Madison, Wisconsin--what airlines fly to Florida?

[dzneelvr]

I know I have plenty of time...trying not to panic with TMA closing down operations because we usually fly out of Rockford, IL into Sanford. For you Madison, Wi WDW lovers, what flights could take me into Sanford or Orlando International? I REALLY don't want to go into OHare Our trip isn't until summer but I book seats by January.

 

[momsgoofy]

Here's a link for the only airport that came up on google for Madison.

http://www.co.dane.wi.us/airport/default.asp

I'm not sure exactly where you are located in NW Illinois, but you might look into flying out of Iowa or even Chicago Midway.

We live down by Carbondale so we always look at St. Louis, Evansville, IN, Nashville, TN, Indianapolis, and Bloomington (Airtrans). We always have to drive at least 2 hours so if the price is better at one of the airports farther away we go and spend the night before. This Christmas we got Southwest for $35 oneway out of Nashville. This past June we got $151 out of St. Louis.

My point is check the other airports within the same distance from your home and start searching all of them for the best fare and flight times.

Hope this helps.

 

[caribn7]

We live in Bloomington IL and always fly airtran from here (it's non-stop to mco 4 days a week) Plus parking at bmi is free. I know airtran also flies out of Moline, but I think you would have to go through Atlanta.

 

[nelle]

We live north of Madison but we don't fly out of Madison to Orlando. We fly out of Milwaukee using Midwest Airlines which is non-stop or if we are really desperate Airtran or NW airlines which offer limited non-stop service. I don't like to fly out of Madison because they offer no direct flights and they are known for having their last flights to/from cancelled especially if flying to/from Chicago.
I love Midwest Airlines they have been willing to change tickets/dates/passengers for me with no fee, they have more leg room than the standard airplane which is a plus with kids, and they have the best warm chocolate chip cookies. They also have great fares I paid $125 RT last may to Orlando. Keep watching their fares I check everyday and have never paid more than $190RT.
Hope that helps.

 

[michellex2]

Delta (in Chapter 11 but no expected change in operations), Northwest (also in Chapter 11 -- filed same day as Delta, and their mechanics are on strike, but they hired temporary replacements ), United, Midwest Express, US Airways and American Airlines. I usually try for Delta (hub is in Cincinnati), Northwest (hub is in Detroit) or Midwest Express (goes through Milwaukee), because I try to avoid connecting flights at O'Hare since it is the size of Manhattan and your connecting flight is always on the other side of the airport from your arriving flight. I'm flying on Delta in December. Midwest Express is my favorite, but this time it was too high in cost. Madison's airport has been undergoing construction, but it is due to be completed soon. Parking is $6 a night (if I remember right) in the exposed lot, $7 in the ramp and $5 in park and walk. If you have an early morning flight, get to the airport 2 hours early to allow for parking and time to clear security -- it's slower in the mornings. Let me know if you have other questions.

 

[dzneelvr]

Thanks so very much. Bloomington is 2 hours away and that looks promising. I do remember now that you've reminded me about Madison flights always going through Chicago (from my past business travel days) and that doesn't work for us. I guess we're spoiled but we like the direct route.

 

[KathylovesPooh]

Hands down - Midwest Airlines if you have the opportunity. Plan early, prices go up quite a bit as the airplane fills.

 

[PortieOwner]

Chicago Midway is only about 2 hours away. I'd use SWA from there. I have travelled to Minnesota, flying BWI to MDW then renting a car and driving the rest of the way (and it was still cheaper than flying NWA with 2 passengers at Christmastime).

Portie

 

[CaliforniaDreaming]

My cousin lives in Madison, and we've been flying into Chicago Midway on Southwest to visit. It takes us almost 3 hours to drive to Madison. It's not a bad drive, all highway.

 

[ktbugsmom]

While I live 180 miles NE from Madison but my sister lives in Stoughton. When we head to Orlando together, we meet in Milwaukee and fly Midwest Express. She says it is an easy drive for her (about an hour), and for me to get a non-stop flight, I deal with the 3 hour drive to Milwaukee airport.

However, when she goes alone, she has done NWA out of Madison and has also taken some shuttle bus to Chicago OHare and flown non-stop from there. Didn't have to deal with parking at Ohare that way.

Also - I agree with KathylovesPooh - prices on Midwest go up the more the flight fills up. Midwest is my favorite airline - and I agree with Nelle - those warm chocolate chip cookies are great! I can usually get $200/seat out of Milwaukee.

 

[jho]

We live in Madison and almost never fly out of here. We mostly fly from Milwaukee on Midwest Express. The fares are less expensive from there (most of the time - every once in awhile there's not much difference), and by the time you fly from Madison and connect in Milwaukee, it takes about the same amount of time as driving there. If you travel to Milwaukee, just choose your flight times carefully as you have to drive on I-94 or I-894 to south of the city to reach the airport - you don't want to get caught in rush hour traffic. Have also flown Air Tran and NWA out of Milw, and both were fine. I avoid connecting at O'Hare (the OP is right about MSN - ORD flights being cancelled, especially on United), though if you're not traveling with much luggage, the Van Galder bus to O'Hare is very comfy and not very expensive. Just flew SWA out of Midway for the first time last week- not a bad trip at all from Madison, but again, you need to watch the times of your flights so you don't get caught in Chicago traffic.
We've done a couple Park, Sleep, and Fly packages in Milwaukee that were very reasonably priced. Did not find that to be the case near Midway. The least expensive Park, Sleep, and Fly room at the Midway 'pod' of hotels was $159.00 plus tax.

 

[dzneelvr]

Great News Allegient Airlines is taking over the TMA routes to Orlando beginning in December from Rockford so all is well . We loved the Rockford to Sanford connection and now get to keep it. YIPPEE