HGVC points or US Air package

[7SeasLover]

putting my feelers out to you seasoned Orlando travelers. On my recent trip to Israel, I signed up for US Air mileage program for some free flights and some $99 flights.

I have a Princess cruise booked out of Ft. Lauderdale on 10/28/12. I plan to fly into Orlando on 10/24, Epcot plus ??? on 25th and 26th, Space Center on 27th and then drive to Ft. Lauderdale on the 28th then fly home from Ft. Lauderdale after the 7 day cruise.

My question:

Which would give me a better deal... booking flights and hotel through US Air or booking flights through Princess and the I-Drive hotel through HGVC? My guess is that I would pay less if I did Princess air and HGVC points for the hotel. I have to book the hotel 9 months from check out (10/28). I hate that "rule", but oh well.

 

[sjuhawk_jd]

putting my feelers out to you seasoned Orlando travelers. On my recent trip to Israel, I signed up for US Air mileage program for some free flights and some $99 flights.

I have a Princess cruise booked out of Ft. Lauderdale on 10/28/12. I plan to fly into Orlando on 10/24, Epcot plus ??? on 25th and 26th, Space Center on 27th and then drive to Ft. Lauderdale on the 28th then fly home from Ft. Lauderdale after the 7 day cruise.

My question:

Which would give me a better deal... booking flights and hotel through US Air or booking flights through Princess and the I-Drive hotel through HGVC? My guess is that I would pay less if I did Princess air and HGVC points for the hotel. I have to book the hotel 9 months from check out (10/28). I hate that "rule", but oh well.

We do not use the word "hotel" when referring to timeshare resorts such as HGVC at International drive.

Only you can tell which one is the better deal since you know the rates that are being quoted by Princess and US Air etc (whether in points currency or the cash). Overall, I would never use my points to fly to Orlando (FL) since flights are usually much cheaper to buy using cash. I save my airlines points for expensive flights to Islands, Europe and for business class upgrades when traveling internationally.

 

[7SeasLover]

I haven't gotten any quotes yet, but I will. Haven't used any of my HGVC points yet either. This will be the first time. I suspect Princess air will be cheaper. I'm also new to having air miles. Feels like I just fell off the turnip truck!

Thanks for the reply. I think it's a good idea to save air miles!

 

[linsj]

My experience has been that I get better deals on flights by booking myself, rather than going through the cruise line.

 

[itradehilton]

I would book my airfare on my own so you don't get stuck with the limited range of flight options when booking with Princess IMHO. I would use my HGVC points for the resort only.

 

[7SeasLover]

I found out that I have 2 FREE flights with US Air! EEEEEEhaw!

I will book the timeshare this coming week. I-Drive for 4 nights. I wonder if they charge for parking -- we will have a rental car.

275 days to Disneyworld
280 to the Princess Cruise

 

[Brkian]

I found out that I have 2 FREE flights with US Air! EEEEEEhaw!

I will book the timeshare this coming week. I-Drive for 4 nights. I wonder if they charge for parking -- we will have a rental car.

275 days to Disneyworld
280 to the Princess Cruise

Parking at I-drive (and all HGVC orlando resorts) is free.
As far as the week of the cruise, I strongly recommend returning the rental car on the morning your cruise departs and arranging alternate transportation back to the airport when you cruise returns. No need to pay for a rental and for parking at the port. I'm sure that the cruise has nice transportation options (or simply take a taxi). Some rental companies have locations near the port where you can return it - avoiding having to return it at the airport.

 

[7SeasLover]

I read that the rental car I pick up in Orlando can be returned to Ft. Lauderdale - no extra charge. I will then use the Princess transport from ship to Ft Lauderdale airport.


OR... should we drive back to Orlando and leave from there? I never thought about doing that. It's a couple hours away though. The Ft. Lauderdale airport is closer.

 

[itradehilton]

After a nice relaxing cruise I would leave from the closest airport. Why have the stress of driving to try and make a flight in another city?

 

[7SeasLover]

Ya, that's what I think. Just put me on da plane and fly me home.

 

[NewTSerInFL]

Flight question

OR... should we drive back to Orlando and leave from there? I never thought about doing that. It's a couple hours away though. The Ft. Lauderdale airport is closer.

The only problem I see with flying back from Ft Lauderdale is now you have 2 one-way tickets for each person instead of round trip tickets. Might affect the prices greatly.

Will