There are many Flights to Orlando and other parts of Florida every day. Some are charter airlines while others are Scheduled flights by UK & US airlines. The average flying time from the UK with non stop airlines is around 9 hrs. The return trip is generally quicker taking around 8 hrs. This is due to the high tail winds produced by the Jet Stream that flows predominately West to East. Typically the US Airlines don’t fly non stop to Florida. They use hubs in other eastern states, for example, Delta airlines fly into Atlanta GA. Where all passengers change planes and head off to different locations. Consequently the traveling time on a US Airline flight is longer.

Before you book anything we have negotiated special preferential rates so contact Grant for a no obligation quote. They deal with all the major airlines and are fully ABTA Bonded. They also have a personal Virgin Atlantic allocation. Please note to get these special rates please quote: FVPF when you call or complete the enquiry form.

BA & Virgin Atlantic both fly non stop to Orlando International Airport (MCO) whereas charter flights such as Monarch Airlines, Thompson Fly, First Choice, My Travel & Globespan all arrive at Sanford (SFB) situated some 40 minutes drive from Orlando. Some people don’t mind arriving at Sanford while others, myself included, prefer to arrive at MCO. Charter flights tend to cram more people in at the expense of leg room. Although this is not always the case. Some will upgrade you to more legroom for a fee.

Drinks and other incidentals such as headphones can be charged for on charters. Most do have seat back entertainment although not all. On Virgin Atlantic, headphones are free as is everything else onboard apart from duty free goods. There are seat back TV’s featuring several film channels along with general entertainment channels and a kids channel. All kids get a rucksack when they board, full of goodies. It all boils down to choice really, as the difference in price, more often than not, is negligible. I booked for this year (2006) in January for October for £340 + taxes. If I had gone out in November it would have been £289. So there are bargains to be had at certain times of the year.

Some do say that car hire collection is quicker at Sanford than at OIA. On arrival at Orlando Intl. You must first go through immigration, where you show your green Visa Waiver form. Here, you have your index finger scanned and your picture taken. The people working in immigration can be quite strict and do have a lot of power. They can refuse you entry if they so desire. We have seen where visitors have not filled in the form correctly, they are sent to the back of the queue to complete a new form. So if in doubt check with the airline cabin crew before you leave the aircraft. Once through immigration you collect your luggage from the carousel and take it over to customs at the other side of the hall, taking with you the white customs declaration you completed on the aircraft. This is not so bad, they take a few at random to go through the x-ray machines. You are not allowed to take any animal products or fruit or vegetables into the US. Once you have gone through Customs you then place your bags onto another conveyor belt and head up to arrivals. Once there you go through further security checks after this you then head to the monorail which takes you to the main terminal building where you pick up your luggage once again. Finally you are free to go down to the car hire garages and collect your car if you are having one. Or alternatively meet your airport transfer to get you to your accommodation.