Thank you all for your very helpful suggestions.
Originally Posted by
MoreMilesPlease
Flying on Christmas day will be dead quiet. Have done it and every place is empty.
Definitely going to do that then, it will be nice to fly on a quiet day for once.
Originally Posted by
MoreMilesPlease
Have you considered flying into TPA? You don't say where in south Flroida but TPA is a much nicer and easier airport than MIA by a long shot.
Thanks for that -- I'd forgotten about the LGW-TPA flight. Headed to Naples, so TPA is a 165-mi drive, maybe a little further than I'd like; I generally find the 130 miles from MIA to Naples quite arduous, but on the plus side driving from TPA means no MIA traffic, and no Alligator Alley.
Originally Posted by
dh01
To take the LGW TPA works fine flying from London. It seems the OP is flying from FRA or DUS. Changing planes in London is a huge hassle.
Yes -- but flying from LGW would mean that I can start my journey at CGN (U2 have good CGN-LGW service), and I don't mind LGW, it's a lot more pleasant than LHR.
Originally Posted by
CokeandTaco
I will add another choice (though this may be more expensive according to your research)....LH via MIA
This would be direct and avoid connections in London or the US....I believe the A380 flies FRA-MIA (if this is interesting to you)....the drive time would be similar vs TPA to southwest Florida (although you do not mention if FT myers is your exact final destination)....the negatives seem to be price (I did not check fare price differences), and dealing with MIA/transport out of MIA....
I'd love to have a trip on LH's 380. Would even make dealing with MIA worthwhile. But it does look like it's not an option due to price.
Originally Posted by
CokeandTaco
It sounds like you are trying to balance all things to find the best all around deal....the FT way....^
Good luck
Oh yes -- thanks. Too many variables making me crazy...
...thank you all for your excellent suggestions (also for the discussion of the relative merits of DFW, CLT and PHL as transfer points).
Any thoughts on the relative merits of BA/US/AA/DL biz class products? I'm thinking BA probably best for the red-eye due to the flat beds, unless I can find a US 777 flight; for the daytime flights out, they all look relatively comparable...