Which is better: Direct Flight or Travel on Off Peak Day?

flip-flop · Post by **flip-flop** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 12:55 pm

This direct flight from DC (or Philly) thing has me thinking. It seems they only offer them on the weekend, which makes sense for the airline. After flying out and back on Tuesdays for our last trip, I vowed to try to always fly during the week. In November we are leaving on a Thursday and returning on a Friday. It just was so much quieter and the whole experience was more pleasant. I mean there were literally 5 people on the 6pm ferry out of CA.

But now I am debating ... would it be worth it if there was a direct flight. With kids, it would be nice to not have to change flights.

So any strong opinions or thoughts for me to consider?

sea-nile · Post by **sea-nile** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:09 pm

I would go with a direct flight. You don't want to take the chance of being late and missing the next flight. I would think that with little kids the direct flight would be the best also.

patr · Post by **patr** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:11 pm

Flip-Flop, that's an excellent question.

I have only experienced departures from STT airport on a Saturday and it is ALWAYS a zoo! Last December, we arrived at the airport three hours early. The line was all the way out to the curb to check in. The kiosks were both down (American). Customs and security lines were extremely long and it was very hot in all these areas. We finally arrived in the gate area as the flight was boarding.

For April trip, we will fly down on a Tuesday and return on a Thursday. I am hoping that the airport experience will be alot more pleasant.

flip-flop · Post by **flip-flop** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:16 pm

Only 11 days to go you lucky dog. I will be interested to find how you find the airport on a weekday. We found it practically deserted. I just dont know which I prefer direct flight or less crowded and less waiting. It may be that its a wash!

mia · Post by **mia** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 1:18 pm

flip-flop,

IMHO....it ends up being a wash. I remember running through airports with our three munchkins in tow.... not a particularly fond memory. Conversely, after our stressful experience at STT this past February....I have to tell you that I felt so sorry for the parents of little ones having to endure the ridiculously long lines and rude personnel.

Of course when we were traveling to Hawaii with our little guy and gals(at least once a year)...it was pre 9/11 and going through security was a breeze.

I'm afraid I'm not much help....simply sharing my experiences from the good old days.

Can you tell that I truly miss traveling with our young children?

destiny92782 · Post by **destiny92782** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 2:46 pm

HI, kinda new here. I post over on the other USVI message board. I just thought I would put in my 2 cents. We are flying out of DC on Thursday July 19 with united and it is a direct flight, the return trip we are coming back on Thursday Aug 2nd and its sorta a direct flight, we fly over to SJU with no plane change, just to drop and pick people up then back to DC.

Destiny n VA

jmq · Post by **jmq** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 3:14 pm

A Saturday arrival doesn’t qualify as a “must to avoid” for me because if it is a zoo after you get off the plane you just take turns wandering back over to the punch stand and hit the liquor store while you wait for your luggage, whereas a Saturday departure is something to avoid in peak season, let alone with kids and a connecting flight outbound.

flip-flop · Post by **flip-flop** » Fri Mar 23, 2007 3:18 pm

Good point JMQ. I am hoping that our return flight - the day after thanksgiving - will be uneventful. I figured that people who go somewhere for Thanksgiving tend to stay through the weekend or at least till Saturday. We'll see this November!

I have never been anywhere tropical for Thanksgiving so I am looking forward to it!

DELETED · Post by **DELETED** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 7:49 pm

DELETED

RickG · Post by **RickG** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 11:01 pm

flipflop, I've done this with kids over Thanksgiving a few times and I vote for the direct flights where possible. When my youngest was 5 months the sheer volume of baby stuff made changing planes a real hassle. That being said, we've only had a direct flight once.

Now, no matter what I would go the porter route on departure and have him check you in and take you on the express through security. Imagine hauling car seats and the kids luggage as well as your own through the security line... Yep, the red cap service is delightful when you have the clan along.

Cheers, RickG

MrsCARolph · Post by **MrsCARolph** » Sat Mar 24, 2007 11:32 pm

If I were you I'd base the decision on the kids. If they can sit through an entire flight, do the direct. If they are better off with a "break" in between so they can run around a little, do the connecting flights.

After all, happy kids make happy Moms!

flip-flop · Post by **flip-flop** » Sun Mar 25, 2007 3:50 pm

I have no concerns whatsoever about the one who will be 5. She's a world class traveler. Travels better than I do think! Its the will be 10 month old that scares me a bit. We are connecting through Atlanta. Only option with the FF miles through Delta. We'll see. What's the worst that can happen!

I do think the private land and water taxi will make a HUGE difference. No waiting is the key with the little ones I tend to find. Atlanta was pretty good last time we connected thruogh there. They even had a little kids play area. The girl could get rid of some energy before boarding our next flight. Kind of nice!

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Which is better: Direct Flight or Travel on Off Peak Day?

Which is better: Direct Flight or Travel on Off Peak Day?