Did I make a mistake on our flight? About This Page:

[Purple Princess]

After reading some comments about arriving a day earlier than sailing, I am getting paranoid that I booked our flights wrong. Our cruise is on Nov 10th. I had the option to stay 2 days before or after the cruise. I chose to stay afterward because the cost of flying 7 people was cheaper that way. Our flight leaves at 8AM Chicago time and arrives about 11:20 eastern time. Gosh, I hope there are no weather delays or other disasters that prevents us from getting there on time!

???

[Gina_P]

I always, always, always fly in a day ahead, because you just never know what might happen. I don't even live in a place where something like snow might sock me in, but I can't know if snow might affect the plane coming in that I'm flying out on. Plus, you have to remember that once you land, you still have to get your bags and whatnot -- that's at least another 30 or so minutes. Then it's a good 40-45 minute drive to the port. I'm not at all trying to scare you, but if you experience any delays at ALL on any portion of your trip, you might be in big trouble.

I would definitely check into changing your flights and coming in a day ahead of time!

-gina-

[disney_duke]

Assuming all goes well and there are no delays, you will arrive in plenty of time. The ship doesn't leave until 4pm, so I would guess the latest you want to arrive at the port would be about 3pm. That allows for about 3 hours worth of delays, and that rarely happens at Ohare in the morning. Afternoon and evening flights are affected more, but morning flights usually get out close to on-time, unless it's weather related. I live in WI and usually we don't have big snowstorms in mid-November, so hopefully you'll be OK.

As far as changing your tickets, that can be costly. Fares are based on your outbound departure date, so not only will you be paying the usual $50-100 change fee per ticket, but the entire fare could change with a new departure date, and you'd have to pay that increase in airfare. (sometimes the price goes down, but you still have to pay the 50-100 change fee) Unless you just purchased them within the last couple days, then the airline may waive it for you, it depends. If you're really concerned, contact the airline to see how much money it will cost to change it. That may help you decide! Good luck!

[my2girls]

I personally, would try and change the flights. It might cost a little, but I know, like you know, Chicago in November, cannot count on good weather.

[SuzyMouse]

That is cutting it a bit close for my comfort (looking at the time of year in Chicago). If it is too costly to change your flights or hotel reservations, I would at least look into travel insurance.

You can see some recommendations in the "Insurance" thread under Planning Your Trip.

At least if you are properly insured, should something come up such as weather in Chicago (or unforeseen circumstances in Orlando) you would be covered. If your flight is delayed and you miss out on boarding the ship, you will need to find transportation to meet up with the ship or forfeit.

I totally do not want to scare you, but it is worth looking into for some peace of mind.

[shruley]

If it were me, that would be cutting it way to close. I'd say counting time to get a shuttle or rental car and getting to Port you'd get there about 1 pm assuming everything is going *perfectly* (no airport, airline, baggage or transportation delays). For me getting there at 1 pm in itself would be stressful let alone the thought of things going wrong.

[JoanW]

I'd be nervous too. We always came in the day before, just to have a minute to breathe. And pick up last minute things we forgot.

I'm also of the school of first in line, first to start my cruise. I know some like to leisurely stroll in at 1:00, but for me, boarding early means I am getting my money's worth. If for some reason you are late, as stated previously (weather, luggage, transportation from airport to port), You don't have a minute to relax and have to board, find lunch, find your room and then go to the boat drill. No checking out the ship, just go, go, go.

[Colexis Mom]

I think you should be okay, barring any unforseen delays/issues. The ship doesn't usually sail until 5:00 (not sure when last boarding call is) but I think you'll be fine.

I'm with Joan, and prefer to be first in line to get on the ship, to maximize my time on it

[eeyoregirl]

I would definately look into going the night before. My husband was flying to Bolivia last week and the weather was fine here, but not elsewhere and the flight was held up two hours. He missed his connecting flight in Miami and the next flight out wasn't until the next day. The airline wouldn't do anything to help him.

[DrDolphin]

Which airline are you booked with (I don't think you said) -- if you are with Southwest - there are no change fees - you will either get the credit to your account if the tickets are less expensive or pay the difference if they are higher.

I ALWAYS get there a day early - as a prime example - my recent Med Cruise - what if your bags don't arrive? If you have a day to play with -- you can work on getting the bags back...

[Purple Princess]

I am less worried now because United Airlines changed our flight to a 6:30 AM
departure that arrives at 10:08! That means We will probably leave our house at
3:30-4:00 in the morning!

I am glad I called them because I never received an email notifying me of the change. The ontime percentage is 80% for this flight direct Chicago to Orlando. I also contacted DCL and the vacation protection plan we have will cover unforseen problems in getting us there in time. Such as a major blizzard (rarely happens) that prevents us from getting there in time.

[SuzyMouse]

Oh good - I am glad to hear that! You must be breathing a little easier now.

[EeyoreNeedsLoveToo]

glad you have the "space" now - we flew from Des Moines last February - and dealt with delays - and by all accounts - we never should have left Des Moines : (Ice storm) We didn't have insurance and our arriving in Orlando 24 hours early ended up being just long enough for a short nap and breakfast before heading to the port.

[jhannah]

The earlier flight is a plus. You should be okay. But, plan for contengencies. How many other flights are there that day? If weather or mechanical issues delay/cancel that flight you could be in trouble. At the very least, you'll be terribly stressed ... and that's not a good way to start a wonderful cruise vacation.

Should something happen, be sure to inform the airline you have a ship to catch. I'm sure they will do whatever they can to get you there. Oh, and make sure you have trip cancellation/interruption insurance.

[dmpyron]

Originally Posted by Purple Princess

I am less worried now because United Airlines changed our flight to a 6:30 AM
departure that arrives at 10:08! That means We will probably leave our house at
3:30-4:00 in the morning!

I am glad I called them because I never received an email notifying me of the change. The ontime percentage is 80% for this flight direct Chicago to Orlando. I also contacted DCL and the vacation protection plan we have will cover unforseen problems in getting us there in time. Such as a major blizzard (rarely happens) that prevents us from getting there in time.

Hmm, 6:30 am is "good" news? I guess. I can't sleep on a plane, at least not without my constant travel companion, my 1st gen iPod. (who's battery is now starting to wane, what was once 9 hours is now about 4).

Did you book your air through Disney? If not, then their insurance will not cover you, regardless of what you were told.