Orlando or Miami

Having just returned from our first Upper Class trip from Man - Mco, we have now got the bug, and are looking to book again for next year.

To get the best deal is it best to book ahead as far as possible or wait for the sales. Also are the Miami flights cheaper as there are more UCS available on those flights,and we could also experience the LHR Clubhouse.

Which one would you chose - LHR - MIA, or LGW/MAN - MCO

Any advice would be appreciated

Danny

[Darren Wheeler]

Personally, for Upper I'd go via LHR-MIA

Some would argue that the CH is better in LGW but apparently it's due to close later this year for a refurb etc due to work BAA are doing.

LHR increases your chances for V-Port. You also get Revivals on return.

But.... There are many TR's that describe MIA immigration as hell on earth, mainly due to the amount of illegal immigrants going through MIA. Also, if you plan on staying in the Orlando area, MIA is a good 4-5 hours drive away (depending on traffic on I95) so an overnight stay is needed.

Miami airport is a $%@t hole. [:$] MCO everytime for me. As nice as VPort is, it wouldn't sway me.

[buns]

hi Danny and welcome to V-flyer

Like most of us here who have been bitten by same the bug!

There are a number factors that should determine whether you fly to Miami (MIA) or Orlando (MCO).

Firstly, what will be your intention when you get to Florida, if it is to visit the Theme Parks, then MCO is a better bet as you would have to then factor in travelling 4 hours by car. If it is to experience Upper Class then, IMHO, you might like to consider going to Nw York, then travelling down to Florida.

In terms of waiting for sales, as you will know, there are only ever 14 Upper Seats on the MCO flights, so grabbing a good sale fare can sometimes be difficult. If you want to go around anytime the schools are on holiday then forget any sale fare being available [:#]

Can do a dummy booking from 330 days ahead of your intended date of travel - if you are offered a Z Fare, that is likely to be the cheapest you will get it. Of course, there could be a sale the very next day and if the competition is offering a lower price you can bet VS will match it if there is availability.

buns

[Neil]

I really like the UC cabin on the LGW/MAN fleet, I think it gives a much more exclusive feel and from personal experience I have found the CC much more friendly/personal too.

Of course, you don't get the CH at MAN and the LHR CH is amazing, especially on your first visit, so there are benefits to both options.

I would say, cost should be your first look, if one is more expensive/cheaper, or you can better reward availability then that is a massive plus. Of course if you live close to say MAN then do you really want to be flying ex LHR? It was great to be back at home 2 hours exactly after landing on Saturday in MAN, from LHR it would have been more likely 4-5 hours.

Neil

quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler


But.... There are many TR's that describe MIA immigration as hell on earth, mainly due to the amount of illegal immigrants going through MIA. Also, if you plan on staying in the Orlando area, MIA is a good 4-5 hours drive away (depending on traffic on I95) so an overnight stay is needed.


Mine included [V].MIA is a vile stinking place and after my last experience of it in October I'll do my damdest never to have to set foot in the place ever again.
MCO is (IMHO) a far frendlier place (not to say it isn't busy beacuse it is).
The drive up to MCO from MIA is easy and doesn't require an overnight stay beforehand. Buns' suggestion is one to consider but I guess as Neil has stated factors like geographical convenience need to be considered.
DL

[Nottingham Nick]

I have flown into Miami several times and never had a problem. [:D]

It isn't the nicest airport, it isn't in the best area of the city, the lounge there leaves a LOT to be desired, but I would still prefer to go the LHR / MIA route into Florida.

I like the CH / Revivals at LHR. We always go down the night before, so I like my meal at the Pheasant. [8D]

It is all down to individual choice at the end of the day. I am sure that, if I had experienced the nasties at MIA that others obviously have, I probably wouldn't be so keen to use it again.

Nick

MCO every time rather than MIA.
I am heading for SW Florida so MIA is closer - I still travel to MCO!
The Hyatt at MCO is right in the centre of the airport - so no problem enjoying the Champagne on the flight and picking up the car the next morning.
MAN does not have the CH - but does have another on-airport hotel: The Radisson.
It's a morning flight so check in at the VS desk, back to the hotel for breakfast and checkout then down to security 20 minutes before the gate opens.
The CH is great - but best enjoyed on the later LHR flights.
I do miss revivals at MAN.

Another vote away from MIA - I'd travel to any other US port of entry instead of MIA unless I had to!

Hmmm[:?]
IMHO
LHR-MIA used to go out at 9.30am but has been changed to 12.30pm so plenty of time to enjoy LHR CH. But a guru may be able to tell you if it's likely to be changed back to the earlier time, therefore not as much time in the CH.[?]
The flight is longer than to MCO so more time to enjoy the delights of UC. I went thru MIA in Jan & it was a total doddle with no queues cos I whipped off the plane & legged it thru to pleasant officials at immigration & customs.[y]
Revivals at LHR good for brekkie & a shower.[:D][8D]


LGW-MCO. Choice of flight times outward & back. Check when LGW CH due to re-open after its make-over. I've just come back from MCO & again legged it off the plane & no queues at immigration & customs & with very nice staff.[y]
Delta Crowne Lounge can get crowded but was very quiet when I went thru last week.[:)]

Good luck deciding
R-P

[RichardMannion]

I've done both and it is a tough one in balance of it all.

- LHR is closer for us than LGW, I avoid MAN like the plague.
- Equal on Clubhouses for the outbound between LHR and LGW
- I don't have an issue with doing the 4 hour drive from MIA to Orlando after a flight, but then I guess if you've been stuck in a Y seat for the past 8+ hours it may not be the most attractive option.
- Yes MIA immigration can take some time due to the queues, but then I don't have to play the double baggage claim game that exists at MCO.
- Reward availability is better for MIA, and sometimes the sale fares are cheaper.
- LHR wins points for Revivals

Just a point on Richard's posting.

The double baggage claim game no longer exists.[y][^][:D]

At MCO when you collect your bags & head towards the escalator, just keep them with you.
My friend who flew out a while before me infornmed me of this change [oo]so I kept my eyes peeled & it's true[y][^]

[RichardMannion]

Thank goodness for that R-P! Never quite got the 2nd baggage reclaim in the wide open public area....

[preiffer]

No different to the US domestic system Richard. Although, I have to say, that REALLY concerns me anyway. ANYONE can pick up a bag, having just 'wandered in off the street'... [n]

OK, so anyone can technically pick up someone else's bag from a secure area, but at you know they've at *least* been on a flight, and/or been tracked!



Anyway, if in Upper, Miami for me for the proper bar area. In Y, not much odds other than entertainment system.

One extra thing to consider with Miami on the night flight home - it's longer. Which is actually a GOOD thing in my book. (More sleep)

[honey lamb]

quote:Originally posted by Roxy-Popsy

LHR-MIA used to go out at 9.30am but has been changed to 12.30pm so plenty of time to enjoy LHR CH. But a guru may be able to tell you if it's likely to be changed back to the earlier time, therefore not as much time in the CH.[?]


The VS website is showing a 10:35am departure from April

Firstly, I'd go with whichever route comes up with the best priced Z fares. I'd also ask myself what I want out of the holiday - I wouldn't choose MIA purely for the sake of having Clubhouse/V-Port if I had no interest in doing a couple of days in Miami.

We often end up flying into and/or out of Washington as you can still bag the z fares and then jet blue to/from Florida.

That being said we have done both mco and MIA loads of times as my cousin lives in Miami and whilst the imigration in Miami sucks if you are flying upper then I think it is worth it for the clubhouse and the v-port especially with a young child. Whilst the drive to/from miami to Orlando is easy if not a little boring but easily done in under 4 hours if you take the turnpike, most rental cars are signed up to sunpass so you can just speed straight through the fast pass booths .

We are flying into mia this summer and driving straight up to Orlando.

It's personal preference but I'd go for lhr route over lgw.

[RichardMannion]

For the real adventure, fly in to BOS, IAD or NYC and then get the AmTrak down the East Coast to Orlando. Will take a full day and is not as cheap as JetBlue, but what an adventure!

Or you could get the train from Miami to Orlando.

[Darren Wheeler]

quote:Originally posted by RichardMannion
For the real adventure, fly in to BOS, IAD or NYC and then get the AmTrak down the East Coast to Orlando. Will take a full day and is not as cheap as JetBlue, but what an adventure!

Or you could get the train from Miami to Orlando.


That could be a plan for Halloween 2010 (in reverse of course) on the Silver Service!!

I actually agree with Paul that when flying back to the UK more time is good. You can try to do an open jaw, and fly into one place, out of another. MIA is much better for flying out of, in a way, as you get Revivals, an hour or so more on the flight itself (sleep in UC), etc. Especially if you thought you might want to spend a day or two in Miami, to me that would be ideal.

For flying to the US, lots of options, as you have seen - MCO, New England, IAD, etc etc. Take your pick, basically.

[RichardMannion]

quote:Originally posted by Darren Wheeler
quote:Originally posted by RichardMannion
For the real adventure, fly in to BOS, IAD or NYC and then get the AmTrak down the East Coast to Orlando. Will take a full day and is not as cheap as JetBlue, but what an adventure!

Or you could get the train from Miami to Orlando.


That could be a plan for Halloween 2010 (in reverse of course) on the Silver Service!!


Oooh - absolutely! Will need to look in more detail later in the year when we start to get the wheels in motion for that social!

quote:Originally posted by honey lamb
quote:Originally posted by Roxy-Popsy

LHR-MIA used to go out at 9.30am but has been changed to 12.30pm so plenty of time to enjoy LHR CH. But a guru may be able to tell you if it's likely to be changed back to the earlier time, therefore not as much time in the CH.[?]


The VS website is showing a 10:35am departure from April


VH have informed me that it will be going back to 9.30am come July when I fly out. Somehow I would imagine that they have gotten it wrong.

I am testing out MIA for the first time in years this summer when I go back for my annual visit to the parents. I do love MCO (and TPA for that matter); so clean, light, airy, exactly how an airport should be in my opinion and if you know you way around you don't have to contend with any stupidly large highways as you do outside MIA.

Having said that I am desperate to get on a VS 346 and to try out V:Port for the first time as every time I have flown from LHR I have been lumbered with Odyssey. And the economics of flying into MIA made much more sense than paying the extra to go into MCO this time around. We are hoping the plane will be less Disney but somehow in the middle of the summer holidays I doubt that. We will hopefully stopping off in MIA for a couple of days, which is another advantage if you want to experience the whole SOBE thing.

quote:Originally posted by willd
We are hoping the plane will be less Disney but somehow in the middle of the summer holidays I doubt that.


Fewer Disney-goers but a lot more cruise passengers (especially on the flights on a Friday to Miami and Saturday night home from Miami).

Until my most recent LHR to MIA flight I'd have agreed MIA is a dump best avoided if at all possible.
But in mid-November 2008 it was excellent, though still a long walk. Immigration lines were short-ish, with continual encouragement for anyone to join the shorter ones marked 'US Passports Only;' the immigration & customs officers friendly, & not too much chaos outside.
Maybe I was just lucky, or the Obama factor, or someone had given the usually surly lot a deserved b*ll*cking, & not before time!

quote:Originally posted by Danny358
Having just returned from our first Upper Class trip from Man - Mco, we have now got the bug, and are looking to book again for next year.

To get the best deal is it best to book ahead as far as possible or wait for the sales. Also are the Miami flights cheaper as there are more UCS available on those flights,and we could also experience the LHR Clubhouse.

Which one would you chose - LHR - MIA, or LGW/MAN - MCO

Any advice would be appreciated

Danny


UC on an Airbus is vastly different to UC on one of the LGW/MAN 747s.
After flying MAN-MCO a couple of times, we were more than a little disappointed when we flew LAX-LHR. As you've said, there are more seats. In fact, I think it's 3 times as many. Certainly didn't seem as comfortable or as exclusive, and the service was hit and miss.

Much as I'd like to experience the Clubhouse, I wouldn't fly UC on an Airbus again.

Also, as others have said, it depends on what is most convenient at either end. I'd work on that as being more important than access to the Clubhouse. When looking for prices, remember to factor in the cost of getting to/from LHR.