DVC and Airline Reservation Question

[Kaity'sDad]

Does anyone know if you can book airline reservations through member services, and if you can, have you found that the rates are cheaper than getting rates through a travel site or agent?

I've tried to search for the answer to this question, but haven't had any luck. I'm grateful for any help or advice you may be able to provide.

 

[athenna]

Yes, you can....I've only tried it once though...My 1st trip as a DVC member, I thought I woulld try it and compare it what I could fine on my own..I didn't find anything different...They were no cheaper...This was almost 3 years ago.

 

[mprewitt]

I wouldn't think that booking your airfare through Disney would be less expensive. I think you could always find the cheapest airfare yourself.

 

[carolina_yankee]

It's also a question of whether DVC MS could book the bargain airlines like Southwest and others, too. From the boards, it seems at least 50% of owners why fly use Southwest.

Dirk

 

[oldshovelhead]

On our own...

I just booked 5 days/4 nights at SSR, our home resort for May 2008. I thought about booking through Member Services, but I decided to go a different route this time to see how I can do on my own. As soon as I can, I'm going to book my flight through Allegiant Air and fly into Orlando/Sanford. Round trip from Allentown, PA on a direct flight should only cost somewhere around $300.00 for the two of us total? I'm going to be looking for a rental car deal this time instead of riding the magical express from MCO. My secretary convinced me to go this way...she does it all the time and saves big bucks. We want to go off property this time anyway and won't have the kids with us. A day or two visiting the "Flower and Garden Festival" at Epcot and the rest of the time checking out central Florida... This trip will be a change of pace from the usual family vacation...

Any suggestions for off property restaurants :slurp: would be appreciated...ideas on rental car company deals would also be welcome :wave: .

 

[carolina_yankee]

You can often get very good deals with Dollar. Check Mousesavers.com for codes. I booked a 10 day Dollar reservation last November through AAA for $140. Costco's website also gets good deals. National and Alamo can get good rates when you get closer to your dates, but I'm a big fan of Emerald Aisle service.

Dirk

 

[oldshovelhead]

Thanks...

You can often get very good deals with Dollar. Check Mousesavers.com for codes. I booked a 10 day Dollar reservation last November through AAA for $140. Costco's website also gets good deals. National and Alamo can get good rates when you get closer to your dates, but I'm a big fan of Emerald Aisle service.

Dirk

A big thanks here...

 

[carolina_yankee]

Oh - one more tip - if you are a fan of National. I booked a National rate through AAA that was very good, but they wouldn't give me Emeral service or accept my Emerald number. After booking through AAA site, I emailed National with the info, and they reset the reservation to Emerald Aisle service at the same rate.

Dirk

 

[jim1051]

Member services is truly a travel agent. You can use them as such. Even outside agencies treat them as such. I did the alaskan cruise in June and even Holland America line considered them a travel agent. As with all such deals, it's a good idea to do a sanity check on the prices quoted.

 

[Phonedave]

Round trip from Allentown, PA on a direct flight should only cost somewhere around $300.00 for the two of us total

ideas on rental car company deals would also be welcome :wave: .

$300 R/T direct for two adults. What airline? It CAN be done, but it never seems to work for me. Right now JetBlue has a direct EWR-MCO for $59 but the return leg is $119 - Of course those are the red eyes. Resonable flights are more in the $129 per person each way range.

As for rental cars, I don't know where you or your family members work, but ask the car company if they give a corporate rate based on who you work for. I do this with National and I get some pretty good rates.

-dave

 

[oldshovelhead]

$300 R/T direct for two adults. What airline? It CAN be done, but it never seems to work for me. Right now JetBlue has a direct EWR-MCO for $59 but the return leg is $119 - Of course those are the red eyes. Resonable flights are more in the $129 per person each way range.

As for rental cars, I don't know where you or your family members work, but ask the car company if they give a corporate rate based on who you work for. I do this with National and I get some pretty good rates.

-dave

I can't book yet for our trip because it's too far out but...

If I run a round trip for two on Allegiant from Allentown, PA to Orlando/Sanford and back for the same amount of days...I get $312.60...:shrug:

That is a direct flight that puts me in Sanford mid AM and departs late afternoon...if there is a deal out there, I'll find it...

I'm gonna check with the credit union, AAA, entertainment book, and on line specials for the car, I'll get a decent price there too. I've also started signing up online for the rental car company's memberships. I'm a big guy though...ex-defensive lineman @ 6'4", 300 lbs...so I'm not shooting for a matchbox...I want at least a full size car.:king:

 

[dcibrando]

I use www.tomorrowlandvacations.com - there online booking is pretty nice

 

[TedsMom]

Yes you can and no it is no cheaper.