You can't get there from here...

[Snow's Mom]

I have been looking at flights to Orlando in March. We have about a 3 hour drive to a major airport. The departure/return times are causing me grief. The cheaper flights leave early (we'd have to book a hotel overnight or no sleep) or late (makes the first day in the parks exhausting). I only have two airlines with non-stop flights, one's expensive and the other has a rather poor safety record. Both show some "sold out" flights already.

Also, I have six adults and a baby to book for. Do them all at once? Book early or wait?

Any related tips would be appreciated.

Southwest does not show a schedule for March yet.

[chefmickey3]

Booking flights is frustrating. I use an app called Hopper. It tells you the best time to buy and will track flights you are watching for you. You may want to put the info in the app and see what is recommended. With so little availability and needing to purchase multiple tickets, I may be tempted to book even if it is more expensive. Sorry I can't offer more advice.

[texas211]

As for the safety record, I think they all are about the same. They've all had big issues, some get reported widely, some don't. Some have changed names, etc.

I fly a major airline b/c I live at a hub, they offer more flights, miles, etc. Safety wise, in the US, I think they are all about the same.

[Cinderelley]

Is there another major airport you can drive to?

Honestly, with a baby, I would probably opt to book a hotel for the night. You would all be more rested and have to worry less about any baby "surprises" that may come along. No matter what, babies tend to throw a wrench into things - happy wrenches, but wrenches nonetheless.

[Speedy1998]

You might also want to try other airports in FL. It requires a rental car, but Tampa is less than an hour from Disney, and sometimes you can get cheaper airfare there.

Though I have no idea what drives the prices, because I have also seen it more expensive to fly into Tampa.

[ThanxForNoticin]

Not sure if Southwest is a 3rd option for you (since you mentioned them), but their flight schedule expands through March - I believe it's released 7/27, or very near that date. It might be worth your patience for 2 weeks until that comes out, if you might prefer Southwest for the trip.

[Arielfan98]

I'm not very good in the airline dept., but I'm assuming this major airport is in a large city. Look for groupons and deals on trivago, etc. for good hotel deals to rest the night before. It might be worth your money to cram everyone in 2 rooms (double beds plus a few cots) for 1 night just to save money and try to get some shut eye.

[Snow's Mom]

In the past, we've always gone the night before. Waiting on 4 people to arrive Friday night, so have to drive Saturday. We are approximately 3 hours from Minneapolis, Des Moines and Chicago...It's a long trip, even without a baby.

[RunDMV]

You might also want to try other airports in FL. It requires a rental car, but Tampa is less than an hour from Disney, and sometimes you can get cheaper airfare there.

Though I have no idea what drives the prices, because I have also seen it more expensive to fly into Tampa.

Yes to Tampa International Airport. Just rated #3 airport in the US. Easy in and easy out. (But I am a little biased since I am the chief of the Airport Police Department.)