Vacation Planning--Advice Requested

[Geek King]

For the first time in my life, I have enough vacation to do something more than just taking a couple days off to go to conventions. So I'd like to pick the ears of some of our folks that are more familiar with travel than I for advice.

In particular, what airlines should I avoid for inter-US travel? Which ones are good? With my plans, I'm likely going to have to make at least one connection from what I've looked at, so which are good airports for switching flights and/or spending an hour or more waiting?

Also, send me a PM if you're a travel agent familiar with the Dayton and Cincinnati airports. I'd like to consult a professional for my first 'serious' vacation involving flight and hotel booking, and I'd rather patronize someplace that would help out friends or acquaintances.

[taxguykarl]

Northworst can't spell schedule. Frontier is OK, if you don't plan to check anything--their baggage handlers stole from us. We love Allegiant if that airline goes near where you have in mind.

[MaggieTheCat]

Agreed, Northwest/Delta suck. Unfortunately, they are one of the biggest (if not THE biggest, not sure) airline in the U.S. and they go pretty much everywhere, so I get stuck with them most of the time when I travel between Texas and Wisconsin.

If you can manage it, Southwest is really good. However, as the name implies, they really only fly in the southwestern part of the U.S. They are starting to branch out and they are going to start flying to Minneapolis and Milwaukee later this year, which makes me happy.

My parents hate big airports, which include Dallas/Fort Worth, Chicago, Minneapolis, Los Angeles (there are more, I'm sure, but those are the ones I've been to.) I personally don't mind them, there are plenty of places to eat and things to do if you have a layover. However, make sure that if you have a layover in one of the big airports, that it's AT LEAST an hour, because you will probably need that much to get to your next plane. Between your arriving plane being late getting in (plan on this happening, it does often enough that if you count on it being on time, you will be disappointed) and possibly having to walk across the airport to get to your next terminal, you will definitely want at least an hour layover. Plus, do not, I repeat, do NOT stop for food or anything else (except for possibly bathroom/drink emergencies) on your way to your connecting terminal if you have an hour or less layover, until you know where your terminal is. Even if you think you have enough time, anything could happen, including your connecting flight leaving a few minutes early without you on it. Once you find your terminal, if you determine you have enough time before your plane boards, that's when I'd grab something to eat or go shopping if you want to.

[Jester]

I have heard good stories and bad stories about just about every airline.

I know there are some people on here that despise Delta, but my last air trip was with them, and it was pretty much my best air travel experience to date. I have had in the past good experiences with America West, but my worst air travel experience was with them when they were in the process of merging with US Air. Someone here extolled Southwest, but I have heard them called Southworst on more than one occasion.

Frankly, it's my opinion that it's a crapshoot. You can fly the "best" airline and have a crappy experience, and you can fly the "worst" airline and have a great experience. I would say just book your flight in a way that best fits your schedule and budget, and don't overly stress over which airline it is on.

As for your connections, again, go with whatever your booking gets you. I personally think Newark is a black pit of despair, but if I have to flight to or through it, I will. You may want to avoid the busier hubs, but then, since they are hubs, that might be hard to do. My only major advice regarding connections would be to make sure you have a minimum of an hour layover in any connecting airport, as less than that heightens the risk of you missing your connecting flight if you are delayed. Obviously that is always possible even with longer layovers, but when you are cutting it that close, it just makes it that much tougher.

My best advice regarding connecting airports is, once you deplane your arriving flight, find out where your connecting flight is, find and get to that gate immediately, before you do anything else. Once you have found your gate, relax, use the restroom, grab a snack, have a beer, whatever. But get to that gate first, so you eliminate and unforseen cross-airport delays that could pop up.

[depechemodefan]

I fly mostly Continental and I have no complaints about the company.

I flew Delta, it's ok.

Houston has 2 airports. The big one is Bush Intercontinental and the small one is Hobby. Bush has 4 terminals but they are pretty easy to get from one to the other. Continental's home is Houston.

Atlanta is pretty big, but it has a underground train. I'd say Atlanta's airport if bigger than Houston's Bush. Atlanta is home to Delta.

When I go to California to visit relatives, I go to Ontario Ca. It's about 50 miles from L.A. That airport is small.

I've been to Newark. It's a big airport. It's also home to Continental. So far no troubles.

JFK was the pits. The bathrooms wern't clean, it is the only airport that wouldn't let my mom use the elevator, since she wasn't in a wheelchair.

The big problem with any big airport is you have to go to another terminal if you are planning to fly outside of the US. If you are sticking flying within the US, then you probably don't need to go from one terminal to another.

I think the best thing to do, food wise, is bring your own from home. Like a sandwich or some kolaches. I think food is ok to have on a carryon, but I forget.

Now if you are asking where to visit, I can't figure out why anyone wants to visit Houston. We only have NASA. Well, we have museums, but every city has a/some museums, so nothing special about Houston. San Antonio and Austin are nice. Corpus Christi has an aircraft carrier, but not much else. Not much to do in South Padre Island except swim, though they has a boardwalk. Galveston's waters suck.

I enjoyed my trip to Las Vegas. I also liked Disneyland, so I recommend either place.

[Der Cute]

Hmm.

I just got back from San Diego.
IMO, it's a decent place. It has some of the best connected /organized public transit I've ever run into. SD is on my list of places I'd like to spend more time in.

San Francisco; I was there roughly 10 years ago or so, for 2 weeks. It was fun! In OCTOBER, we were wearing t-shirts and such. Had a great time, and enjoyed our stay.

Chicago: Town with lots of European history. Polish and German throughout the place. Your food will be different from west coast styles. OK public transit, but f-ing hot in summer.

Seattle: I live here. I don't like it. . Hilly and hippy like SF. People here are eco this eco that nature this organic that...and asian food abounds. Can't find German food here! Can not find Italian as easy as SD or even Chicago. But, has history and if you're into maritime stuff, you could enjoy this place.

NYC: FUCKIN BUSY. I swear that place does NOT SLEEP. I was there for 3 days. I DROVE in NYC. (should get a badge for that huh). Lots of food, lots of bodegas, lots of little stores selling the exact same stuff. Seattle has Starbucks on every corner/block...NYC has little c-stores on every corner/block. History here, for sure.

As for Airlines?
I've had good luck / good service with Alaska Airlines. United has been decent to me, so has Continental. Try looking @ Jet Blue for prices, and then picking a destination that's not too hot for you summer is here.

To save money, sleep in hostels, not hotels. This will be mucho cheapero and still get you sleep. (did this in SF).

Are you part of AAA? You may want to take a look at their discounts and travel assistance.

Good luck,

Cutenoob

[JoitheArtist]

I've always flown Southwest, and love them! The few times I've flown American or Delta, it just sucked.

I only know a few airports, but if you're ever flying into Southern California, I highly recommend John Wayne Airport over LAX or Ontario.

[Jack T. Chance]

I'm feeling the need to take another trip... I've been really restless while I've been unemployed (lost my job in mid-April) and I keep getting these urges to get out of Maryland and see more of the world. It probably has a lot to do with the fact that when I'm working, I rarely take proper vacations (vacations that involve traveling somewhere else,) I almost always just spend my time off at home. So, the urge to go somewhere else tends to build up in me for several years until I HAVE to do it, just to satisfy my desire to see other parts of the country. I keep getting these urges over and over again this summer, probably because I'm so bored all the time while I'm unemployed.

I've never been to the Pacific Northwest, so I'm thinking I might like to go see Seattle. Never been there, and I've got nothing but time on my hands right now... time and enough available fundage that I should be able to take another trip, have a little fun before I go back to working.

Can anyone give me some ideas on the best travel sites and/or airlines to check with to find a low price on Airfare from Baltimore Washington International Airport to Seattle?

[Jester]

If you are sticking flying within the US, then you probably don't need to go from one terminal to another.

Not necessarily true. I have flown all over the U.S., never flown out of the country, and I have had more than my share of connections when I had to switch terminals. I know I had to do so in both of my last two trips, to San Fran in September and to Phoenix/SLC in April.

Now if you are asking where to visit, I can't figure out why anyone wants to visit Houston.

Different people like different things. You may not like Houston, but to someone else, it may be the perfect vacation spot and/or place to visit.

SD is on my list of places I'd like to spend more time in.

Seattle: I live here. I don't like it.

Perfect example of different people liking different things. I have been to both Seattle and San Diego, and while I love Seattle, I really don't care much for SD.

[Geek King]

First, thanks for all the advice folks, both here and via PM, I really did take it into account. I finally decided to make my connection in Salt Lake City, as I got the most positive feedback on that one.

Second, my destination is Portland, Oregon to see my sister and just kinda vegitate for a few days. I'll be there between 9/30 and 10/5, and I am fully planning to spend a good deal of time in Powell's Book Store one of those days.

Let me know if you're in the area and you want to stop by and say hello, as I'm always up for meeting fellow CS'ers.

[Der Cute]

I have rellies in Portland OR.

There is a place in dt Portland, it's a full replica of a chinese garden/palace. Go there, it's PEACEFUL. Chinese architechs built it and put it into place there. It's sooo pretty.

Haven't been to Portland zoo for long long long time. You might want to.

Otherwise, have fun!

Cutenoob

[trailerparkmedic]

Can anyone give me some ideas on the best travel sites and/or airlines to check with to find a low price on Airfare from Baltimore Washington International Airport to Seattle?

Southwest! BWI is a huge hub for them. If you sign up on their website, they will e-mail you when they're running specials. My family has been flying them for years now (we used to abuse their $49 flights from New England to BWI like no tomorrow). My only bad experience with them was my last flight--the people behind me were loud and annoying and the 40 year old man behind me kicked my seat several times. The stewardess "forgot" to charge me for my 2 rums, so I'm calling that one even

The only thing is that Southwest does not have a lot of nonstop flights over long distances. Going cross country, you will likely have at least one (if not more) layovers. You also don't get a meal (but you can bring food through security, and Southwest is cool with you bringing whatever on board) or a movie to watch.

When I've needed quick tickets, I've had the best luck with Priceline (not the name your own price stuff, though). I honestly think most of the websites are about the same for air travel, though.

Never been to Seattle, but I went to Portland and other bits of Oregon for a week once. It was September, and we were wearing jeans and sweatshirts in the mornings--so nice! It was a beautiful, very peaceful place. Totally recommended.

[Jack T. Chance]

Southwest! BWI is a huge hub for them. If you sign up on their website, they will e-mail you when they're running specials. My family has been flying them for years now (we used to abuse their $49 flights from New England to BWI like no tomorrow). My only bad experience with them was my last flight--the people behind me were loud and annoying and the 40 year old man behind me kicked my seat several times. The stewardess "forgot" to charge me for my 2 rums, so I'm calling that one even

The only thing is that Southwest does not have a lot of nonstop flights over long distances. Going cross country, you will likely have at least one (if not more) layovers. You also don't get a meal (but you can bring food through security, and Southwest is cool with you bringing whatever on board) or a movie to watch.

When I've needed quick tickets, I've had the best luck with Priceline (not the name your own price stuff, though). I honestly think most of the websites are about the same for air travel, though.

Never been to Seattle, but I went to Portland and other bits of Oregon for a week once. It was September, and we were wearing jeans and sweatshirts in the mornings--so nice! It was a beautiful, very peaceful place. Totally recommended.

Thanks!

I ended up booking the trip with Orbitz, because they gave me the best package price for round-trip airfare, hotel, and rental car for the town I want to stay in. I had tried Travelocity, but their site kept removing the rental car from the package for reasons I never figured out.

I'll be flying out there on Labor Day, and flying back on Saturday morning, so technically 6 days and 5 nights, but I won't get to do much on Saturday except flying cross-country to come home.

I'd offer to meet-up with other CSers in the area, but I have a full week planned already. I already know someone in the area, and I'll be going sightseeing with them all week long.