
This may be the preferred option if you live in easy driving distance of one of the major airports. There is a choice of carriers from London, and scheduled flights are also available from Manchester, but if you are looking to fly from a regional airport this option may not be available. The main advantage is the time element - a flight directly to Florida means a mid afternoon arrival rather than later into the evening. It is also easier to keep youngsters happy on a shorter flight. An additional advantage is the luggage allowance - this is typically two suitcases each, which is ideal for bringing back all those shopping bargains.
Indirect Scheduled Flights
This option opens up more departure airport choices, and will involve a flight via either an American 'hub', or occasionally via a major European airport. This will involve an earlier start or later arrival, and naturally a longer flying time. But if this inconvenience is acceptable to you, the costs can make this option worthwhile, particularly during peak times when the demand for direct flights is at its highest.
Check out the luggage allowance - it may be different for the 'internal' leg of the flight than the 'transatlantic' leg, in which case the lower amount will be the limit.
Charter Flight
Many charter airlines also fly from the United Kingdom to Florida - they tend to use Sanford Airport, a much smaller airport than the International Airport used by scheduled airlines. It involves a longer drive to the attractions area on arrival in Florida, but tends to have shorter queues through immigration and security, which saves much of this time.
The main advantage to charter flights is that they are direct, and fly from many regional airports. Many also offer an enhanced service at relatively low cost (although these are sold very quickly). Their disadvantage is that return dates are usually restricted to 7, 14 or 21 days (which is fine if this fits your holiday plans), and that the luggage allowance is much lower.
Our Recommendation
Our conclusion is that visitors should consider the advantages and disadvantages, and then seek quotes from a travel expert, and base their decision once all the options are known. Orlando Villas has a partnership with a leading UK travel agent who can advise on the costs of the various options.
Direct Scheduled Flight
This may be the preferred option if you live in easy driving distance of one of the major airports. There is a choice of carriers from London, and scheduled flights are also available from Manchester, but if you are looking to fly from a regional airport this option may not be available. The main advantage is the time element - a flight directly to Florida means a mid afternoon arrival rather than later into the evening. It is also easier to keep youngsters happy on a shorter flight. An additional advantage is the luggage allowance - this is typically two suitcases each, which is ideal for bringing back all those shopping bargains.
Indirect Scheduled Flights
This option opens up more departure airport choices, and will involve a flight via either an American 'hub', or occasionally via a major European airport. This will involve an earlier start or later arrival, and naturally a longer flying time. But if this inconvenience is acceptable to you, the costs can make this option worthwhile, particularly during peak times when the demand for direct flights is at its highest.
Check out the luggage allowance - it may be different for the 'internal' leg of the flight than the 'transatlantic' leg, in which case the lower amount will be the limit.
Charter Flight
Many charter airlines also fly from the United Kingdom to Florida - they tend to use Sanford Airport, a much smaller airport than the International Airport used by scheduled airlines. It involves a longer drive to the attractions area on arrival in Florida, but tends to have shorter queues through immigration and security, which saves much of this time.
The main advantage to charter flights is that they are direct, and fly from many regional airports. Many also offer an enhanced service at relatively low cost (although these are sold very quickly). Their disadvantage is that return dates are usually restricted to 7, 14 or 21 days (which is fine if this fits your holiday plans), and that the luggage allowance is much lower.
Our Recommendation
Our conclusion is that visitors should consider the advantages and disadvantages, and then seek quotes from a travel expert, and base their decision once all the options are known. Orlando Villas has a partnership with a leading UK travel agent who can advise on the costs of the various options.